Department Chair: Michael Peat, 847.635.1906, mpeat@oakton.edu
The Automotive Technology program offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.), as well as a variety of certificates covering different automotive systems and components. The curriculum is recognized by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation. This program is for students already working in the field or looking to get into the highly skilled trade of automotive. Courses are offered in the morning, mid-day, late afternoon, and evening; the program can be completed within four years of part-time study.
An Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) degree is awarded to those students who, in addition to the automotive instruction courses, also complete the general education requirements and accumulate the necessary 66 semester credit hours for the degree. A certificate will be awarded to those students completing only the related automotive course instruction.
Prerequisites: High school graduation or High School Equivalency Certificate1 and interview with and consent of department chair.
- 1
As of January 1, 2023, the High School Equivalency Certificate became the State of Illinois High School Diploma. High School Equivalency credentials received prior to that date remain valid.
- Automotive Technology A.A.S.
- Automotive Technology Certificate
- Automotive Technology Powertrain Certificate
- Automotive Electrical Systems Certificate
- Automotive Engines Certificate
- Automotive Engine Performance and Emissions Certificate
- Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Certificate
- Automotive Transmission and Powertrain Certificate
- Automotive Under Car Certificate
Automotive Technology Courses
ATA 1024 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 2)
Introduction To Automotive Technology
Introductory course to familiarize students with the history of the automobile. Students will learn basic service shop organizational skills, basic vehicle inspection, multi-meter use, light duty vehicle maintenance, proper vehicle lifting, proper use of hand and power tools required for entry level automotive positions, and how to navigate online service manual information. Students will also learn about career options within the automotive industry and how to write a resume.
Prerequisite: Interview with and consent of department chair.
Instruction Type: In-Person
Fee: $40
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring
ATA 1104 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 2)
Engine Performance And Fuel Systems
Course studies principles of automotive ignition and fuel systems. Topics include diagnosis, analysis, repair, and test procedures.
Prerequisite: ATA 111 with a minimum grade of C.
Instruction Type: In-Person
Fee: $40
Term Typically Offered: Spring
ATA 1114 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 2)
Automotive Electrical Systems I
Course studies the principles of automotive electrical systems. Topics include detailed operation and servicing of batteries, starters, generators, alternators and regulators. Emphasis is placed on Ohm’s Law, and diagnosis and repair of the automotive electrical systems.
Prerequisite: ATA 102 with a minimum grade of C.
Instruction Type: In-Person
Fee: $40
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring
ATA 1134 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 2)
Brake Systems
Course studies fundamentals of passenger car and light duty truck brake systems. Topics include hydraulic systems, component identification, power brake systems, self-adjusting systems, and Anti-Lock Brakes.
Prerequisite: ATA 102 with a minimum grade of C.
Instruction Type: In-Person
Fee: $40
Term Typically Offered: Spring
ATA 1144 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 2)
Steering, Balancing, and Alignment
Course content includes fundamentals and principles of front end alignment, tire repair and balancing. Course also focuses on diagnosis and replacement of suspension and steering components per manufacturer’s procedures and specifications. Manual and power steering are also discussed.
Prerequisite: ATA 102 with a minimum grade of C.
Instruction Type: In-Person
Fee: $40
Term Typically Offered: Spring
ATA 1174 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 2)
Introduction to Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Systems
Course provides an overview of hybrid and electric vehicle systems. Terminology, safety, theory, and the operation of high voltage systems, batteries, charging systems, drivetrain components and emission systems are covered. Inspection and diagnosis of hybrid and electric vehicles using specialized tools are included.
Prerequisite: ATA 111 with a minimum grade of C.
Instruction Type: In-Person
Fee: $40
Term Typically Offered: Spring
ATA 1184 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 2)
Diesel I
Course content includes fundamentals of light and medium duty vehicles. Topics include safety, basic diesel engine operation, engine component terminology, cooling and lubrication systems, and air induction.
Prerequisite: ATA 111 or ELT 101 or equivalent with a minimum grade of C and consent of department chair.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online
Fee: $40
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring
ATA 2044 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 2)
Basic Automotive Engines
Course covers basic operations of the automotive engine. Emphasis is placed on engine components, measurement of engine components, disassembly and assembly of the cylinder head. Classroom discussions also includes engine oil, coolant, intake and exhaust valve operations, and complete valve repair.
Prerequisite: ATA 102 with a minimum grade of C.
Instruction Type: In-Person
Fee: $40
Term Typically Offered: Fall
ATA 2054 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 2)
Advanced Automotive Engines
Course studies different engine block configurations, their internal components, and materials used to make engine blocks and components. Students disassemble, inspect, clean, check engine blocks and components for defects, take measurements, make repairs, and reassemble the engine.
Prerequisite: ATA 204 with a minimum grade of C
Instruction Type: In-Person
Fee: $40
Term Typically Offered: Spring
ATA 2064 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 2)
Clutches, Transmissions, and Differentials
Course examines the theory and operational principles behind the front and rear wheel drive clutch systems. Students will use these principles to learn the operations and power flows of different models of front and rear wheel drive transmissions, driveline and axle assemblies. Students will also use these principles to repair and troubleshoot these systems.
Prerequisite: ATA 102 with a minimum grade of C.
Instruction Type: In-Person
Fee: $40
Term Typically Offered: Fall
ATA 2074 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 2)
Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
Course teaches basic principles and theory of automotive heating and air conditioning. Focus is on the diagnosis, servicing, and replacement of both heating and air conditioning system components.
Prerequisite: ATA 102 with a minimum grade of C.
Instruction Type: In-Person
Fee: $40
Term Typically Offered: Summer
ATA 2084 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 2)
Automatic Transmissions
Course teaches operational principles and theory of automatic transmissions. Topics include internal components, internal power flow, torque converter operation, repair and troubleshooting of front and rear transmissions.
Prerequisite: ATA 111 with a minimum grade of C.
Instruction Type: In-Person
Fee: $40
Term Typically Offered: Fall
ATA 2104 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 2)
Advanced Engine Performance Analysis
Course content includes examination of fault analysis of onboard computers and OBDII Emissions with the aid of advanced scan tool diagnostics. Diagnosis of fuel injection, computer controlled EI, DI, COP ignition systems are also covered.
Prerequisite: ATA 110 with a minimum grade of C.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online
Fee: $40
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring
ATA 2114 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 2)
Automotive Electrical Systems II
Course continues studying automotive electrical systems, discusses different types of communication networks and how they connect to the vehicles data link. Students will learn how to use and make applicable adjustment to oscilloscopes, graphing multi-meters and graphing scan tools. Cranking, Charging, Lighting and Signaling Systems, as well as Driver Information and Navigation Systems will also be covered.
Prerequisite: ATA 111 with a minimum grade of C.
Instruction Type: In-Person
Fee: $40
ATA 2174 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 2)
Advanced Hybrid and Electrical Vehicle Systems
Course provides an in-depth study of hybrid and electric vehicle systems. Terminology, safety, theory, and the operation of high voltage systems, batteries, charging systems, drivetrain components and emission systems are covered. Inspection and diagnosis of hybrid and electric vehicles using specialized tools are included.
Prerequisite: ATA 117 with a minimum grade of C
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online | Hybrid
Fee: $40
Term Typically Offered: Spring
ATA 2184 credit hours (lecture: 3 | lab: 2)
Diesel II
Course continues studying fundamentals of light and medium duty vehicles. Topics include low and high pressure fuel systems, emissions, hydraulic nozzle injector, Hydraulic Electronic Unit Injection (HEUI) systems, and rail high pressure injector systems.
Prerequisite: ATA 118 with a minimum grade of C.
Instruction Type: In-Person | Online
Fee: $40
Term Typically Offered: Fall | Spring