Oct 02, 2026  
2026-2027 Workforce Education Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Workforce Education Catalog

UAFM 161 - Automotive Electrical Fundamentals and Applications

120 Noncredit Contact Hours
40 Lecture Hours 80 Lab Hours


Fundamental operation and application of low voltage DC electrical and electronic automotive systems. Includes diagnosis and repair of electrical circuits. Focus on vehicle starting, charging and accessory systems.

 button image Prior Learning and link to PLA webpage

Course Learning Outcomes:
  1. Interpret types of circuit construction.
  2. Assess series, parallel and series-parallel circuit behaviors.
  3. Assess low voltage battery systems.
  4. Evaluate common starting systems.
  5. Evaluate common charging systems.
  6. Interpret circuit function and analyze faults using wiring diagrams.
  7. Diagnose electrical malfunctions using a multimeter.


Outline:
  1. Electricity Fundamentals
    1. Electron Flow
    2. Units of measure
      1. Voltage
      2. Amperage
      3. Resistance
    3. Ohm’s Law
    4. Kirchoff’s Law
    5. Watt’s Law
  2. Circuit Construction
    1. Series
    2. Parallel
    3. Series Parallel
  3. Multimeter function
    1. Usage techniques
    2. Measurement interpretation
    3. Limitations
  4. Using and interpreting wiring diagrams
    1. Powerflow
    2. Component locations
    3. Associated componentry
  5. Battery Systems
    1. Function
    2. Testing
    3. Diagnosis
    4. Repair
  6. Charging Systems
    1. Function
    2. Testing
    3. Diagnosis
    4. Repair
  7. Starting Systems
    1. Function
    2. Testing
    3. Diagnosis
    4. Repair
  8. Accessory Systems
    1. Function
    2. Testing
    3. Diagnosis
    4. Repair