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Automotive Technology: Principles, Diagnosis, and Service, 6th edition

Published by Pearson (October 23, 2020) © 2020

  • James Halderman

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For courses in automotive principles, service or mechanics.

Preparing tomorrow's automotive professionals for success

Automotive Technology addresses advances in automotive systems. Written to current ASE tasks, the text examines the 8 major areas of automotive service in 136 concise chapters. Practical examples and step-by-step photo sequences cover terminology, procedures and best practices. This text is part of the Pearson Automotive Professional Technician Series.

The 6th Edition has 6 new chapters that make it easier to study, teach and assign ASE topics. New case studies and more than 100 new visuals offer added context. Contact your Pearson rep for information on the ASE Test Prep and Study Guide and ASE Correlated Task Sheets workbook.

Hallmark features of this title

A format geared toward student success

  • Learning outcomes and objectives are aligned with ASE standards and chapter content.
  • Concise, easy-to-read chapters present content in manageable sections, making it more digestible and easily understood by students.

Practical applications

  • Case studies in technical chapters cover the three C's (complaint, cause and correction) of handling real-world customer issues.
  • 7 videos covering the ASE areas are included in Chapter 17, Preventative Maintenance and Service Procedures.

Learning aids and resources

  • Step-by-step photo sequences detail best-practice approaches for procedures such as diagnosing and troubleshooting faults.
  • A chapter-ending summary, review questions, key term flashcards and chapter quiz provide ample practice.

New features of this title

Major updates for consistency with current ASE standards

  • NEW: 6 new chapters reflect current ASE tasks. They cover service information (Ch. 15), lighting and signaling circuits (Ch. 56), driver navigation systems (Ch. 57), safety and comfort accessories (Ch. 58), autonomous vehicles (Ch. 61) and vehicle emission standards (Ch. 84).
  • REVISED: Learning outcomes and objectives have been realigned with current ASE standards and revised chapter content.

Improved organization

  • REVISED: Longer chapters have been condensed into shorter, easier-to-read chapters.
  • UPDATED: Chapter 17, Preventative Maintenance and Procedures, has been completely updated. It now provides all maintenance and service procedures in one chapter.

Real-world examples and practical applications

  • NEW: Case studies have been added to technical chapters.
  • EXPANDED: More than 100 new full-color photos and line drawings bring subject matter to life, such as good versus defective parts and the inner workings of components.

Highlights of the DIGITAL UPDATE for Revel (available for Fall 2021 classes)

Instructors, contact your sales rep to ensure you have the most recent version of the course.

  • NEW: Nearly 260 new animations (340 in all) deepen students' grasp of automotive skills and concepts. They cover topics ranging from basic tools and engines, to heating and air conditioning.
  • NEW: New platform features are included. For example, the educator dashboard provides detailed insight into student performance and helps you identify struggling students.

Features of Revel for the 6th Edition; published 2020

  • More than 300 videos use voiceover and instructional tips to explain tasks, skills and concepts.
  • Check Your Understanding videos and interactives engage students in active learning.
  • Case studies in technical chapters of Revel look at the complaint, cause and corrective route.
  • Flashcards and study tools offer practice with all the important key terms.
  • ASE task sheets lets students submit their work through Revel. Instructors can customize task sheets and provide feedback directly to students.
  • Revel meets ASE Standard 12. This allows 25% of the content (when assigned in the course) to be done online for programs that qualify.
  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
  5. Technician Certification
  6. Shop Safety
  7. Environmental and Hazardous Materials
  8. Fasteners and Thread Repair
  9. Hand Tools
  10. Power Tools and Shop Equipment
  11. Vehicle Lifting and Hoisting
  12. Measuring Systems and Tools
  13. Scientific Principles and Materials
  14. Math, Charts, and Calculations
  15. Service Information
  16. Vehicle Identification and Emission Ratings
  17. Preventative Maintenance and Service Procedures
  18. Gasoline Engine Operation, Parts, and Specifications
  19. Diesel Engine Operation and Diagnosis
  20. Coolant
  21. Cooling System Operation and Diagnosis
  22. Engine Oil
  23. Lubrication System Operation and Diagnosis
  24. Intake and Exhaust Systems
  25. Turbocharging and Supercharging
  26. Engine Condition Diagnosis
  27. In-Vehicle Engine Service
  28. Engine Removal and Disassembly
  29. Engine Cleaning and Crack Detection
  30. Cylinder Head and Valve Guide Service
  31. Valve and Seat Service
  32. Camshafts and Valve Trains
  33. Pistons, Rings, and Connecting Rods
  34. Engine Blocks
  35. Crankshafts, Balance Shafts, and Bearings
  36. Gaskets and Sealants
  37. Engine Assembly and Dynamometer Testing
  38. Engine Installation and Break-in
  39. Electrical Fundamentals
  40. Electrical Circuits and Ohm's Law
  41. Series, Parallel, and Series-Parallel Circuits
  42. Circuit Testers and Digital Meters
  43. Oscilloscopes and Graphing Multimeters
  44. Automotive Wiring and Wire Repair
  45. Wiring Schematics and Circuit Testing
  46. Capacitance and Capacitors
  47. Magnetism and Electromagnetism
  48. Electronic Fundamentals
  49. CAN and Network Communications
  50. Batteries
  51. Battery Testing and Service
  52. Cranking System
  53. Cranking System Diagnosis and Service
  54. Charging System
  55. Charging System Diagnosis and Service
  56. Lighting and Signaling Circuits
  57. Driver Information and Navigation Systems
  58. Comfort and Convenience Accessories
  59. Security and Immobilizer Systems
  60. Airbag and Pretensioner Circuits
  61. Autonomous Vehicles: Operation and Service Procedures
  62. Audio System Operation and Diagnosis
  63. Heating and Air-Conditioning Components and Operation
  64. Air Management System
  65. Automatic Air-Conditioning System Operation
  66. Heating and Air-Conditioning System Diagnosis
  67. Heating and Air-Conditioning System Service
  68. Gasoline
  69. Alternative Fuels
  70. Diesel and Biodiesel Fuels
  71. Ignition System Components and Operation
  72. Ignition System Diagnosis and Service
  73. Computer Fundamentals
  74. Temperature Sensors
  75. Throttle Position (TP) Sensors
  76. MAP/BARO Sensors
  77. Mass Air Flow Sensors
  78. Oxygen Sensors
  79. Fuel Pumps, Lines, and Filters
  80. Fuel-Injection Components and Operation
  81. Gasoline Direct-Injection Systems
  82. Electronic Throttle Control System
  83. Fuel-Injection System Diagnosis and Service
  84. Vehicle Emission Standards and Testing
  85. Evaporative Emission Control Systems
  86. Exhaust Gas Recirculation Systems
  87. Positive Crankcase Ventilation and Secondary Air-Injection Systems
  88. Catalytic Converters
  89. On-Board Diagnosis
  90. Scan Tools and Engine Performance Diagnosis
  91. Introduction to Hybrid Vehicles
  92. Hybrid Vehicle High-Voltage Batteries
  93. Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
  94. Hybrid Safety and Service Procedures
  95. Fuel Cells and Advanced Technologies
  96. Braking System Components and Performance Standards
  97. Braking System Principles and Friction Materials
  98. Brake Hydraulic Systems
  99. Hydraulic Valves and Switches
  100. Brake Fluid and Lines
  101. Brake Bleeding Methods and Procedures
  102. Wheel Bearings and Service
  103. Drum Brakes
  104. Drum Brake Diagnosis and Service
  105. Disc Brakes
  106. Disc Brake Diagnosis and Service
  107. Parking Brake Operation, Diagnosis, and Service
  108. Machining Brake Drums and Rotors
  109. Power Brake Unit Operation, Diagnosis, and Service
  110. ABS Components and Operation
  111. ABS Diagnosis and Service
  112. Electronic Stability Control Systems
  113. Tires and Wheels
  114. Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
  115. Tire and Wheel Service
  116. Suspension System Principles and Components
  117. Front Suspensions and Service
  118. Rear Suspensions and Service
  119. Electronic Suspension Systems
  120. Steering Columns and Gears
  121. Steering Linkage and Service
  122. Hydraulic Power Steering Systems
  123. Electric Power Steering Systems
  124. Wheel Alignment Principles
  125. Alignment Diagnosis and Service
  126. Clutches
  127. Manual Transmissions/Transaxles
  128. Drive Shafts and CV Joints
  129. Drive Shafts and CV Joint Service
  130. Drive Axles and Differentials
  131. Four-Wheel-Drive and All-Wheel Drive
  132. Vibration and Noise Diagnosis and Correction
  133. Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Principles
  134. Hydraulic Components and Control Systems
  135. Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Diagnosis and In-Vehicle Service
  136. Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Unit Repair

About our author

Jim Halderman brings a world of experience, knowledge and talent to his work. His automotive service experience includes working as a flat-rate technician, a business owner and a professor of automotive technology at a leading U.S. community college.

He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio Northern University and a Master's degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Jim also holds a U.S. patent for an electronic transmission control device. He is an ASE-certified Master Automotive Technician (A1–A8), plus A9, F1, G1, L1 and L3.

Jim is the author of many automotive textbooks, all published by Pearson. Jim has presented numerous technical seminars to national audiences, including the California Automotive Teachers (CAT) and the Illinois College Automotive Instructor Association (ICAIA). Jim was also named Regional Teacher of the Year by General Motors Corporation and is a member of the advisory committee for the department of technology at Ohio Northern University. Jim was also named MVP at the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) conference in 2013.

Jim and his wife, Michelle, live in Dayton, Ohio. You can reach Jim by email.

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Revel

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