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Automotive Service Technicians

NOC 7321

Introduction

Automotive service technicians inspect, diagnose, repair and service mechanical, electrical and electronic systems and components of cars and light trucks.

Note: Each Essential Skills task is followed by a number in brackets, e.g. (2), which is the estimated complexity level for that task. Tasks are assigned levels, ranging from Level 1 (basic task) to Levels 4 or 5 (advanced task), and are listed in increasing order of complexity. The complexity levels may vary based on the requirements of the workplace.

Reading

Read reminders and short notes from co‑workers, e.g. read notes from service managers to learn about upcoming meetings. (1)
Read short instructions written on signs, labels and packaging, e.g. read product labels to learn how to mix coolants. (1)
Read short text entries on a variety of forms and technical drawings, e.g. read comments on work orders to learn about vehicle repairs required. (1)
Read safety‑related information, e.g. read Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to learn how to safely handle refrigerants used for automotive cooling systems. (2)
Read bulletins and memos, e.g. read bulletins to learn about upcoming staff meetings. (2)
Read manufacturers’ notices and technical service bulletins, e.g. read technical service bulletins to learn about recurring faults with particular models and approved repair procedures. (3)
Read magazine and website articles to stay current and broaden their knowledge of the automobile service industry. (3)
Read instruction manuals for the use of computerized tools and equipment, e.g. read user guides to learn how to operate equipment, such as scan tools. (3)
Read a variety of paper‑based and electronic repair manuals to learn how to troubleshoot, service and maintain vehicles, e.g. read manuals to learn how to repair electrical system faults. (3)
Read and interpret government regulations, e.g. read regulations to learn about vehicle inspection procedures, hazardous material disposal and the roadworthiness requirements of vehicles. (4)

Document Use

Observe hazard and safety icons, e.g. scan icons affixed to engine components to learn about burn and electrical shock hazards. (1)
Scan a variety of manufacturers’ labels to locate part numbers, serial numbers, sizes, colours and other information. (1)
Complete a variety of forms, e.g. complete job estimates by entering details, such as dates, times and estimated repair costs. (2)
Interpret flowcharts, e.g. interpret a multi‑step flowchart to learn how to troubleshoot a faulty electrical system. (2)
Enter repair and service data into work orders, corrective action forms and computerized data management systems, e.g. enter the time spent, parts used and steps taken to repair vehicles. (3)
Interpret graphs generated by computerized equipment, such as scan tools, to troubleshoot faults and establish the condition of vehicle components. (3)
Locate data, such as classifications, material coefficients, identification numbers, quantities and costs, in complex specification tables. (3)
Interpret complex technical drawings, e.g. study assembly drawings to determine the position of parts within complex transmissions and scan wiring system schematics to locate capacities and components, such as circuits, and troubleshoot faults. (4)

Writing

Write brief notes, e.g. describe needed repairs on work orders and vehicle inspection forms. (1)
Write brief emails, e.g. write emails to request help for unusual or difficult repairs. (2)
May write reports to describe events leading up to workplace accidents, e.g. write about injuries and events when completing reports for workers’ compensation boards. (2)
May write short notes on Web forums and technical support sites to request and provide repair information, e.g. provide detailed explanations and descriptions using technical language. (3)
May write longer letters for police and insurance investigations to describe the causes and results of accidents. (3)

Numeracy

May receive cash, credit and debit card payments from customers and make change. (1)
May submit receipts for reimbursement from petty cash for the purchase of materials and supplies. (1)
Take a variety of measurements using basic tools that measure temperature and oil pressure readings to determine operational status of vehicles, e.g. measure the length of parts using tape measures and scales. (1)
Compare measurements of energy, dimension, speed, horsepower, temperature and torque to specifications, e.g. compare the measurements of amperage to original equipment manufacturers’ specifications to determine the operating condition of batteries and electrical systems. (1)
Estimate the amount of time required to complete repairs. (1)
Calculate amounts of glycol and water and oil and gas mixtures, e.g. use ratios to calculate amounts for oil and gas mixtures. (2)
May calculate the effect that repairs and modifications have on engine performances, e.g. use formulae to determine net horsepower gains realized by modifying components, such as fuel and exhaust systems. (2)
Estimate the useful life remaining for parts, such as tires, brake pads and exhaust systems. (2)
Take precise measurements using specialized tools, e.g. measure mechanical parts, such as cylinder walls, brake disks and bearings using calipers, dial micrometers and plastigauge strips. (3)
Analyze pressure, power, torque, compression and electrical energy readings to assess vehicle performance and troubleshoot faults, e.g. analyze a series of electrical readings produced by computerized scan tools to determine the cause of charging system faults. (3)

Oral Communication

Listen to announcements made over public address systems. (1)
Speak to partspersons and suppliers, e.g. talk to suppliers to order parts and establish delivery times. (1)
May talk to customers to respond to questions and complaints, gather information about needed repairs, explain vehicle maintenance procedures and discuss the results of inspections and repairs. (2)
Talk to service managers about a wide variety of topics, e.g. discuss billing procedures, work assignments and methods to enhance customer service. (2)
Exchange technical repair and troubleshooting information with apprentices, co‑workers, colleagues and manufacturers, e.g. explain complex repair procedures to apprentices and discuss unusual electronic control module faults with manufacturers’ technical representatives. (3)

Thinking

Decide the order of repair and maintenance jobs, e.g. give priority to small tasks that can be turned around quickly. (1)
Decide which tools to use, procedures to follow and tests to perform to diagnose and repair vehicles. (1)
Judge the accuracy of readings taken using equipment, such as gas analyzers and dynamometers. They compare readings to other indicators of engine performance, such as vibration and noise. (1)
Find information on stickers, labels, assembly drawings, repair manuals and websites to determine proper use, application and installation of parts and supplies. (1)
Are unable to meet repair deadlines due to heavy workloads and projects which take longer than anticipated to complete. They ask their service managers to prioritize repairs, enlist the help of co‑workers and may work overtime to complete high priority work. (2)
Are unable to repair vehicles because specifications and instructions are unavailable. They consult service managers, co‑workers, suppliers and colleagues for advice and research websites to locate useable information. (2)
Find that work is delayed due to equipment breakdowns and incorrect or unavailable parts. They inform service managers about delays and carry out other work until equipment repairs are completed and the needed parts and supplies arrive. (2)
Decide that a vehicle component cannot be repaired. They consider the condition of parts and regulations governing vehicle roadworthiness requirements. (2)
May evaluate the performance of apprentices. They consider apprentices’ abilities to diagnose and troubleshoot vehicle faults, locate information, such as specifications, and complete repairs effectively. (2)
Judge the condition of parts, e.g. inspect sprockets for signs of cracks, missing teeth and loose fit. They examine tires and belts for signs of cracks and exposed cords. (2)
May be assigned jobs, one work order at a time, or as a set of multiple work orders to be completed during a day. If there is flexibility in job choice, they prioritize jobs for efficiency, taking care of routine or smaller jobs first to allow more time for complex repairs. They may be assigned jobs based on areas of expertise. Most technicians work on one job at a time unless co‑workers need assistance or work is delayed until parts arrive. Their planning must allow for unexpected occurrences, such as emergency jobs for fleet customers who rely on their vehicles for work. (2)
Access online databases, choosing from a list of car makes and models for assembly and schematic drawings of parts, hierarchical systems and subsystems, part lists, installation procedures and standard labour times for specific jobs. (2)
Review displays on computerized scanning equipment, onboard vehicle sensors and hand‑held diagnostic tools to gain operational information about vehicles. (2)
Decide the most efficient course of action to complete particular jobs, e.g. determine troubleshooting and the order of tasks to efficiently diagnose and repair vehicle faults. (3)
Evaluate the severity of vehicle defects and deficiencies. They consider criteria, such as roadworthiness regulations, safety and harm to the environment. (3)
Evaluate the quality of repairs. They consider the results of test drives and data from equipment, such as gas analyzers and scan tools. (3)
Locate information about mechanical faults by reviewing work orders, completing test drives and physical inspections, using scan tools and by speaking with customers and co‑workers. (3)
Locate troubleshooting and repair procedures for unusual faults by calling technical support lines, requesting assistance on Internet blogs and website forums and by reading repair manuals and technical service bulletins. (3)

Digital Technology

Use calculators and personal digital assistant (PDA) devices to complete numeracy‑related tasks, such as calculating material requirements. (1)
Use hand‑held devices, such as multimeters, to take electrical energy readings. (1)
May write letters to customers, police and insurance brokers to present the results of mechanical inspections. (2)
May use specialized automotive service databases to access job assignments, input information on new jobs, retrieve and review past service information and complete work orders. (2)
May use databases to retrieve repair information and technical drawings. (2)
May exchange email with other technicians, service managers, colleagues at other locations and manufacturer support specialists. (2)
Communicate with other mechanics on blogs and forums to provide advice and learn how to repair unusual vehicle faults. (2)
May visit manufacturers’ websites to access recent technical service bulletins, parts and component information, recall notices, frequently asked questions and specifications. (2)
May use the Internet to access articles to stay current on industry trends and practices. (2)
May use the Internet to access training courses and seminars offered by suppliers, employers and sector councils, e.g. learn about air conditioning systems by accessing videos, learning guides and exams delivered over the Internet by the Canadian Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) Council. (2)
Use diagnostic equipment (e.g. scan tools) to determine operational data, such as horsepower, torque, pressure readings and air‑to‑fuel ratios. (2)
Use computerized equipment, such as wheel alignment machines, to complete repairs. (2)

Additional Information

Other Essential Skills:

Working with Others

Most automotive service technicians work independently on jobs outlined in work orders. They may assist others with jobs that require two people or are within their specific area of expertise.

Continuous Learning

Constant change in the industry makes it important for automotive service technicians to stay current with the latest technology. They learn on the job, in organized information activities and in work discussion groups. Their training is provided by vehicle manufacturers, parts suppliers, employers, associations and the Canadian Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) Council. They also advance skills by reading work‑related magazines, periodicals and automotive websites.

Impact of Digital Technology

All essential skills are affected by the introduction of technology in the workplace. Automotive service technicians’ ability to adapt to new technologies is strongly related to their skill levels across the essential skills, including reading, writing, thinking and communication skills. Technologies are transforming the ways in which workers obtain, process and communicate information, and the types of skills needed to perform in their jobs. Automotive service technicians need a broad range of computer skills to diagnosis and repair sophisticated electronic vehicle systems. In fact, they are not able to perform key job tasks without these skills. For example, workers may use hand‑held devices, such as multimeters, to take electrical energy readings, or use diagnostic equipment (e.g. scan tools) to determine operational data, such as horsepower, torque, pressure readings and air‑to‑fuel ratios. Workers may also use the Internet to access training courses and seminars offered by suppliers, employers and sector councils.

Technology in the workplace further affects the complexity of tasks related to the essential skills required for this occupation. The sophisticated electronic circuitry of vehicles has increased the complexity of wiring schematics and other diagrams. In contrast, electronic databases and keyword search functions make it easier to find information, such as specifications. While workers need the skills to use increasingly complex software applications, software and hardware developers are also improving ease of use through touch‑screen technology, built‑in self‑help tutorials and more user‑friendly software applications. Workers can also complete documents, calculate costs, material requirements, conversions, electrical resistance, volumes and rates with speed and accuracy using Web‑based applications, specialized automotive software, calculators and hand‑held devices, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs).