Unit Name: Electrical Circuits and Luxury Vehicles

Unit code: AUT322

Year: 3
Credit hours: 3

Aim
This is an advanced course introduced to students in Autotronics program. The
course enables students to acquire the knowledge and understanding both
electrical and electronic circuits which are related to the automotive field. The
course focuses on the physical meaning of each theory to make students
qualified in troubleshooting any fault in these circuits. In addition to
increasing students’ level and improving their practical skills.

Introduction
Technicians must be proficient at using service information, circuit wiring
diagrams, and the digital multimeter (DMM) for electrical system diagnosis.
Like any task, repetition and practice allow technicians to identify the cause of
electrical faults.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:

LO1: Understand the electrical wiring diagrams

• Wiring Diagram Layout.
• Wiring Harness Connectors.
• Wiring Harness Components.
• Tracing Circuit Current Paths.
• Predicting Circuit Voltages.

1
 LO2: Understand vehicle communication networks
• Operation.
• Main system components.
• Diagnosis.

LO3: Understand the basic principles of basic and auxiliary electrical

systems.
• Operation.
• Different types.
• Main system components.
• Diagnosis.

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Pass Merit Distinction

LO1: Understand the electrical wiring diagrams

P1 Explain common M1 Trace real circuit D1 Determine possible
wiring diagram paths and identify fault causes in the
layouts, read colors fault locations. system and suggest
and codes. a solution.

P2 Identify and locate M2 Design a complete

wiring harness simple circuit for a
connectors and given system in the
electrical laboratory.
components on the
vehicle using the
wiring diagram.

P3 Describe the
process of tracing
circuit current paths
using the wiring
diagram.

2
P4 Use the wiring
diagram to predict
circuit voltages.

LO2: Understand vehicle communication networks

P5 Describe the M3 Check a CAN-bus D2 Analyze signal
function and system using waveforms to
operation of vehicle different determine the
network systems measuring devices. possible fault
with main system causes.
components.

P6 Explain the
diagnostic
strategies used to
isolate the cause of
vehicle network
system faults.

P7 Describe vehicle
network repair
considering safety.

LO3: Understand the basic principles of basic and auxiliary electrical

systems.
P8 Identify the M4 Diagnose the D3 Assess the circuit
different system using behavior and detect
components of the wiring diagrams to faults; determine
basic and auxiliary trace circuit needed action.
circuits. current and predict
test point voltages
in these systems;
determine needed
action.

3
P9 Explain the M5 Design some
operation of circuits for these
different systems systems in
such as lighting, simulation
wiper system, software and in the
power window laboratory.
system, power
mirror system,
power door lock
system, power seat
system, and
instrument cluster
gauges.

P10 Explain the

diagnostic process
for these system
circuit faults.

Recommended Resources

Textbooks
1) B. Hollembeak, “Today's Technician - Automotive Electricity &
Electronics - Classroom & Shop Manual Pack,” Cengage Learning, 7th
Edition, 2019.

2) D. M. Jones & K. VanGelder, “Automotive Electricity and Electronics,”

CDx Master Automotive Technician Series, Jones & Bartlett Learning,
2018.

3) J. D. Halderman, “Automotive Electricity and Electronics,” Pearson

Education, 15th Edition, 2017.