Learn Practical Skills At Home

Each of your comprehensive lessons includes easy-to-follow instructions that make every home inspection concept and technique come alive for you – step by fascinating step. Your reading assignments are challenging and stimulating at the same time. A few clicks at your keyboard allow you to:

• Enjoy interactive, web-based instructional enhancements that engage students in the learning process
• Perform practice exercises and take exams online – and receive grades and helpful feedback immediately
• Move on to your next lesson and exam without delay

Choose our Correspondence (Print-based) study option if you don’t have a computer. Or choose our Online (Web-enhanced) study option for fast-track training at your PC. It’s the smart way to learn – and you’ll still receive reading assignments and study materials by mail! Enroll online today in PCDI's Professional Auto Mechanics distance learning program.

Meet Your Instructor

Ken Roberts, Chief Instructor, is an automotive expert who has years of hands-on experience repairing, maintaining and refurbishing nearly every kind of car that exists. Even more important than being a service expert, he’s a car enthusiast. “Education has been essential in growing my career. I look forward to sharing my expertise with you in this exciting home study course.”

As an automotive technical educator, he enjoys teaching others all the fascinating tips and techniques he knows about automobiles.

What You’ll Learn Lesson By Lesson

Lesson 1: The Auto Industry. Modern technology and today's vehicles; the “Big Three”; foreign manufacturers; autotronics; environmental regulatory influences; career moves.

Lesson 2: Tools and Shop Equipment. Safety; accident prevention; common hand tools; measuring, pneumatic, electrical, and hydraulic power tools; diagnostic, electrical, and computerized tools and equipment.

Lesson 3: Engines. In-line versus V-type engines; engine performance measurements; efficiency; compression ratios; torque; horsepower; evaluating engine condition; nine abnormal engine noises; diesel, rotary, and stratified engines.

Lesson 4: Engine Repair and Re-Conditioning. Engine systems; disassembly; inspection; repair, reassembly, and cleaning procedures; crank-shaft construction; rebuilding; bearings; flywheels; harmonic balancers; installing piston rings.

Lesson 5: Camshafts, Lubrication, and Cooling Systems. Function, operation, and location of the camshaft; inspecting and installing valve trains, timing components, bearing, and oil pumps; the cooling system; how water pumps work; the radiator; thermostats.

Lesson 6: Intake and Exhaust Systems and Engine Assembly. Function and components of air intake systems; ductwork; air cleaner; filters; intake manifolds; exhaust system components; seals; gaskets; exhaust pipes; catalytic converters; mufflers; common turbocharger problems; reassembly; installing a rebuilt engine.

Lesson 7: Electricity. Voltage, current, and resistance; electrical circuits; troubleshooting with meters, test lights, and jumper wire; battery safety and maintenance; electronic and microcomputer control systems; automotive wiring and circuitry.

Lesson 8: Starting and Charging Systems. Starting system components and circuits; magnetic switches; drive mechanisms; testing starters and AC and DC charging systems; voltage regulators.

Lesson 9: Lighting Systems and Accessories. Two types of instrument panel displays; how power door and window locks work; cruise control repair.

Lesson 10: Ignition. Ignition system components; oscilloscopes; primary and secondary circuit patterns; testing the crank output; spark duration; coil polarity; spark plug voltage; using a volt meter, ohmmeter, and test light; distributorless systems; spark plug installation.

Special Report: Time Management Guide. Using your time more productively.

Lesson 11: The Fuel System. Performance characteristics of gasoline; additives; diesel and other fuels; replacing a fuel tank and carburetor filter; pumps; electronic systems.

Lesson 12: Fuel Injection. Fuel injection; throttle body and port injection systems; electronic and continuous injection systems; trouble-shooting procedures; replacing, cleaning, and testing, methods.

Lesson 13: Carburetors. Principles of carburetion; two-barrel vs. four-barrel carburetors; troubleshooting carburetors; carburetor repairs.

Lesson 14: Emissions and Computerized Engine Controls. Modern emission control systems; secondary air efficiency testing; inspecting and replacing PCV systems; EGR valve testing; emissions problems.

Lesson 15: The Manual Transmission and Transaxle. Clutch components and operations; pressure plate assemblies; linkages; clutch problems; removing, assembling, and installing clutches; installing transmissions and transaxles.

Lesson 16: Drive Axles and Differentials. Front wheel drive axles; diagnosing CV joint and U joint problems; removing and replacing a CV boot; axle shaft bearings; rear wheel assemblies; noise analysis.

Lesson 17: Automatic Transmissions; Transaxles for 4- and All-Wheel Drive. Standard and lock-up torque converters; power flow in Chrysler transaxles; the GM THM 200R transmission; the Ford ATX transaxle; changing transmission fluid; leaks; adjusting the gear selector linkage; four-wheel vs. all-wheel drive.

Lesson 18: Suspension and Steering. Tire and wheel assembly and service; alignment; front suspension; electronic suspension components; shocks; struts; MacPherson struts; bushings; stabilizers; double-wishbone suspensions; rack-and-pinion, manual, and power steering.

Lesson 19: Brakes. Drum, disc, hydraulic, and anti-lock brakes; the master cylinder; servicing power brakes, diagnosing ABS systems; brake shoes and linings; brake noises; servicing.

Lesson 20: Heating, AC, and More. Ventilation, heating, and air conditioning; defroster duct hoses; compressors, condensers, and refrigerants; testing for leaks; servicing AC systems, motorized seat belts, air bags, and car alarm systems.

Special Bonus: Your Career. A manual to assist you in achieving your professional goals.