flagship course

Automobile and Electric Vehicle Servicing

Learn how a modern vehicle works, how to inspect and service it safely, find faults with measurements, and run a small workshop that keeps records and keeps customers.

about this course

What you will be able to do

L4 Practitioner8 modules · 38 h lessons plus practice

Learn how a modern vehicle works, how to inspect and service it safely, find faults with measurements, and run a small workshop that keeps records and keeps customers.

Define the main systems of a petrol, diesel and electric vehicle.
Apply a safe inspection and service routine with a written job card.
Analyse faults using symptoms, readings and a fault tree.
Evaluate repair-or-replace choices on cost, safety and life left.
Create a workshop plan with bays, tools, records and customer follow-up.

Task, condition and standard

Task

Inspect, diagnose and service a light vehicle, and record the work so another technician can repeat it.

Condition

About 10 weeks part-time. A workshop bay or training vehicle, basic hand tools, a torque wrench, a scan tool, a multimeter, a mentor on site.

Standard

Every job follows the written safety steps, readings are logged with units and limits, the fault is proved by a measurement before parts are changed, and the customer receives a clear job card.

Who it is for: School leavers, ITI and diploma students, mechanics moving to electric vehicles, small workshop owners. Requirements: None; basic reading and arithmetic. Materials: lesson text, templates, rubric, check with answers.

lesson by lesson

8 modules with worked examples

Module 1 Shop safety and vehicle systems 4 hDefine

Name the main systems: engine or motor, transmission, brakes, steering, suspension, cooling, electrical and body.
Wear gloves, safety shoes and eye protection; keep a dry-powder or CO2 extinguisher within ten steps of every bay.
Lift a vehicle only at the marked points, chock the wheels, and lower it onto rated stands before going under.
Orange cables mean high voltage; only trained people with the written isolation steps may touch them.

Worked example. A 1,100 kg hatchback on a two-post lift: pads set under the marked points, wheels chocked, lift raised 30 cm, shaken gently to test balance, then raised to 1.8 m and locked.

Activity. Draw a labelled map of the eight systems and mark the lift points on a training vehicle.

Standard to meet. Name all eight systems correctly and match the lift points to the owner manual.

Module 2 Engine and motor basics 5 hExplain

Petrol engines run four strokes (intake, compression, power, exhaust) and ignite with a spark; diesels ignite by compressing air to about 30 to 40 times atmospheric pressure.
An electric motor turns when the controller sends current to the stator; speed and torque follow the controller setting.
A hybrid shares the drive between engine and motor, and software picks the mix.
Warning lights and odd sounds are first clues, not the answer; read the code and test before acting.

Worked example. A car shakes at idle and shows a misfire code for cylinder 2. The technician swaps the cylinder 2 and 3 ignition coils; the code moves to cylinder 3, so the coil is faulty, not the injector.

Activity. Explain in 150 words how petrol, diesel and electric drive differ, using one diagram.

Standard to meet. Explain the energy source, how power is made, and one service difference for each type.

Module 3 Inspection and routine service 5 hApply

Follow the maker service schedule: oil and filter, air filter, coolant, brake fluid, tyre pressure and tread.
Tighten wheel nuts in a star pattern with a torque wrench set to the written value, for example 100 N m, then paint-mark each nut.
Write each check as done, adjusted, replaced or advised, with the reading and unit beside it.
Collect used oil, filters and batteries in labelled containers and hand them to an authorised collector.

Worked example. A routine job card: engine oil 3.5 L replaced, filter replaced, tyre pressures set to 2.2 bar front and 2.4 bar rear, brake pad 4 mm advised for the next visit at 10,000 km.

Activity. Complete a job card for a full service on a training vehicle.

Standard to meet. Mark every line as done, adjusted, replaced or advised, and give each reading a unit.

Module 4 Brakes, steering and suspension 5 hApply

Measure pad lining and disc thickness with a vernier or micrometer and compare with the minimum stamped on the disc or in the manual.
Bleed brakes in the maker order, longest line first, keep the reservoir topped up, and press the pedal firm before the road test.
Check play in ball joints, tie-rod ends and bushes with the wheel lifted; look for oil on dampers.
Alignment is measured on a machine; never guess it by eye.

Worked example. Pad lining measures 2.5 mm against a 3 mm minimum, and the disc is 21.2 mm against a 20.0 mm minimum. Replace both pads on the axle, keep the discs, and test at low speed in an empty yard before the road.

Activity. Carry out a brake inspection and write pass or fail with numbers.

Standard to meet. Record readings in millimetres with the limit beside them, and record the test drive.

Module 5 Electrical and diagnostics 5 hAnalyse

Use a multimeter for voltage, resistance and continuity; a healthy 12 V battery rests near 12.6 V and charges at 13.8 to 14.4 V with the engine running.
Read fault codes and live data; a code points to a circuit, not always to a part.
Fault tree: symptom, likely causes, cheapest test first, confirm before replacing.
Disconnect the battery negative first and reconnect it last; keep tools away from the positive terminal.

Worked example. No-start with a clicking relay: battery rests at 11.6 V, falls to 8.9 V under a load test, and the charging voltage is 14.1 V. The battery is faulty, not the starter or alternator.

Activity. Diagnose a seeded fault using a fault tree and write the proof.

Standard to meet. Confirm the fault with a measurement and its unit before replacing any part.

Module 6 Electric vehicle systems 5 hAnalyse

Learn the parts: battery pack, cells, battery management system, onboard charger, inverter, motor and thermal loop.
Charging types: slow AC home charging at about 3 kW and fast DC public charging at 30 kW or more; know the connectors used in India.
Range depends on speed, load, temperature, tyre pressure and driving style.
Only trained and certified people open high-voltage parts; others read data, check visible cables and keep the car switched off.

Worked example. A customer says range fell from 250 km to 200 km. Data shows tyre pressure 1.6 bar against 2.3 bar and air conditioning always on. Pressure is corrected and range returns to about 225 km.

Activity. Explain to a customer, in plain words, why range changes, with three causes.

Standard to meet. Name three causes, each with a simple action the customer can take.

Module 7 Workshop operations and records 5 hEvaluate

Draw the bay plan, tool list, tool calibration dates and spare stock list.
Quote before work with two options and prices, get written approval for extra work, rank safety items (brakes, tyres, steering, lights) first, and invoice with GST on time.
Track comebacks, meaning the same fault returning within 30 days, as the main quality measure.
Call the customer after three days and thirty days.

Worked example. A workshop completes 120 jobs in a month with 4 comebacks, a rate of 3.3%. Two came from one rushed technician, so the owner adds a second check on brake work and the next month shows 1 in 130.

Activity. Build a one-page workshop plan with bay layout, records and two quality measures.

Standard to meet. Show the layout, record forms and two measures with a monthly target in the plan.

Module 8 Capstone: inspect, diagnose, report 4 hCreate

Choose a training vehicle and a scenario.
Inspect, diagnose, repair or advise, and write the report.
Present the report to a mentor and a mock customer.
Reflect on what you would do differently.

Worked example. A final report with three findings, two repairs done, one advised for later, total time 3.5 hours, and the customer questions answered.

Activity. Run the full job and present it in five minutes.

Standard to meet. Complete the job card, readings, proof of fault and customer summary, all correct.

assessment

How you are checked

Evidence: the work product from each module, kept in one folder with dates. A mentor and two peers mark it with this rubric. Pass: no criterion at 'Not yet'.

Marking rubric
Criterion	Not yet	Meets	Exceeds
Diagnosis	Missing or unclear	Meets the stated check	Fault proved by measurement and shared as a method
Customer	Guessing	Evidence kept	Clear summary and follow-up booked
Records	Gaps	Complete	Complete and reviewed by a peer
Safety and ethics	Overlooked	Followed	Followed and taught to others

Ten-question check, with model answers

Q1. What must be done before anyone goes under a lifted vehicle?

Model answer: Check the lift points, chock the wheels and lock the lift or fit rated stands. (Covered in module 1: Shop safety and vehicle systems. To pass that module: Name all eight systems correctly and match the lift points to the owner manual.)

Q2. Why swap two coils when a misfire code appears?

Model answer: If the code moves with the coil, the coil is the fault; this proves it before buying a part. (Covered in module 2: Engine and motor basics. To pass that module: Explain the energy source, how power is made, and one service difference for each type.)

Q3. Why paint-mark nuts after torquing?

Model answer: A mark shows at a glance that the nut was tightened and has not moved. (Covered in module 3: Inspection and routine service. To pass that module: Mark every line as done, adjusted, replaced or advised, and give each reading a unit.)

Q4. Why replace pads on both wheels of an axle together?

Model answer: Uneven pads pull the car to one side and brake unevenly. (Covered in module 4: Brakes, steering and suspension. To pass that module: Record readings in millimetres with the limit beside them, and record the test drive.)

Q5. Why test the cheapest cause first?

Model answer: It saves time and money, and often solves the fault without buying parts. (Covered in module 5: Electrical and diagnostics. To pass that module: Confirm the fault with a measurement and its unit before replacing any part.)

Q6. Who may open a high-voltage battery pack?

Model answer: Only trained and certified people following the written isolation procedure. (Covered in module 6: Electric vehicle systems. To pass that module: Name three causes, each with a simple action the customer can take.)

Q7. How is a comeback rate worked out?

Model answer: Comebacks divided by total jobs, multiplied by 100. (Covered in module 7: Workshop operations and records. To pass that module: Show the layout, record forms and two measures with a monthly target in the plan.)

Q8. What does a good final report contain?

Model answer: Findings, actions, readings, advice and a clear customer summary. (Covered in module 8: Capstone: inspect, diagnose, report. To pass that module: Complete the job card, readings, proof of fault and customer summary, all correct.)

Q9. Name the first step before any lift.

Model answer: Check the lift points and chock the wheels. (Covered in: Task, condition and standard, near the top of this page.)

Q10. Why log units next to readings?

Model answer: So anyone can repeat or check the reading. (Covered in: Task, condition and standard, near the top of this page.)

seven levels

Your ladder, L1 to L7

This course sits at L4 Practitioner. Each level adds to the one below.

L1 Basic. Know the parts and the safety rules.
L2 Awareness. Describe how engine, brakes and electric drive work.
L3 Foundation. Do routine checks under supervision.
L4 Practitioner. Service and diagnose common faults alone.
L5 Specialist. Handle electric and hybrid diagnosis and complex faults.
L6 Advanced. Lead a workshop, train others and set quality measures.
L7 Super expert. Design workshop systems, standards and training for a region.

Slide by slide

Seven slides, one per level. Open each for the slide text and the speaker notes.

Slide 1 L1 Basic: Workshop safety and parts

Name 15 vehicle parts and list 8 workshop safety rules, including the steps for safe lifting, with no error.

Speaker notes. Teacher points to parts on a car and asks for names. Covered in module 1.

Slide 2 L2 Awareness: How systems work

Explain in plain words how an engine, brakes and an electric drive each work, using 3 labelled sketches.

Speaker notes. Learner explains a brake pedal press step by step to a partner. Covered in module 2.

Slide 3 L3 Foundation: Supervised routine service

Complete a 12-point routine check under supervision, recording each reading on a job card without a missed point.

Speaker notes. Teacher signs off the job card after watching fluid, tyre and light checks. Covered in module 3.

Slide 4 L4 Practitioner: Independent fault diagnosis

Diagnose and fix 3 common faults alone, such as worn pads or a weak battery, and test the result.

Speaker notes. Teacher plants a simple fault and checks the learner's written steps and road test. Covered in module 4.

Slide 5 L5 Specialist: Electric and hybrid diagnosis

Diagnose 2 electric-drive faults using a scan tool and isolation steps, then write a report with test values.

Speaker notes. Teacher gives a fault code and reviews the safe shutdown sequence and report. Check local rules with an expert for high-voltage work.

Slide 6 L6 Advanced: Lead a workshop

Lead a team of 4 through a full day of jobs, set 3 quality measures and train one helper to pass a check.

Speaker notes. Teacher reviews the job board, return-visit count and the helper's signed checklist.

Slide 7 L7 Super expert: Design workshop standards

Design a workshop system with standard job cards, a training plan for 10 staff and 5 audit points.

Speaker notes. Teacher audits the written standards by walking a sample job through them and noting gaps.

career routes

Roles, routes and subjects

These routes come from the India pathway tables. They show where this course leads, in my own words.

Career role families

Automotive engineer
Battery development specialist
Power electronics engineer
Prototype and test engineer
Charging infrastructure planner

Ways to work: Employed in vehicle makers and suppliers, own workshop, freelance diagnosis. Who buys: Business to business supply, service to individual owners, fleet contracts.

jobs this leads to

Where this takes you

Vehicle service technician
Electric vehicle technician
Workshop supervisor
Service adviser
Small workshop owner

ten locations and global

Your place

Local rules change licences, data handling, pricing words and names of bodies. Check them for your place before you act.

India (Bengaluru)

Language: English, Hindi, Kannada. Currency: INR. Data rule for what you publish: Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023. Skills frame to cite: National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) and the national credit framework.

Netherlands (Eindhoven area)

Language: Dutch, English. Currency: EUR. Data rule for what you publish: EU GDPR (Dutch: AVG), supervised by the Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens. Skills frame to cite: the Dutch qualification framework (NLQF) linked to the European Qualifications Framework.

UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi)

Language: Arabic, English. Currency: AED. Data rule for what you publish: Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 (personal data protection). Skills frame to cite: the emirate education and training regulators (for example KHDA in Dubai) and the national qualifications framework.

Brazil (Sao Paulo)

Language: Portuguese (Spanish and English support). Currency: BRL. Data rule for what you publish: LGPD (Lei Geral de Protecao de Dados). Skills frame to cite: the national technical-education catalogue and the national S-system training bodies.

Canada (Toronto)

Language: English, French. Currency: CAD. Data rule for what you publish: PIPEDA, with provincial rules where they apply. Skills frame to cite: the provincial colleges framework and the national credential-recognition guidance.

United States

Language: English, Spanish. Currency: USD. Data rule for what you publish: state privacy laws (for example California), and COPPA for children under 13. Skills frame to cite: state and community-college credit systems.

Singapore

Language: English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil. Currency: SGD. Data rule for what you publish: Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). Skills frame to cite: the Singapore national skills frameworks and the national credit system.

Australia

Language: English. Currency: AUD. Data rule for what you publish: the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles. Skills frame to cite: the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) levels.

Hong Kong (Eastern Asia)

Language: Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin), English. Currency: HKD. Data rule for what you publish: the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. Skills frame to cite: the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework.

Georgia and Israel (Western Asia)

Language: Georgian, Hebrew, Arabic, English. Currency: GEL or ILS. Data rule for what you publish: the personal data law of the country where the learner lives. Skills frame to cite: the national qualifications framework of that country.

Cayman Islands (Caribbean)

Language: English. Currency: KYD. Data rule for what you publish: the Data Protection Act. Skills frame to cite: the local education and training framework.

Mexico

Language: Spanish, English. Currency: MXN. Data rule for what you publish: the federal law on personal data held by private parties. Skills frame to cite: the national competency certification system and the education ministry levels.

Draft

Draft flagship. Own wording. Not live.