Course Catalog Pre-Release Panoptic Training Powered by Automotive Research and Design As an internationally recognized leader in Hybrid and Electric Vehicle training, the mission of AR&D/Panoptic is to deliver the highest quality education, skills, and industry credential preparation to technicians, educators, fleets, OEMs, and suppliers utilizing digital and hands-on delivery.
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Battery Pack Operation, Diagnostics and Service NiMH chemistry is currently the predominant battery technology used in hybrid electric vehicles. This course will prepare the technician to diagnose and resolve battery pack issues that result in poor fuel economy and other driveabilty concerns. The operation of the battery cells, modules and internal components within the battery pack, along with known failure modes will be taught. Students will learn to apply advanced diagnostic techniques including specific vehicle drive cycles and scan tool data to determine power and energy performance of individual battery modules. Lithium Ion Family Battery Pack Operation, Diagnostics, and Service Lithium Ion batteries are quickly becoming a main stream battery product in Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, and Electric Vehicles. This information will help technicians understand this technology and provide new skill tools to properly address Lithium service requirements. This course includes battery pack diagnostic procedures utilizing specific vehicle drive cycles, operation and testing of internal battery pack components, battery management and cell balancing systems, component testing, and service strategies to help the technician resolve customer s electric range, fuel economy or drivability complaints. Using scan tool information to test and diagnose battery pack modules/cells to determine power and energy performance, failure modes, and if replacement is necessary is also included.
Electric Motor-Generator Operation, Diagnostics, and Service This course will provide the technician information and skill tools to address MGU testing and service requirements using a variety of diagnostic tools and methods. Hybrid, Plug-In, and Electric Vehicle Motor-Generator Units (MGU) are at the heart of the modern vehicle propulsion system. It is essential for technicians to be familiar with 1, 2, and 3 MGU system layouts, how MGU operation impacts customer complaints, vehicle performance, and the associated diagnostic codes. Using scan tool information, on-board special functions tests, and specialized off-board testing tools and methods are critical to help the technician identify failure modes, ensure proper vehicle performance and resolve customer complaints associated with the MGU, and help technicians properly service the vehicle. Power Inverter Motor-Generator Control System Operation, Diagnostics, and Service This course will provide the technician information and skill tools to address Power Inverter service requirements. Hybrid, Plug-In, and Electric Vehicle Motor-Generator Units (MGU) are controlled by the Power Inverter and its associated controller software. The Power Inverter serves as the control for the system MGU and can serve as the main distribution point of the high voltage system. It is critical the Power Inverter failure modes, testing, and internal/external component servicing are understood by technicians to determine how the failure is associated with customer complaints, vehicle performance, and the associated diagnostic codes. Using Scan Tool information, on-board special functions tests, and specialized off-board testing tools and methods will be included as part of this course and are critical to ensure proper vehicle performance and resolve customer complaints associated with the Power Inverter.
Hybrid Systems Operation: Combining Engine and Electric Power Atkinson engine system usage in a Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) is significantly different than how the Otto cycle is used in a traditional vehicle. It is very important that technicians understand how the engine is used in conjunction with the electric propulsion system for learning how the HEV system can be analyzed, tested and diagnosed. Since the engine is used differently in the HEV system, analyzing both engine and electric propulsion Scan Tool data is critical to applying the proper service solution to solve customer complaints. This course will provide the technician information and skill tools to address HEV diagnostic and service requirements. Toyota Prius Hybrid System Operation, Diagnostics and Service The Toyota Prius is the highest volume Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) system in the automotive market. Understanding the operation, diagnostics, and servicing of this decentralized high voltage system is essential for any technician servicing HEV systems. This course will thoroughly cover the integration of the engine, planetary gear set, motor-generator unit, battery pack, dc-dc converter and associated control systems. Scan Tool data coupled with testing techniques will also be introduced. Failure modes and failure analysis will also be included in this course.
Honda Hybrid System Operation, Service and Diagnostics This course covers the operation, diagnostics, and servicing of the centralized high voltage system used in Honda hybrids, the second highest volume Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) system in the automotive market. This course will thoroughly cover the integration of the engine, motorgenerator unit, battery pack, dc-dc converter and associated control systems. Scan tool data coupled with testing techniques, failure modes and failure analysis will be introduced in this course to help the technician develop their diagnostic methods and determine courses of action. Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Air Conditioning and Heating Systems Operation, Diagnostics, and Service This course will cover the operation of the hybrid and electric vehicle A/C and Heating systems to provide the technician a firm background in systems operation, diagnostics, and service. Air Conditioning (A/C) and Heating systems can play an essential role in the operation, maintenance, and servicing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles. Not only can an A/C and Heating system effect the passenger cabin comfort but, these systems may also play a vital role in effecting the performance of the vehicle battery pack system or high voltage system and can even cause a loss of propulsion. Failure modes and failure analysis will also be included in this course.
Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Safety System Operation, Diagnostics, and Service Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, Battery Electric Vehicle, and Fuel Cell Vehicle Safety Systems provide a critical function in ensuring the vehicle operator and service technicians remain safe when operating or servicing the vehicle. This course will cover the operation and servicing of the manual disconnect, low voltage Interlock Circuits, dc and ac Isolation Fault systems, and Active and Passive high voltage Bus Discharging circuits. The vehicle safety systems can routinely cause a loss of vehicle propulsion when they sense out of parameter input values. This course will use Scan Tool information, DVOM, high voltage electrical gloves (Class 0 / 1000V), and miscellaneous basic tools to analyze, test, and how to repair these safety systems. Regenerative and Braking System Operation and Diagnostics Regenerative Braking Systems used in Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid Battery Electric Vehicles, and Fuel Cell Vehicles are an essential function to increase vehicle efficiency for the purposes of enhancing fuel economy and/or vehicle operational range. These systems also function in vehicle Hill Hold Assist and Creep Aid Control. Series or Parallel Regenerative braking systems can capture more than 30% of the energy lost in traditional vehicle braking through the use of brake emulators, braking control modules, and unique software controls. This course will provide the technician a solid fundamental background in how regenerative braking systems function and how these systems operate when combined with the base braking system. Diagnostics and servicing of braking systems will be covered including vehicles with special service concerns.
Hybrid Operation, Maintenance, and Diagnostics (HOMD) Hands-On Course Duration: 3 days This course is designed for technicians with a desire to expand their knowledge of hybrid service and diagnostics. A complete overview is provided of current types of hybrid vehicles, their operation, maintenance and basic diagnostics. Major topic areas include high voltage personal protective equipment (PPE), hybrid vehicle safety systems operation and diagnostics, hybrid battery operation, diagnostics and replacement, electric motor/generators, hybrid controllers, and servicing systems unique to hybrid vehicles including brakes, air conditioning, electronic component cooling systems, Atkinson cycle ICEs, etc. Successful completers will be prepared for the ASE L3 exam. ASE L3 (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist) Test Preparation Course Hands-On Course Duration: 2 days This hands-on based training is intended for technicians with limited hybrid vehicle familiarity who need formalized instruction prior to taking the ASE L3 hybrid exam. The operation of the three vehicle styles as included in the ASE Certification Test Reference will be covered in detail. Contents include instruction in Hybrid Vehicle Overview, Hybrid Battery Systems, Hybrid Internal Combustion Engines, Hybrid Drive Systems, Hybrid Power Electronics and Hybrid Supporting Systems. It includes hands on exercises with hybrid vehicles and live instruction. The focus of this course is to successfully prepare participants to complete the ASE exam.
ASE L3 (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist) Test Preparation Course Course Duration: 2 days These computer based modules are intended for experienced hybrid technicians who need a refresher prior to taking the ASE L3 hybrid exam. Contents include instruction in Hybrid Vehicle Overview, Hybrid Battery Systems, Hybrid Internal Combustion Engines, Hybrid Drive Systems, Hybrid Power Electronics and Hybrid Supporting Systems. SAE Advanced HEV Diagnostics Certificate of Competency Course (Level 1)** Hands-On Course Duration: 5 days This is the first in a three part series that results in a credential from SAE International in Advanced Hybrid and Electric Vehicle (HEV) diagnostics. This advanced course goes deep into hybrid systems and architecture, hybrid electrical circuits, high voltage personal protective equipment (PPE), hybrid safety system operational controls, PM hybrid electric machines, hybrid battery pack systems, HV AC compressors and Atkinson cycle engines, and other systems unique to hybrid vehicles. At the conclusion of this credentialed course there are two exams, one written and one hands-on. This course requires nightly homework and is very intense, designed for high level technicians who routinely perform diagnostic tasks in other areas. The course is 5 days of instructor-led training, 40% hands-on instruction **Pre-Requisite: Hybrid Vehicle Operation, Maintenance and Diagnostics Level 1 is highly recommended
Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Math for Instructors and Technicians: Application of Definitions and Conversion, CAFÉ, and ZEV Multipliers Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid and Battery Electric Vehicle systems require automotive instructors and technicians to learn new technical definitions, industry terms, and how to convert units associated with electricity and energy such as hp, kilowatts, amp-hours, kilowatt-hours, State-of-Charge, Stateof-Health, Battery State-of-Charge Estimators, AC vs. DC Electrical Power, Power Factor, Efficiency. This course provides instructors or technicians in the industry with information needed to apply new definitions, terms, units of measurements, and unit conversions that will help them in determining and measuring electrical power and energy. The course will also include how governmental CAFÉ, CO 2, and Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) multipliers are used in OEM production programs. This information is essential in understanding the performance and efficiency of a hybrid or electric vehicle and how to apply this information in analyzing, diagnosing, and repairing electrical or fuel economy customer complaints. Oscilloscope, Current Probe, and Voltage (using virtual neutral) Measurements on Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Diagnosing a 3-Phase alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) high voltage electrical system on Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, or Battery Electric Vehicles can extend well beyond the capability of a scan tool or DVOM. When analyzing and testing a 3-Phase Power Inverter or motor-generator unit, the use of an oscilloscope with current probes or voltage measurements is essential in finding intermittent or hard faults in high voltage hardware or its controls. This course will instruct the technician in the proper use and set-up of an oscilloscope, AC and DC current probes, and special devices to measure voltage of a 3-Phase power system. Whether a 3-Phase AC or DC power system problem needs to be identified or confirmed, sometimes the scan tool isn t enough.
Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner Operation, Service and Diagnostics Hands-On Course Duration: 1/2 day The Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicle system is one of the most unique in the segment of advanced technology hybrid vehicles. This course is designed to instruct technicians in the operation, diagnostic, and servicing of the Escape/Mariner hybrid systems. The unique battery pack and electric propulsion systems can require a technician to analyze, diagnose, and repair these systems differently than those found in others systems such as GM, Honda, Hyundai, Lexus, Toyota, etc. Due to the design of the Escape/Mariner hybrid systems, scan tool data is utilized heavily in this course to determine system operation, and how repairs must be approached. Analyzing and Diagnosing Hybrid and Electric Vehicle (HEV) Fuel Economy and Performance Complaints Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) fuel economy can be heavily impacted by the electric propulsion system. Although the engine and its associated systems can cause fuel economy or performance losses, data from the field for the past 10 years indicate the impact of these losses can also be linked significantly to the electric propulsion system. In most cases, the impact of fuel economy and performance losses caused by the electric propulsion system will not trigger the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) or a DTC until the problem has become a complete failure. In most cases, the customer is not aware of what may be the root cause due to the MIL not commanded on. This course will provide technicians an understanding of how the electric propulsion system effects fuel economy and how to test and analyze it to determine its State-of-Health.
Chevrolet Volt Operation and Diagnostics The Chevrolet Volt design is the first of its kind design of a unique Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) system that permits 4-Modes of driving - depending on battery state-of-charge, vehicle speed, load, and system efficiency targets. This course will provide the technician with a solid background on the 4-Modes of operation, transmission operation, battery system, and other high voltage systems and controls. Diagnostics, special functions, and servicing of these EREV systems will be featured. Scan Tool functions, DTCs, serial data special functions, special service procedures, and service tools will be covered to ensure the technician is equipped with information and insights that build confidence to service this unique vehicle and related systems. GM 2-Mode Hybrid System Operation and Diagnostics The GM 2-Mode system was designed for the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) market and installed in Tahoe, Yukon, Silverado, and Sierra vehicles. This course will focus on the unique transmission operation including the 3 planetary gear sets, 4 Clutches, and 2-Motor-Generator unit operation which will comprise the 2-Modes of operation. Additional topics include the battery system, power inverter and controls, A/C compressor, Power Steering, and Braking systems. Scan tool, DTC, serial data special functions, and servicing procedures will also be featured. This course will ensure the technician is equipped with information and insights that build confidence to service this unique vehicle and related systems.
Alternating Current for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Direct-Current (DC) operation of automotive systems has been taught in electrical courses and applied by technicians in the field for centuries. With the introduction of Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, Electric, and Fuel Cell vehicle systems Alternating Current (AC) is now equally important for the technician to know and understand. It will be a necessary requirement for technicians to become familiar with AC electrical power and its significant differences when compared to DC power. This course will begin with a review of DC electrical circuits, comparing DC to AC electrical power and finally providing the technicians with information to begin further understanding of the differences between DC and AC powered systems. The course will focus on how to apply this new knowledge for analyzing, testing, and diagnosing high voltage AC systems such as motor-generator units, power inverters, electric A/C compressors, low and high voltage diagnostic systems that use AC, sensing systems, and much more. Special attention will be given to how scan tools process AC power information for PIDs and DTCs and the usefulness of this data, and using DVOMs and oscilloscopes to analyze/diagnose AC systems. Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Systems Operation and Diagnostics OEMs are focusing more on Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV) with each passing model year. Although the PHEV could be considered a hybrid vehicle, its operation, driving modes, and diagnostics more closely resemble those of a hybrid and electric vehicle. This course is designed to provide technicians with information on PHEV systems with special focus on electric only (charge depletion) and blended (charge sustaining) drive modes, Lithium battery types and special systems functions that will permit the technician to understand these systems to confidently analyze and service PHEV systems. Topics comparing and contrasting PHEV and HEV operation will also be included in this course. Special attention will be given to Scan Tool PIDs, battery pack diagnostics, and servicing the system.
Fuel Cell Power Systems Operation, Maintenance, and Diagnostics Hydrogen Fuel Cell (FC) systems are now in the market and on the road as part of OEM production programs. The FC is an engine with supporting systems that are vastly different from the current internal combustion engine. This course will provide the technician with information on FC engine operation, FC components, power electronics interfaces, hydrogen sensing systems, hydrogen storage systems, fueling the FC vehicle, how the FC system provides electrical energy to the electric propulsion system, new service tools, and servicing the FC system. Special attention will be given to how FC systems will impact new diagnostic strategies, new service tool requirements and processes, and how dealer and aftermarket technicians will be impacted by this new technology. Plug-In and Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Charging: Levels 1, 2, and 3 The speed in which a Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV) or Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) can be charged are dictated by the level of charging being used Level 1, 2 or 3. Technicians will need to understand the differences between these charging levels, how charging times are effected, and what off-board and vehicle on-board equipment is necessary to perform each charging level. This course will define the 3 levels of charging and how the various vehicle systems are designed to charge at these levels and instruct technicians in how to use each level as part of vehicle servicing. This course will also provide information to prepare technicians and shop owners in how to plan for charging system installation and how to select a charger.
GM Belted Alternator-Starter (BAS) Hybrid Systems The Belted Alternator-Starter (BAS) System developed by GM can be found in numerous vehicle brands and models. This voltage levels used to power these are 36 volts (medium voltage) or 115 volts (high voltage) DC. The BAS System operation can be very different from the main stream hybrid systems, due to the electric power being transmitted through the engine and drivetrain through the use of a serpentine belt on the motor-generator unit. This course will instruct the technician on the two BAS Systems produced by GM including the operation, diagnostics, and servicing of each system including Nickel Metal Hydride and Lithium Ion battery pack systems. Scan tool data, On- and Off-board service/diagnostic tools, and service procedures will also be included in this course. Hyundai Sonata/Kia Optima Hybrid System Operation, Diagnostics and Service The Hyundai/Kia Hybrid system was one of the first production hybrid vehicles to bring Lithium Ion technology and a unique electric propulsion system that uses 2 separate and different types of electric systems - Belted Alternator-Starter (BAS) and Flywheel Alternator-Starter (FAS) systems - to provide a smooth blending of electric propulsion operation. This unique hybrid system design has many different operating modes and strategies to enhance fuel economy and lower emission levels. In this course, the technician will be instructed in the different operating modes, components that comprise the electric propulsion system, and the unique Lithium Ion battery pack system. Scan tool data, diagnostic techniques, and servicing the system will be discussed throughout the course.
COURSES COMING IN 2016 Controller Area Network (CAN) Data Systems Operation in Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Systems ½ Day Course Mercedes-Benz Hybrid Systems Operation, Diagnostics, and Service ½ Day Course Introduction to Tesla Electric Vehicles ½ Day Course Ford C-Max Energi Operation, Diagnostics and Service ½ Day Course Ford Fusion Hybrid Systems Operation, Diagnostics and Service ½ Day Course Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Power Electronics 101: IGBTs, Gate Drives, Analog and Digital Logic circuits, Power Capacitors, Filter Circuits, and Microprocessor Interfacing for controlling motors and dc-dc buck/boost converters 1 Day Course Scan Tool Data Using Scan Tool Data and DTC information to determine Hybrid and Electric Vehicle SOH and Performance ½ Day Course Nissan Leaf Operation and Diagnostics 1 Day Course