Teaching Programme

Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles

This teaching programme sets out the knowledge and understanding necessary for Learners to complete the Level 3
Diploma. It assumes that Learners have covered all the knowledge and understanding requirements that are set out for
Level 2 including the units G0102, G3 and G4. Where there is any perceived overlap between Level 2 and Level 3 aspects
centres should ensure that the subject matter has been developed in sufficient depth to enable Learners to conduct diagnosis
and fault rectification on complex vehicle systems.

The Level 3 programme is broken down into four technical sections to include the four main vehicle areas designated by
the National Occupational Standards developed by IMI.
 Advance Chassis Technology (Unit LV08LV)
 Advance Engine Technology (LV07LV)
 Advanced Transmission Technology (LV13LV)
 Advanced Electrical and Electronic Technology (AE06)

Note: The programme assumes that the content for units G0102, G3 and G4 have already been met at Level 2.

Each centre will have its own approach to the delivery of the programme which will be affected by a number of factors
including Learners’ mode of delivery (part-time day, block release, full-time), Learners’ background and experience, local
circumstances and requirements. Centres may wish to integrate or modify the programme to suit their own particular
needs and circumstances.

Centres should also note that the total teaching hours shown in this programme are considerably less than the sum total of
the individual unit hours. This is because there is often overlap in the content between individual units. However, when
units are grouped together and delivered within a coherent programme these overlaps are removed. If units are delivered
on a stand-alone basis the guided learning hours shown on the front of each unit should be noted and the delivery hours
adjusted accordingly.
 Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles

Advanced Chassis Technology

The specific and appropriate health & safety precautions and legislative requirements should be integrated into the delivery of each aspect of chassis technology to
ensure relevance and meaning to Learners. The legislation and generic provisions and are outlined in units G0102, G3 & G4.
Hours Topic QCF Unit Mapping On-line Assessment Practical Assessment
Electronic Technology for Chassis Systems
 Operation of electrical and electronic systems and components
related to light vehicle chassis systems including ECU, sensors and
7 hours actuators, electrical inputs, voltages, oscilloscope patterns, digital LV08
and fibre optic principles.
 Interaction between the electrical/electronic system and mechanical
components of chassis systems.
 Electronic and electrical safety procedures.
Advanced Braking Systems:
 Operation of electronic anti-lock braking, anti-skid control systems.
 ABS, EBD, layout of systems.
 Operation of hydraulic and electronic control units (ECU), wheel
7 hours speed sensors, load sensors, hoses, cables and connectors. LV08
 Advantages of ABS and EBD braking systems over conventional
braking systems.
 Relationship and interaction of ABS braking systems with other
vehicle systems – e.g. traction control.
Advanced Steering Systems:
 Front/rear wheel geometry: castor, camber, kingpin or swivel pin
inclination, negative offset, wheel alignment (tracking), toe in and
toe out, toe out on turns and steered wheel geometry; Ackerman
principle, slip angles, self-aligning torque, oversteer and understeer,
7 hours neutral steer. LV08
 Operation and layout of rear and four wheel steering.
 Operation of hydraulic power assisted steering systems: power
cylinders, drive belts and pumps, hydraulic valve (rotary, spool and
flapper type).
 Operation of electronic power steering systems (EPS)

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 Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles

Hours Topic QCF Unit Mapping On-line Assessment Practical Assessment

Advanced Suspension Systems:
 Self-levelling suspensions.
 Reasons for fitting ride controlled systems.
 Operation of a self-levelling suspension system under various LV08
7 hours
conditions.
 Operation of electronic systems used for control of suspension.
 Electrical and electronic components.
 Operation of driver controlled and ride controlled systems.
Symptoms and faults associated with braking systems:
 ABS, and EBD systems; mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and LV08
3 hours
electronic systems; fluid leaks, warning light operation, poor brake
efficiency, wheel locking under braking
Symptoms and faults associated with steering systems:
 Mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and electronic; steering boxes
3 hours (rack and pinion, worm and re-circulating ball), steering arms and LV08
linkages, steering joints and bushes, idler gears, bearings, steering
columns (collapsible and absorbing), power steering system
Symptoms and faults associated with suspension systems:
 Mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and electronic; conventional, self-
3 hours levelling and ride controlled suspension systems; ride height LV08
(unequal and low), wear, noises under operation, fluid leakage,
excessive travel and excessive tyre wear.

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 Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles

Hours Topic QCF Unit Mapping On-line Assessment Practical Assessment

Diagnosis and Testing of Chassis Systems
 Locate and interpret information for diagnostic tests, vehicle, and
equipment specifications, use of equipment, testing procedures, test
plans, fault codes and legal requirements.
 Prepare equipment for use in diagnostic testing.
 Conduct systematic testing and inspection of steering, braking and
suspension systems, mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and
electronic systems using appropriate tools and equipment
including, multi-meters, oscilloscope and pressure gauges.
 Evaluation and interpretation of test results. LV08
8 hours
 Comparison of test result and values with vehicle manufacturer’s
specifications and settings.
 Dismantling of components and systems using appropriate
equipment and procedures.
 Assessment and evaluation of the operation, settings, values,
condition and performance of components and systems.
 Probable faults, malfunctions and incorrect settings.
 Rectification or replacement procedures.
 Evaluation of systems following repair to confirm operation and
performance.
Total Hours Does not include covering Level 2 requirements
45

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 Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles

Advanced Engine Technology

The specific and appropriate health & safety precautions and legislative requirements should be integrated into the delivery of each aspect of engine technology to
ensure relevance and meaning to Learners. The legislation and generic provisions and are outlined in units G0102, G3 & G4.
Hours Topic QCF Unit Mapping On-line Assessment Practical Assessment
Engine Performance:
 Meaning of volumetric efficiency, the effect of volumetric efficiency
on engine performance, torque and power.
 Methods used to improve volumetric efficiency, variable valve
timing, turbo-charging, supercharging and intercoolers.
 Construction and operation of turbo-chargers, superchargers,
intercoolers, waste gates and exhaust gas recirculation. LV07
5 hours
 Disadvantages of pressure charging induction systems.
 Layout of multi-valve arrangements, components, operation and
drive arrangements.
 Variable valve timing and multi-valve arrangements and the effect on
performance
 Construction features and operation of variable valve timing engines
and electronic control.
Engine Combustion: flame travel, pre-ignition and detonation.
 Properties of fuels: octane rating, flash point, fire point and
volatility.
 Composition of carbon fuels (petrol and diesel) % hydrogen and
carbon, composition of air: % oxygen, % nitrogen.
 Combustion process for spark ignition and compression ignition
engines. LV07
5 hours
 By-products of combustion for different engine conditions and fuel
mixtures: CO, CO2, O, N, H2O, NOx.
 Legal requirements for exhaust emissions, MOT requirements,
EURO 3, 4 & 5 regulations.
 Methods used to reduce emissions: low emission fuels, lean burn
technology, catalytic converters, closed loop engine management
systems.

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 Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles

Hours Topic QCF Unit Mapping On-line Assessment Practical Assessment

Single and multi-point injection systems:
 Operation of injection systems
 Airflow sensor, fuel supply system, fuel pump, filter, fuel regulator,
injectors, sequential injection, continuous injection, semi-continuous
5 hours injection, electronic control unit (ECU) and injector pulse width. LV07
 Operation of each system under various operating conditions
including cold starting, warm up, hot starting, acceleration,
deceleration, cruising and full load.
 Explain engine speed limiting and knock sensing.
Engine management systems:
 Function and purpose of engine management systems
 Open loop and closed loop control, types of input and output
devices LV07
5 hours
 Digital components and systems
 Closed loop system, integrated ignition and injection systems,
operation under various conditions
 Analogue, digital, programmable and non-programmable systems
Comfort Control Systems:
 Internal heater systems
2 hours  Air conditioning mechanical components and operation including LV07
compressors, condensers, receivers, dryers, connections, valves,
hoses, thermostats, refrigerants
Engine Mechanical Symptoms and Faults:
 Symptoms and faults related to worn cylinders, cylinder liners,
2 hours pistons, piston rings, crankshaft, camshaft, bearings, cylinder head LV07
and gasket, valves, valve seats and valve guides, cam-belts;
lubrication system and components.

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 Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles

Hours Topic QCF Unit Mapping On-line Assessment Practical Assessment

Engine Restoration and Repair
 Assessing engine mechanical components
 Measuring for wear and serviceability including cylinder bores, LV07
2 hours
cylinder heads, crankshaft journals, valve faces; valve guides, valve
seats and camshafts.
 Methods used for the repair and restoration of engine components.
Diagnosis & testing of engine mechanical system:
 Locate and interpret information for diagnostic tests.
 Preparation of tools and equipment for use in diagnostic testing.
 Conduct systematic assessment of engine components and systems,
component condition, engine balance, power balance, performance
and operation, wear, run out, alignment; use of appropriate tools
and equipment including compression gauges, leakage testers,
cylinder balance tester, pressure gauges, micrometers and vernier
gauges. LV07
6 hours
 Evaluation of test results from diagnostic testing.
 Comparison of test result and values with vehicle manufacturers’
specifications and settings.
 Procedures for dismantling components and systems.
 Assess, examine and measure components.
 Identification of probable faults, malfunctions, incorrect settings
and wear.
 Rectification or replacement procedures.
 Evaluation of repair to confirm system performance.
Ignition system failure or malfunctions
 No spark, misfiring, backfiring, cold or hot starting problems, poor LV07
1.5 hours
performance, pre-ignition, detonation, exhaust emission levels, fuel
consumption, low power and unstable idle speed.
Petrol and diesel injection system failures or malfunctions
 Cold or hot starting problems, poor performance, exhaust LV07
1.5 hours
emissions, high fuel consumption, erratic running, low power and
unstable idle speed.

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 Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles

Hours Topic QCF Unit Mapping On-line Assessment Practical Assessment

Engine management system failure or malfunctions:
 Misfiring, backfiring, cold or hot starting problems, poor LV07
1.5 hours
performance, pre-ignition, detonation, exhaust emission levels, fuel
consumption, low power and unstable idle speed.
Comfort systems failure, malfunction or ineffectiveness
 Internal heating system, air conditioning system or climatic control LV07
1.5 hours
system including: leaks, abnormal noise, ineffective operation,
failure to operate, control faults and inadequate operation.
Diagnosis and testing of engine auxiliary systems:
 Locating and interpreting information for diagnostic tests
manufacturer’s, vehicle and equipment specifications.
 Use of equipment, testing procedures, test plans, fault codes and
legal requirements.
 Preparation of tools and equipment for diagnostic testing.
 Conducting systematic assessment of systems including: component
condition and performance, component settings, component values,
electrical and electronic values; system performance and operation,
use of appropriate tools and equipment including gauges, multi-
meter, breakout box, oscilloscope, diagnostic tester, manufacturer’s
7 hours dedicated equipment, exhaust gas analyser, fuel flow meter and LV07
pressure gauges.
 Evaluation and interpretation of test results.
 Comparison of test results, values and fault codes with vehicle
manufacturer’s specifications and settings.
 Procedures for dismantling, components and systems using
appropriate equipment.
 Explain the Methods of assessing, examining and measuring
components including: settings, input and output values, voltages,
current consumption, resistance, output patterns with oscilloscope,
condition, wear and performance of components and systems.

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 Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles

Hours Topic QCF Unit Mapping On-line Assessment Practical Assessment

 Identification of probable faults and malfunctions, incorrect
settings, wear, values, inputs and outputs and fault codes.
 Rectification or replacement procedures.
 Evaluation of components and systems following repair to
confirm system performance.
Total Hours
These hours do not include covering Level 2 requirements
45

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 Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles

Advanced Transmission Technology

The specific and appropriate health & safety precautions and legislative requirements should be integrated into the delivery of each aspect of transmission technology
to ensure relevance and meaning to Learners. The legislation and generic provisions and are outlined in units G0102, G3 & G4.
Hours Topic QCF Unit Mapping On-line Assessment Practical Assessment
Transmission systems:
Construction and operation of light vehicle: friction clutches, fluid LV13
10 hours
couplings, manual gearboxes, automatic gearboxes (including
electronic control), CVT, SMT, final drives, hubs and shafts
Electronic Technology for Transmission Systems
 Operation of electrical and electronic systems and components
related to light vehicle transmission systems including ECU,
sensors and actuators, electrical inputs & outputs, voltages, LV13
8 hours
oscilloscope patterns, digital and fibre optic principles.
 Interaction between the electrical/electronic system with hydraulic
system and mechanical components.
 Electronic and electrical safety procedures.
Automatic Transmission Systems
 Fluid couplings, fluid flywheel, torque converter (torque
multiplication, efficiency)
 Operation of epicyclic gearing (sun, planet, annulus and carrier) and
10 hours method for achieving different gear ratios. LV13
 Hydraulic control systems, components and operation.
 Electronic control system, components and operation.
 Continuously variable transmissions (CVT).
 Sequential manual gearbox (SMG).
Driveline Systems
 Limited slip differential. LV13
6 hours
 4 wheel drive systems including third differential, differential locks.
 Traction control systems and launch control.

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 Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles

Hours Topic QCF Unit Mapping On-line Assessment Practical Assessment

Transmission Symptoms and Faults
 Clutch and coupling faults: abnormal noises, vibrations, fluid
leaks, slip, judder, grab, failure to release
 Manual Gearbox, abnormal noises, vibrations, loss of drive,
difficulty engaging or disengaging gears
3 hours  Automatic gear box, abnormal noises, vibrations, loss of drive, LV13
failure to engage gear, failure to disengage gear, leaks, failure to
operate, incorrect shift patterns, electrical and electronic faults
 Final drive, abnormal noises, vibrations, loss of drive, oil leaks,
failure to operate, electrical and electronic faults
 Drivelines and couplings, abnormal noises, vibrations, loss of drive.
Diagnosis and Testing of Transmission System
 Location and interpretation of information for diagnostic tests,
vehicle and equipment specifications, use of equipment, testing
procedures, test plans, fault codes, legal requirements.
 Prepare equipment for use in diagnostic testing
 Systematic testing and inspection of transmission system,
mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and electronic systems using
appropriate tools and equipment including, multi-meters,
8 hours oscilloscope, pressure gauge. LV13
 Workshop based and road testing of transmission system
 Evaluation and interpretation of test results from diagnostic testing
and/or road testing.
 Comparison of test result and values with vehicle manufacturers’
specifications and settings.
 Dismantle components and systems using appropriate equipment
and procedures.
 Assessing, examining and evaluation of operation, settings, values,
condition and performance of components and systems.
 Probable faults, malfunctions, incorrect setting
 Rectification or replacement procedures. LV13
 Evaluation of systems to confirm operation and
performance.
Total Hours
These hours do not include covering Level 2 requirements
45

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 Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles

Advanced Electrical and Electronic Technology

The specific and appropriate health & safety precautions and legislative requirements should be integrated into the delivery of each aspect of electrical technology to
ensure relevance and meaning to Learners. The legislation and generic provisions and are outlined in units G0102, G3 & G4.
Hours Topic QCF Unit Mapping On-line Assessment Practical Assessment
Advanced lighting technology: Xenon lighting, gas discharge lighting,
ballast system, LED, intelligent front lighting, blue lights, complex
reflectors, fibre optic, optical patterning. AE06
4 hours
External lighting systems and multiplexing systems, circuits,
sidelights, dipped beam, main beam, dim/dip
Common faults and testing methods.
Electric windows, sunroof, mirror systems and components:
Operation and construction of motors, relays, interfaces, modules,
switches AE06
4 hours
Fault diagnosis and testing: electric windows or sunroof failing to
open or close, electric mirrors fail to adjust, slow operation on both
systems
Screen heating systems and components: operation and construction,
heated front screens, heated mirrors. Components, front screen
elements, mirror elements, time control relays, multifunction relays and AE06
4 hours
switches.
Fault diagnosis and testing: screen elements not operating, timer
relays not operating and staying on permanently
I.C.E. systems and components: identify components and function of
radios, CD and multi play units, DVD players, MP3 players, speakers,
aerial systems, amplifiers, V.D.U. screens, SAT/NAV, communication
units.
Multiplexing. AE06
5 hours
Operation of entertainment systems speaker and aerial systems.
Fault diagnosis and testing: entertainment and navigation units not
operating, speaker, aerial and amplifier systems not functioning
correctly, excessive radio interference (suppression), use of diagnostic
computers and systems

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 Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles

Hours Topic QCF Unit Mapping On-line Assessment Practical Assessment

Security/warning systems and components: Identify components and
function of control units, alarm modules, audible warning units,
immobiliser units, sensing units, horn, audible warning speakers. AE06
5 hours
Operation of alarm systems and audible warning units.
Identify relevant legislation
Identify faults and testing methods
Wiper and washer systems: components, functions, operation of wiper
motors , intermittent wash, wipe relays
4 hours parking systems, washer motors, wiper linkage, AE06
multifunction relays, headlamp wash/wipe
Fault diagnosis and testing
Heaters, cooling system and air con electrical components: identify
components, function and operation of heater motors, rheostats, electro-
5 hours valves, switches, relays, cooling fan motors, air conditioning AE06
compressor electro-magnetic clutch units, thermostatic switches.
Fault diagnosis and testing
Locking system: door locking actuators, solenoids, dead locking
actuators, anti-theft modules and luggage compartment release AE06
4 hours
solenoids.
Fault diagnosis and testing
Supplementary Restraint and Airbag systems: components,
functions, operation, control units, sensors, seat belt pre-tensioners,
airbag assemblies, wiring systems, warning systems. Operation of AE06
6 hours
sensors, airbag unit, types of pretension, safe handling procedures and
regulations
Fault diagnosis and testing
Comfort Control Systems:
 Internal heater systems
 Electronic climate control: operation of electrical/electronic AE06
4 hours
components extra to those found in conventional air-con: control
panel, sunlight sensors, internal/external temperature sensors.
Fault diagnosis and testing.
Total Hours
Does not include covering Level 2 requirements
45

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 Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles

General Aspects

The specific and relevant health & safety precautions and legislative requirements should be integrated into the delivery of the aspects vehicle and engine technology
wherever possible to ensure relevance and meaning to Learners, the generic aspects of health and safety are shown below. Only an outline of the main requirements
of the Acts and Regulations is required and an awareness of how the legislation relates to the work of trainees.
Hours Topic QCF Unit Mapping On-line Assessment Practical Assessment
Not a. Identify types of inspection: pre-delivery, pre-purchase, pre-MOT
required if test, safety, post accident.
LV0506k
completed at b. Explain the purpose and scope of the different types of vehicle
Level 2 inspection
a. Explain information sources: technical manuals, technical bulletins,
inspection schedules, job card instructions, previous inspection
records, check lists, Department of Transport inspection
requirements G0102
b. Explain information types: paper based, hard copy manuals,
computer stored data, on-board diagnostic displays, CD ROM,
internet, web based materials
a. Explain vehicle inspection techniques for different types of
inspection including systematic inspections, aural, visual, and
functional assessments on engine, engine systems, chassis systems,
wheels and tyres, transmission system, electrical and electronic
systems, exterior vehicle body, vehicle interior,
b. Explain the procedure for inspection of the vehicle for damage, LV01, LV02, LV03,
corrosion, fluid leaks, wear, security, mounting security and LV04, LV12
condition to include; engines and engine systems; chassis systems,
brakes, steering, suspension, wheels, tyres, body panels (stressed
and non-stressed), electrical and electronic systems and
components, vehicle seating and vehicle interior, instruments.

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 Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles

Hours Topic QCF Unit Mapping On-line Assessment Practical Assessment

c. Explain how to prepare and use appropriate inspection equipment
and tools including emission testing, brake testing, headlamp
alignment, wheel alignment, torque setting, specialist diagnostic
equipment
d. Describe inspection procedures following inspection checklists
e. Explain how to check conformity to manufacturer’s specifications
and legal requirements
f. Explain how to test the operation of vehicle systems and vehicle G0102, G4
condition including workshop-based tests and road tests.
g. Explain the completion of documentation, inspection records, job
cards and vehicle records.
h. Make recommendations based on results of vehicle inspections.
i. Explain the implications of not carrying out vehicle inspections
correctly including legal aspects, safety aspects, financial aspects,
customer retention and customer relationships.
a. Protection relating to vehicle body panels, paint surfaces, seats,
G0102
carpets and floor mats.
b. Check vehicle body panels, paint surfaces, seats, carpets and floor
mats following maintenance or repair.

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