Mission: The mission of Pinellas Technical College’s automotive program is to train students for industry using proven, innovative, and accepted practices combined with related knowledge and skills. The program will encourage students who possess the drive and desire to succeed, to develop a rewarding career opportunity in the transportation industry.
Master Automotive Service Technology consists of two programs: Master Automotive Service Technology 1 - T400700 (1050 hours) and Master Automotive Service Technology 2 -T400800 (750 hours).
Students must complete Master Automotive Service Technology 1 or demonstrate mastery of the program outcomes prior to enrollment in Master Automotive Service Technology 2.
These programs consist of a planned sequence of courses that is based on the Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.) certification. Student-owned hand tools are required and safety is stressed.
Master Automotive Service Technology 2
Automotive Engine Performance Technician - Course AER0503 (300 Hours) – Instruction includes skills in basic engine performance on gasoline four stroke engines. Diagnosis and repair of these systems and components are stressed: ignition and related electrical circuits, vehicle communication circuits, sensors, fuel systems, air induction, and computer and emission systems. Demonstrations and hands-on work on vehicles will provide a working knowledge of diagnosis using test equipment ranging from timing lights, compression testers, cylinder leakage testers, and vacuum gauges to engine analyzers with oscilloscopes, and four-gas analyzers.
Automatic Transmission and Trans-axle Technician - Course AER0257 (150 Hours) – Instruction includes principles of hydraulic systems, planetary gear sets, torque converters, electronic control systems, and basic transmission components which are the basis for this course. Diagnosis, servicing, and adjustments of various automatic transmissions and transaxles are covered. Lab work includes disassembly, inspection, reassembly, and adjustment on training aids. Lab projects include diagnosis, repair or overhaul of transmissions in late model vehicles, and demonstration of special tools and techniques.
Manual Drive Train and Axle Technician - Course AER0274 (150 Hours) – Instruction includes examining the basic construction, operating principles, and power flow of the manual drive train system. Students will study diagnosis and overhaul of clutch assemblies, four-speed and five-speed transmissions and transaxles, four-wheel drive components, and front- and rear wheel drive shafts. Integral and removable ring and pinion replacement and setup will be discussed and performed by the students. Lab projects include disassembly, inspection and reassembly on late model vehicles and equipment.
Automotive Heating and Air-Conditioning Technician - Course AER0172 (150 Hours) – Instruction includes a study of design characteristics and principles of vehicle air conditioning, including basic system operation, heat transfer, proper handling of refrigerants, effects of refrigerants on the environment, component location, and system components. Lab work includes assignments to develop the skills and knowledge required to perform heating and air conditioning service, diagnosis and repair, and recovery and recycling of R12 & 134A. Basic electrical system principles, use of a digital multi-meter, and automatic climate control diagnosis will be studied.
Distance Education: Not available at this time
Articulation Agreement(s): Statewide Automotive Service Management Technology, A.A.S./A.S. Degree
Basic Skills Exit Requirement for Program Completion: Student's competency in computation (mathematics) and communication (reading/language arts) is assessed; required basic skills grade levels are: Computation - 10 and Communication - 9. Pinellas Technical College proudly partners with
Program length and costs are approximate, and subject to change.