Fundamentals of Automotive Technology: Principles and Practice

by Kirk VanGelder

Overview

Automotive technicians must learn how to safely and effectively maintain, diagnose, and repair every system on the automobile. Fundamentals of Automotive Technology provides students with the critical knowledge and essential skills to master these tasks successfully. With a focus on clarity and accuracy, the Second Edition offers students and instructors a single source of unparalleled coverage for every task from MLR through MAST. Fully updated and reorganized, the revised format enhances student comprehension and encourages critical thinking.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781284311846
Publisher:	Jones & Bartlett Learning
Publication date:	08/21/2026
Edition description:	3rd ed.
Pages:	2200
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 1.25(h) x 9.00(d)

About the Author

Kirk T. VanGelder is a Certified Automotive Technology Instructor at Cascadia Technical Academy, in Vancouver, Washington. With over 30 years of teaching experience at the high school and college level, Kirk encourages students to think critically, learn how to ask questions of themselves, and then search out the answers. In addition to Fundamentals of Automotive Technology: Principles and Practice, he is the author of Fundamentals of Maintenance and Light Repair. He is passionate about helping students understand the science behind automotive technology so that they can continuously embrace emerging systems and technologies in the quickly changing automotive industry.

Table of Contents

Section 1 Safety and Foundation
Chapter 1 Careers in Automotive Technology
Chapter 2 Introduction to Automotive Technology
Chapter 3 Introduction to Automotive Safety
Chapter 4 Personal Safety
Chapter 5 Vehicle Service Information & Diagnostic Process
Chapter 6 Basic Tools and Precision Measuring
Chapter 7 Power Tools & Equipment
Chapter 8 Fasteners and Thread Repair
Chapter 9 Vehicle Protection and Jack and Lift Safety
Chapter 10 Vehicle Maintenance Inspection
Chapter 11 Communication and Employability Skills
Section 2 Engine Repair
Chapter 12 Motive Power Types - Spark-Ignition (SI) Engines
Chapter 13 Engine Mechanical Testing
Chapter 14 Engine Lubrication Theory
Chapter 15 Lubrication System Service
Chapter 16 Cooling System Theory
Chapter 17 Cooling System Service
Chapter 18 Engine Removal and Replacement
Chapter 19 Cylinder Head Components
Chapter 20 Engine Block Components
Chapter 21 Engine Machining
Chapter 22 Engine Assembly
Section 3 Automatic Transmissions
Chapter 23 Automatic Transmission Fundamentals
Chapter 24 Hydraulic Fundamentals
Chapter 25 Hydraulically Controlled Transmission
Chapter 26 Electronically Controlled Transmission
Chapter 27 Servicing the Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
Chapter 28 Rebuilding the Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
Chapter 29 Hybrid and Continuously Variable Transmissions
Section 4 Manual Transmissions
Chapter 30 Manual Transmission/Transaxle Principles
Chapter 31 The Clutch System
Chapter 32 Manual Transmissions/Transaxles Basic Diagnosis and Maintenance
Chapter 33 Manual Transmission Overhaul
Chapter 34 Driveshafts, Axles, and Final Drives
Chapter 35 Four-Wheel Drive/All-Wheel Drive
Section 5 Steering and Suspension
Chapter 36 Wheels and Tires Theory
Chapter 37 Servicing Wheels and Tires
Chapter 38 Steering Systems Theory
Chapter 39 Servicing Steering Systems
Chapter 40 Suspension System Theory
Chapter 41 Servicing Suspension Systems
Chapter 42 Wheel Alignment
Section 6 Brakes
Chapter 43 Principles of Braking
Chapter 44 Hydraulics and Power Brakes Theory
Chapter 45 Servicing Hydraulic Systems and Power Brakes
Chapter 46 Disc Brake Systems
Chapter 47 Drum Brake Systems
Chapter 48 Wheel Bearings
Chapter 49 Electronic Brake Control Systems
Section 7 Electrical
Chapter 50 Principles of Electrical Systems
Chapter 51 Electrical Components and Wiring
Chapter 52 Meter Usage and Circuit Diagnosis
Chapter 53 Battery Systems
Chapter 54 Starting and Charging Systems
Chapter 55 Lighting Systems
Chapter 56 Network Communications and Body Accessories
Chapter 57 Safety, Entertainment, and Antitheft Systems
Section 8 Heating and Air Conditioning
Chapter 58 Principles of Heating and Air-Conditioning Systems
Chapter 59 Heating and Air-Conditioning Systems and Service
Chapter 60 Electronic Climate Control
Section 9 Engine Performance
Chapter 61 Ignition Systems
Chapter 62 Gasoline Fuel Systems
Chapter 63 Engine Management System
Chapter 64 Onboard Diagnostic Systems
Chapter 65 Intake and Exhaust Systems
Chapter 66 Emission Control Systems
Chapter 67 Alternative Fuel Systems
Appendix A 2017 NATEF Automobile Accreditation Task List Correlation Guide
Appendix B NATEF Integrated Applied Academic Skills Correlation Guide
Appendix C Brakleen Brake Part s Cleaner Safety Data Sheet Example