Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes required to diagnose and repair faults in the exhaust systems of vehicles. 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. The unit applies to exhaust systems 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 an exhaust 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 an exhaust system | 2.1 Diagnostic tests are performed according to workplace procedures and safety requirements 2.2 Faults are identified from diagnostic test results and causes of faults are determined 2.3 Diagnosis findings are reported according to workplace procedures, including recommendations for necessary repairs or adjustments |
3. Repair an exhaust 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 system 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 system or vehicle 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 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 standards defined in this unit’s elements, performance criteria, range of conditions and foundation skills:
diagnose and repair a fault in two of the following components in the exhaust systems of two different vehicles:
exhaust manifold or extractor pipes
manifold gasket fitted to a vehicle
catalytic converter
muffler or resonator
exhaust pipe.
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 exhaust systems, including procedures for working with hot components and exhaust systems producing toxic gases
operating principles of features of exhaust systems and associated components, including scavenging and back pressure
application, purpose and operation of exhaust systems and components, including:
mufflers
extractor pipes
catalytic converters
diesel particulate filters
diagnostic testing procedures for exhaust systems, including:
exhaust leak testing
vibration and noise locating procedures
back pressure testing
repair procedures for exhaust systems, including procedures for removing, replacing and aligning components
post-repair testing procedures for exhaust 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 exhaust 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 exhaust system specifications
two different vehicles with faults in the exhaust system components specified in the performance evidence
diagnostic equipment for exhaust systems
tools, equipment and materials appropriate for repairing exhaust systems, including metal heating equipment.
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: | locate appropriate sources of information efficiently. |
Reading skills to: | interpret information from manufacturer and workshop literature when seeking exhaust system specifications and procedures. |
Writing skills to: | legibly and accurately fill out workplace literature 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: | measure exhaust system components and use basic mathematical operations, including addition and subtraction, to calculate distances, tolerances and 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: | diagnostic equipment for exhaust systems |
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 working with hot components and exhaust systems producing toxic gases. |
Sectors
Technical – Emission and Exhaust
Competency Field
Mechanical Miscellaneous