Automotive Maintenance
This Merit Badge requires 2 sessions to complete.
The Pathways to Eagle preparation work items for the Automotive Maintenance merit badge are: 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Items in RED - MUST be completed before the session starts to make it possible to complete the merit badge at Pathways to Eagle. Bring proof of completion (item, written work, note, photo, etc.)
- Items in GREEN - Can be completed before the session starts or done during merit badge session.
- Items in BLACK - MUST be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of these requirements during the merit badge session.
Scouts are strongly encouraged to use a Merit Badge worksheet to show that they have done the preparation work for the merit badge.
Download the workbook for the
Automotive Maintenance Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from the U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
Scouts MUST be able to discuss any items completed as preparation works or as written work.
Note: Some requirements contain items that fall into more that one category and are listed as the higher category.
NOTE: You will need access to a car or truck and its
owner's manual to meet some of the requirements for
this merit badge. Vehicles and owners manuals will
be provided. |
a. |
Explain to your counselor the hazards you are most
likely to encounter during automotive maintenance
activities, and what you should do to anticipate,
help prevent, mitigate, or lessen these hazards. |
b. |
Discuss with your counselor the safety equipment,
tools, and clothing used while checking or repairing
a motor vehicle. Use this equipment, tools, and/or
clothing (when needed or called for) in meeting the
requirements for this merit badge. |
2. |
General Maintenance, Safety, and Registration. Do
the following: |
a. |
Review the maintenance chart in the owner's manual.
Explain the requirements and time limits. |
b. |
Demonstrate how to check the following: |
5. |
Windshield washer fluid |
7. |
Battery fluid (if possible) and condition of the
battery terminals |
c. |
Locate the fuse boxes; determine the type and size
of fuses. Demonstrate the proper replacement of
burned-out fuses. |
d. |
Demonstrate how to check the condition and tension
of belts and hoses. |
e. |
Check the vehicle for proper operation of its
lights, including the interior overhead lights,
instrument lights, warning lights, and exterior
bulbs. |
f. |
Locate and check the air filter(s). |
g. |
Explain the purpose, importance, and limitations of
safety belts and passive restraints. |
h. |
Find out the requirements for your state's
emissions and safety inspections (as applicable),
including how often a vehicle needs to be
inspected. |
i. |
Explain the importance of registering a vehicle and
find out the annual registration fee for renewing
your family car's registration. |
3. |
Dashboard. Do the following: |
a. |
Explain the function of the fuel gauge,
speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, and engine
temperature gauge. Point out each one on the
instrument cluster. |
b. |
Explain the symbols that light up on the dashboard
and the difference between the yellow and red
symbols. Explain each of the indicators on the
dashboard, using the owner's manual if necessary. |
4. |
Tires. Do the following: |
a. |
Explain the difference between tire manufacturer's
and vehicle manufacturer's specifications and show
where to find them. |
b. |
Demonstrate how to check pressure and properly
inflate a tire. Check the spare tire and make sure
it is ready for use. |
c. |
Explain why wheel alignment is important to the
life of a tire. Explain caster, camber, and toe-in
adjustments on wheel alignment. |
d. |
Explain the purpose of the lateral-wear bar
indicator. |
e. |
Explain how to dispose of old tires in accordance
with local laws and regulations. |
5. |
Engine. Do the following: |
a. |
Explain how an internal combustion engine operates.
Tell the differences between gasoline and diesel
engines. Explain how a gasoline-electric hybrid
vehicle is powered. |
b. |
Discuss the purpose of engine oil. Explain the API
service code, the SAE number, and the viscosity
rating. |
c. |
Explain where to find the recommended oil type and
the amount of oil to be used in the vehicle's
engine. |
6. |
Cooling system. Do the following: |
a. |
Explain the need for coolant in the cooling
system, and the importance of selecting the
correct coolant type for a given vehicle. |
b. |
Explain how to flush and change the engine coolant
in the vehicle , and how to properly dispose of the
used coolant. |
7. |
Fuel system. Do the following: |
a. |
Explain how the air and fuel systems work together
and why it is necessary to have an air filter and
fuel filter. |
b. |
Explain how a how a fuel injection system works and
how an on-board computer works with the fuel
injection system. |
8. |
Ignition and electrical systems. Do the following: |
a. |
Diagram and explain the parts of the electrical
system. |
b. |
Explain the engine's firing order. |
c. |
Explain the purpose of the spark gap. |
d. |
Demonstrate how to safely connect jumper cables to
your car battery. |
9. |
Drive Train. Do the following: |
a. |
Diagram the drive train and explain the different
parts. |
b. |
Explain the difference between automatic and
standard transmissions. |
c. |
Explain the types of automatic transmission fluid. |
d. |
Explain the types of lubricants used in a standard
transmission, and in the differential and transfer
case. |
e. |
Explain the difference between front-wheel, rear-
wheel, and four-wheel drive. |
10. |
Brake System. Do the following: |
a. |
Explain the brake system (including anti-lock
systems) and how it operates. |
b. |
Explain the differences between disc and drum
systems. |
c. |
Demonstrate how to check the condition of a
vehicle's brake system. After checking make
recommendations for repairs (if necessary). |
11. |
Do TWO of the following: |
a. |
Determine the value of three different vehicles
you are interested in purchasing. One must be new
and one must be used; the third vehicle can be new
or used. For each vehicle, find out the
requirements and cost of automobile insurance to
include basic liability and options for collision,
comprehensive, towing, and rental car. Using the
three vehicles you chose and with your merit badge
counselor's assistance, complete the
operation/maintenance chart provided in the merit
badge pamphlet. Use this information to determine
the operating cost per mile for each vehicle, and
discuss what you learn with your counselor. |
b. |
Choose a car cleaner and wax product for a vehicle
you want to clean. Explain clear-coat paint and
the precautions necessary for care. Clean the
vehicle, both inside and out, and wax the
exterior. Use a vinyl and rubber protectant (on
vinyl tops, rubber door seals, sidewalls, etc.)
and explain the importance of the protectant. |
c. |
Locate the manufacturer's jack. Use the jack to
demonstrate how to engage the jack correctly on
the vehicle, then change a tire correctly. |
d. |
Perform an oil filter and oil change on a vehicle.
Explain how to properly dispose of the used oil
and filter. |
12. |
Find out about three career opportunities in the
automotive industry. Pick one and find out the
education, training, and experience required for
this profession. Discuss this with your
counselor, and explain why this profession might
interest you. |
|
The requirements listed on this web site are believed to be correct.
The official requirements can be found in the current edition of "Boy Scout Requirements Book 2025"
Download the workbook for the
Automotive Maintenance Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from, The U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
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