Mopar Automotive Technician

The Mopar Automotive Technician Associate of Science degree is designed to prepare students for employment at a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Alfa-Romeo dealership. Technical instruction includes lecture and lab experiences in a specific Mopar content which focuses on Mopar concepts such as electrical circuits, gasoline engine repair, suspension, steering, tires, alignment, brakes, transmissions, diesel engines, engine diagnostics, high voltage systems, air conditioning, heating, and work experience at a Mopar dealership. Students will be prepared for employment at a Mopar dealership as an entry-level technician, lube technician, or apprentice. This degree requires the completion of general education in addition to the automotive courses. Students are required to complete 10 units of AUTO-299, Automotive Cooperative Work Experience (repeatable course) as part of the degree.

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The goal of the degree is to provide basic knowledge and training for Mopar vehicles to students seeking employment at a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Alfa-Romeo, and Fiat dealership as an entry-level technician. This associate of science degree will provide students with the overall skills required to start a career at a Mopar dealership.

• Explain the requirements to become a Mopar certified technician.
• Explain ohms law and watts law.
• Explain the four-stroke cycle.
• Identify the major components of an internal combustion engine.
• Use tools and equipment to remove, install, and balance a tire/wheel assembly.
• Use tools and equipment to replace brake rotors and pads.
• Discuss the operation of an automatic transmission.
• Discuss the differences between an automatic and manual transmission.
• List the four possible electrical faults in a circuit.
• Use a scantool to obtain diagnostic information from a vehicle.
• Explain the purpose of battery balancing for high voltage systems.
• Identify the major components of an air conditioning system.
• Demonstrate the ability to maintain employment at a Mopar dealership.

The mission of the Santa Ana College Automotive Department is to prepare students for degree and certificate attainment through coursework in automotive programs. The department empowers all students with knowledge to make career focused decisions with a thorough education focusing on all major areas of modern automobiles. The automotive department values partnerships with local and regional repair and service facilities. Through advisory committee meetings and local connections, faculty maintain a close relationship with employers and manufacturer representatives to stay current with industry trends and technology.

The automotive department is in a continuous state of improvement and technological advancement. Due to automotive being an evolving discipline, the equipment, tools, and teaching aids continuously require updating. Furthermore, as new technologies are introduced on modern vehicles, the automotive department will continually seek to stay current technology. For these reasons, faculty are constantly seeking grant funding for large purchases and introduction of new programs. Lastly, the department has connections with vehicle manufacturers such as Fiat-Chrysler (Mopar), Subaru, and Ford. Through these connections, the department can obtain vehicle and tool donations. Also, the manufacturers give faculty and students access to specified training for their respective vehicles.

Through advisory committee involvement and recommendations, the automotive department is fulfilling recommendations made by committee. This new A.S. degree will fill a gap in earned degrees for manufacturer specific curriculum at Santa Ana College.

Students will complete Mopar specific courses as part of the Mopar CAP manufacturer specific program. This degree program will be attainable by students in two years. Santa Ana College is now a Traditional Mopar CAP school.