Description
Diagnose, maintain, and repair heavy- and light-duty trucks, focusing on diesel and gasoline powertrains and related systems. Troubleshoot engine, transmission, brake, steering, suspension, electrical, HVAC, and emissions components; perform preventive maintenance, road-test repairs, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
- • Use hand tools and power tools, including wrenches, gauges, diagnostic scanners, welders, and hoists.
- • Inspect truck brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other critical components.
- • Perform routine maintenance such as oil and filter changes, battery checks, and chassis lubrication.
- • Adjust and reline air and hydraulic brakes, align wheels, torque fasteners, and reassemble components.
- • Raise trucks and heavy parts using hydraulic jacks, lifts, or hoists.
- • Test-drive trucks to diagnose issues and verify proper operation after repairs.
- • Inspect, test, and listen to components to diagnose faults using scan tools, multimeters, and pressure/vacuum gauges.
- • Examine and secure protective guards, tighten loose bolts, and verify safety devices.
- • Measure and verify part dimensions and clearances to meet factory specifications.
- • Service and repair engine fuel and air systems, including fuel injection, turbochargers, and EGR systems.
- • Connect diagnostic equipment and interpret readings to identify malfunctions.
- • Repair wiring, lighting, and instrument panels; troubleshoot CAN bus and electrical faults.
- • Recondition or replace pistons, bearings, gears, valves, seals, hoses, and gaskets.
- • Inspect, repair, and maintain truck systems such as air compressors, PTOs, pumps, and hydraulics.
- • Disassemble and overhaul engines, pumps, generators, transmissions, clutches, transfer cases, and differentials.
- • Rebuild gasoline and diesel engines and cylinder heads.
- • Align front ends and service suspension, springs, shocks, and bushings.
- • Grind and reset valves using valve-grinding equipment when required.
- • Diagnose and repair vehicle heating and air conditioning systems.
- • Service and repair computer-controlled emissions systems, including DPF/DEF/SCR components and sensors.
- • Follow environmentally responsible practices for fluid handling, recycling, and waste reduction.
- • Maintain or repair trucks with alternative fuel or hybrid systems, including CNG, LNG, and biodiesel.
- • Measure emissions and perform opacity checks to confirm compliance.
- • Install or repair accessories, bodies, liftgates, and PTO-driven attachments.
- • Repair or adjust seats, doors, windows, mirrors, and latches.
- • Dismount, mount, balance, and repair or replace truck tires and wheels.
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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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Sources & Standards:
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
