Description
Diagnose, maintain, and repair diesel-powered vehicles and equipment, including engines, fuel and aftertreatment systems, drivetrains, and related chassis components. Use diagnostic tools and service procedures to restore performance, ensure safety, and meet emissions and reliability standards.
- • Install approved accessories, sensors, or auxiliary equipment.
- • Use hand and power tools, including pneumatic and torque wrenches, multimeters, pressure gauges, welders, jacks, and hoists.
- • Inspect brake, steering, suspension, and wheel-end components for safe operation.
- • Perform preventive maintenance: oil and filter changes, fluid checks, lubrication, and inspections.
- • Adjust and reline air or hydraulic brakes, align wheels, torque fasteners, and reassemble components.
- • Raise vehicles and heavy components with hydraulic jacks, stands, and hoists.
- • Road-test vehicles or run equipment to verify complaints and confirm repairs.
- • Diagnose faults using scan tools, laptop diagnostics, pressure and vacuum tests, and other instruments.
- • Check and adjust guards, mounts, and safety devices; secure loose hardware.
- • Measure dimensions, clearances, and tolerances to factory specifications.
- • Service and repair diesel fuel systems, including high-pressure common rail, pumps, injectors, and lines.
- • Connect test equipment and interpret readings to isolate malfunctions.
- • Repair starting and charging systems; troubleshoot wiring harnesses, lighting, sensors, and instrument panels.
- • Recondition or replace pistons, bearings, gears, valves, seals, and gaskets.
- • Inspect, service, and repair ancillary mechanical equipment such as pumps, compressors, and generators.
- • Disassemble and overhaul engines, transmissions, clutches, differentials, and transfer cases.
- • Rebuild or replace diesel engines and long blocks.
- • Set valve lash; grind or reseat valves as required.
- • Diagnose and repair cooling systems, HVAC, and turbocharger/intercooler systems.
- • Maintain and repair aftertreatment and emissions systems (EGR, DPF, SCR/DEF) and perform regens.
- • Follow environmental best practices for fluids, parts cleaning, and waste disposal.
- • Service vehicles using biodiesel or other alternative fuels where applicable; perform emissions tests.
- • Repair or adjust doors, latches, steps, or windows on commercial vehicles when needed.
- • Remove, mount, balance, and repair tires and wheels.
- • Document work performed, parts used, and diagnostic results in work orders or CMMS.
- • Comply with OSHA, DOT, and manufacturer procedures and safety standards.
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Supply Chain & Transportation
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
