The Natural Gas Vehicle Institute is launching two new training courses on maintenance and diagnostics for natural gas vehicles (NGVs).

One of the courses covers heavy-duty vehicles; the other covers light-duty vehicles. Both are designed for technicians with at least basic skills in vehicle repair.

Natural Gas Vehicle Institute officials said that the courses prepare technicians to perform maintenance, diagnostics and repair of NGVs. They include operational theory with hands-on exercises and the use of digital multimeters, scan tools and other diagnostic equipment. They also prepare technicians for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) H1 and F1 exams.

The kickoff class for “NGV Maintenance and Diagnostics Training: Heavy-Duty Vehicles” will be held Oct. 29-31, 2013, in Dallas. Registration for the class is now open.

“NGV Maintenance and Diagnostics Training: Light-Duty Vehicles” launches Feb. 25-27, 2014, in Las Vegas. Details about both classes are available here.

“Both courses were designed according to the stringent requirements for ASE Continuing Automotive Service Education accreditation,” said Annalloyd Thomason, vice president and general manager at the Natural Gas Vehicle Institute, adding that each course went through a rigorous beta test with technicians from multiple companies.

The training was developed under the direction of master curriculum developer and Natural Gas Vehicle Institute Training Manager Paul Pate, who is a 20-plus year veteran of automotive instructional design and delivery.

Institute officials said that while engine and vehicle manufacturers offer excellent training on their specific products, NGV technicians require comprehensive training that encompasses the entire fuel system if they are to properly maintain and diagnose these vehicles.

“Because natural gas is under high pressure, already vaporized, and reacts differently in the environment, understanding the different approach needed when servicing these vehicles is crucial,” Pate said. “Risk and safety concerns can be minimized if the technician has a complete understanding of the operation of all of the components in the system — not just the engine.”

“NGV Maintenance and Diagnostics Training: Heavy-Duty Vehicles” is an intensive three-day course that covers all natural gas heavy-duty manufacturers’ systems, including compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas, with major emphasis on Cummins ISL G-equipped vehicles.

“NGV Maintenance and Diagnostics Training: Light-Duty Vehicles” covers multiple natural gas light- and medium-duty manufacturers’ systems.

The Natural Gas Vehicle Institute plans to offer at least 12 of these courses publicly in 2014. In-house training is available for companies that need to train 15 or more employees.

For more information, call (800) 510-6484 or e-mail info@ngvi.com.