Automotive Service Technician (AST)

2012 Guide - First Period Package (34 Modules) Comments

Date: 1/28/2026 1:47:24 PM
Module: 090101a
Version: 1st Edition
Page:
Comment: ILM named "Lifting, Rigging, and hoisting" - and yet you took out all reference to slings - - - - The ONLY place you refer to Rigging is on the title. Possible you meant to change the title?
Status: Approved for Review

Date: 2/20/2026 9:14:40 AM
Module: 090101a
Version: 1st Edition
Page: 6
Comment: Please update Table 3 (Schedules) to match the current Government of Alberta OHS Code: Schedule 10 = Repealed, Schedule 11 = Repealed (not ‘Removed’), Schedule 10 definitely needs updating Schedule 11 - States "Removed" - I can live with that but OHS Website uses the word "Repealed" so suggest it is better to match their wording
Status: Approved for Review

Date: 2/20/2026 9:31:50 AM
Module: 090101a
Version: 1st Edition
Page: 5
Comment: The table on Page 5 is showing the 26 parts in the requirements section of the Alberta OHS Code applicable to all industries. This table should be reviewed and updated. One the OHS website they list parts 1 through 41 (You may have left out some deliberately as they do not necessarily apply to the automotive trade but some of the wording has changed Example----- Part 13 you have "Joint Work Site Health and Safety Committee" - Updated to "Joint Health and Safety Committees and Health and Safety Representatives" Part 27 you have "Violence" - Updated to "Violence and Harassment" Suggest a review and update should be done
Status: Approved for Review

Date: 2/23/2026 9:39:08 AM
Module: 090101b
Version: 1st Edition
Page: 13
Comment: Module states " The different style of lifting arms will determine how you position the vehicle for lifting which we will go into more depth later in this module." ---- Seems it may have left out the in-depth section on the difference of symmetrical vs asymmetrical arms - you do have more information on lift points, arm extensions, etc, but your statement above leads me to believe there was something left out
Status: Approved for Review

Date: 2/23/2026 9:57:46 AM
Module: 090101b
Version: 1st Edition
Page: 17
Comment: Module States "These hoists will also be equipped with a mechanical safety lock which may be controlled by air or a physical lever, as well as arm locks which we will get into more detail later" This statement would lead me to believe there would be greater detail later - You do have "It is good to familiarize yourself with the hoist you will be using as some hoists found in shops still have manually applied arm locks. These must be applied each time before lifting the vehicle" Consider adding more detail and possibly pictures of a couple different styles.
Status: Approved for Review

Date: 2/12/2026 9:51:56 AM
Module: 090101c
Version: 1st Edition
Page: 46, 53
Comment: Noticed you still have 2 references to "MSDS" - This term is not longer used (as of 2012 I think) - All other areas use SDS - think these 2 got missed in editing
Status: Update in Progress

Date: 2/23/2026 1:36:46 PM
Module: 090101c
Version: 1st Edition
Page: 26
Comment: There is an example table of incompatible materials on the Top row: Acids or bases (corrosives) + Reactive metals, such as: Potassium = Fire. Only going to pick on Potassium for this - but the entire table needs review. Should = Fire, Explosion, or Violent Reaction. May want to refer to the Cornell University EHS Appendix K or the Princeton EHS Incompatibility Chart are excellent, highly detailed templates that include the specific "Violent Reaction" and "Explosion" hazards you noted were missing for potassium and other alkali metals. I am not going to review the entire table but I question if the example table is accurate. Quick search: Group 1: High-Intensity Risks (Alkali Metals) Like potassium, these metals are at the top of the reactivity series and react explosively upon contact with acids. Sodium (Na): Reacts almost as violently as potassium. It can cause immediate steam and hydrogen explosions that spray unreacted acid over a wide area. Lithium (Li): Though slightly less reactive than sodium or potassium, it still reacts violently with strong acids to produce heat and flammable hydrogen gas, which can spontaneously ignite. Group 2: Moderate to High Risks (Alkaline Earth & Others) These metals are highly reactive but often require specific conditions (like high concentration or finely divided form) to reach explosive levels. Calcium (Ca): Reacts violently with dilute and strong acids. Large chunks can generate enough heat to cause a hydrogen explosion. Magnesium (Mg) & Zinc (Zn) Powder: In their solid forms, they fizz and release hydrogen. However, as powders, their high surface area makes the reaction much more rapid; the heat generated is often enough to ignite the hydrogen gas. Beryllium (Be): Reacts with strong acids and bases to produce flammable hydrogen gas and can form shock-sensitive mixtures with certain solvents.
Status: Approved for Review

Date: 2/25/2026 8:32:31 AM
Module: 090101j
Version: 1st Edition
Page: 13
Comment: Module states: R-1234yf is an HFO-type refrigerant (2, 3, 3, 3 tetrafluoropropene) that does not deplete the ozone layer. It is highly toxic, corrosive, flammable, and odourless. The boiling point of R-1234yf is –29 °C at ambient pressure. R-1234yf was deemed to be useful because of its GWP of four years and atmospheric life of 11 days. Reason it caught my eye was "Highly Toxic" - - In combustion emits toxic fumes - - (Source SDS sheet National Refrigerants). Further - Google: 1. Toxicity Level: Incorrect. ILM Claim: "Highly toxic." Industry Fact: R-1234yf is officially classified by ASHRAE Standard 34 as Class A (Lower Toxicity). The Error: "Highly toxic" refrigerants (like Sulfur Dioxide or Ammonia blends) fall under Class B. R-1234yf has a very high exposure limit and is considered non-toxic under normal use. 2. Corrosiveness: Misleading/Incorrect ILM Claim: "Corrosive." Industry Fact: According to official Safety Data Sheets (SDS), the substance is "not classified as corrosive/irritant to skin". The Error: It is highly compatible with the aluminum, copper, and steel used in A/C systems. It only produces corrosive by-products (Hydrofluoric Acid) if it is burned.
Status: Approved for Review

Date: 11/25/2022 7:50:39 AM
Module: 090102a
Version: 24
Page: 11
Comment: Second paragraph under figure 14. The paragraph states typically any variation greater then 3mm (1/8 inch) warrants further investigation. Then in module 090102g version 24, page 21, second paragraph sentence 2 and 3 states that any difference more then 6mm (1/4 inch) warrants further investigation. This needs to be the same between modules.
Status: Implemented

Date: 12/27/2025 2:27:24 PM
Module: 090102a
Version: 1st Edition
Page: 10
Comment: Section may benefit by including a definition of the "Datum Line".
Status: Approved for Review

Date: 12/27/2025 2:30:06 PM
Module: 090102a
Version: 1st Edition
Page: 11
Comment: The section may benefit by including a general/typical specification for the maximum amount (in degrees) a frame can be swayed before repair is required.
Status: Approved for Review

Date: 2/26/2026 9:10:59 AM
Module: 090102a
Version: 1st Edition
Page: 31
Comment: Module states: Fifth Wheel Hitch, A fifth wheel hitch is a heavy-duty truck bed hitch that accepts the kingpin of a fifth wheel trailer for up to 30 000 lb GTW capacity. Reasonable and covers MOST but for accuracy there are hitches now available at 32, 000.
Status: Approved for Review

Date: 2/26/2026 9:17:05 AM
Module: 090102a
Version: 1st Edition
Page: 32
Comment: Module states: a gooseneck hitch is a heavy-duty truck bed hitch that provides a ball to couple to a gooseneck trailer for up to 38 000 lb GTW. Common number but you can now get a 40,000 GTW hitch using a 3 inch ball.
Status: Approved for Review

Date: 2/26/2026 9:31:45 AM
Module: 090102a
Version: 1st Edition
Page:
Comment: Review that there is no mention of trailer ball sizes for hitches. Common sizes are 1 7/8, 2 and 2 5/16. One thing I have seen over the years is people using a 1 7/8 ball coupled to a 2 inch trailer coupler (result is a loose fit that can (and does) pop off while driving. It should be included.
Status: Approved for Review

Date: 2/26/2026 1:39:18 PM
Module: 090102b
Version: 1st Edition
Page: 51, 64, 81
Comment: Objective 3 Activity, Question 4 on (Page 64) states: What is the recommended repair of split ball joint dust boot? a) Replace the torn boot. b) Replace the ball joint. c) Replace the steering knuckle. d) Nothing, it should not cause any problems. On Page 81 the Correct answer is b) replace the ball joint. Only reference I can find to dust boot is Page 51 that states, Suspension components must be checked for the following: • Looseness • Binding • Leaks • Cracks • Torn or damaged dust boots. It does say to inspect but I cannot find a reference that states you should replace the joint. That is industry standard (but you CAN purchase just the boot in some applications). IF this was 4th year material I might overlook the omission but for 1st year apprentices I feel since the question is asked in the ILM the correct answer should be in the material.
Status: Approved for Review

Date: 4/14/2025 3:45:11 PM
Module: 090102cA
Version: 1st edition/2025 print
Page: p. 14 of ILM
Comment: Fig. 15 "Steering Center" should be "Steering Centre"
Status: Approved for Review

Date: 1/10/2026 8:41:54 AM
Module: 090104a-bA
Version: 01
Page:
Comment: The order of the these ILMs (090104a-bA through 090104a-bD) is very disjointed/scrambled. One specific topic is explained in different spots through all the modules. This makes it very difficult for a student to read the material in a logical order while trying to understand this. Example magnetism is covered in the following areas: 090104a-ba page 5, 18 -26, 37 - 39, 090104a-bB pages 33 -57. There is also information on this topic missing.
Status: Approved for Review

Date: 2/19/2026 9:34:47 AM
Module: 090104a-bA
Version: 1st Edition
Page: NA
Comment: It seems that you have omitted Mutual Induction section completely - Old ILM 090104c Pages 29 to 37 inclusive - I have searched through the new modules 090104a-bA - a-bD (4 ILM's) and have not found reference to this material. Thinking this was an editing error as the material is relevant considering ignition coils operate on this principal
Status: Approved for Review

Date: 11/24/2025 1:19:59 PM
Module: 090104c
Version: 1st Edition
Page: 27
Comment: Formula incomplete While ampere-hours (Ah) are used to rate low-voltage vehicle batteries, hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) batteries are rated in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A kilowatt-hour is calculated by multiplying the battery’s ampere-hours by its voltage. Kilowatt-Hours  Ampere-Hours  Voltage Missing is the divide by 1000
Status: Approved for Review

Date: 2/19/2026 1:35:43 PM
Module: 090105a
Version: 1st Edition
Page: missing info
Comment: Old ILM had Page 29 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Replacing the Oil Filter Once you finish draining the oil from the crankcase and remove the old filter, you need to prepare before replacing the oil filter. • Remove the old filter gasket if it has stuck to the mounting flange. WARNING Always check to make sure the old gasket did not remain on the mounting flange. If you overlook a gasket that remains on the flange, the new filter will leak and cause severe engine damage. • Clean the filter flange to prevent dirt contamination into the new filter. • Lubricate the gasket on the new filter with clean oil and screw the filter onto the vehicle. NOTE Oil filters for some large truck applications require that you fill the filter with a specified amount of clean oil before installation. • Follow the manufacturer's specification for filter torque. CAUTION Tighten an oil filter ¼ to ½ turn past where the gasket makes full contact with the flange. Making it tighter will make the filter hard to remove next service. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This info has been left out - I suspect deliberately as many newer vehicles are using cartridge style filters - - BUT feel that some information on replacing with wording stating that due to the numerous styles it is best practice to use service information for the vehicle you are working on. Better to reword this than simply removing the information
Status: Approved for Review


Archived Comments

Year: 2025

12/27/2025 2:23:22 PM
Module: 090101a
Version: 1st Edition
Page: 10
Comment: Section may benefit by including a definition of the "Datum Line".
Status: Declined

Year: 2020

4/24/2020 11:59:25 AM
Module: 090104c
Version: 21
Page: 17
Comment: Objective Three heading is at the bottom of page 17 instead of the top of page 18
Status: Implemented

4/24/2020 11:57:38 AM
Module: 090102j
Version: 21
Page: 29
Comment: Objective Four heading is at the bottom of page 29 instead of the top of page 30
Status: Implemented

4/24/2020 11:54:59 AM
Module: 090102f
Version: 21
Page: 24
Comment: Objective Five heading is at the bottom of page 24 instead of the top of page 25
Status: Implemented

Year: 2019

10/11/2019 3:01:13 PM
Module: 090105a
Version: 21
Page: 12
Comment: The AST first year module number 090105A page 12, the picture does not relate to the printed subject matter.
Status: Implemented