Online Auto Electrical Classes

[Danimal16]

Being retired has its perks. Like educating oneself on things one needs education.

My latest self improvement goal is to better understand automotive electrical systems.

There are a number of online courses out there. Has anyone taken or can recommend one over the other?

[walt]

Not an online class but "European Automotive Electrical Systems" published by Bentley might be of interest.

[jmd88]

While not a course, this playlist has helped me get my head around automotive electronics in bite sized chunks : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCBA3EF828DFE7B0E

Hope it’s informative!

[Dpmulvan]

Originally Posted by Danimal16

Being retired has its perks. Like educating oneself on things one needs education.

My latest self improvement goal is to better understand automotive electrical systems.

There are a number of online courses out there. Has anyone taken or can recommend one over the other?

Which cars electric system? New/Old? Both? Obviously Porsche right? Basics you can easily find on the internet for free, a basic understanding of electronic components and things like ohms law, current paths et would be a good place to start.

[icarp]

PDM optimization class would be great, I don't know how to think that way.
It is too new for me, I like the premiss . Have some friends that say it is fantastic .

Ian

[TeeJayHoward]

Every automotive circuit in these old cars is the same basic idea. Either Battery->Switch->Component->Ground, or add a relay in there. If you stare at enough of the diagrams and trace out a single component, you'll realize that auto electric is super easy. For modern cars, switches go to relays, typically of a solid state variety in a body control module, power distribution module, etc - whatever that manufacturer decides to call it. It adds a lot of wiring and complexity, but allows you to do some nifty things like "allow the user to roll down the windows for 15 seconds after the car has been turned off" or "use your radio to turn down the A/C". There's a bunch of other cool things you can do with the modern setup too, such as disable/reverse the passenger window if the current draw is too high (because a kid has their head stuck in it) or turn off the left headlight while the left turn signal is engaged.



But that's not what you asked. You asked about courses and education. I joined HP Academy, and have been very happy with their courses. I recommend watching some of their youtube videos to get a feel for the teacher, 'cause he's not for everyone. Here's a good one to start with - just skip forward until you get to the teaching part.

[Sailkane]

HP Academy has great classes. I finished the Auto alignment class .
Worth the money and great for future reference.
They have a automotive wiring course.

[Danimal16]

Originally Posted by Dpmulvan

Which cars electric system? New/Old? Both? Obviously Porsche right? Basics you can easily find on the internet for free, a basic understanding of electronic components and things like ohms law, current paths et would be a good place to start.

It is primarily the old stuff, and a great refresh of former knowledge. The course recommendations that others have experienced or used are what I am looking for.

I looked at what is available out there and was a bit uncertain. Turning to the Pelican collective has, once again, focused me on where I will most benefit.

Thanks all, I am off to the classroom!

[icarp]

Racing car wiring is an absolute art, you either get it or you don't .
PDM set up by a master is also out of this world .
I have seen some of the HP on PDM and it is not what I want

Ian

[bob_cote]

I retired close to two years ago after a great 45 year career in the oil and gas industry and have been doing the exact same thing. I have found a number of youtube channels that concentrate on diagnostic training and techniques which are primarily electrical in nature. Obviously they are working on “modern” cars but the theory is the same. In particular I suggest you take a look at Scanner Danner, Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics, and Schrodingers Box. Many offer both free and paid content some of which I have subscribed to. I don’t think a day goes by when I don’t watch something and continue to learn. I also read this and other forums every day. Keep us updated as to any resources you find. Take care and enjoy retirement. I’m sure you have earned it.

[PeteKz]

Hear, hear!

[Danimal16]

Originally Posted by bob_cote

I retired close to two years ago after a great 45 year career in the oil and gas industry and have been doing the exact same thing. I have found a number of youtube channels that concentrate on diagnostic training and techniques which are primarily electrical in nature. Obviously they are working on “modern” cars but the theory is the same. In particular I suggest you take a look at Scanner Danner, Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics, and Schrodingers Box. Many offer both free and paid content some of which I have subscribed to. I don’t think a day goes by when I don’t watch something and continue to learn. I also read this and other forums every day. Keep us updated as to any resources you find. Take care and enjoy retirement. I’m sure you have earned it.

I retired in 2017 (for the third time). Finished a fine arts certification and one in photography. Just moved to a new location and had my 914-6 clone completed. Working with the car project I realized how little I really know about the finer parts of electricity, especially for my cars. Thanks for the info, I will use it. There really is so much to do and so little time to do it. Also planted some Aloe Ferox seeds as well as starting (or appropriating) a white sage garden and a salvia garden for butterflies.

Oh, and I come here too, have been for awhile, it is kinda like a big ole family.