Animated Videos — Bring Automotive Systems to Life

Animated Videos are now included with every Automotive Student Testing (AST) school access plan. These dynamic, full-motion lessons use both clear visuals and audio narration to turn complex vehicle systems into engaging, easy-to-understand animations. Currently we cover ASE areas A1, A2, A4, A5, and A6 — with more ASE certification areas coming soon.

Why Animated Videos Matter

Visual learning is especially powerful when dealing with moving parts, waveforms, electronics, and system interactions. Our animations help students:

  • See how components interact inside a system, not just read about it
  • Retain key concepts more easily by linking sight + sound
  • Build confidence for lab work, hands-on tasks, and ASE certification exams
  • Bridge the gap between textbook theory and real-world diagnostics

What’s Covered Right Now

Within the included animation modules you’ll find:

  • Engine repair and operation (ASE A1)
  • Automatic transmissions (A2)
  • Steering and suspension systems (A4)
  • Brake systems (A5)
  • Electrical/Electronic systems (A6)

These modules align with AST’s assessment platform, allowing students to reinforce video learning with quizzes, tests, and reporting dashboards.

This sample video animation is taken from the ASE A4 (Suspension and Steering) test.

Oscilloscope Animations – NOW Included

We’re excited to announce the addition of Oscilloscope Animations to the AST library — a must-have for students preparing for modern electrical/electronic diagnosis. These new lessons include topics such as:

  • Setting volts-per-division and understanding voltage scaling
  • Proper ground connection and why it matters
  • Setting vertical position and calibrating the scope leads
  • Reading and interpreting the scope grid
  • Using probe settings (e.g., X1) for accurate signal capture
  • Setting cursors for precise measurement of voltage, frequency and time
  • Analog vs. digital scopes: how each type displays signals differently
  • Common specifications: bandwidth, sample rate, rise time
  • Real waveform examples: square waves at 600 Hz, 1 kHz, 5 kHz; CAN bus waveform; full wave-cycle breakdown
  • Scopate vs. digital multimeter: why a scope gives much more diagnostic insight

These animations give students a clear visual context for how oscilloscopes work in automotive diagnostics — helping them better understand waveform behavior, signal integrity and how to apply the tool in a real-shop scenario.

NEW! Schematic Animations – NOW Included

We’re excited to announce the addition of Schematic Animations to the AST library — a powerful learning tool designed to help students clearly understand how automotive systems operate and interact. Covering A1-A9, these new lessons visually break down complex systems and include topics such as:

  • Understanding schematic symbols and component relationships
  • Visualizing power, ground, and signal flow through a system
  • Step-by-step system operation sequences
  • Cause-and-effect relationships between inputs, processing, and outputs
  • Sensor and actuator interaction within a complete circuit
  • System states under normal operation vs. fault conditions
  • Identifying where and how failures interrupt system operation
  • Translating schematic logic into real-world diagnostic strategy
  • Comparing static schematics to animated, real-time system behavior
  • Applying schematic understanding to troubleshooting and test questions

These animations provide students with clear visual context for how automotive systems function — bridging the gap between abstract diagrams and real-world operation. By seeing systems in motion, students gain stronger comprehension, improved diagnostic logic, and greater confidence when applying schematic knowledge in both testing and shop environments.

How it All Works Together

  • Each animation links directly with AST assessments and reporting.
  • Teachers and students can use the animations as class starters, lab-prep tools or review materials.
  • Students watch the animation → complete a quiz/test → view performance dashboards → revisit animations as needed for remediation.
  • The addition of oscilloscope content especially strengthens the Electrical/Electronic Systems (ASE A6) and Advanced Engine Performance (ASE A8 / L1) readiness.
  • The new Schematic Animations transforms static diagrams into dynamic, step-by-step visual system operation—making complex schematic logic easier to understand, retain, and apply in real diagnostic and testing scenarios.

Get Started

All animations — including the new oscilloscope modules — are already included in your AST school access plan at no additional cost. Simply log in, navigate to the “Animated Videos” section, and select the module that aligns with your ASE area of study.

Want to preview or plan instructor usage? Contact your AST account rep to get sample playlist links, classroom suggestions, and reporting-strategies.

Looking Ahead

We’re committed to expanding our animation library to cover ASE Area A3 (Manual Transmissions & Transaxles), A7 (Heating & Air Conditioning), A8 (Engine Performance), G1 (Maintenance & Light Repair) and even L2-L4 levels down the road. Stay tuned for new releases and enhanced interactive features.

Ready to bring the classroom to life with animated, real-world diagnostics?

Log in today and explore the full library of Animated Videos — now including oscilloscope & schematic diagnostics — and help your students master the tools and systems they’ll use in the shop.