The optional automotive cloud-based learning resources also offer supporting material in the form of presentations, investigations and assessments to underpin the practical tasks carried out on the panel trainer. 

This trainer provides students and instructors with the opportunity to demonstrate, investigate and fault-find a simulation of a typical automotive ignition and charging system. 

To facilitate the development of techniques in diagnostics and fault-finding skills, the panel includes a range of fault-insertion options to simulate typical real-world system malfunctions.

The trainer is designed to allow access to a variety of ignition systems and a charging system, as well as provide an understanding of the overall system layout and configuration. 

LEDs are used to simulate spark plugs and a special timing light is also provided. 

The panel trainer provides a complete simulation of a vehicle ignition system and incorporates an engine rotation simulator with a crankshaft, connecting rod and piston. 

Sensors are provided for crankshaft/camshaft position, profile ignition pickup and cylinder identification. 

The electronic ignition system represented on the panel trainer is a two-coil 'wasted spark' type, with a single micro-controller providing the operating facilities of the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and Engine Control Module (ECM), as found on modern vehicles.

 

Typical practical tasks include:-

Diagnose faults in contact breaker ignition systems.

Identify and investigate electronic ignition systems.

Diagnose faults in electronic ignition systems. 

Identify ignition system components and types.

Identify and investigate the operation of spark plugs.

Identify and investigate contact breaker ignition systems.

Identify starting and charging system components and types.