Unit of competency details

Release 

Comment 

Release 1 

Replaces AURE320666B Repair ignition systems

Performance Criteria and Range Statement updated to reflect technologies

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes required to diagnose and repair ignition systems. It involves diagnosing deviations from correct operation, repairing ignition system components and associated systems, and undertaking post-repair testing procedures.

The unit also involves identifying and confirming work requirements, preparing for work, and completing work finalisation processes, including clean-up and documentation.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit in some jurisdictions. Users are advised to check with the relevant regulatory authority.

Application of the unit 

Work applies to basic ignition and electronic ignition (EI) systems fitted in light and heavy vehicle, mining, construction, agricultural, motorcycle, outdoor power equipment and marine environments.

Work does not apply to ignition systems associated with engine management systems.

Work requires individuals to demonstrate some judgement and problem-solving skills in managing own work activities and contributing to a productive team environment.

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge and/or the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare to diagnose and repair ignition systems

1.1. Workplace instructions  are used to determine job requirements 

1.2. Workplace health and safety (WHS) requirements  are observed throughout the work

1.3. Procedures and information  are sourced and interpreted

1.4. Options for diagnosing faults  are identified and used, using appropriate tools and diagnostic techniques

1.5. Tools and equipment  are identified for effective repair methods

2. Diagnose ignition systems

2.1. Basic ignition and electronic ignition systems  are tested to isolate faults according to workplace procedures and without causing damage to components or systems as a result of inappropriate testing procedures 

2.2. Faults  are identified from test results and causes of faults are determined

2.3. Diagnosis findings are reported according to workplace procedures, including recommendations for necessary repairs or adjustments

3. Repair ignition systems

3.1. Repair options  are analysed and those most appropriate are selected

3.2. Appropriate tools, techniques and materials are selected and prepared

3.3. Repairs and component replacements and adjustments are carried out without causing damage, according to workplace procedures and manufacturer and component supplier specifications

3.4. Post-repair testing  is carried out according to workplace procedures and relevant legislation

4. Prepare vehicle and equipment for delivery to customer after repair is completed

4.1. Final inspection is made to ensure work is to workplace expectations

4.2. Vehicle is cleaned to workplace expectations and presented ready for use

4.3. Workplace documentation is processed according to workplace procedures

5. Clean up work area and finalise work processes

5.1. Material that can be reused is collected and stored according to workplace sustainability practices

5.2. Waste and scrap are removed according to workplace practices

5.3. Tools, equipment and the work area are cleaned and inspected according to workplace procedures

5.4. Tools and equipment are maintained according to workplace procedures

5.5. Faulty equipment is identified, tagged and isolated according to workplace procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• communication skills to:

• follow verbal and written instructions
• clarify workplace instructions and determine job requirements
• gain information from appropriate persons and assistance as required

• initiative and enterprise skills to:

• apply learning when diagnosing and repairing various basic ignition and EI systems
• recognise a workplace problem or potential problem and take action

• learning skills to identify sources of information, assistance and expert knowledge to expand skills, knowledge and understanding
• literacy skills to:

• read and follow information in written job instructions, specifications, standard operating procedures, charts, lists, drawings and other applicable reference documents
• obtain and record measurements
• document required repairs and parts

• numeracy skills to:

• test, measure and analyse test equipment results compared to desired system performance
• assess tolerances and apply accurate measurements and adjustments

• planning and organising skills to:

• plan own work requirements and prioritise actions to achieve required outcomes and ensure tasks are completed on time
• identify risk factors and take action to minimise them

• problem-solving skills to:

• determine the underlying causes of faults

• refer problems outside area of responsibility to appropriate person and suggest possible causes
• seek information and assistance as required to solve problems
• self-management skills to:

• select and use appropriate equipment, materials, processes and procedures
• recognise limitations and seek timely advice
• follow workplace documentation, such as codes of practice and operating procedures

• teamwork skills to apply knowledge of own role to complete activities efficiently to support team activities and tasks
• technical skills to use hand, power, measuring and specialised tools relating to the repair of ignition systems
• technology skills to:

• operate diagnostic and test equipment
• use technology to collect, analyse and provide information

Required knowledge 

• WHS regulations, requirements, equipment, material and personal safety requirements, including:

• individual state and territory legislation
• codes of practice
• personal protection needs

• principal types of vehicle basic ignition and EI systems, including:

• kettering
• magneto
• distributor
• waste spark

• application, purpose and operation of basic ignition and EI systems, including:

• ignition coil construction and operation:

• transformer principles of operation
• self-induced voltage and condenser effect on output

• vehicle demands on ignition system
• ignition switching and triggering, including dwell, firing order, timing, advances, current control and dwell extensions
• magnetic inductive, hall effect and optical switching

• techniques for reading and interpreting technical information, graphic symbols and diagrams
• diagnostic and testing procedures, including:

• diagnostic procedures for basic ignition and EI systems, including:

• accessing and interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
• diagnostic flow charts

• analysis of system operation using electrical test equipment, current measurement, scan tools, oscilloscopes and other industry-relevant test equipment
• visual, aural and functional assessments, including:

• component damage and wear
• component corrosion

• repair procedures, including:

• component removal and replacement procedures
• component and associated system adjustment procedures

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge.

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to:

• observe safety procedures and requirements
• select methods and techniques appropriate to the circumstances
• complete preparatory activity in a systematic manner
• apply and demonstrate knowledge of ignition system operation, including dwell, current and timing control in all systems
• diagnose and repair a range of vehicle basic ignition and EI systems
• conduct diagnosis and repair procedures according to workplace, manufacturer and component supplier requirements
• present vehicle and equipment in a condition that complies with workplace requirements.

Context of, and specific resources for assessment 

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessment is to occur:

• using standard workplace practices and procedures
• following safety requirements
• applying environmental constraints.

Assessment is to comply with relevant:

• regulatory requirements
• Australian standards
• industry codes of practice.

The following resources must be made available for the assessment of this unit:

• workplace location or simulated workplace
• a range of ignition system and components relevant to the qualification being sought
• vehicles with basic ignition and EI faults relevant to the qualification being sought
• equipment appropriate for the testing of vehicle basic ignition and EI systems
• specifications and workplace instructions
• tools appropriate for repairing, replacing and adjusting vehicle basic ignition and EI systems.

Method of assessment 

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with the application of required skills and knowledge.

Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on required skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.

Competence in this unit may be assessed in conjunction with other units which together form part of a holistic work role.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate the needs of diverse clients.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally sensitive and appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Workplace instructions  may include:

• electronic or hard copy instructions
• verbal instructions
• written instructions.

Job requirements  may include:

• diagnosis and repair methods, processes and equipment.

Workplace health and safety requirements  may include:

• personal protective clothing and equipment
• hazards associated with high voltage ignition systems
• use of tools and equipment
• safe handling of material
• use of fire-fighting equipment
• workplace safety policies and procedures
• workplace first aid equipment
• hazard control, including control of hazardous materials and toxic substances.

Procedures and information  may include:

• verbal, written and graphical instructions
• signage
• work schedules, plans and specifications
• work bulletins and memos
• material safety data sheets (MSDS)
• diagrams and sketches
• safe work procedures relating to repairing and replacing basic ignition and EI systems
• regulatory and legislative requirements relating to automotive industry
• Australian Design Rules
• engineer's design specifications and instructions
• workplace work specifications and requirements
• instructions issued by authorised workplace or external persons
• Australian standards
• vehicle service requirements and repair manuals.

Options for diagnosing faults  may include:

• isolation of faults
• component inspection and evaluation.

Tools and equipment  may include:

• hand tools
• testing equipment, including multimeters, ammeters, voltmeters and tachometers
• timing light
• spark plug testers
• insulation testers
• power tools and air tools
• tune scopes
• engine analysers
• dynamometers
• distributor test bench.

Basic ignition and electronic ignition systems  may include:

• single and dual points
• transistor assisted
• single and multiple distributors
• ballast and non-ballast primary circuits
• suppressed and non-suppressed high-tension leads
• magneto
• capacitor discharge ignition (CDI) systems
• transistor controlled ignition (TCI) systems
• electronic spark timing (EST) systems
• advance mechanisms: mechanical, vacuum, electronic, magnetic pulse, optic and hall effect
• spark plug, resistor plug and cap.

Inappropriate testing procedures  may include:

• intrusive testing (which must not be performed as it is not a recommended test and repair method), which includes:

• back probing terminals and connectors and fuse holders with inappropriate test probes
• probing terminal and connectors with inappropriate test probes
• pushing sharp probes and objects into wiring insulation.

Faults  may include:

• engine difficult to start or will not start
• engine misfiring
• poor engine performance
• engine knock
• overheating
• DTC being set.

Repair options  may include:

• pre- and post-repair testing
• identifying and testing components
• diagnosing and determining faults
• component repair procedures, including:

• removal, replacement and adjustment procedures
• dismantle, repair, re-assembly and adjustment procedures

• electrical measurements
• peak voltage testing
• visual and functional assessments, including for damage and wear.

Post-repair testing  may include:

• validating effectiveness of the repair action
• confirming that reported fault has been rectified
• confirming that no other faults are present as a result of the repair action.

Competency field 

Electrical

Unit sector 

Technical – Electrical and Electronic