Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes required to diagnose and repair faults in the charging systems of vehicles, vessels or machinery. It involves preparing for the task, selecting the correct diagnostic procedure, carrying out the diagnosis and the repair, performing post-repair testing, and completing workplace processes and documentation.
It applies to those working in an automotive service and repair industry. The charging systems include those in agricultural machinery, heavy commercial vehicles, light vehicles, marine vessels, mobile plant machinery, motorcycles or outdoor power equipment.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance Criteria Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold and italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Prepare to diagnose and repair charging system | 1.1 Job requirements are determined from workplace instructions 1.2 Diagnostic information is sourced and interpreted 1.3 Diagnostic options are analysed and those most appropriate to the circumstances are selected 1.4 Hazards associated with the work are identified and risks are managed 1.5 Diagnostic tools and equipment are selected and checked for serviceability |
2. Diagnose charging system | 2.1 Diagnostic tests are carried out according to workplace procedures and safety requirements without causing damage to components or systems 2.2 Faults are identified from diagnostic test results and causes of faults are determined 2.3 Diagnosis findings and recommendations for necessary repairs or adjustments are reported according to workplace procedures |
3. Repair charging system | 3.1 Repair information is sourced and interpreted 3.2 Repair options are analysed and those most appropriate to the circumstances are selected 3.3 Repair tools, equipment and materials are selected and checked according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures 3.4 Repairs and component replacements and adjustments are carried out according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and safety requirements, and without causing damage to components or systems 3.5 Post-repair testing is carried out according to workplace procedures to confirm fault rectification, and any further problems detected as having been introduced during the repair process are rectified |
4. Compete work processes | 4.1 Final inspection is made to ensure work is to workplace expectations and vehicle, vessel or machinery is presented ready for use 4.2 Work area is cleaned, waste and non-recyclable materials are disposed of, and recyclable material is collected 4.3 Tools and equipment are checked and stored and any faulty electrical equipment is identified, tagged and isolated according to workplace procedures 4.4 Workplace documentation is processed according to workplace procedures |
Evidence of Performance
Before competency can be determined, individuals must demonstrate they can perform the following according to the standard defined in the unit’s elements and performance criteria, range of conditions and foundation skills:
diagnose and repair a fault in two of the following charging system components in two different vehicles, vessels or machinery:
alternator stator or rotor circuit
alternator internal regulator control circuit
external regulator battery management system circuit
battery to alternator wiring and earthing system circuit
machinery charging system circuit.
Evidence of Knowledge
Individuals must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements relating to diagnosing and repairing charging systems, including procedures for:
using specialised tools and equipment
using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
identifying hazards and controlling risks associated with:
working on high voltage ignition systems
wearing jewellery while working around high current wiring systems
operating principles of charging systems and associated components, including:
charging batteries with direct current
vehicle system power and electrical current requirements
generating principles, including Faraday’s law and inducing an electromotive force (EMF)
producing direct current (DC) EMF
producing alternating current (AC) EMF
changing AC to DC, including half-wave and full-wave rectification
application, purpose and operation of charging systems and components, including:
generators, including:
internal component function and operation
regulation of output voltage and current
alternators, including:
internal component function and operation
star-connected and delta-connected stator windings
regulation of output voltage, including zener diodes and exciter diodes
battery management systems
diagnostic testing procedures for charging systems, including:
accessing and interpreting scan tool system data, including:
diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
live data
freeze frame data
waveforms
using diagnostic flow charts
testing electrical systems, including procedures for:
accessing electrical terminals and using test probes without damaging connectors, fuse holders or wiring
load testing charging systems
resistance, current flow and voltage drop checks of charging system circuits
repair procedures for charging systems, including:
tightening connections
replacing faulty or damaged cable connections
removing and replacing faulty or damaged components
post-repair testing procedures for charging systems, including:
DTC clearing procedures
checking for electrical connector mating
static and dynamic performance tests of charging systems.
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessment must include direct observation of tasks.
Where assessment of competency includes third-party evidence, individuals must provide evidence that links them to the charging systems that they have worked on, e.g. repair orders.
Assessors must verify performance evidence through questioning on skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.
The following resources must be made available:
automotive repair workplace or simulated workplace
workplace instructions
manufacturer specifications for vehicle, vessel or machinery charging systems
two different vehicles, vessels or machinery with charging system faults
diagnostic equipment for vehicle, vessel or machinery charging systems, including:
multimeter
scan tool
tools, equipment and materials appropriate for repairing vehicle, vessel or machinery charging systems.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skills | Description |
Learning skills to: | identify and locate various sources of information efficiently. |
Reading skills to: | interpret text, symbols and wiring diagrams in diagnostic and repair information from manufacturer specifications and workplace instructions and procedures. |
Writing skills to: | legibly and accurately fill out workplace documentation when reporting diagnostic findings, making repair recommendations, and recording parts and material used. |
Oral communication skills to: | clarify instructions report diagnostic findings and make repair recommendations. |
Numeracy skills to: | match alternator types and identification numbers to workplace instructions, vehicle, vessel, machinery and component part lists, and manufacturer specifications interpret system charging voltage and charge rate measurements and readings measure voltage, current and resistance and use basic mathematical operations, including addition and subtraction, to calculate deviations from manufacturer specifications. |
Planning and organising skills to: | plan own work requirements and prioritise actions to achieve required outcomes and ensure tasks are completed within workplace timeframes. |
Technology skills to: | use specialised equipment, including multimeters and scan tools. |
Range Statement
This section specifies work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.
Safety requirements must include: | work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements, including procedures for: using specialised tools and equipment using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) identifying hazards and controlling risks associated with: working on high voltage ignition systems wearing jewellery while working around high current wiring systems. |
Sectors
Technical - Electrical and Electronic
Competency Field
Electrical