DIESEL TRUCK MECHANIC COURSES

An Inside Look at UTI’s Diesel Mechanic Classes

From truck brakes and chassis to transportation refrigeration, the courses offered in UTI’s Diesel Technology program will provide graduates with the fundamentals they need to service powerful trucks and engines.¹

These courses are designed to prepare graduates for roles as entry-level technicians. Students will be taught the skills they need to succeed in these positions, including the process behind diagnosing and repairing vehicles and their components, Having a strong understanding of these processes can be beneficial for graduates who wish to advance in the workforce.⁶

Throughout these courses, students take a quiz on every learning objective and will work on projects in groups. At the end of each course, students take a written EOC (end of course) test and lab final, which is done individually to demonstrate their mastery of core concepts. In order to pass this course, students must maintain a score of 70% or higher in their lab, written assessments and attendance.

Professionalism is an important aspect of all UTI courses. Students must meet specific criteria, including coming to class on time and wearing the right attire, in order to pass the courses. Success in this program requires coming to class well-rested, prepared and ready to learn. Students are encouraged to ask questions and utilize resources available to them, such as tutoring, in order to master the content taught in this class.

Keep reading to find out what you’ll learn in each UTI diesel mechanic course:

Diesel Engines Service & Repair

In this diesel mechanic class, you will be taught fundamentals of engine repair and operation by being introduced to the various components that make up the internal combustion engine. You will train on diesel engines, become familiar with all of the parts and what they do, and build the entire engine. Once you have built and torn down engines, you will move on to electrical diagnostics, fuel system tests and valve adjustments.

Learning Environment: 

• Training takes place in both a classroom and lab environment.¹⁸ Students are taught core concepts and principles in the classroom, and put these into practice in the lab.

Key Takeaways:

• Principles of operation.
• Engine component testing, removal and replacement using OEM service manuals.
• Electronic diagnostics using OEM software.
• Fuel and emission systems operation and diagnostic testing.
• Builds on content learned in the Auto/Diesel courses.
• Adds and focuses on diesel-specific topics.
• Familiarization with OEM service manuals and software.
• Diagnostic repair procedures.
• Troubleshooting process.

Hands-on Components of the Course:

• Students will have the opportunity to disassemble, test and reassemble a diesel engine.

Tools & Technology Used:

• Hand tools
• OEM software and manuals
• Diagnostic test equipment

Diesel Truck Manual Transmissions

In this lab, you will be taught the theories and principles of diesel transmissions. You will completely disassemble and become familiar with all the parts: what they do, and how to troubleshoot, diagnose and spot wear and tear. There are a lot of moving pieces in a manual transmission, and it’s critical they go back in the case in the order they came out. Students will then completely reassemble the transmission.

 Learning Environment: 

• Training takes place in both a classroom and lab environment. Students are taught core concepts and principles in the classroom, and put these into practice in the lab.

Key Takeaways:

• Principles of operation of single countershaft and twin countershaft transmissions.
• Principles of operation of autoshift and ultrashift transmissions.
• Principles of operation of hydraulic and manual clutch system operation.
• Clutch, transmission, driveline diagnostics.
• Disassembly, inspection and reassembly of single and twin countershaft transmissions, differentials and driveshafts.
• OEM diagnostic procedures for automated twin countershaft (autoshift and ultrashift) transmissions
• Failure analysis.
• Familiarization with OEM service manuals and software.
• Operation and maintenance of transmissions.

Hands-on Components of the Course:

• Students train in groups to disassemble, inspect and reassemble a single countershaft and a twin countershaft transmission. 

Tools & Technology Used:

• Eaton ServiceRanger software
• Hand tools
• OEM specialty tools

Diesel Truck Brake Systems & Chassis

This course begins with a fundamental overview of brakes, including brake theory, foundation and types of brakes along with the air supply system. You will be introduced to a variety of tools used for diagnosing concerns with the brake system. This course also covers hydraulic brake systems, ABS electronic systems, automatic traction control, power assist units and high-pressure brake system diagnostics. This is very important, as a full tractor trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That’s a lot of weight to stop in a short distance.

 Learning Environment: 

• Training takes place in both a classroom and lab environment. Students are taught core concepts and principles in the classroom, and put these into practice in the lab.

Key Takeaways:

• Operation, repair and maintenance of a heavy-duty air and hydraulic brake system.
  
• Use of OEM software.
• Use of OEM diagnostic tools and procedures.
• ABS system operation, repair and maintenance.
• Familiarization with the braking system.
• Knowledge and the practice of removing, diagnosing and installation of braking system components.

Hands-on Components of the Course:

• Students will remove and install all of the foundation braking system components.

Tools & Technology Used:

• Hand tools
• EM service tools
• OEM diagnostic software
• OEM service tools

Diesel Truck Steering & Suspension Systems

This portion of the diesel technician training program will introduce you to the diagnosis and service of wheels and tires, front hub assemblies, steering linkage, gear boxes, steering column, power steering pumps, and rear suspension systems and alignment. These trucks need to be safe on the road, so knowing how the suspension works is key.

 Learning Environment: 

• Training takes place in both a classroom and lab environment. Students are taught core concepts and principles in the classroom, and put these into practice in the lab.

Key Takeaways:

• Operation, repair and maintenance of steering linkage and power steering systems.
• Operation, repair and maintenance of wheels and tires.
• Alignments, both manual and electronic.
• Truck suspension systems.
• Exposure to different alignment methods.
• Exposure to steering and suspension systems maintenance and diagnostics.

Hands-on Components of the Course:

• Students will perform multiple vehicle alignments with different equipment and remove and install wheel hubs and suspension systems.

Tools & Technology Used:

• Bee-Line and Protrak alignment systems
• OEM service tools, software and manuals

Automotive Climate Control Systems and Repair

In this course, you will have the opportunity to learn about EPA rules and regulations. You will be taught the different types of refrigerants and oils in the market today and how to handle them properly. Your coursework will also cover the different systems vehicle manufacturers use. Some vehicles can be equipped with multiple zone systems, which means the driver and occupants have their own controls.

Additionally, students will be taught about the potential dangers of working with refrigerant and high system pressures and how to avoid them. You will understand how, when refrigerant flows, it changes from a gas to a liquid in order to properly diagnose. Upon completion of this course, you will have been taught the technology principles of automotive heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) through diagnosis and service of HVAC systems and sub systems, refrigerant systems and electronic climate control systems.

Learning Environment: 

• Training takes place in both a classroom and lab environment. Students are taught core concepts and principles in the classroom, and put these into practice in the lab.

Key Takeaways:

• Knowledge of the HVAC electrical system and how to diagnose it.
• How to remove and reinstall HVAC components and diagnose electrical and HVAC related faults.
• The use of basic hand tools, A/C specific tools and scan tools.
• How to use a refrigerant machine for evacuating and recharging.

Diesel Hydraulic Systems

In this course, you will be taught the fundamentals of hydraulic theory, understand and interpret the schematics, symbols and hydraulic and hydrostatic system operation and troubleshoot and repair. You will be taught the proper procedures to safely work on the systems and will build and test hydraulic systems using common hydraulic system components and will diagnose faults in the system. Lastly, you will be taught the proper inspection and maintenance procedures of hydraulic systems.

 Learning Environment: 

• Training takes place in both a classroom and lab environment. Students are taught core concepts and principles in the classroom, and put these into practice in the lab.

Key Takeaways:

• Basic hydraulic fundamentals, flow, pressure, components.
• Interpreting hydraulic schematics and symbols.
• Hydraulic diagnosis and maintenance.

Hands-on Components of the Course:

• Students will build and diagnose hydraulic circuits on hydraulic test simulators. They will also use an excavator to perform maintenance and basic repair tasks. 

Tools & Technology Used:

• Hand tools
• Hydraulic simulators

Vehicle Electronic Systems and Technology

Students in this course are taught the science of electrical principles and electricity and how they are related to automotive technology. The electricity in a vehicle cannot be seen, which is why it’s important to understand how it flows through a circuit and what it does.

You will be taught Ohm's law, and with that understanding, be taught to use a digital multi-meter to read voltage, resistance and amps. Your coursework will also cover how various electrical components operate, how to read wiring diagrams and build and test circuits. You will also troubleshoot on vehicles and perform various electrical tests. The knowledge gained in this course will be built upon throughout the rest of your courses.

 Learning Environment: 

• Training takes place in both a classroom and lab environment. Students are taught core concepts and principles in the classroom, and put these into practice in the lab.

Key Takeaways:

• How to use various tools including multi-meters and oscilloscopes.
• Use of a diagnostic scanner that connects to the vehicle’s network to read and control some components of an electrical system.
• How to understand and diagnose an electrical fault using the correct tools.

Diesel Truck Transport Refrigeration

In this course, you will combine what you have been taught about HVAC systems and in your diesel engine training courses and apply that knowledge on an industrial scale. You will be taught the fundamentals of industrial refrigeration and its applications in the trucking industry. These units are used to transport perishable goods by maintaining the proper temperature to prevent spoilage, so the role of technicians skilled in this area is incredibly important. You will be taught how to maintain, diagnose and repair transport refrigeration units in order to ensure they are operating properly.

 Learning Environment: 

• Training takes place in both a classroom and lab environment. Students are taught core concepts and principles in the classroom, and put these into practice in the lab.

Key Takeaways:

• Basics of industrial refrigeration.
• How to evacuate and recharge an HVAC system using scales.
• How trailer- and truck-mounted refrigeration units operate.
• How truck auxiliary power units (APU) operate.
• How to maintain, diagnose and repair refrigeration units and APU’s.
• How to repair leaks by brazing.
• Troubleshooting and maintaining refrigeration units.

Hands-on Components of the Course:

• In addition to refrigeration unit training, students will braze multiple pieces of different pipe together and test it to see if it holds water.

Tools & Technology Used:

• Refrigerant scales
  
• Brazing torches
• OEM software
• OEM tools and manuals

Diesel Truck Preventative Maintenance

In this course, you will be taught how to properly perform Department of Transportation (DOT) inspections based on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines. These inspections are used to evaluate the vehicle and identify to ensure that it meets the federal safety standards to be on the road. You will also be taught the manufacturers’ maintenance procedures designed to reduce failures. If a truck is not on the road, it is not making money, so this is an important aspect of a diesel technician’s job.

 Learning Environment: 

• Training takes place in both a classroom and lab environment. Students are taught core concepts and principles in the classroom, and put these into practice in the lab.

Key Takeaways:

• DOT inspections.
• Maintenance procedures on the complete truck.
• Familiarization with DOT regulations and inspection.
• Understanding the importance of maintaining the vehicles.
• Understanding of the use of maintenance equipment.
• Exposure to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration standards and website.

Hands-on Components of the Course:

• Students will complete level A, B and C DOT inspections.

Tools & Technology Used:

• Coolant exchange machine
• Smoke opacity tester
• OEM tools and manuals