SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Diagnose, test and repair conventional automobile starting systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376606  Diagnose, test and repair conventional automobile starting systems 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  16 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
12223  Diagnose, test and repair conventional automobile starting systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03  16   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners accredited with this standard will have knowledge of interpreting diagrams of starting systems, finding faults and diagnosing system problems using appropriate tools and equipment, removing, dismantling, assembling, repairing and fitting starters, servicing and testing starting systems. The standard involves the application of both the theory and skills to achieve these autotronics-specific outcomes.

Learners credited with this standard will be able to:
  • Interpret circuit diagrams of starting systems.
  • Discuss the fundamentals of the starting system.
  • Test and service starting system. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 2.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    All tasks are performed bearing in mind health and safety requirements. Safety includes work area safety, electrical safety, personal protective equipment and standard safety procedures when working with components of the starting system. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Interpret circuit diagrams of starting systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Automobile starting system circuit diagrams are interpreted using the typical symbols used for each component. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Manual and automatic transmission diagrams are discussed in terms of their differences. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Circuit diagrams for different systems are interpreted to show their common aspects and their differences. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The operation of the starting switch is described using a diagram. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Discuss the fundamentals of the starting system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The starting system operation of a vehicle is discussed in terms of its purpose. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The starting system components are discussed in terms of their functions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Components include starter motors, solenoids, ignition switch, flywheel ring gear, armature, field (electromagnetic/permanent magnet), brushes, bushes, bendix drives, brush gears, end casings (brackets), starting cables and wires, neutral park switch, starter relay, body solenoids.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Starting system for a vehicle with a petrol engine and the starting system for vehicles with a diesel engine are discussed in terms of their differences. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The starter motor operation is discussed using the concepts of magnetic fields and current flow. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The way a starter motor works is described using a diagram. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Wiring circuits and field coil windings with different configurations are discussed using diagrams. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Field coil windings can include circuits in series, shunt, magnetic system.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The operation of types of starter motors with the ignition switch in different positions is described using diagrams. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Types of starter motors can include the conventional drive, pre-engaged, cyclic gear, axial inertia.
  • Ignition switch positions include 'ST' and 'ON'.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The construction of starter motors is understood by identifying the different main components of the starter motors. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Starter motors include the conventional drive, pre-engaged, cyclic gear, axial inertia
  • Main components may include forks, solenoid, plunger, motor armature, ring gear, pinion gear, over-running clutch, reduction gears, drive end frame, comm.-end bracket, field coil housing, brush holders.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The starter motor components are described in terms of their functions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Components may include forks, solenoid, plunger, motor armature, ring gear, pinion gear, over-running clutch, reduction gears, drive end frame, comm.-end bracket, field coil housing, brush holders.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Test and service a starting system. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Test equipment includes multi-meter, continuity tester, growler, voltmeter, ammeter.
  • Tests may include field coil testing, armature testing (ground, segment continuity, growler (armature short circuit testing), circuit testing (crank voltage, volt drop), bench test, brush holder, solenoid testing, current draw, ignition switch, clutch start switch, associated circuitry and components. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Preliminary tests are performed to diagnose the fault. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Tests include but are not limited to visual inspection of the system, battery test, battery cable test, starter current draw
  • Faults may include: starter does not turn, starter turns dragging, starter spins but does not turn the motor, noisy starting/engagement, starter does not stop spinning.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A load test/current draw test is performed using the appropriate test equipment and the results are interpreted to check the internal condition of the starter. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The starter motor is removed from vehicle according to standard procedure and using the appropriate tools. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The starter motor is bench tested to confirm diagnosis. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The starter motor is dismantled according to standard procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The starter motor is cleaned and inspected according to standard procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Components are tested and replaced according to standard procedure for each component. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Components include: field coils, the drive mechanism; armature; brushes, springs and insulation; bushes and armature shaft bearing surfaces.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Specific starter tests are conducted using the appropriate equipment and manufacturer manuals and the results are interpreted. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tests may include the current draw tests; solenoid tests (pull-in test, hold-in test); open circuit tests on the armature; ground test on the armature; short circuit test on the armature; testing the insulated brush holder for ground; open circuit tests; short circuit tests on field coils.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    A report on the condition of the starter is prepared for the customer according to standard procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The starter motor is assembled using appropriate tools and according to standard procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    Appropriate tests are performed to ensure correct assembly. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tests may include pinion clearance; final assemble test (bench test); motor bench test (pull-in test, hold-in test, clutch pinion return test, no-load performance test); lock torque test; voltage drop test across solenoid contacts, current draw test.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    The starter motor is fitted according to standard procedure and correct functioning of starting system is confirmed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    Tools and equipment are used correctly to prevent damage to the starting system and injury to self and others. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names and functions of:
  • Starter motor components.
  • Bench testing.
  • Growler.

    Purpose of:
  • Cleaning.
  • Using removal and fitting procedures.
  • Using product specific dismantling and assembly procedures.
  • The solenoid.
  • Relevant documentation.
  • Of the starting system.

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:
  • Characteristics of a starter motor.

    Sensory cues:
  • Use of sight to check wear on starter motor components.

    Causes and effects, implications of:
  • Implications of not using personal protection.
  • Implications of not following procedure.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Safety procedures.
  • Testing procedures.
  • Removal and fitting procedures.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Related manufacturer's safety standards.
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental legislation.

    Theory, rules, principles, laws:
  • Magnetism.
  • Motor principles.

    Relationships, systems:
  • Relationship of the battery as the power source to the starting system. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Testing starting systems and diagnosing faults.
  • Interpreting test results. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsively and effectively when:
  • Interpreting circuit diagrams of starting systems.
  • Performing a variety of tests using different testing equipment.
  • Servicing starting systems using appropriate equipment.
  • Removing, bench-testing, dismantling, reassembling and refitting starter motors.
  • Repairing starters. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information to:
  • Interpret test results and solve problems/faults. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation to:
  • Prepare report for customer on condition of starter. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others by:
  • Using tools and equipment according to manufacturer's instructions and workplace procedure. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that the problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when engaging with faults on the starters and starting system. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 12223, "Diagnose, test and repair conventional automobile starting systems", Level 3, 16 credits. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  78923   National Certificate: Autotronics  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.