California Career and Technical Education Standards

• T.C.C2.2 Use tools, equipment, and machines to safely measure, test, diagnose, and analyz...
• T.C.C2.6 Know and understand how to access technical reports, manuals, electronic retriev...
• T.C.C4.3 Use reference books, technical service bulletins, and other documents and materi...
• T.FS.11.0 Demonstration and Application
• T.FS.9.3 Understand how to organize and structure work individually and in teams for effe...

California Academic Content Standards (Reinforced)

• ELA.9-10.R.CAGT.2.5 Extend ideas presented in primary or secondary sources through original analysis...3
• ELA.9-10.R.CAGT.2.6 Demonstrate use of sophisticated learning tools by following technical direction...2

• Lights on no ones home! - Hooks / Set

  As students enter the classroom, they will see a picture of a “Check Engine light” on the screen from a Power Point slide. I will give the students a task sheet on “Procedures for retrieving trouble codes” that the students can use to follow along and take notes on during my lecture.

  I will continue with the Power Point and stop at key points and allow the students to ask questions and take notes during the presentation. I will ask the class with a show of hands, “What does it mean when a service engine light turns on in the dash board?”  I will ask the students if they know how a technician would diagnose a service engine light. I will wait for their responses and eventually hold up a diagnostic scan tool and tell them that one method to retrieve trouble codes is to utilize this scan tool.

  I will inform the students that by the end of this lesson they will be able to use a scan tool to retrieve trouble codes from the Electronic Control Unit (ECU, ECM, PCM) of the vehicle's computer control system.
• Where is it? - Lecture

  I will have the students gather into small groups of 5 or 6 and take them into the lab.  The students will wear their safety glasses while in the lab and will be instructed to sign out a scan tool for their group from the tool room. The students will also have to be able to access AllData Pro or Mitchell on Demand or an available repair manual to research the location of their vehicle’s diagnostic connecter (ALDL, DLC) location.
• Plug in - Demo / Modeling

  I will demonstrate the process of retrieving trouble codes from one of the vehicles which will include locating the ALDL, connecting the scan tool to the vehicle, showing the basic features of the scan tool, entering the vehicle information into the scan tool, and how to follow the scan tool prompts. I will then retrieve a trouble code and document the code onto a task sheet for future reference. I will then answer any questions that may arise during this session and give the students a task sheet to utilize for this project.

  Step-by-step instruction:

  1. Connect the scan tool
     Locate the scan tool access point and connect the scan tool using the appropriate connector for the vehicle. Turn on the vehicle ignition. Turn on the scan tool. Run the scan tool diagnostic program and navigate through each of the different systems in turn to access the diagnostic trouble codes from the vehicles electronic control module. Note your findings for each vehicle system.
  2. Check your findings
     Look up what each code means and present the information to your supervisor. Any fault indicated by the diagnostic trouble codes will need to be corrected before you clear the codes.
  3. Clear fault codes
     To clear the fault codes from the vehicle, select the delete codes option on the scan tool. Check that the codes have cleared, and turn off the vehicle ignition.
  4. Recheck for fault codes
     Turn on the vehicle ignition. Run the scan tool diagnostic program and navigate through each system again to check the codes do not reactivate. If the fault codes reactivate, take your findings to your supervisor. Turn off the vehicle ignition. Turn off the scan tool and disconnect from the access point.
• Check and go! - Group Work

  Once I have completed the demonstration, I will have the students go to their vehicle and attempt to connect their scan tool and retrieve trouble codes. I will inform the students they will be evaluated by their performance and ability to perform the task. I will encourage the students to assist each other and utilize problem solving, critical thinking, team work, and peer teaching skills. I will also remind the students to refer to their notes if necessary.
• What codes - Closure

  When the students have been able to successfully retrieve the trouble codes from the vehicle, the students will inform the instructor for verification of the task.

Grades:

9 to 12

Industries and Pathways:

Transportation, Vehicle Maintenance, Service and Repair

No resources are included, yet.