Working Life
The work includes:
- Carrying out the routine service procedures as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
- Examining and preparing the vehicle for the National Car Test (NCT) or the Commercial Vehicle Road worthiness Test (CVRT)
- Diagnosing and resolving problems with the operation of the mechanical and electrical systems of vehicles
- Carrying out all work in accordance with manufacturer’s recommended procedures.
Motor Mechanics are required to
- Observe and adhere to all national and EU Health, Safety and Environmental legislation and precautions relative to their work.
- Read, interpret and adhere to the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions when servicing vehicles.
- Use specialised equipment to check the operation of the lighting, steering, braking and other systems and also to measure exhaust emissions, recording the results and liaising with the customer.
- Use logical thinking and manufacturer’s recommended diagnostic techniques to identify and resolve problems.
Aspects of Work
- Learning and developing new craft-related skills, knowledge and competencies
- Working with and learning from experienced craftspersons
- Comply with Health and Safety requirements
- Working with vehicles
- Accepting responsibility for the quality of own work
- Being physically active
- Using the special service tools, materials and equipment
- Reading and interpreting technical instructions and diagrams
- Diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical systems
- Dismantling, examining and re-assembling mechanical systems and components
- Testing electrical and electronic systems and components
- Record and communicate accurate work records or reports
- Driving vehicles
- Taking responsibility for own learning, including the allocation of study time
- Passing all your phase exams ( theory, practicals, skills demonstrations)
- Earning as you learn
Qualities -
As a Motor Mechanic you will need to be physically active and to be able to work with your hands.
An awareness of health and safety and good housekeeping is essential as well as attention to detail.
The Motor Mechanic must have the ability to:
- Plan and organise
- Communicate effectively
- Solve problems
- Work independently and as part of a team
- Show a positive attitude
- Recognise the need for good customer relations
- Demonstrate good work practices including time keeping, tidiness, responsibility, quality awareness and safety awareness
Note: A person wishing to become an apprentice Motor Mechanic must pass a colour–vision test approved by SOLAS.
Core Skills
- Servicing: Read, interpret and carry out manufacturers’ instructions for all vehicle service, maintenance and repair procedures. Complete a vehicle report form.
- Fgas: Describe the overall aim of Regulation No. 842/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 of May 2006 in relation to the air conditioning systems of automotive vehicles (MACs). List the dangers to personal health and related safety regulations related to the refrigerant gas contained in mobile air conditioning (MAC) systems. Describe the location of possible leaks of refrigerant gas from an automotive air con unit.
- Engine: Diagnose faults, dismantle and reassemble the engine and its ancillary components. Replace timing belts and chains. Use all recommended bolt tightening procedures.
- Electrical: Read and interpret relevant electrical wiring diagrams. Use fault-code reader to interrogate ECU memory and OBD system. Employ a logical and structured fault diagnosis methodology (use of diagnostic flow charts). Measure and interpret quantities of electrical current, voltage and resistance. Diagnose/ resolve faults in starter, charging and lighting circuits. Remove/replace vehicle lighting components. Align headlamps.
- Fuel/Ignition: Diagnose and resolve faults in electronically controlled fuel, ignition and emissions control systems. Evaluate exhaust emission levels with reference to NCT/DoT VTM test requirements.
- Transmission: Diagnose faults in manual transmission units. Remove/refit manual transmission units. Diagnose faults in clutch assemblies. Remove/replace clutch components. Remove/replace driveshaft joints and bearings.
- Brakes: Diagnose mechanical and hydraulic faults in the braking system. Remove/ replace brake components. Employ manufacturers’ recommended service and bleeding procedures. Core Skills (cont’d) Specialist Skills
- Steering/Suspension: Diagnose faults in steering and suspension systems. Remove/replace steering and suspension components. Align suspension and steering geometry. Balance wheels. Repair punctures.
- Bodywork: Remove/replace bodywork components e.g. door locks, windows and regulators.
Specialist Skills
- Engine: Carry out complete engine overhaul on automobile and light commercial vehicle petrol and diesel engines.
- Electrical: Check operation of, diagnose any faults present, and return to original manufacturer's specification: standard, multi-voltage and high voltage systems, inter-control module communication systems e.g. CAN, LIN, VAN and MOST networks, multiplex wiring, climate control, cruise control, theft deterrence systems, comfort systems e.g. electric windows and seat/steering adjustment, sunroof, and central locking.
- Fuel systems: Check operation of, diagnose any faults present, and return to original manufacturer's specification: high pressure petrol injection systems (e.g. GDI and MED-Motronic) and high pressure diesel injection systems (e.g. commonrail).
- Transmission: Check operation of, diagnose any faults present, overhaul and return to original manufacturer’s specification: manual, automatic or hybrid transmission assemblies.
- Brakes: Check operation of, diagnose any faults present, and return to original manufacturer’s specification: ABS and EHB (Electro-Hydraulic Braking) systems. This includes ESP (Electronic Stability Program), TCS (Traction Control System), and ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) systems.
- Occupant safety: Examine, diagnose any faults present, and return to original manufacturer's specification: vehicle occupant passive safety systems. This includes airbag, belt tensioner and rollover protection systems.
- Communication and Information: Check operation of, diagnose any faults present, and return to original manufacturer's specification: In-Car Entertainment systems, telecommunication systems, vehicle information systems e.g. technical monitoring displays and GPS (Global Positioning System).
- Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) systems: Discuss and demonstrate best practice for handling of Fgases storage cylinders, the safe recovery and disposal of Fgas. Perform full servicing of an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle to include: leak detection, recovery, vacuum and refill.
- Bodywork: Examine bodywork/chassis/tow hitches in compliance with manufacturer's and NCT/DoT VTM specifications.
Common Skills
- Servicing: Read, interpret and carry out manufacturer's instructions for all vehicle service, maintenance and repair procedures. Complete a vehicle report form.
- NCT/DoT VTM: Determine the condition of automotive vehicles to NCT/DoT VTM requirements.
- Engine: Diagnose faults and return to original manufacturer's specification: petrol and diesel engines and their ancillary components.
- Electrical: Read and interpret relevant electrical wiring diagrams. Use fault-code reader to interrogate ECU memory and OBD system. Employ a logical and structured fault diagnosis methodology (use of diagnostic flow charts). Measure and interpret quantities of electrical current, voltage and resistance. Diagnose/ resolve faults in starter, charging and lighting circuits. Remove/replace vehicle lighting components. Align headlamps.
- Transmission: Diagnose faults and return to original manufacturer's specification: clutch system components, driveshafts and bearings.
- Brakes: Diagnose faults and return to original manufacturer’s specification: brake friction linings.
- Steering: Diagnose faults and return to original manufacturer’s specification: steering linkage and geometry settings.
- Bodywork: Remove/replace bodywork components e.g. door locks, windows and regulators.
Interests - Motor Mechanic
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Entry / Progression - Motor Mechanic
Pay & Salary - Motor Mechanic
* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.
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