Auto-electrician

Also known as:

Car Electrician
Vehicle Electrician

Introduction

Auto-electricians find and diagnose faults in the electrical wiring and electrical/electronic parts of motor vehicles. Then they repair or replace wiring or parts to correct the faults. This may mean replacing a complete unit like an alternator, starter motor or headlight, or a printed circuit board in an electronics unit.

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Work Activities

Auto-electricians are specialists in the electrical and electronic systems that are increasingly used in modern vehicles. For example, some cars have computer controlled engine management systems, digital displays on their dashboards and electric windows.

Depending on how modern and technologically advanced a vehicle is, auto-electricians may be able to plug in a laptop computer to its Electronic Control Unit (ECU). They are then able to use a keyboard and on-screen menu to choose the part of the vehicle they wish to investigate. The computer is able to find and report back information on the fault, for example, a break in circuit wiring.

On older vehicles and those that do not have ECUs, auto-electricians use test equipment such as ammeters and voltmeters to identify breaks in electric circuits. They check electronic circuits against circuit diagrams and use hand and power tools to make repairs. When a repair is completed, they test the circuit or part to make sure it is working correctly. They also make adjustments, and check and top up batteries as part of routine servicing. They may take part in MOT tests, to make sure a vehicle is safe to travel on the road.

Auto-electricians may install some new accessories such as audio systems, alarms or car phones. They may go to breakdowns with mechanics and repair faults at the site.

Auto-electricians may specialise in cars, heavy goods vehicles, buses or coaches. They may specialise in one make of vehicle.

Most auto-electricians work is in garages, workshops or depots that are large, airy spaces with concrete floors, and are cold in winter and hot in summer. They wear overalls or boiler suits and rub their hands with barrier cream to protect them against oil, grease and dirt. Much of the time auto-electricians are under a vehicle or its dashboard, testing or repairing.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

To be an auto-electrician, you need a logical and methodical mind to trace faults. Auto-electricians must be good with their hands, and physically fit to cope with lifting, bending and working in cramped conditions, for example, stretching under a dashboard.

You must be able to work accurately on your own, and as part of a team. You need to be able to make decisions and take responsibility for your work, which can affect the safety of customers and colleagues.

Auto-electricians must have good communication skills to discuss faults with drivers and colleagues. You must be able to understand written instructions, and perhaps technical drawings.

Good colour vision is needed for working with colour coded wires and parts.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Auto-electricians earn in the range of £280 - £350 a week, rising to £400 - £460. Higher earners can make around £560 a week.

Auto-electricians usually work a 39-hour week. Overtime, including Saturdays, may be available.

Employers include garages catering for private car/van owners and large companies and organisations with their own fleets of vehicles (for example, local authorities, gas and electricity companies, and the police).

Other employers include taxi firms, road haulage companies, and bus and coach operators.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Practical or technical skills and abilities gained, for example, as a garage assistant or tyre/exhaust fitter, are useful. Paid or unpaid experience of electrical work is an advantage.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

• 7% of people in occupations such as auto-electrician are self-employed
• 8% have flexible hours.

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