Automotive Engine Performance Technician

Course Description

AER0503C – Automotive Engine Performance Technician is a Postsecondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) clock-hour course in the Automotive Service Technology program, aligned with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Curriculum Framework for CIP code 47.0604 (Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician). The course aligns with the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A8 – Engine Performance certification area and the ASE Education Foundation Auto Service Technician (AST) and Master Auto Service Technology (MAST) program standards.

Students develop advanced diagnostic competencies for computer-controlled engines, including engine management systems, ignition systems, fuel and air induction, exhaust and emissions control, and OBD-II diagnostic strategies. The course emphasizes systematic diagnostic approaches using scan tools, lab scopes, and gas analyzers to resolve drivability complaints. This is typically considered the most diagnostically demanding course in the Automotive Service Technology program.

This course is offered at 41 Florida technical colleges and is part of the Automotive Service Technology 2 program sequence. As a 900-series PSAV course, hours apply toward program completion and ASE certification eligibility but are not automatically transferable to associate-degree programs.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

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

• Perform general engine diagnosis using systematic procedures, including verifying customer concern, retrieving Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), reviewing freeze frame data, and analyzing live data.
• Diagnose computerized engine controls, including the powertrain control module (PCM), engine sensors (MAF, MAP, TP, ECT, IAT, O2, knock, crankshaft, camshaft), and actuators.
• Diagnose and repair ignition systems, including coil-on-plug, distributorless, and traditional ignition; spark plug analysis; secondary ignition waveform interpretation.
• Diagnose and service fuel systems, including fuel pumps, fuel pressure regulators, port fuel injectors, gasoline direct injection (GDI), and fuel quality concerns.
• Diagnose air induction and exhaust systems, including throttle body service, intake manifold leak detection, exhaust restriction testing, and turbocharger/supercharger awareness.
• Diagnose and service emissions control systems, including EVAP, EGR, PCV, secondary air injection, and catalytic converters.
• Use OBD-II diagnostic strategies, including monitor readiness, mode 6 data, mode 9 vehicle information, and freeze frame analysis.
• Use lab scopes (oscilloscopes) to analyze sensor and actuator waveforms — primary and secondary ignition, fuel injectors, O2 sensors, crankshaft/camshaft signals.
• Demonstrate safe work practices, including proper handling of fuel system pressure, hot surfaces, exhaust gases, and high-energy ignition systems.

Optional Outcomes

• Diagnose variable valve timing (VVT) and cylinder deactivation systems.
• Service gasoline direct injection (GDI) systems, including high-pressure pump diagnosis and injector service.
• Diagnose hybrid powertrain engine performance issues, including engine start/stop concerns and transition diagnostics.
• Use five-gas analyzers for emissions diagnosis and verify Florida vehicle compliance where applicable.
• Perform turbocharger and supercharger diagnosis, including boost pressure verification and wastegate/bypass valve operation.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Engine Performance Theory: Four-stroke cycle, volumetric efficiency, air-fuel ratio (stoichiometric, lambda), combustion principles, knock and detonation.
• Engine Mechanical Diagnosis: Compression testing, cylinder leakage testing, vacuum testing, cylinder balance testing, oil pressure testing.
• Computerized Engine Controls: PCM operation, input sensors (MAF, MAP, TP, ECT, IAT, O2, knock, crank/cam position), output actuators (injectors, ignition coils, IAC, EVAP, EGR).
• Ignition Systems: Coil-on-plug, distributorless ignition (DIS), waste-spark, traditional distributor ignition; primary and secondary circuit analysis.
• Fuel Systems: Returnless and return-style port fuel injection, GDI overview, fuel pump testing, fuel pressure testing, injector testing (resistance, flow, balance).
• Air Induction and Exhaust: Throttle body operation, idle air control, intake manifold runner control, exhaust restriction testing, oxygen sensor diagnostics.
• Emissions Controls: EVAP system operation and leak detection, EGR systems, PCV systems, secondary air injection, catalytic converter diagnosis, monitor readiness.
• OBD-II Diagnostics: Generic vs. enhanced data, DTC interpretation (P-codes), freeze frame, mode 6 data, drive cycles, monitor strategies.
• Lab Scope Diagnostics: Oscilloscope setup, voltage waveforms, primary/secondary ignition patterns, injector waveforms, sensor signal analysis.
• Diagnostic Strategy: Customer interview, symptom verification, root cause analysis, "drivability flowchart" approach, repair verification.

Optional Topics

• Variable Valve Timing and Cylinder Deactivation: System operation, common failures, scan tool diagnostics.
• Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI): High-pressure pump operation, injector service, carbon buildup mitigation.
• Hybrid Engine Diagnostics: Engine start/stop diagnosis, regenerative system interactions.
• Forced Induction Diagnostics: Turbocharger and supercharger operation, boost pressure testing, wastegate diagnosis.
• Five-Gas Emissions Analysis: CO, CO₂, HC, O₂, and NOx analysis for diagnosis.

Resources & Tools

• Diagnostic Equipment: Bidirectional enhanced/OEM scan tools (Snap-on, Autel, Launch, OEM-specific), generic OBD-II scan tools
• Lab Scopes: Snap-on Vantage Pro, Pico, Autel MaxiScope, or equivalent 4-channel oscilloscopes
• Engine Testing: Compression testers, cylinder leakage testers, fuel pressure gauges, vacuum gauges, smoke machines for EVAP testing
• Service Information: AllData, Mitchell1 ProDemand, Identifix, OEM service portals; iATN community knowledge base
• Reference Standards: ASE Education Foundation Task List (current edition); SAE J1979 OBD-II standards; SAE J1930 standardized terminology; EPA emissions standards
• Recommended Texts: Today's Technician: Automotive Engine Performance (Pickerill), Automotive Engine Performance (Halderman), or current ASE-aligned texts
• FLDOE Curriculum Framework: Automotive Service Technology 2 (CIP 0647060406)

Career Pathways

Completion of AER0503C supports entry into and advancement within the following automotive service occupations:

• Drivability Specialist / Engine Performance Technician — Specialty diagnostic role commanding premium labor rates at independent shops and dealerships.
• Master Automotive Service Technician (SOC 49-3023) — Engine performance is one of the eight ASE areas required for Master Technician certification.
• Diagnostic Technician — Lead diagnostic role at high-volume shops; often the highest-paid technician position outside management.
• Emissions Inspection Technician — Specialized role at state/county emissions facilities (where applicable).
• OEM Field Service Engineer — Career progression for technicians with strong diagnostic skills.

Engine performance specialists are among the highest-compensated technicians in the automotive service industry. The diagnostic complexity of modern vehicles and the labor-time demands of drivability work create strong economic incentives for shops to retain skilled diagnosticians.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course aligns with the following industry-recognized credentials:

• ASE A8 – Engine Performance certification exam (primary alignment)
• ASE L1 – Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (advanced; requires A8 plus 2 years experience)
• ASE Education Foundation AST/MAST task lists for Engine Performance
• EPA Section 609 certification (when refrigerant-system interactions with engine performance are addressed)

The ASE A8 certification combined with A1 (Engine Repair) is required for many premium dealership and independent-shop diagnostic positions. The ASE L1 Advanced Engine Performance Specialist certification builds directly on A8 and is considered among the most respected technical credentials in the industry.

Program Context

AER0503C is typically the most advanced course in the Automotive Service Technology 2 program sequence. Students should have completed AER0360C (Electrical/Electronic Systems) prior to or concurrent with this course, as a strong electrical foundation is essential for engine performance diagnosis.

Articulation

Per Florida statewide articulation agreements, completion of the Automotive Service Technology PSAV program may articulate into the Automotive Service Management A.S. degree at participating Florida colleges. Students should consult the receiving institution for specific articulation credit awards.