Diesel Technology

256.352.8063
diesel@wallacestate.edu
www.wallacestate.edu/diesel

Associate in Applied Science Degree (4-5 Semesters)

Certificate (4 Semesters)

Short-Term Certificates (1 Semester)

At a Glance

The Diesel Technology program prepares students for careers as diesel service technicians, including bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists. Diesel technicians repair, maintain, and diagnose the diesel engines that power a wide range of transportation and industrial equipment.

Students gain hands-on experience servicing equipment used in heavy-duty trucks, buses, light- and medium-duty diesel trucks, agricultural equipment, and industrial machinery.

The program focuses on developing skills in diesel engine diagnostics, fuel systems, electrical and electronic systems, drivetrain components, hydraulic systems, and preventative maintenance procedures. Through classroom instruction and laboratory training, students learn to use modern diagnostic tools and industry-standard equipment to troubleshoot and repair complex diesel-powered systems.

Graduates are prepared for entry-level employment in transportation fleets, construction and equipment companies, agricultural operations, diesel repair facilities, and equipment dealerships, where skilled diesel technicians are in high demand

Program Description

WSCC offers an Associate in Applied Science, a Certificate, and several Short-Term Certificates in Diesel Technology and provides CDL training and testing for those interested in a career as a diesel technician or truck driver. This program is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to be employed in the diesel industry. It consists of classroom theory, computer lab applications, and the hands-on lab application of technician processes. Most recently the diesel technology program incorporated a new component called Diesel by Distance which provides students with a more flexible schedule and a virtual reality headset to practice certain tasks before coming to the lab.

Program Expectations

Technicians must be versatile to adapt to customers’ needs and new technologies. It is common for technicians to handle all kinds of repairs, from working on a vehicle’s electrical system one day to doing major engine repairs the next. In modern shops, diesel service technicians use handheld and laptop computers to diagnose problems and adjust engine functions.

Career Path

Jobs available to graduates of this program are heavy truck diesel technician, light truck diesel technician, medium duty diesel truck technician, heavy equipment technician, diesel engine specialist, marine diesel technician, service writer, heavy truck parts inventory clerk, service manager, heavy truck parts manager truck driver, and preventive maintenance technician to name a few.

The median annual wage for diesel service technicians and mechanics was $60,640 in May 2024. The median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $62,740 in May 2024. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

DEM 104 : Basic Engines

This course is designed to give the student knowledge of the diesel engine components and auxiliary systems, the proper way to maintain them and the proper procedures for testing and rebuilding components. Emphasis is placed on safety, theory of operation, inspection, and measuring and rebuilding diesel engines according to factory specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to measure, diagnose problems, and repair diesel engines.

Credits

DEM 105 : Preventive Maintenance

This course provides instruction on how to plan, develop and install equipment surveillance and reliability strategies. Descriptions of various maintenance techniques for specialized preventive programs are discussed and computerized parts and equipment inventories and fleet management systems software are emphasized. Upon completion, students should be able to set up and follow a preventive maintenance schedule as directed by manufacturers.

Credits

DEM 118 : Industrial and Agricultural Equipment

This course provides instruction in the fundamentals of agricultural and industrial tractor repair, maintenance, and basic service procedures. Emphasis is placed on operating and troubleshooting, combines, hoes, bailers, loaders, and other equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, adjust, and repair new or used industrial and agricultural equipment.

Credits

DEM 122 : Heavy Vehicle Brakes

This course covers the theory and repair of braking systems used in medium and heavy duty vehicles. Topics include air, hydraulic, and ABS system diagnosis and repair. Upon completion, students should be able to troubleshoot, adjust, and repair braking systems on medium and heavy duty vehicles.

Credits

DEM 123 : Pneumatics and Hydraulics

This course provides instruction in the identification and repair of components found in hydraulic systems. Topics include schematics, circuits, and symbols used in fluid power transmission and the troubleshooting of components in these systems. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, adjust, and repair hydraulic system components.

Credits

DEM 124 : Electronic Engine Systems

This course introduces the principles of electronically controlled diesel engines. Emphasis is placed on testing and adjusting diesel engines in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, test, and calibrate electronically controlled diesel engines.

Credits

DEM 125 : Heavy Vehicle Drive Trains

This course introduces the operating principles of mechanical medium and heavy duty truck transmissions. Topics include multiple counter shafts, power take-offs, slider idler clutches, and friction clutches, mechanical transmission power components, and hydraulics. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, inspect, and repair mechanical transmissions. CORE

Credits

DEM 126 : Advanced Engines

This course provides instruction in the disassembly, inspection, and rebuilding of diesel and heavy-duty gas engines. Emphasis is placed on the manufacturer’s standards and factory recommended service tools and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to disassemble, inspect, and rebuild engines according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Credits

DEM 127 : Fuel Systems

This course is designed to provide practice in troubleshooting, fault code diagnosis, information retrieval, calibration, repair and replacement of fuel injectors, nozzles, and pumps. Emphasis is placed on test equipment, component functions, and theory. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, service, and repair fuel systems and governors.

Credits

DEM 130 : Electrical/Electronic Fundamentals

This course introduces the student to basic Electrical/Electronic concepts and fundamentals. It provides the principles of electricity, magnetism, and Ohm’s Law. Emphasis is placed on batteries, starting, charging, and lighting circuits, which include series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits. Troubleshooting and repair of wiring harnesses, starting motors, charging systems, and accessories are included along with the computerized monitoring of vehicle systems. Upon completion, students should be able to identify components, test systems, and repair minor electrical problems according to manufacturer’s literature. CORE

Credits

DEM 135 : Heavy Vehicle Steering and Suspension

This course introduces the theory and principles of medium and heavy duty steering and suspension systems. Topics include wheel and tire problems, frame members, fifth wheel, bearings, and coupling systems. Upon completion, students should be able to troubleshoot, adjust, and repair suspension and steering components on medium and heavy duty vehicles.

Credits

DEM 137 : Heating, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Systems

This course provides instruction in fundamentals, diagnosis, and repair of cab and cargo heating and refrigeration systems. Topics include operation theory, safety, maintenance, recycling and recovery procedures, recharging procedures, troubleshooting procedures, refrigerant leaks, and system repairs.

Credits

DEM 139 : Diesel Emissions and After-treatment Systems

This course provides information on the repairs and current trends in diesel engine emission standards, the diagnosis of these products, and the repair of Diesel emission systems as they relate to the exhaust and after-treatment as well as the employment responsibilities meeting industry standards.

Credits

DEM 154 : Vehicle Maintenance & Safe Operating Practices

This course provides instruction in basic entry level driving skills relating to the maintenance and safe operation of a commercial motor vehicle. Topics include preventive maintenance and safe vehicle operations. Upon successful completion, students will have the skill and knowledge to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.

Credits

DEM 156 : CDL License Test Preparation

This is a course designed to prepare students for the Alabama Commercial Driver’s License written examination. The course includes a review of major topics, sample tests, as well as basic CDL information and test-taking procedures.

Credits

DEM 234 : Diesel Electronic Systems (Cab/Chassis)

This course introduces the student to diesel electronic system concepts. It provides the principles of CAN systems, vehicle cab controls and repair using Ohm’s Law concepts. Emphasis is placed on cab circuits, which include series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits. Troubleshooting and repair of wiring harnesses, lights, cab circuits and CAN electronic circuits on vehicle cab and chassis. Upon completion, students should be able to identify components, test systems, and repair electrical issues on heavy truck, light truck and heavy equipment cab chassis systems.