Engine Repair Technician

Course Description

AER0110 / AER0110C – Engine Repair Technician is a Postsecondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) clock-hour course in the Engineering Technology: Automotive Service taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course is offered as Occupational Completion Point (OCP) B within the Florida Department of Education's Automotive Service Technology career and technical program (CIP code 0647060400 / 0647060410). Students develop entry-level skills in engine diagnosis and repair, including general engine diagnosis; cylinder head and valve train diagnosis and repair; engine block diagnosis and repair; and lubrication and cooling system diagnosis and repair. The course is delivered as integrated lecture and laboratory instruction with hands-on shop experience using industry-standard tools, test equipment, and diagnostic scan tools.

AER0110 is offered at 42 Florida public technical colleges, district career centers, and state college workforce programs and transfers as equivalent across the state. The course aligns with the ASE A1 (Engine Repair) certification task list and is part of the FLDOE-mandated framework for the Master Automotive Service Technology (MAST) accredited program. Per Florida Statute 1004.925, all automotive service technology education programs in Florida must be industry certified — most Florida programs hold ASE Education Foundation MAST certification. Note on transferability: as a clock-hour PSAV course (course prefix 0), AER0110 is not college-level and does not transfer for college credit. Successful completion contributes to the OCP B occupational completion point and the overall Automotive Service Technology certificate (1,800 hours total program).

Learning Outcomes

The following outcomes align with the Florida Department of Education Curriculum Framework for Automotive Service Technology and the ASE Education Foundation A1 (Engine Repair) task list. Tasks identified in the FLDOE framework as P-1, P-2, or P-3 are ASE-priority tasks. The course also reinforces the Common Career Technical Core Career Ready Practices.

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Comply with personal and environmental safety practices associated with clothing; eye protection; hand tools; power equipment; proper ventilation; and the handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and materials in accordance with local, state, and federal safety and environmental regulations (OSHA, EPA, RCRA, manufacturer's MSDS/SDS).
• Perform general engine diagnosis: verify customer concern; road-test the vehicle; determine whether a no-start, hard-start, or stalling condition is an engine mechanical problem or another vehicle subsystem; inspect engine assembly for fuel, oil, coolant, and other leaks; identify unusual engine noises and vibrations.
• Perform engine compression and cylinder leakage tests; analyze results; determine necessary action.
• Perform cylinder head and valve train diagnosis and repair: remove and disassemble cylinder head(s); inspect cylinder heads for cracks and warpage; service valves, valve seats, valve guides, and valve springs; reinstall and torque cylinder head(s) using proper procedures and torque specifications.
• Perform engine block diagnosis and repair: disassemble engine block; inspect cylinder bores, pistons, piston rings, connecting rods, crankshaft, main bearings, and rod bearings; measure with appropriate precision tools (micrometers, dial indicators, plastigage, telescoping gauges); reassemble using proper torque sequence and specifications.
• Diagnose and repair engine lubrication systems: perform engine oil pressure tests; inspect and service the oil pump, oil pump drive, pressure relief valves, and oil cooler; change engine oil and filter using proper viscosity and rating per manufacturer's specifications.
• Diagnose and repair engine cooling systems: perform cooling system pressure and leak tests; inspect and test the radiator, heater core, pressure cap, coolant recovery system, water pump, thermostat, drive belts, tensioners, hoses, and fans (electric and mechanical); drain, flush, and refill cooling system with recommended coolant; bleed air as required.
• Inspect and replace crankcase ventilation system components (PCV valves, breather elements, hoses).
• Use diagnostic scan tools to retrieve and interpret engine diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and live data; verify proper operation of engine-related warning indicators.
• Use precision measuring tools properly: outside and inside micrometers, dial indicators, dial bore gauges, telescoping gauges, plastigage, feeler gauges; record and interpret measurements against manufacturer's specifications.
• Apply torque-to-yield (TTY) and torque-angle procedures to engine fasteners; understand the difference from standard torque procedures.
• Demonstrate the Common Career Technical Core Career Ready Practices: act as a responsible and contributing employee; apply appropriate academic and technical skills; attend to personal health and financial well-being; communicate clearly, effectively, and with reason; work productively in teams; demonstrate creativity and innovation; employ valid and reliable research strategies; utilize critical thinking; model integrity and ethical leadership; plan education and career path; and use technology to enhance productivity.
• Maintain accurate work orders, repair documentation, and parts and labor records using shop management software conventions.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on shop equipment and instructor specialization, students may also:

• Diagnose and service turbochargers and superchargers; inspect for damage, wear, and proper alignment.
• Service variable valve timing (VVT) systems including timing chain and timing belt service.
• Diagnose and service hybrid vehicle internal combustion engine components, with appropriate high-voltage safety procedures.
• Apply vehicle electronic service information systems (Mitchell1, AllData, IATN, OEM technical service bulletins) for diagnosis and repair procedures.
• Participate in SkillsUSA career and technical student organization activities, including state and national competitions.
• Engage in on-the-job training (OJT) at a sponsoring employer site, where offered.

Major Topics

Required Topics (per FLDOE Curriculum Framework)

• Workplace and Personal Safety: OSHA general industry safety; personal protective equipment; hand tool and power tool safety; lifting and supporting vehicles (jacks, jack stands, hoists); chemical safety and Safety Data Sheets (SDS); environmental compliance for waste oil, coolant, and refrigerants; lock-out/tag-out procedures.
• Tools, Equipment, and Measurement: Hand tools (sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, hammers); precision measuring tools (micrometers, dial indicators, dial bore gauges, telescoping gauges, plastigage, feeler gauges); torque wrenches; pullers and presses; cleaning equipment; diagnostic scan tools.
• Engine Theory and Operation: Internal combustion engine principles; four-stroke cycle; engine classifications (inline, V, flat; SOHC, DOHC, OHV); engine systems overview; firing orders.
• General Engine Diagnosis: Customer concern verification; road test procedures; visual inspection for leaks; engine-noise diagnosis; engine compression testing; cylinder leakage testing; vacuum testing; oil pressure testing.
• Cylinder Head and Valve Train: Cylinder head construction; valve train types (OHV, OHC, DOHC); valve trains, camshafts, timing chains/belts; cylinder head removal and disassembly; valve service (grinding, lapping); valve seat reconditioning; valve guide service; valve spring testing; cylinder head warpage check; cylinder head reinstallation including head gasket selection and torque sequence.
• Engine Block Service: Engine block construction and components; engine removal procedures; piston/connecting rod/crankshaft removal; cylinder bore measurement (taper, out-of-round); piston and ring service; piston pin service; connecting rod inspection and resizing; crankshaft inspection and bearing measurement; main and rod bearing oil clearance using plastigage; assembly procedures; balancing.
• Lubrication System: Lubrication system components; oil pump types and service; oil filters and filtration; oil pressure regulation; oil viscosity and ratings (SAE, API); oil-pressure gauge interpretation; oil cooler service; oil change procedures.
• Cooling System: Cooling system components; coolant types and compatibility; thermostat operation and testing; water pump service; radiator inspection and pressure testing; pressure cap testing; coolant flush procedures; cooling fan operation (mechanical, electric, fan clutch); drive belt and tensioner service; hose inspection and replacement; bleeding procedures.
• Crankcase Ventilation: PCV valve operation, testing, and replacement; breather element service; effects on engine performance and emissions.
• Service Information and Diagnostics: Use of OEM service manuals and electronic service information (Mitchell1, AllData); reading and interpreting wiring diagrams (overview); use of OBD-II scan tools to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes related to engine concerns.
• Career Ready Practices and Employability: Workplace ethics; communication with customers; teamwork; documentation of work performed; warranty and customer-pay distinctions; the path from technician to lead technician to service manager.

Optional Topics

• Forced Induction: Turbocharger and supercharger operation; inspection; common failure modes; service procedures.
• Variable Valve Timing: VVT system operation; service of cam phasers and oil control valves; timing belt vs. timing chain replacement procedures.
• Hybrid Vehicle Engines: Engine differences in hybrids (Atkinson cycle); high-voltage safety for hybrid service.
• Engine Performance Diagnosis (introductory): Connection between engine mechanical condition and engine performance; introduction to ignition and fuel system effects.
• SkillsUSA Activities: SkillsUSA technical and leadership skills training and competition preparation.

Resources & Tools

• Required Reference Standards: ASE A1 (Engine Repair) task list (current edition, available at ase.com); ASE Education Foundation MAST Program Standards; FLDOE Automotive Service Technology Curriculum Framework (current year, fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/curriculum-frameworks).
• Standard Textbooks: Today's Technician: Automotive Engine Repair and Rebuilding by Hayes (Cengage); Automotive Engines: Diagnosis, Repair, Rebuilding by Erjavec (Cengage); Modern Automotive Technology by Duffy (Goodheart-Willcox); Automotive Engine Performance by Pickerill (Goodheart-Willcox); Halderman's Automotive Engines (Pearson).
• Service Information Systems: Mitchell1 ProDemand; AllData; ALLDATAdiy.com; Identifix; OEM repair information (Toyota TIS, Ford Motorcraft Service, GM SI, etc.); Hunter Engineering training resources.
• Required Hand Tools and Equipment: Personal hand tool set (sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers); shop-supplied precision tools (torque wrenches, micrometers, dial indicators, dial bore gauges, telescoping gauges, plastigage, feeler gauges); engine stand; engine hoist; cooling system pressure tester; compression gauge; cylinder leakage tester; OBD-II scan tool; vehicle lift or floor jack with jack stands.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety glasses (Z87.1-rated); safety shoes (ASTM F2413); appropriate work clothing; nitrile gloves for chemicals; hearing protection where indicated.
• Career and Industry Organizations: ASE Education Foundation (aseeducationfoundation.org); National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ase.com); SkillsUSA (skillsusa.org) — the recognized career and technical student organization for automotive students in Florida; Automotive Service Association (asashop.org); Florida Auto Body Council; iATN — International Automotive Technicians Network.
• State Resources: FLDOE Career and Adult Education (fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu); Florida Statute 1004.925 (Automotive service technology education programs; certification); CareerSource Florida.

Career Pathways

Successful completion of AER0110, with the other courses in the Automotive Service Technology program, prepares students for entry-level employment and progression in the automotive service industry, which is projected to need 60,000+ new technicians annually nationwide:

• OCP B Completion – Engine Repair Technician completion within the Automotive Service Technology program; documented occupational completion point.
• Master Automotive Service Technology Certificate – AER0110 is one course (150 hours) within the full 1,800-hour Automotive Service Technology program. The full program also includes OCP A (Automobile Services Assistor, 300 hours), OCP C (transmissions, electrical, brakes, suspension, A/C — totaling additional hours), and culminates in the full certificate aligned to the ASE A1-A8 master technician credentials.
• ASE Certification Preparation – AER0110 directly prepares students for the ASE A1 (Engine Repair) certification exam, a 60-question, 75-minute industry credential. ASE certification typically requires 2 years of qualifying work experience plus a passing exam score; students often pass the exam during or shortly after the program and accumulate work experience to attain full certification.
• Entry-Level Positions Available After Program Completion:
  • Automotive Service Technician / Line Technician – Entry-level technician at dealerships, independent repair shops, and chain repair facilities.
  • Lube Technician / Express Service Technician – Quick-service oil changes, basic maintenance.
  • Specialty Engine Repair Technician – Engine rebuilding shops, machine shops.
  • Service Writer / Service Advisor – Customer-facing role using technical knowledge to interpret concerns and communicate with technicians.
  • Parts Counter / Parts Specialist – Parts stores, dealer parts departments.
  • Service Manager – Career-progression role following technician experience.
• Florida Industry Application – Florida's large vehicle population, year-round driving conditions, and significant retiree market support strong demand for automotive service across the state. Major employers include franchised dealerships (AutoNation headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, JM Family Enterprises, Holman, Sun Toyota, Maroone Automotive, Morgan Auto Group); independent shops; chain operations (Pep Boys, Firestone, Goodyear, Tire Kingdom); fleet service (rental car operations near major airports — Hertz, Enterprise, Avis); cruise line ground transportation; and government fleet maintenance for state and county agencies.

Special Information

Florida Statute 1004.925 — Industry Certification Required

Per Florida Statute 1004.925, all automotive service technology education programs in Florida must be industry certified in accordance with rules adopted by the State Board of Education. Most Florida programs hold ASE Education Foundation Master Automotive Service Technology (MAST) certification. Programs not yet MAST-certified may hold ASE Education Foundation Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) or Automobile Service Technology (AST) certification as intermediate accreditation levels.

Instructor Certification Requirements

Per FLDOE framework, instructors teaching this course must hold appropriate teacher certification and are recommended to hold ASE Master Automobile Technician certification (A1-A8) and Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (L1) certification. Many programs require instructors to maintain current ASE certifications throughout employment.

Basic Skills Requirements

Per Rule 6A-10.040, F.A.C., in Career Certificate Programs offered for 450 hours or more, students must demonstrate minimum basic skills grade levels in Computation (Mathematics) and Communications (Reading and Language). The full Automotive Service Technology program (1,800 hours) is subject to this requirement. Students complete the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) or equivalent assessment.

SkillsUSA

Florida Automotive Service Technology programs participate in SkillsUSA, the intercurricular career and technical student organization that provides leadership training, technical-skill competitions, and professional development. Participation is integrated into instruction and includes regional, state, and national competition opportunities.

On-the-Job Training

On-the-job training (OJT) at a sponsoring employer site is appropriate but not required for this program. Where offered, OJT follows the rules and guidelines specified in the FLDOE OJT framework and provides structured workplace learning.

Course Structure

AER0110 is delivered as 150 clock-hours (approximately one full semester at full-time enrollment, or extended part-time enrollment over multiple terms). Lecture and laboratory instruction are integrated. Students complete the course as part of progression through the OCP A → OCP B → OCP C sequence of the Automotive Service Technology program.

Transferability Notice

As a clock-hour PSAV course (course prefix 0), AER0110 is not college-level and does not transfer for college credit to A.A. or B.A./B.S. degree programs. Some Florida State Colleges have established articulation agreements that award college credit toward the A.S. in Automotive Service Management Technology or related applied science degrees for students who complete the full Automotive Service Technology PSAV program. Students should consult their institution's articulation agreements and academic advisor for transfer options.

Industry Outlook

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections show steady demand for automotive service technicians, with Florida among the leading states for employment given vehicle population, climate, and demographic factors. Modern vehicles increasingly incorporate complex electronic and computerized systems, making continued education and ASE certification recertification (every five years) essential for career advancement.