Work applies to light vehicles (cars, light commercial vehicles) and is based on knowledge of elements of electricity and basic circuit theory as well as the function, location and operation of vehicle electrical circuits, systems and components.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify and apply electrical fundamentals

1.1 Suitable and relevant sources of information are located to assist with electrical fundamentals research

1.2 Elements of electricity are identified

1.3 Elements of electricity are applied to common terminology for automotive electrical circuits, systems and components

1.4 Elements of electricity are applied to common electrical calculations for automotive electrical circuits, systems and components

2. Research and identify systems and components

2.1 Component or system to be researched is identified

2.2 Suitable and relevant sources of information are located to assist with identification of systems and components

2.3 Reference information is researched to ensure sufficient understanding of component or system to assist with identifying how the circuit functions

2.4 Potential for unsafe conditions or safety hazards is identified

2.5 Workplace health and safety (WHS) requirements are applied

3. Locate systems and components

3.1 Suitable automotive systems or components are sourced to assist with task

3.2 Location of system or component is confirmed in relation to modern vehicle configuration

3.3 Alternative methods of system or component location are identified in relation to possible light vehicle configuration (where applicable)

4. Determine method of system or component operation

4.1 Appropriate electrical test equipment is identified and applied for the purpose of testing circuit, system or component

4.2 System or component is examined and sub-assembly components are identified

4.3 Operational principles of circuit, component and system functions are determined and analysed

4.4 System or component relationship to light vehicle operation is determined

4.5 Potential for unsafe conditions or associated risk factors with system or component operation or testing is identified

4.6 Potential common faults with system or component are identified

Required skills

communication skills to:

follow written and verbal instructions

communicate ideas and information relating to electrical terminology and procedures verbally and in writing

apply questioning and active listening skills, e.g. when obtaining factual information from sources

initiative and enterprise skills to recognise a workplace problem or potential problem and take action

learning skills to:

identify sources of information, assistance and expert knowledge to expand skills, knowledge and understanding

participate in self-improvement activities

literacy skills to:

understand workplace safety procedures

read and follow information in written instructions, specifications and other applicable reference documents

planning and organising skills to:

identify risk factors and take action to minimise them

plan and organise activities that implement and follow standard procedures

problem-solving skills to:

refer problems outside area of responsibility to appropriate person

use and communicate basic mathematical ideas and techniques that relate to automotive electrical systems and components

self-management skills to:

recognise limitations and seek timely advice

follow workplace documentation, such as workplace safe operating procedures

technical skills to:

collect, organise and research technical information relating to:

recognising and reporting unsafe situations

automotive electrical components and systems identification, location and function

collect, organise and apply electrical fundamentals information and concepts

technology skills to use information technology equipment to assist with research

Required knowledge

basic electrical theory and principles of electricity, including:

voltage

amperage

circuit resistance

alternating current (AC)

direct current (DC)

range of sources of information available to assist with understanding fundamental elements of electricity as they relate to automotive applications

range of sources of information available to service, maintain and repair light vehicle electrical systems and components

industry and workplace practice in relation to working safely in an automotive workplace

identification, location and function of major components of common automotive:

engine electrical systems, including:

ignition systems

charging systems

starting systems

engine management systems

vehicle lighting systems

vehicle body electrical systems, including:

electric door locking systems

boot release systems

car stereo and sound systems

wiring harness assembly

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge.

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to:

identify and apply basic electrical terminology and circuit theory

identify automotive electrical circuits, systems and components

source relevant technical information

locate electrical systems and components on modern motor vehicles

explain the function of at least three major electrical systems of a modern motor vehicle

demonstrate basic troubleshooting techniques to determine possible causes of electrical faults or problems

communicate effectively using technical information and terms with others involved in or affected by the work.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessment is to occur:

using standard workplace practices and procedures

following safety requirements

applying environmental constraints.

Assessment is to comply with relevant:

regulatory requirements

Australian standards

industry codes of practice.

The following resources must be made available for the assessment of this unit:

a workplace or simulated workplace

technical reference information

a range of functioning automotive systems and components

functioning light vehicle or vehicles

automotive tools and equipment

electrical test equipment

workplace safety equipment, including personal protective equipment.

Method of assessment

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with the application of required skills and knowledge.

Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on required skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.

Competence in this unit may be assessed in conjunction with other units which together form part of a holistic work role.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate the needs of diverse clients.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally sensitive and appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Sources of information may include:

automotive electrical texts

vehicle workshop manuals

service bulletins

magazine technical articles

written instructions

documented workplace procedures.

Elements of electricity may include:

voltage

current

resistance

Ohm’s law

conventional circuit theory or circuit types.

Safety hazards may include:

electricity and water

electric shock

broken or damaged equipment

flammable materials and fire hazards

lifting practices.

Workplace health and safety requirements may include:

personal protective equipment (PPE)

safe manual handling and lifting

safe use of tools and equipment

industry codes of practice

worksite documentation for WHS.

Automotive systems and components may include:

engine electrical systems, including:

ignition systems:

distributors

coils

spark plugs

high tension leads

charging systems:

alternators

generators

voltage regulators

starting systems:

starter motors

drives

relays

switches

engine management systems:

electronic control unit (ECU)

engine immobilisers

crank angle sensors

mass air flow (MAF) sensors

throttle position sensors (TPS)

knock sensors

oxygen sensors

temperature sensors

variable valve timing (VVT) componentry (electrical)

vehicle lighting systems:

headlight assemblies

globes and bulbs

LEDs

control and tell-tale systems

auxiliary lighting

vehicle body electrical systems:

electric door and central locking systems

boot release systems

car stereo and sound systems

power windows

electric mirrors

electronic seat adjustment with memory

security systems

wiring harness assembly

batteries

fuses and circuit breakers.

Electrical test equipment may include:

multimeters

test lamp

AC/DC current clamp

battery diagnostic equipment

digital scanner

computer with vehicle interface software

insulated hand tools

oscilloscope

thermal imaging equipment or non-contact thermometer.

Common faults may include:

failure to achieve ignition or power

failure to achieve fuel flow

flat batteries

loss of engine power

system or component malfunction.

Electrical

Unit sector

Technical – Electrical and Electronic

This unit contains employability skills.