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Automotive Electrician

State/Territory Specific Information

Automotive electricians install, maintain, identify faults and repair electrical wiring and computer-based equipment in motor vehicles and related equipment, such as caravans, trailers, earthmoving equipment, mining equipment, marine applications and agricultural equipment.

Automotive electricians may perform the following tasks:

  • work with computer-controlled engine management and other systems
  • service, identify and repair faults on electronically controlled vehicle systems such as electronic fuel injection, electronic ignition, anti-lock braking, cruise control, automatic transmission, air bags and airconditioning
  • install electrical equipment such as gauges, lighting, alternators and starter motors in vehicles
  • install electrically operated accessories such as radios, heating or demisting equipment, airconditioners, driving lamps and anti-theft systems
  • use meters, test instruments and circuit diagrams to find electrical faults
  • adjust engine control systems and timing to make sure vehicles are running at peak performance
  • test, recondition and replace faulty alternators, generators, starter motors and related items such as voltage regulators and batteries
  • repair or replace faulty ignition, electrical wiring, fuses, lamps and switches
  • use hand tools, specialised electrical tools and instruments and machines, including drills, grinders, presses and lathes
  • solder or weld when repairing electrical parts
  • sell and install electrical parts and accessories
  • install, repair and service airconditioning systems.

Automotive electricians work in specialised automotive electrical workshops, vehicle dealerships and service stations. They wear protective clothing. They may have some contact with customers. They work in motor vehicles, at work benches or in the field.

Personal Requirements:

  • enjoy practical and manual work
  • normal eyesight and colour vision
  • good hand-eye coordination
  • able to approach work in a systematic and thorough way
  • technical aptitude.

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