Automotive Engine Diagnostics and Repair Fundamentals — PickAClass
SK
EN
Sign in Get started
⏱ 3h 📚 30 lessons

Automotive Engine Diagnostics and Repair Fundamentals

Learn essential engine mechanics, electronic control system troubleshooting, and practical repair workflows through clear, beginner-friendly text guides.

  • 💬 AI instructor
    Ask about any lesson and get a clear answer instantly, anytime.
  • 🕐 Start anytime
    No schedules or deadlines — learn at your own pace, whenever suits you.
  • 🌐 In English
    Lessons, tasks and certificate — all fully in your language.

About this course

Understanding how to diagnose and repair modern car engines is a valuable skill for aspiring mechanics, automotive technicians, and car enthusiasts alike. This course provides a clear, foundational path to understanding engine mechanics, electronic control systems, and modern diagnostic procedures. By following this structured material, you will develop a solid theoretical base and learn systematic approaches to identifying engine issues and performing standard maintenance. What you'll learn: - Understand core internal combustion engine terminology and mechanical operations - Analyze electronic control unit (ECU) functions and sensor reading principles - Interpret diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) using standard OBD-II diagnostic protocols - Troubleshoot common ignition, fuel delivery, and cooling system faults - Apply safe, step-by-step workflows for engine repair and routine service Starting with essential terminology and physical principles, the reading guides you through electronic systems, sensor mechanics, and structured fault-finding methods. Designed specifically for complete beginners, this course requires no prior automotive repair experience. Start reading today to build your automotive diagnostic skills.

Course contents

6 modules · 30 lessons · 3h

1 Engine Foundations
Understand the mechanical core and terminology of internal combustion engines. 5 lessons · 30 min
  1. Welcome to the Garage
    Introduction to the course goals and the role of a modern diagnostic technician.    6 min
  2. The Mechanic's Vocabulary
    Mastering essential engine terminology from pistons to crankshafts.    6 min
  3. The 4-Stroke Cycle
    Understanding the mechanical operation of Intake, Compression, Power, and Exhaust.    6 min
  4. Anatomy of a Modern Engine
    Identifying major mechanical components and their specific functions.    6 min
  5. Physics of Power
    Exploring the physical principles of combustion, pressure, and thermal energy.    6 min
2 Electronic Control Systems
Learn how the ECU and sensors manage engine performance. 5 lessons · 30 min
  1. The ECU: The Engine's Brain
    Understanding the primary functions and decision-making process of the Electronic Control Unit.    6 min
  2. How Sensors Talk
    The fundamental principles of how sensors convert physical data into electrical signals.    6 min
  3. Monitoring Air and Fuel
    The role of MAF and O2 sensors in maintaining the perfect combustion mix.    6 min
  4. Timing and Position Sensors
    How the ECU knows exactly where the pistons and valves are at all times.    6 min
  5. Actuators: Making Things Happen
    How the ECU controls mechanical parts like injectors and idle valves.    6 min
3 OBD-II and Diagnostic Protocols
Master the tools and codes used to communicate with the car. 5 lessons · 30 min
  1. The OBD-II Standard
    History and logic behind the universal diagnostic protocol used in modern cars.    6 min
  2. The Diagnostic Link
    How to locate and connect to the OBD-II port using a scan tool.    6 min
  3. Decoding DTCs
    Understanding the alphanumeric structure of Diagnostic Trouble Codes.    6 min
  4. Analyzing Live Data
    Using real-time sensor readings to verify engine health beyond just codes.    6 min
  5. Codes vs. Reality
    Why a code doesn't always mean a sensor is broken and how to verify the root cause.    6 min
4 Ignition and Fuel Troubleshooting
Diagnose the two most common causes of engine performance issues. 5 lessons · 30 min
  1. The Spark Path
    Overview of ignition coils, spark plugs, and the high-voltage circuit.    6 min
  2. Diagnosing Misfires
    Step-by-step troubleshooting for ignition-related engine stumbles.    6 min
  3. Fuel System Architecture
    Understanding how fuel moves from the tank to the combustion chamber.    6 min
  4. Fuel Delivery Faults
    Identifying signs of low fuel pressure, clogged injectors, or pump failure.    6 min
  5. Air Intake Issues
    How vacuum leaks and dirty filters affect the fuel-to-air ratio.    6 min
5 Cooling Systems and Routine Service
Maintain engine temperature and perform standard maintenance tasks. 4 lessons · 24 min
  1. The Cooling Loop
    How coolant circulates to prevent engine meltdown.    6 min
  2. Overheating Diagnostics
    Troubleshooting thermostats, radiators, and water pump failures.    6 min
  3. The Perfect Oil Change
    A step-by-step workflow for the most critical routine service task.    6 min
  4. Belts and Hoses Inspection
    Visual diagnostic techniques for preventative maintenance.    6 min
6 Professional Workflow and Safety
Apply systematic approaches and safety standards to every repair. 6 lessons · 36 min
  1. Safety First
    Essential safety protocols for working around hot engines and high voltage.    6 min
  2. The Technician's Toolbox
    Choosing the right tools for diagnostic and repair tasks.    6 min
  3. Structured Fault-Finding
    The logic of elimination: a systematic approach to any engine problem.    6 min
  4. The Repair Workflow
    A step-by-step guide from initial complaint to final verification.    6 min
  5. Documentation and Records
    Why keeping a service log is vital for long-term vehicle health.    6 min
  6. Course Wrap-Up
    Reviewing the diagnostic path and preparing for real-world practice.    6 min
Final project

The Virtual Diagnostic Challenge

You are presented with a 'Check Engine' light scenario. You must interpret a specific DTC, analyze provided live data, and outline a step-by-step repair plan.

What you'll get

  • 📜 Certificate of completion
    Add it to your LinkedIn profile
  • 💬 Personal AI tutor
    Stuck on a lesson? Ask your built-in tutor anything, any time.
  • ♾️ Lifetime access
    Come back anytime, no expiry
  • 📱 Phone or computer
    Works anywhere, any device
  • 💸 14-day refund
    No questions asked
  • ⚡ Short & focused
    3h of practical content

Certificate of completion

Every course you complete on PickAClass issues a credential like this — original, with its own code, verifiable by URL, and detailed about what was actually demonstrated.

P
PickAClass
Skills profile · verifiable
Document
Certificate of Mastery
This certifies that
Name Surname
has successfully demonstrated mastery of
Automotive Engine Diagnostics and Repair Fundamentals
Skills demonstrated
✓
Behavioral pattern analysis
Foundational
1.2 hrs
✓
Decision-architecture frameworks
Proficient
1.4 hrs
✓
A/B test design
Proficient
1.7 hrs
✓
Behavioral copywriting
Advanced
1.9 hrs
P
PickAClass — Name Surname
Automotive Engine Diagnostics and Repair Fundamentals
Page 2 of 2
Performance detail
Coursework summary
Lessons completed 14 / 14
Practice questions 26 / 28
Assignments submitted 4 (avg 4.5 / 5)
Capstone project Reviewed — 4.6 / 5
Total practice 6.2 hrs
Performance benchmark
Cohort rank Top 12% of 1,625
Time to completion 11 days (median: 22)
Mastery score 91 / 100
Practice-question score 94%
Skill verification Verified Skill Path
Verify this credential
pickaclass.com/certificates/PCC-2026-X4F7-AP19
Issued under the academic standards of PickAClass. Skill levels reflect assessed performance against the course's competency rubric. This is an original credential of this platform.

Reviews

No reviews yet — be the first to share your experience.

Write a review

☆☆☆☆☆
You'll be asked to sign in after sending — your draft is saved.

Frequently asked

What do I need to take this course? +

Just a phone or computer with internet. No installs, no special hardware.

How do I pay? +

By card via Stripe. We don’t store card details — Stripe handles them securely.

Can I get a refund? +

Yes — full refund within 14 days, no questions asked.

How long will I have access? +

Forever. Once you purchase, the course is yours to revisit anytime.

Will I get a certificate? +

Yes. On completion you'll receive a certificate you can add to your LinkedIn profile.

Built for learners in
Tech Design Finance Marketing Healthcare Education Hospitality Manufacturing