Automotive Technology
Instructors: Dale Nelson & Dave Vincent
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My name is Dale Nelson, and I have been an instructor since 2013 at IVVC. I am an alum of IVVC where I attended 2 years of automotive technology. I have 39 hours of earned credits from Waubonsee Community College in automotive technology. After graduating from IVVC and Yorkville High School, my career began at a GMC truck dealership as an apprentice, then master tech, and finally service foreman, with a total of 33 years of dealership experience. My industry experience has been very valuable in passing along to the students the knowledge required to be successful in the industry. I am currently ASE master certified. I chose teaching to make a difference in students’ lives and enjoy the reward of watching their future success. |
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My name is Dave Vincent, and I am a graduate of the Automotive Technology program at IVVC and have been in the auto/truck repair field for over 30 years. Throughout my career I have worked in both automotive and light truck dealerships as well as fleet truck operations. I also work in a local repair shop to keep my skills current. I have always been interested in new and emerging technologies in the transportation industry, and I work very hard to stay abreast of the latest trends in vehicle repair and service. I am an ASE master automotive and heavy truck technician as well as having certifications in other areas of ASE. My experiences in the vehicle repair fields have taught me to embrace change and to never settle for what is here today; new technology will be here tomorrow. I chose to become an automotive instructor because there is a tremendous need for repair technicians throughout the automotive and diesel/heavy truck repair industries. I really want to give back to an industry that has given me so much opportunity and to help our students make the right career choices for their future. |
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY I
Grades: 11, 12
Automotive Technology I is the first year of a two-year sequence.
Units of study - Basic automotive repair for tires, brakes, steering, electrical, suspension and alignments through classroom and practical shop exercises
Tasks you will complete -
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Identify basic hand tools and shop equipment
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Proper setup and operation of automotive lifting equipment
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Removal and installation of wheels and tires
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Repairing brake systems including replacement of worn out parts
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Identifying steering system types and related components
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Identify types of suspension systems and their components
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Performing front and four wheel alignment
Skills/abilities you need to be successful - effective communication skills, ability to follow instructions, ability to work as part of a team, problem-solving skills, patience and confidence, mechanical aptitude, ability to adapt to change
Certification you may be eligible to receive upon successful completion -
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SP/2 Safety Certification
Related careers - Automotive service technician, Automotive service writer, Auto parts counter person
Articulated Credit - KCC AMT 131 - Automotive Steering and Suspension (3 credits)
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY II
Grade: 12
Required: 70% or higher in Automotive Technology I
Automotive Technology II is the second year of a two-year sequence.
Units of study - Basic engine repair, basic engine performance and diagnostic skills including use of scan tool, automatic transmission identification and proper maintenance, basic heating and air conditioning diagnosis and repair, manual drive train identification and maintenance
Tasks you will complete
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Basic engine teardown, parts identification and reassembly
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Automatic transmission maintenance and basic repairs
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Scan tool operation and basic engine performance diagnosis, including retrieving engine fault codes
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Inspect and replace hub bearings
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Service rear differential
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Perform cooling system service and thermostat replacement
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Identify air conditioning components and learn basic theory of operation
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Perform engine compression and leak down test
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Remove and replace spark plugs
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Inspect and test relays
Skills/abilities you need to be successful - deductive reasoning, able to make decisions and problem solve, mechanical aptitude, knowledge of tools, hand and electrical diagnostic tools, and meters, troubleshooting
Certification you may be eligible to receive upon successful completion -
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SP/2 Safety Certification
Related careers - Automotive service technician, Automotive service advisor, Automotive service manager, Warranty administrator, Field service engineer, Automotive mechanical engineer, Automotive electrical engineer, Parts professional, Dealership parts manager, Dealership salesperson, Dealership general manager
Articulated Credit - WCC AUT 100 - Maintenance and Light Repair (2 credits); KCC AMT 125 - Automotive Braking Systems (3 credits)
To contact Mr. Nelson, please call 815/786-9873, extension 241 or via email at DNelson@ivvc.net.
To contact Mr. Vincent, please call 815/786-9873, extension 246 or via email at DVincent@ivvc.net.