Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes required to diagnose and repair faults in the electrical systems of vehicles or machinery. These systems are single wire (non CAN-bus) networked circuits and include entry-exit locking systems, power windows, interior and exterior lighting, turning indicators, brake and hazard warning lights and electric drive motor circuits. 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 the automotive service and repair industry. Automotive electrical systems include those in agricultural machinery, heavy commercial vehicle, light vehicle, 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 electrical 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 electrical 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 electrical 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 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 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 three of the following electrical system single wire (non CAN-bus) circuits:
entry-exit locking systems with electric motor control circuit
power windows circuit
interior or exterior lighting circuit
turning indicator circuit
brake light circuit
hazard warning light circuit
electrical drive motor circuit
carry out four of the following electrical connector repairs to a vehicle or machinery wiring harness:
crimp two different terminal types and sizes
remove two faulty connectors from the back of different terminals
solder two different wire gauges to electrical terminals
apply heat shrink insulation to two different crimped or soldered joints
check terminal retention on two different female terminals and connectors.
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 automotive electrical 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 automotive electrical systems and associated components, including:
current, voltage, resistance and power
series circuits
parallel circuits
series and parallel circuits
Ohm’s law
Faraday’s law
Kirchhoff's law
magnetism and direct current (DC) motor operation
electromagnetic interference and radiation
cable types and sizes and current carrying capacity
circuit protection devices
application, purpose and operation of automotive electrical systems and components, including:
wiper motors
electric windows
electric door locks
fan motors
horns
lighting
radio aerials
diagnostic testing procedures for automotive electrical systems, including:
visual, aural and functional assessments of electrical system components, including:
component damage and wear
component or connector corrosion
component water or moisture ingress
common faults in electrical circuits, including:
open circuits
high resistance circuits
short circuits
damaged insulation
frayed wires
burnt wiring
water and moisture ingress
connector damage
terminal damage
using diagnostic flow charts
testing electrical systems, including procedures for:
accessing electrical terminals and using test probes without damaging connectors, fuse holders or wiring
checking resistance, current flow and voltage drop of system circuits
procedures for using:
digital multimeters
test lights and probes
oscilloscopes
repair procedures for automotive electrical systems, including:
selecting and soldering wires
selecting and crimping terminals
removing and replacing connectors
removing and replacing electrical systems and their components
post-repair testing procedures for automotive electrical systems, including:
checking for electrical connector mating
checking circuit current flow
static and dynamic performance tests of automotive electrical 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 electrical 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 automotive electrical system specifications
three different vehicles or machinery with electrical system faults
diagnostic equipment for electrical systems, including multimeter
tools, equipment and materials appropriate for repairing automotive electrical systems, including:
automotive wiring
heat shrink
soldering iron.
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 information relating to electrical system testing and repair equipment 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 electrical components and part identification numbers to workplace instructions, vehicle and component part lists, and manufacturer specifications interpret vehicle electrical 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. |
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