Advanced Engine Performance Diagnosis, 7th Edition

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.

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 US patent for an electronic transmission control device. He is an ASE-certified master automotive technician (A1-A9) plus G1, L1, and L3.

Jim is the author of 18 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). He is also a member of and presenter at the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT). Jim was named Regional Teacher of the Year by General Motors Corporation and a member of the advisory board for the technological studies department of Ohio Northern University.

Jim and his wife, Michelle, live in Dayton, Ohio. You can reach Jim at jim@jameshalderman.com.


Curt Ward has worked as a technician, shop foreman, and service manager in the retail sector of the automotive industry for thirteen years. He is an ASE master automotive technician and a Chrysler master technician.

Curt has presented technical seminars at numerous conferences around the country. He has presented for ICAIA, CAT, and NACAT. Curt is an active member of ICAIA and NACAT. He has served as secretary and president of NACAT and was conference host for the 2015 NACAT conference. In 2015 Curt was named the NACAT MVP award winner for his outstanding contributions to NACAT.

Curt has an associate of applied science degree in automotive service technology from Southern Illinois University. He earned a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Phoenix, and a bachelor of fine arts degree in organizational communications from North Central College.

Curt and his wife, Tammy, have five children and five grandchildren. Together they enjoy traveling and exploring historical sites. In his spare time, Curt enjoys modeling three-rail O-gauge railroads.