Automotive Training & Career Opportunities

GST Can Do List

A GST Graduate Can Do …

Upon successful completion of a NATEF Certified 500-hour General Service Technician (GST) training program, you will be more qualified for a better-paying entry level position within the automotive sales and service industry and/or better equipped to continue your education at a more advanced level of automotive training. You will have been exposed to and will have had hands-on experience in the broad range of topics below.

General Automotive Shop Procedures and Personal Safety

Identify and wear appropriate clothing for lab/shop activities. Comply with industry standards for appearance and public presentation.

  • Identify, safely use and maintain general automotive hand and power tools and shop equipment.
  • Understand safety aspects of supplemental restraint systems (SRS) and antilock brake systems (ABS).
  • Locate and demonstrate knowledge of material safety data sheets (MSDS).
  • Locate and use paper and electronic Service Manuals, Service Bulletins, and Technical Publications.
  • Understand the purpose, use, and location of VINs, engine numbers, date codes, etc.
  • Write and understand a repair order including use of 3-C's (complaint-cause-correction). Review vehicle service history.
  • Return vehicle to customer in as good or better condition than when received.
Automotive Engines
  • Check and adjust fluid levels of most vehicle components.
  • Inspect, replace, adjust and align drive belts, tensioners, and pulleys.
  • Replace filters
  • Perform diagnostic tests such as manifold absolute vacuum, cylinder power balance, compression, leakage. Use 4 or 5 gas analyzer.
  • Retrieve and record OBD I and OBD II diagnostic trouble codes. Interpret scan tool data.
  • Change/flush engine oil and coolant.
Electrical Systems
  • Diagnose electrical/electronic circuits and components using wiring diagrams, DVOM's, and the principles of Ohm’s Law.
  • Measure parasitic draw, repair wiring harnesses and connectors.
  • Inspect-clean-test-recharge-replace battery & cables.
  • Inspect/diagnose starting and charging system.
  • Differentiate between electrical and engine mechanical problems that cause a slow-crank or no-crank condition.
  • Inspect, replace, and aim headlights and bulbs.
Steering and Suspension Systems
  • Identify and interpret suspension and steering concerns and determine necessary action.
  • Inspect, flush, fill, & bleed power steering systems.
  • Lubricate suspension and steering systems.
  • Inspect/replace shocks, struts, and stabilizers.
  • Differentiate between steering and suspension concerns using principles of steering geometry (caster, camber, toe, etc).
  • Diagnose wheel/tire wear patterns, vibration, shimmy, and noise.
  • Perform wheel alignment. Mount/dismount, balance and rotate tires.
Brakes
  • Inspect/diagnose brake components and concerns.
  • Flush-fill-bleed hydraulic brake systems.
  • Remove-inspect-replace-adjust brake shoes/pads and related components.
  • Remove-inspect-replace brake cylinders and calipers.
  • Diagnose, measure, refinish and replace brake rotors and drums.
  • Inspect and replace wheel bearings, brake boosters, and parking brake components.
  • Identify and inspect antilock brake and traction control systems.
Drive Train
  • Diagnose fluid usage, level, leaks and condition concerns.
  • Inspect and bleed hydraulic clutch slave and master cylinders, and hoses.
  • Inspect/replace wheel studs. Inspect CV joint boots. R&R rwd driveshaft.
  • Inspect, leak test, flush, fill automatic transmissions. Replace trans filter.
Heating and Air Conditioning Systems
  • Identify and visually inspect A/C system. Locate label and ID specified refrigerant type (R-12, R-134am etc).
  • Performance test A/C system using manifold gauge set and thermometer.

For more information about GST Training, contact Matt Houghton.