Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes required to diagnose and repair faults in electronically controlled suspension systems. These systems include two-wire high and low speed (CAN-bus) and single wire low speed (LIN-bus) networked circuits in the embedded network electronic control system of a vehicle 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. Electronically controlled suspension systems include those in agricultural machinery, heavy commercial vehicles, light vehicles, mobile plant machinery or motorcycles.
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 electronically controlled suspension 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 electronically controlled suspension system | 2.1 Diagnostic tests are carried out according to workplace procedures 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 electronically controlled suspension 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. Complete 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 the following electronically controlled suspension system components of two different vehicles or machinery:
ride height sensor circuits
wheel speed sensor circuits
steering rate sensor circuits
ride height control relay circuits
air compressor motor control circuits
air spring fill-vent solenoid control valve circuits
remove, refit or replace either a solenoid actuated shock absorber or a load sensing shock absorber from an electronically controlled suspension system in one of the above vehicles or machinery, and retest the system.
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 electronically controlled suspension systems, including procedures for:
using specialised tools and equipment
using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
identifying hazards and controlling risks associated with:
working with stored energy in springs and torsion bars, including procedures for removing tension from suspension components
manual handling heavy suspension system components
electronically controlled suspension system principles, including:
vehicle ride and handling
typical vehicle or machinery equipped with electronically controlled suspension systems
application, purpose and operation of electronically controlled suspension systems and components, including:
adaptive suspension control module
control sensors and actuators
suspension control module functions, including:
control of air spring settings
shock damper settings
air compressor operation
diagnostic testing procedures for electronically controlled suspension 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
resistance and voltage drop tests
open and short circuit tests
checking shorts to signal, power circuits and grounds
repair procedures for electronically controlled suspension systems, including procedures for removing and replacing system components
post-repair testing procedures for electronically controlled suspension systems, including:
DTC clearing procedures
static and dynamic performance tests of suspension system.
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 electronically controlled suspension 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 electronically controlled suspension systems
two different vehicles or machinery with faults in their electronically controlled suspension systems
diagnostic equipment for electronically controlled suspension systems, including:
multimeter
scan tool
tools, equipment and materials appropriate for repairing electronically controlled suspension 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 electronically controlled suspension system 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 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 with stored energy in springs and torsion bars, including procedures for removing tension from suspension components manual handling heavy suspension system components. |
Sectors
Technical - Electrical and Electronic
Competency Field
Electrical