IMI Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair

If you are a full-time student, you will follow a study programme which will consist of your main automotive maintenance and repair course, enterprise and enrichment activities, English and Maths* and work-related experience.

*Should you not achieve at least a grade 4 in English (Literature or Language) and Maths you will be required to continue to study these as an integral part of your course.

Units that you will study include:

• Knowledge of Diagnosis and Rectification of Auxiliary Electrical Faults: This unit will teach you how to diagnose and rectify a variety of electrical faults on cars and vans. This will be introduced through more simple systems such as lighting faults or window motors not operating correctly, developing further into complex systems such as air conditioning compressor clutches. In the classroom, you will develop knowledge and skills to support these diagnoses, such as the use of wiring diagrams to understand circuits.
• Knowledge of Diagnosis and Rectification of Engine Faults: As engines become more complicated, their use of Electronic Control Units, sensors and actuators grow. The modern vehicle technician needs to have a comprehensive understanding of how these work and how to diagnose faults. This unit will teach you how all of the various sensors work and how to diagnose engine faults using a step-by-step procedure or test plan. Faults could range from an engine management light being illuminated to a misfire or even an engine that won’t start.
• Knowledge of Diagnosis and Rectification of Chassis Faults: You will learn to diagnose and rectify chassis component failure such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) faults. You will learn about the different types of sensors that are used and why, you will also learn different testing methods and the equipment required for each one. Both steering and suspension are also covered in this unit.
• Knowledge of Diagnosis and Rectification of Transmission Faults: Modern transmission systems favour electronic solenoids to provide accurate and smooth gear change and selection for maximum efficiency, performance and comfort. As a diagnostic vehicle technician, you will need to learn how these work and how to diagnose them when they fail. You will gain the underpinning knowledge in the classroom of how these systems operate before putting the theory into practice with our dedicated diagnostic equipment and rigs.
• Tools, Materials and Fabrication; Health and Safety; Job Roles and Responsibilities: These units are all completed during the Level 2 Diploma. However, if you are applying for direct entry to this programme then these will also need to be completed.