skillfactor-pipeline/skills/vehicle-technician/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — vehicle technician

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 49-3023.00 (Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics).

Task statements

• [Core] Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
• [Core] Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
• [Core] Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
• [Core] Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
• [Core] Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
• [Core] Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
• [Core] Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment.
• [Core] Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
• [Core] Align vehicles' front ends.
• [Core] Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.
• [Core] Tear down, repair, and rebuild faulty assemblies, such as power systems, steering systems, and linkages.
• [Core] Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
• [Core] Follow checklists to ensure all important parts are examined, including belts, hoses, steering systems, spark plugs, brake and fuel systems, wheel bearings, and other potentially troublesome areas.
• [Core] Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience.
• [Core] Maintain cleanliness of work area.
• [Core] Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.
• [Core] Tune automobile engines to ensure proper and efficient functioning.
• [Core] Repair, replace, or adjust defective fuel injectors, carburetor parts, and gasoline filters.
• [Core] Repair and service air conditioning, heating, engine cooling, and electrical systems.
• [Core] Disassemble units and inspect parts for wear, using micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
• [Core] Change spark plugs, fuel filters, air filters, and batteries in hybrid electric vehicles.
• [Core] Overhaul or replace carburetors, blowers, generators, distributors, starters, and pumps.
• [Core] Repair or replace parts such as pistons, rods, gears, valves, and bearings.
• [Core] Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
• [Core] Install, adjust, or repair hydraulic or electromagnetic automatic lift mechanisms used to raise and lower automobile windows, seats, and tops.
• [Supplemental] Rebuild parts, such as crankshafts and cylinder blocks.
• [Supplemental] Conduct visual inspections of compressed natural gas fuel systems to identify cracks, gouges, abrasions, discoloration, broken fibers, loose brackets, damaged gaskets, or other problems.
• [Supplemental] Diagnose and replace or repair engine management systems or related sensors for flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) with ignition timing, fuel rate, alcohol concentration, or air-to-fuel ratio malfunctions.
• [nan] Repair or rebuild transmissions.
• [nan] Retrofit vehicle fuel systems with aftermarket products, such as vapor transfer devices, evaporation control devices, swirlers, lean burn devices, and friction reduction devices, to enhance combustion and fuel efficiency.

Detailed work activities

• Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Adjust vehicle components according to specifications.
• Align equipment or machinery.
• Clean work areas.
• Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.
• Confer with customers or users to assess problems.
• Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
• Disassemble equipment to inspect for deficiencies.
• Estimate costs for labor or materials.
• Inspect gas systems or components to identify leaks or other potential hazards.
• Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems.
• Inspect vehicles to determine overall condition.
• Install vehicle parts or accessories.
• Operate transportation equipment to demonstrate function or malfunction.
• Plan work procedures.
• Read work orders or descriptions of problems to determine repairs or modifications needed.
• Reassemble equipment after repair.
• Rebuild parts or components.
• Record information about parts, materials or repair procedures.
• Repair defective engines or engine components.
• Repair non-engine automotive or vehicle components.
• Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
• Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
• Rewire electrical or electronic systems.
• Service green vehicles to make repairs or maintain good working order.
• Service heating, ventilation or air-conditioning (HVAC) systems or components.
• Service vehicles to maintain functionality.
• Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
• Test mechanical systems to ensure proper functioning.
• Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.