Transportation Services

Program Description

The Transportation Services program covers the theory and fundamentals of operation, troubleshooting, diagnostic testing, and repair of: drive trains, gas and diesel engines, hydraulic and air brakes, alignment, suspension and steering, climate control, electronic body and chassis controls, engine performance, and emission systems, charging and starting systems, hybrid drive systems, and hydraulic and pneumatic systems, safety, technical mathematics, oral and written communication, and leadership skills. The student may choose one of two certificates and/or an Associate of Applied Science automotive degree and a certificate and/or Associate of Applied Science degree in Diesel Technology. The focus of the programs is the repair of late-model vehicles, with an emphasis on computer controls.

The program is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation as a Master Automotive Service Technician program. The courses prepare the student to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification examinations administered at CMU quarterly.

By successfully completing a technical certificate, an Associate of Applied Science in Transportation Services, or an Associate of Applied Science of Diesel Technology, students will be prepared for careers as automotive/diesel technicians, parts and service distributors, industrial sales representatives, service managers, and business owners in the transportation services industry.

The Associate of Applied Science in Diesel Technology can be fully completed in four semesters.

Special Requirements

Excellent dexterity, eye-hand coordination, and critical thinking are a plus for a technician. Proper selection, care, and safe use of power, hand and diagnostic tools, and equipment are emphasized.

Contact Information

Office of Student Services
CMU Tech, Bishop B102
2508 Blichmann Avenue
970.255.2670

Trans. Services - Automotive (TSTA)

TSTA 245 Manual Drive Trains4 Credits

Standard repair practices for drive train components to include: clutch, transmission, transaxle, drive axle, driveline, c-v, and R & R procedures.

Prerequisites: TSTC 100 and TSTC 101.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

TSTA 247 Automatic Drive Train Service4 Credits

Standard repair practices for automatic drive trains to include: diagnosis, testing, R & R, and servicing of transaxles/rear wheel drive transmissions.

Prerequisites: TSTC 100 and TSTC 101.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

TSTA 265 Engine Control Services3 Credits

Repair and diagnosis of engine control systems, with an emphasis on scan tool diagnosis and live, hands-on repair of systems.

Prerequisites: TSTC 100, TSTC 101, and TSTC 130.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

TSTA 267 Body Controls3 Credits

Theory, repair, and diagnosis of body accessories including air bags, electronic monitors, power seats, windows, and wipers.

Prerequisites: TSTC 100, TSTC 101, and TSTC 130.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

TSTA 275 Alignment and Suspension Service3 Credits

Repair of suspension systems to include alignments: (2 and 4 wheels), R&R suspension components, and pre-alignment inspections.

Prerequisites: TSTC 100, TSTC 101, and TSTC 170.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

TSTA 286 Hybrid and Alternative Fueled Vehicles2 Credits

Introduction to hybrid and alternative fueled vehicle technology in the transportation industry. Topics include power and transmission designs, batteries, plug-in technology, control systems, safety, associated systems, diagnostics, and repair of modern hybrid/alternative fueled vehicles.

Prerequisites: TSTC 100, TSTC 101, and TSTC 130.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

TSTA 287 Engine Performance and Emissions3 Credits

Diagnosis and repair of engine performance and emissions-related failures. Emphasis on strategy based diagnostics through the use of exhaust gas analysis.

Prerequisites: TSTC 100, TSTC 101, TSTC 130, and TSTA 265.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

Trans. Services - Core (TSTC)

TSTC 100 Introduction to Transportation Services2 Credits

Introduction to procedures, tool usage, basic shop safety, basic employment skills, job documentation, and equipment usage.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

Fees: Yes.

TSTC 101 Vehicle Service and Inspection3 Credits

Introduction to vehicle systems, maintenance, inspection, internal combustion engine theory, systems diagnosis, fundamentals, and evaluation. Service of the vehicle systems with emphasis on inspection and observation.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

Fees: Yes.

TSTC 130 Electrical I2 Credits

Introduction to electrical theory, circuits, components, testing, and use of test equipment.

Prerequisites: TSTC 100 and TSTC 101.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

TSTC 160 Electrical II2 Credits

Study of electronic control systems applied to today's modern vehicles. Emphasis on sensors, actuators, and diagnostic techniques.

Prerequisites: TSTC 100, TSTC 101, and TSTC 130.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

TSTC 170 Chassis Fundamentals2 Credits

Introduction to front and rear suspension systems, including: steering front end geometry, maintenance, light repair, and component nomenclature.

Prerequisites: TSTC 100 and TSTC 101.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

TSTC 171 Brakes I2 Credits

Theory, components, general repair practices, and diagnosis of current brake systems.

Prerequisites: TSTC 100 and TSTC 101.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

Trans. Services - Diesel (TSTD)

TSTD 177 Air Systems Repair and Service2 Credits

Study of air systems on the heavy duty truck. The brakes, transmission shift, seats, and rear axle shift will be covered, including service and repair of components and systems. Repair of foundation brakes will also be included.

Prerequisites: TSTC 100, TSTC 101, TSTC 171, and TSTG 175.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

TSTD 265 Diesel Engine Controls3 Credits

Repair and diagnosis of engine control systems, with an emphasis on scan tool diagnosis and live, hands-on repair of systems.

Prerequisites: TSTC 100, TSTC 101, and TSTC 130.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

TSTD 275 Heavy Duty Suspension2 Credits

Types of on-road suspensions, tires, repair of components, diagnosis, measurements, and adjustments to front and rear suspensions.

Prerequisites: TSTC 100, TSTC 101, and TSTC 170.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

TSTD 295 Independent Study1-4 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.

Trans. Services - General (TSTG)

TSTG 120 Industrial Safety Practices2 Credits

Overview of current OSHA and EPA general industry regulations, with an emphasis on hazardous materials, right-to-know, record keeping, and worker role in safety.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

TSTG 135 Starting and Charging Systems2 Credits

Electrical component repair to include: alternators, starters, wiring, and other electrical components.

Prerequisites: TSTC 100, TSTC 101, and TSTC 130.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

TSTG 145 Technology in the Automotive Field1 Credit

Utilization of Excel spreadsheets, Word documents, PowerPoint, and other automotive-specific technology for informational purposes.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

TSTG 150 Introduction to Fluid Power3 Credits

Principles of hydraulics and pneumatic system, including the construction, application, repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting of components and systems.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

TSTG 175 Brakes II2 Credits

Repair of brake systems to include: shoes, pads, cylinder reconditioning, machining rotors and drums, diagnosis, bleeding, R & R components, and parking brakes.

Prerequisites: TSTC 100, TSTC 101, and TSTC 171.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

TSTG 195 Climate Control4 Credits

Repair, diagnosis, removal, and/or replacement of climate control components. Includes charging, recycling, and testing of heating and air conditioning systems of over the road vehicles. Theory of operation, nomenclature, identification, safety, and environmental impact factors of air conditioning. Also covers heating and ventilation systems.

Prerequisites: TSTC 100 and TSTC 101.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

TSTG 196 Topics1-3 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.

TSTG 215 Engine Reconditioning5 Credits

Industry standard rebuild practices for engines. Removal of engine, complete disassembly, reassembly, and running of engine is covered. Tune-up and fuel system adjustments are covered.

Prerequisites: TSTC 100 and TSTC 101.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

TSTG 220 Workplace Skills3 Credits

Employment skills encompassing leadership, goal setting, personal traits, conflict resolution, quality, time management, life-long learning, written and oral communication, and customer relations.

TSTG 240 Job Shop4 Credits

Application of workplace skills in a controlled shop environment, through the use of real-life lab work projects, performed in house, when internships or co-op opportunities are not available.

Prerequisites: Sophomore Status.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

TSTG 245 Technology in the Automotive Field II1 Credit

Advanced utilization of Excel spreadsheets, Word documents, PowerPoint, and other automotive-specific technology for informational purposes. Use of technology for business marketing.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

TSTG 270 Practical Applications4 Credits

Development of student competency through the use of internships or co-op training and real-life shop experiences in the student's chosen area specialty.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

Fees: Yes.

TSTG 275 ABS Diagnostics2 Credits

Introduction to anti-lock brake systems to include: ABS types and operation, diagnostics, traction control, stability control, regerative braking, and active braking systems.

Prerequisites: TSTC 100, TSTC 101, TSTC 130, TSTC 171, and TSTG 175.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

TSTG 295 Independent Study1-3 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 6 credit hours.

TSTG 296 Topics1 or 2 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.