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  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 are 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 will be quizzed on the learning objectives and will complete 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, 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.

Keep reading to find out what you can learn in each UTI diesel truck mechanic course topic.

Please note the following course titles reflect the Diesel Technology II program taught at our Austin, Avondale, Bloomfield, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miramar and Orlando campuses. Courses will vary at other campus locations.

Introduction to Engines

In these diesel mechanic course topics, 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 can even learn how to identify the manufacturer.  

You will become familiar with all of the parts, what they do, and learn how to repair an entire engine. Throughout the process, expect to get hands-on with the lubrication system, cooling system, air induction/exhaust system, starting aids, turbochargers and charge air coolers, engine brakes, EGR systems and exhaust gas after treatment devices

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:

• Mid-range and heavy-duty Cummins, Caterpillar, Detroit and International diesel engines
• Hand tools
• OEM software, manuals and specialty tools
• Pressure and vacuum test equipment

Brakes

In the Diesel Brakes course topic, students receive an in-depth introduction to brake systems, including brake theory, the foundational types of brakes and an overview of the air supply system.

They use various diagnostic tools, such as digital multimeters and scan tools, to address issues within brake systems. The course also explores hydraulic brake systems, ABS electronic systems, automatic traction control, power assist units and high-pressure brake system diagnostics. Given the massive weight of trucks, which can reach up to 80,000 pounds, these skills are essential for ensuring safe and effective braking performance in real-world scenarios!

 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 foundation braking system components.

Tools & Technology Used:

• Hand tools
• Lifting equipment
• Pneumatic tools
• OEM service tools
• OEM diagnostic software
• Brake system display boards
• OEM service tools

Steering & Suspension Systems

In the steering and suspension diesel truck mechanic course, students are taught to diagnose and service essential components, including wheels and tires, front hub assemblies, steering linkages, gearboxes and the steering column.

The course covers power steering pump operation, rear suspension systems, and alignment procedures. You’ll practice using specialized equipment like wheel alignment machines and power steering analyzers to address issues. This foundational knowledge can help equip you with the skills necessary for performing steering and suspension repairs that ensure the safety and stability of heavy trucks on the road.

 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:

• Wheel alignment equipment
• Power steering analyzers
• OEM service tools, software and manuals

Technology Principles and Consumer Communication of Automotive HVAC

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

Hands-on Components of the Course:

Students use refrigerant systems, electronic climate control, and various A/C recovery and recycling tools to ensure proper system functionality and environmental compliance.

Tools & Technology Used:

• A/C recovery and recycling machine
• Manual A/C system trainers
• Automatic climate control trainers
• A/C system electrical trainers
• Manifold gauge sets

Hydraulics

In this diesel mechanic course topic, 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’ll practice using the proper inspection and maintenance procedures to safely repair the systems and will build and test hydraulic systems using common hydraulic system components. You can even learn to diagnose faults in the system – a skill employers value in entry-level technicians!

 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
• Log splitter
• Hose crimp machine
• Mini excavator

Advanced Electrical Applications

Students in these courses 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

Hands-on Components of the Course:

Students diagnose and service electrical circuits, batteries, and starting/charging systems, utilizing tools such as digital multimeters and system testers to reinforce their understanding of electrical principles.

Tools & Technology Used:

• Digital multimeters
• Oscilloscopes
• Diagnostics scan tools
• Charging and starting system testers

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 reclaiming equipment
• Auxiliary power unit systems
• OEM software

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:

• Electronic scan tools
• Vehicle wheel lift systems
• Coolant exchange machine
• OEM tools, manuals and software

FAQs

What types of hands-on training will I receive in the diesel mechanic courses?

In UTI’s diesel mechanic courses, you'll engage in hands-on training with current equipment and systems, covering everything from brake and chassis systems to advanced diagnostics. This practical experience helps build essential skills employers value such as, diagnosing and repairing diesel engines, drivetrains and electrical systems.

How does UTI’s diesel mechanic program prepare me for industry certifications?

UTI's diesel mechanic program aligns with industry standards to help students prepare for certifications recognized by employers. The curriculum includes training that supports various ASE certifications, covering the knowledge and skills needed to test for these certifications, helping graduates feel well-prepared for the exams.

What tools and technologies are used in the diesel mechanic courses?

Students use a wide range of professional tools and diagnostic equipment, including multimeters, alignment machines and specialized diagnostic software unique to various manufacturers. This exposure provides students with the kind of knowledge employers are looking for.