Motor Mechanics Apprentice

Profile of Craft The work of a Motor Mechanic involves the servicing, maintenance and fault diagnosis of automobile and light commercial vehicle mechanical and electrical systems, vehicle component removal, installation or repair according to original manufacturers’ specification. At the end of the apprenticeship, the craftsperson will be able to demonstrate competence in the following skills:

Core Skills

Servicing Read, interpret and carry out manufacturers’ instructions for all vehicle service, maintenance and repair procedures. Complete a vehicle report form. Fgas Describe the overall aim of Regulation No. 842/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 of May 2006 in relation to the air conditioning systems of automotive vehicles (MACs). List the dangers to personal health and related safety regulations related to the refrigerant gas contained in mobile air conditioning (MAC) systems. Describe the location of possible leaks of refrigerant gas from an automotive air con unit. Engine Diagnose faults, dismantle and reassemble the engine and its ancillary components. Replace timing belts and chains. Use all recommended bolt tightening procedures. Electrical Read and interpret relevant electrical wiring diagrams. Use fault-code reader to interrogate ECU memory and OBD system. Employ a logical and structured fault diagnosis methodology (use of diagnostic flow charts). Measure and interpret quantities of electrical current, voltage and resistance. Diagnose/ resolve faults in starter, charging and lighting circuits. Remove/replace vehicle lighting components. Align headlamps. Fuel/Ignition Diagnose and resolve faults in electronically controlled fuel, ignition and emissions control systems. Evaluate exhaust emission levels with reference to NCT/DoT VTM test requirements. Transmission Diagnose faults in manual transmission units. Remove/refit manual transmission units. Diagnose faults in clutch assemblies. Remove/replace clutch components. Remove/replace driveshaft joints and bearings. Brakes Diagnose mechanical and hydraulic faults in the braking system. Remove/ replace brake components. Employ manufacturers’ recommended service and bleeding procedures.

Steering/Suspension Diagnose faults in steering and suspension systems. Remove/replace steering and suspension components. Align suspension and steering geometry. Balance wheels. Repair punctures. Bodywork Remove/replace bodywork components e.g. door locks, windows and regulators. Common Skills

Servicing Read, interpret and carry out manufacturers’ instructions for all vehicle service, maintenance and repair procedures. Complete a vehicle report form. NCT/DoT VTM Determine the condition of automotive vehicles to NCT/DoT VTM requirements. Engine Diagnose faults and return to original manufacturers’ specification: petrol and diesel engines and their ancillary components. Electrical Read and interpret relevant electrical wiring diagrams. Use fault-code reader to interrogate ECU memory and OBD system. Employ a logical and structured fault diagnosis methodology (use of diagnostic flow charts). Measure and interpret quantities of electrical current, voltage and resistance. Diagnose/ resolve faults in starter, charging and lighting circuits. Remove/replace vehicle lighting components. Align headlamps.

Transmission Diagnose faults and return to original manufacturers’ specification: clutch system components, driveshafts and bearings. Brakes Diagnose faults and return to original manufacturers’ specification: brake friction linings. Steering Diagnose faults and return to original manufacturers’ specification: steering linkage and geometry settings. Bodywork Remove/replace bodywork components e.g. door locks, windows and regulators.