Module: AUTO-07001-1 Fuel Properties
Objective 1: Explain how fuel quality, volatility, and additives affect engine performance
and emissions.
● Fuel Quality: Refers to the fuel's chemical composition and physical characteristics.
Poor quality can lead to engine damage, decreased performance, and increased
emissions.
● Volatility: The tendency of a liquid to vaporize. Correct volatility is crucial for proper
starting and operation.
○ High Volatility: Allows for easy starting in cold weather but can cause vapor lock
in hot weather.
○ Low Volatility: Makes starting difficult in cold weather but is more resistant to
vapor lock.
● Additives: Chemicals added to gasoline to improve its properties.
○ Detergents: Clean fuel injectors and intake valves.
○ Corrosion Inhibitors: Prevent rust in the fuel system.
○ Oxidation Inhibitors: Prevent gum formation.
○ Antiknock Agents: Increase the octane rating to prevent engine knock.
Module: AUTO-07001-2 Fuel Tanks and Supply Systems
Objective 1: Describe the purpose, construction, and operation of fuel tanks, lines, filters,
and pumps.
● Fuel Tanks: Safe storage for gasoline. Modern tanks are sealed to prevent vapor
escape. They have a pressure/vacuum valve in the filler cap. They are vented through a
charcoal canister that purges vapors back into the engine.
● Construction: Made from corrosion-resistant steel, aluminum, or reinforced
polyethylene plastic. Plastic tanks are lighter and compatible with alternate fuels. They
have internal baffles and a well for the electric fuel pump.
● Fuel Lines: The pathways for fuel. They are made of corrosion-resistant materials like
steel or reinforced rubber hose. They have to withstand high pressure and vibration.
● Fuel Filters: Remove dirt, rust, and other contaminants from the fuel before it reaches
the injectors. They are located between the fuel pump and the fuel rail.
● Fuel Pumps: Create pressure to move fuel from the tank to the engine.
○ Mechanical Fuel Pumps: Engine-driven, used in older carbureted systems.
○ Electric Fuel Pumps: Located inside or near the fuel tank, used in modern
fuel-injected systems.
Module: AUTO-07001-3 Fuel Injection System Fundamentals
Objective 1: Explain the purpose and operation of different types of fuel injection
systems.
● Purpose: To precisely control the amount of fuel delivered to the engine, improving
efficiency and reducing emissions.
● Types of Systems:
○ Port Fuel Injection (PFI): Fuel is injected into the intake port, just before the
intake valve. It's the most common type.
○ Throttle Body Injection (TBI): A single or pair of injectors are mounted in a
throttle body, which is a device that controls the amount of air going into the
engine. It's a simpler system, often used on older vehicles.
○ Direct Injection (DI): Fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber. This
provides greater control over the air-fuel mixture, leading to higher efficiency and
power.
○ Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI): Each cylinder has its own injector, providing
more precise fuel control.
Objective 2: Identify and describe the components of a fuel injection system.
● Fuel Injectors: Solenoid-operated valves that spray fuel into the engine.
● Fuel Rail: A pipe that distributes high-pressure fuel to the injectors.
● Pressure Regulator: Maintains a constant pressure difference between the fuel rail and
the intake manifold.
● Electronic Control Unit (ECU): The computer that controls the fuel injection system. It
uses sensor inputs to calculate the correct amount of fuel to inject.
● Sensors: Provide the ECU with information about the engine's operating conditions.
○ Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor: Measures the amount of air entering the engine.
○ Oxygen (O2) Sensor: Measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust, indicating
if the air-fuel mixture is rich or lean.
○ Throttle Position Sensor (TPS): Measures the position of the throttle plate.
○ Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor: Measures the temperature of the
engine coolant.
Module: AUTO-07001-4 Fuel Injection System Diagnosis and Service
Objective 1: Diagnose and service common fuel injection system problems.
● Diagnosis: Use a pressure gauge to check fuel pressure, a scan tool to read diagnostic
trouble codes (DTCs) and live data, and a multimeter to test electrical components.
● Common Problems:
○ Low Fuel Pressure: Caused by a faulty fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, or a
leaking pressure regulator.
○ Clogged Fuel Injectors: Can cause misfires, rough idle, and poor performance.
Use an injector cleaner or replace them.
○ Leaking Injectors: Can cause a rich condition, hard starting, and increased
emissions. Replace the O-rings or the injector itself.
○ Electrical Problems: Faulty wiring, connectors, or sensors can cause a variety
of issues. Check for open circuits, shorts, and proper voltage.
Module: AUTO-07001-5 Alternate Fuel Systems
Objective 1: Describe the different types of alternate fuel systems, including CNG, LPG,
and ethanol.
● Compressed Natural Gas (CNG): Methane gas stored in high-pressure tanks. It's a
clean-burning fuel but requires a large, heavy tank.
● Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): Propane and butane stored in liquid form. It's a
cleaner fuel than gasoline but has a lower energy density.
● Ethanol: An alcohol-based fuel made from corn or other plant matter. It's often blended
with gasoline to create E10 or E85. It's a renewable fuel but can be corrosive to some
fuel system components.
Module: AUTO-07001-6 Electronic Diesel Fuel Injection Systems
Objective 1: Describe the operation and components of electronic diesel fuel injection
systems.
● Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI): A modern diesel injection system. A
high-pressure pump delivers fuel to a common rail, which then distributes it to the
injectors. The ECU precisely controls the timing and amount of fuel injected.
● Unit Injector System: Each cylinder has its own injector and a high-pressure pump.
This system is known for its high injection pressures and fast response.
● Components:
○ High-Pressure Pump: Creates the high pressure needed for injection.
○ Common Rail: A high-pressure accumulator that stores fuel before it is injected.
○ Injectors: Solenoid or piezoelectric-operated injectors that spray fuel into the
cylinder.
○ ECU and Sensors: Similar to gasoline engines, the ECU uses sensor data to
control injection timing and quantity
