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(A6) Electrical/Electronic Systems

Animations by ASE Content Area. Includes Tasks and Priority levels.

A: General: Electrical System Diagnosis (click to expand)

AC Alternating Current (Task 1) (Priority 1)

Battery Drain Test, Amps (Task 8) (Priority 1)

Battery Drain Test, Clamp Meter (Task 8) (Priority 1)

Capacitor (Task 10) (Priority 1)

Circuit Test, Amps, Meter (Task 3) (Priority 1)

Circuit Test, Meter (Task 3) (Priority 1)

Circuit Test, Test Light (Task 5) (Priority 1)

Copper Atom (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Copper Atom 2 (Task 2) (Priority 1)

DC Motor (Task 11) (Priority 2)

Electrical Wire Repair (Task 10) (Priority 1)

Electron Flow (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Electron Travel, Heat (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Electron Travel, Light (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Electron Travel, Magnet (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Electron Travel, Pressure (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Lightning (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Map Sensor Ground Check (Task 3) (Priority 1)

Map Sensor Reference Voltage Check (Task 3) (Priority 1)

Map sensor Signal Voltage Check (Task 3) (Priority 1)

Math Formula, Series Circuit Resistance (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Math Formula, Watt (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Meter Usage Check CAN Circuit (Task 3) (Priority 1)

Meter Usage Measure Amps (Task 3) (Priority 1)

Meter Usage Measure Frequency (Task 3) (Priority 1)

Meter Usage Measure Ohms (Task 3) (Priority 1)

Meter Usage Measure Volts (Task 3) (Priority 1)

Meter Usage Testing Diode (Task 3) (Priority 1)

Ohm’s Law, Current (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Ohm’s Law, Resistance (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Ohm’s Law, Volt (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Parallel Circuit (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Parallel Circuit Ground Side Switching (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Parallel Circuit Law 1 (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Parallel Circuit Law 2 (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Parallel Circuit Law 3 (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Parallel Circuit Power Side Switching (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Parallel Circuit, Open (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Parallel Circuits, Volts (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Relay (Task 10) (Priority 1)

Scope Display (Task 11) (Priority 2)

Scope Display Dual Trace (Task 11) (Priority 2)

Series Circuit Ground Side Switching (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Series Circuit Law 2 (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Series Circuit Law 3 (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Series Circuit Power Side Switching (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Series Circuit Resistance (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Series Circuit Voltage Check (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Series Circuit, Open Circuit (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Series-Parallel Circuits (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Static Electricity (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Test Bulb (Task 9) (Priority 1)

Test Fuse, Meter (Task 9) (Priority 1)

Test Light (Task 5) (Priority 1)

Tone Generator (Task 4) (Priority 1)

Transistors (Task 10) (Priority 1)

Voltage & Resistance (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Working with Wiring Diagrams (Task 7) (Priority 1)


Task 1: Research vehicle service information including vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.

Task 2: Demonstrate knowledge of electrical/electronic series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits using principles of electricity (Ohm’s Law).

Task 3: Demonstrate proper use of a digital multimeter (DMM) when measuring source voltage, voltage drop (including grounds), current flow and resistance.

Task 4: Demonstrate knowledge of the causes and effects from shorts, grounds, opens, and resistance problems in electrical/electronic circuits.

Task 5: Demonstrate proper use of a test light on an electrical circuit.

Task 6: Use fused jumper wires to check operation of electrical circuits.

Task 7: Use wiring diagrams during the diagnosis (troubleshooting) of electrical/electronic circuit problems.

Task 8: Diagnose the cause(s) of excessive key-off battery drain (parasitic draw); determine needed action.

Task 9: Inspect and test fusible links, circuit breakers, and fuses; determine needed action.

Task 10: Inspect, test, repair, and/or replace components, connectors, terminals, harnesses, and wiring in electrical/electronic systems (including solder repairs); determine needed action.

Task 11: Check electrical/electronic circuit waveforms; interpret readings and determine needed repairs.

Task 12: Repair data bus wiring harness.

B: Battery Diagnosis and Service (click to expand)

Battery Charge and Discharge (Task 5) (Priority 1)

Hybrid Safety (Task 7) (Priority 2)

Jump Box Usage (Task 6) (Priority 1)

Jump Starting Hybrids (Task 5) (Priority 2)

Jumper Cable Usage (Task 6) (Priority 1)

Lead-Acid Battery (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Measure Battery Voltage Drop (Task 1) (Priority 1)

Meter Usage Battery Volt Check (Task 1) (Priority 1)


Task 1: Perform battery state-of-charge test; determine needed action.

Task 2: Confirm proper battery capacity for vehicle application; perform battery capacity and load test; determine needed action.

Task 3: Maintain or restore electronic memory functions.

Task 4: Inspect and clean battery; fill battery cells; check battery cables, connectors, clamps, and hold-downs.

Task 5: Perform slow/fast battery charge according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

Task 6: Jump-start vehicle using jumper cables and a booster battery or an auxiliary power supply.

Task 7: Identify safety recautions for high voltage systems on electric, hybrid-electric, and diesel vehicles.

Task 8: Identify electrical/electronic modules, security systems, radios, and other accessories that require reinitialization or code entry after reconnecting vehicle battery.

Task 9: Identify hybrid vehicle auxiliary (12v) battery service, repair, and test procedures.

C: Starting System Diagnosis and Repair (click to expand)

Magnetic Induction (Task 1) (Priority 1)

Magnets (Task 1) (Priority 1)

Starter Circuit (Task 1) (Priority 1)

Starter Circuit Neutral Safety Switch (Task 3) (Priority 2)

Starter Circuit Voltage Drop Tests (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Starter Circuit Voltage Drop Tests 2 (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Starter Drive Gear (Task 4) (Priority 1)

Starter drive gear (Task 4) (Priority 1)


Task 1: Perform starter current draw tests; determine needed action.

Task 2: Perform starter circuit voltage drop tests; determine needed action.

Task 3: Inspect and test starter relays and solenoids; determine needed action.

Task 4: Remove and install starter in a vehicle.

Task 5: Inspect and test switches, connectors, and wires of starter control circuits; determine needed action.

Task 6: Differentiate between electrical and engine mechanical problems that cause a slow-crank or a no-crank condition.

Task 7: Demonstrate knowledge of an automatic idle-stop/start-stop system.

D: Charging System Diagnosis and Repair (click to expand)

Charging Circuit Volt Drop Ground Side (Task 5) (Priority 1)

Charging Circuit Volt Drop Power Side (Task 5) (Priority 1)

Charging System (Task 1) (Priority 1)

Measure AC Ripple (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Ohmmeter Test, Alternator Rotor (Task 4) (Priority 1)

Ohmmeter Test, Alternator Stator (Task 4) (Priority 1)

WYE Stator Winding & Diodes (Task 4) (Priority 1)


Task 1: Perform charging system output test; determine needed action.

Task 2: Diagnose (troubleshoot) charging system for causes of undercharge, no-charge, or overcharge conditions.

Task 3: Inspect, adjust, and/or replace generator (alternator) drive belts; check pulleys and tensioners for wear; check pulley and belt alignment.

Task 4: Remove, inspect, and/or replace generator (alternator).

Task 5: Perform charging circuit voltage drop tests; determine needed action.

E: Lighting Systems Diagnosis and Repair (click to expand)

Bulb Test, Meter (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Courtesy Lights (Task 1) (Priority 1)

Electric Arc (Task 4) (Priority 1)

Hazard Lights (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Headlight Circuit, High Beam (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Headlight Circuit, Low Beam (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Headlight Circuit, Parking Lights (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Lights, Turn & Stop (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Stop Lights (Task 2) (Priority 1)

Turn Indicators (Task 2) (Priority 1)


Task 1: Diagnose (troubleshoot) the causes of brighter-than-normal, intermittent, dim, or no light operation; determine needed action.

Task 2: Inspect interior and exterior lamps and sockets including headlights and auxiliary lights (fog lights/driving lights); replace as needed.

Task 3: Aim headlights.

Task 4: Identify system voltage and safety precautions associated with high-intensity discharge headlights.

F: Instrument Cluster and Driver Information Systems Diagnosis and Repair (click to expand)

Oil Pressure Gauge (Task 1) (Priority 2)

Potentiometer (Task 2) (Priority 2)

Rear Lights (Task 2) (Priority 2)


Task 1: Inspect and test gauges and gauge sending units for causes of abnormal readings; determine needed action.

Task 2: Diagnose (troubleshoot) the causes of incorrect operation of warning devices and other driver information systems; determine needed action.

Task 3: Reset maintenance indicators as required.

G: Body Electrical Systems Diagnosis and Repair (click to expand)

ADAS Adaptive Cruise Control (Task 4) (Priority 1)

ADAS Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (Task 4) (Priority 1)

ADAS Blind Spot Detection (Task 4) (Priority 1)

ADAS Lane Departure Warning (Task 4) (Priority 1)

ADAS Rear Crash Detection (Task 4) (Priority 1)

Air Bag Deploy (Task 4) (Priority 1)

Air Bag Inflation (Task 4) (Priority 1)

Antitheft System (Task 2) (Priority 2)

CAN Circuit Check (Task 5) (Priority 2)

CAN Signal (Task 5) (Priority 2)

Car Alarm (Task 2) (Priority 2)

Check Antenna (Task 3) (Priority 2)

Check Speaker (Task 3) (Priority 2)

Computer System (Task 5) (Priority 1)

Controller Area Network (Task 5) (Priority 1)

Detecting Objects (Task 4) (Priority 2)

Immobilizer System (Task 2) (Priority 2)

Power Door Lock Motor (Task 1) (Priority 2)

Power Door Locks (Task 1) (Priority 2)

Power Seat Control (Task 1) (Priority 2)

Power Window Regulator (Task 1) (Priority 2)

Power Windows (Task 1) (Priority 2)

Radar Cruise Control (Task 1) (Priority 2)

Rain Sensing (Task 4) (Priority 1)

Safety Belt Forces (Task 4) (Priority 2)

Safety Belt Retractor (Task 4) (Priority 2)

Wireless Phone Charger (Task 1) (Priority 2)


Task 1: Diagnose operation of comfort and convenience accessories and related circuits (such as: power window, power seats, pedal height, power locks, truck locks, remote start, moon roof, sun roof, sun shade, remote keyless entry, voice activation, steering wheel controls, back-up camera, parking assist, cruise control, and auto dimming headlamps); determine needed repairs.

Task 2: Diagnose operation of security/anti-theft systems and related circuits (such as: theft deterrent, door locks, remote keyless entry, remote start, and starter/fuel disable); determine needed repairs.

Task 3: Diagnose operation of entertainment and related circuits (such as: radio, DVD, remote CD changer, navigation, amplifiers, speakers, antennas, and voice-activated accessories); determine needed repairs.

Task 4: Diagnose operation of safety systems and related circuits (such as: horn, airbags, seat belt pretensioners, occupancy classification, wipers, washers, speed control/collision avoidance, heads-up display, parking assist, and back-up camera); determine needed repairs.

Task 5: Diagnose body electronic systems circuits using a scan tool; check for module communication errors (data communication bus systems); determine needed action.

Task 6: Describe the process for software transfer, software updates, or reprogramming of electronic modules.