Automotive Technology: Principles, Diagnosis, and Service, 7th edition

Published by Pearson (March 14, 2024) © 2025

  • James Halderman
  • Curt Ward
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Automotive Technology addresses advances in automotive systems. Written to current ASE tasks, the text examines the eight major areas of automotive service in 136 concise chapters. Practical examples and step-by-step photo sequences cover terminology, procedures and best practices.

Automotive Technology is designed for your success. Its learning outcomes and objectives are aligned with ASE standards, and its concise, easy-to-read chapters present content in manageable sections. Case studies will help you handle real-world customer issues.

The 7th Edition has been cited by instructors and reviewers as “hands down the best book on the market.” New and high-technology topics were added to 23 chapters. This title is part of the Pearson Automotive Professional Technician Series.

SECTION I: AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE INDUSTRY

  1. Automotive Background and Overview
  2. Careers in the Automotive Service Industry
  3. Starting a Career in the Automotive Industry
  4. Working as a Professional Service Technician

SECTION II: SAFETY AND HEALTH ISSUES

  1. Shop Safety
  2. Hazardous Materials
  3. Health and Environmental Concerns

SECTION III: FASTENERS, TOOLS AND SHOP EQUIPMENT

  1. Fasteners and Thread Repair
  2. Hand and Power Tools
  3. Vehicle Lifting and Hoisting

SECTION IV: MEASURING, MATH AND SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES

  1. Measuring, Math, and Charts
  2. Scientific Principles and Materials

SECTION V: SERVICE INFORMATION AND ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

  1. Service Information, Work Orders, and Vehicle Identification
  2. Preventative Maintenance and Service Procedures

SECTION VI: ENGINE REPAIR (A1)

  1. Gasoline Engine Operation, Parts, and Specifications
  2. Diesel Engine Parts, Operation, and Aftertreatment
  3. Antifreeze and Coolant
  4. Cooling System Operation and Diagnosis
  5. Engine Oil and Filters
  6. Lubrication System Operation and Diagnosis
  7. Intake and Exhaust Systems
  8. Turbocharging and Supercharging
  9. Engine Condition Diagnosis
  10. In-Vehicle Engine Service
  11. Engine Removal and Disassembly
  12. Engine Cleaning and Crack Detection
  13. Cylinder Head Inspection and Service
  14. Camshafts and Valve Trains
  15. Variable Valve Timing and Displacement Systems
  16. Pistons, Rings, and Connecting Rods
  17. Engine Blocks
  18. Crankshafts, Balance Shafts, and Bearings
  19. Gaskets and Sealants
  20. Engine Assembly and Testing
  21. Engine Installation and Break-In

SECTION VII: ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

  1. Electrical Fundamentals
  2. Electrical Circuits and Ohm's Law
  3. Series, Parallel, and Series-Parallel Circuits
  4. Circuit Testers and Digital Meters
  5. Digital Storage Oscilloscopes
  6. Automotive Wiring and Wire Repair
  7. Wiring Schematics and Circuit Testing
  8. Capacitance and Capacitors
  9. Magnetism and Electromagnetism
  10. Electronic Fundamentals
  11. CAN and Network Communications
  12. Automotive 12-Volt Batteries
  13. 12-Volt Battery Testing and Service
  14. Starting System Parts and Operation
  15. Starting System Diagnosis and Service
  16. Charging System Parts and Operation
  17. Charging System Diagnosis and Service
  18. Lighting and Signaling Circuits
  19. Driver Information and Navigation Systems
  20. Security and Immobilizer Systems
  21. Airbag and Pretensioner Circuits
  22. Body Electrical Accessories
  23. Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS)
  24. Audio System Operation and Diagnosis

SECTION VIII: HVAC (A7)

  1. Heating and Air-Conditioning Principles
  2. Air-Conditioning Compressors and Service
  3. Air Management System
  4. Automatic Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems
  5. Refrigerants and Refrigerant Oils
  6. Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling, and Recharging
  7. Air-Conditioning System Diagnosis and Service

SECTION IX: ENGINE PERFORMANCE (A8)

  1. Gasoline, Alternative Fuels, and Diesel Fuels
  2. Ignition System Parts and Operation
  3. Ignition System Diagnosis and Service
  4. Computer Fundamentals
  5. Temperature and Throttle Position Sensors
  6. MAP and MAF Sensors
  7. Oxygen Sensors
  8. Fuel Pumps, Lines, and Filters
  9. Fuel-Injection Parts and Operation
  10. Gasoline Direct-Injection Systems
  11. Electronic Throttle Control System
  12. Fuel-Injection System Diagnosis and Service
  13. Vehicle Emissions Standards and Testing
  14. Evaporative Emissions Control and EGR Systems
  15. Positive Crankcase Ventilation and Secondary Air-Injection Systems
  16. Catalytic Converters
  17. Onboard Diagnosis
  18. Module Reprogramming
  19. Strategy-Based Diagnosis

SECTION X: EV AND HEV (L3)

  1. Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Safety
  2. Introduction to Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles
  3. Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Maintenance
  4. EV and HEV High-Voltage Batteries
  5. EV and PHEV Charging
  6. Regenerative Brakes
  7. Fuel Cells and Advanced Technologies

SECTION XI: BRAKES (A5)

  1. Braking System Components and Performance Standards
  2. Braking Principles and Friction Materials
  3. Brake Hydraulic Systems
  4. Brake Fluid, Lines, and Bleeding
  5. Wheel Bearings and Service
  6. Drum Brakes
  7. Drum Brake Diagnosis and Service
  8. Disc Brakes
  9. Disc Brake Diagnosis and Service
  10. Parking Brake Operation, Diagnosis, and Service
  11. Machining Brake Drums and Rotors
  12. Power Brake Unit Operation, Diagnosis, and Service
  13. ABS Components and Operation
  14. ABS Diagnosis and Service
  15. Electronic Stability Control Systems

SECTION XII: STEERING AND SUSPENSION (A4)

  1. Tires and Wheels
  2. Tire-Pressure Monitoring Systems
  3. Tire and Wheel Service
  4. Suspension System Components and Operation
  5. Front Suspension and Service
  6. Rear Suspension and Service
  7. Electronic Suspension Systems
  8. Steering Columns and Gears
  9. Steering Linkage and Service
  10. Hydraulic Power Steering Systems
  11. Electric Power Steering Systems
  12. Wheel Alignment Principles
  13. Alignment Diagnosis and Service

SECTION XIII: MANUAL DRIVETRAINS (A3)

  1. Clutch Components, Operation, and Replacement
  2. Manual Transmissions/Transaxles
  3. Driveshafts and Half Shafts
  4. Driveshaft and Half Shafts Service
  5. Drive Axles and Differentials
  6. Four-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive
  7. Vibration and Noise Diagnosis and Correction

SECTION XIV: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS (A2)

  1. Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Principles
  2. Continuously Variable and Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmissions
  3. Hydraulic Components and Control Systems
  4. EV and HEV Transmissions
  5. Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Diagnosis and In-Vehicle Service
  6. Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Unit Repair

SECTION XV: SPECIALTY ASE CERTIFICATION CONTENT

  1. Parts Specialist (P2)
  2. Service Consultant (C1)
  3. Exhaust Systems Specialist (X1)

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