ASE G1 Exam Questions

Page 1 of 10

1.

Two technicians are discussing a vehicle with a handling concern. Technician A says poor handling can be caused by incorrect loading of the vehicle. Technician B says poor handling can be caused by damaged or broken stabilizer bar links or bushings. Who is correct?

  • Both A and B

  • Technician A

  • Technician B

  • Neither A nor B

Correct answer: Both A and B

Both technicians are correct. Handling concerns can be caused by excessive or unbalanced loading of the vehicle. A handling concern may also be caused by damaged or broken stabilizer bar links or bushings because the primary purpose of the stabilizer bar is to prevent excessive body roll when cornering.

2.

Two technicians are discussing multi-ribbed serpentine accessory drive belts. Technician A says pulley misalignment causes rapid wear of the sides of the belt. Technician B says belt tension is usually maintained by a hydraulically-operated automatic tensioner. Who is correct?

  • Technician A

  • Technician B

  • Both A and B

  • Neither A nor B

Correct answer: Technician A

Technician A is correct because misaligned pulleys exert unusual forces on the sides of the belt as they spin. Exposed cords can often be seen on the sides of a belt that is operating on misaligned pulleys.

Technician B is incorrect because serpentine drive belts use spring-loaded tensioners. The spring tension tends to dissipate over time and should be inspected carefully during belt service.  

3.

Two technicians are discussing the procedures for service and adjustment of crossover and selector cables. Technician A says crossover cables are used on automatic transaxles. Technician B says crossover and selector cables are used on manual transaxles. Who is correct? 

  • Technician B

  • Technician A

  • Both A and B

  • Neither A nor B

 Correct answer: Technician B

Technician B is correct because a shifter will not fit directly into a transaxle and needs extended linkage to reach the transaxle. The type of linkage often used is a crossover cable and a selector cable. The crossover cable and the selector cable connect the shifter to the transaxle.

Technician A is incorrect because automatic transaxles do not require a crossover cable. 

4.

Two technicians are discussing the process of checking the automatic transmission fluid level on a late model vehicle. Technician A states the transmission fluid level will get lower as it warms up. Technician B says an automotive diagnostic scan tool is used to determine transmission fluid temperature. Who is correct?

  • Technician B

  • Technician A

  • Both A and B

  • Neither A nor B

Correct answer: Technician B

Technician B is correct because the transmission fluid should be at a specific temperature when the level is checked. A scan tool is the most accurate tool a technician can use to measure transmission fluid temperature. Scan tools can be used to monitor the data from the transmission fluid temperature sensor and give the technician a very accurate measurement.

Technician A is incorrect because the transmission fluid level will rise as its temperature rises.

5.

A vehicle has a no crank condition. A technician is testing the starter solenoid circuits with a digital multimeter. The start (S) terminal of the starter solenoid has 12.5 volts applied to it when the starter switch is moved to the start position, yet the starter does not crank the engine and the starter solenoid does not make any sound. Which of the following is the MOST LIKELY cause?

  • A faulty starter solenoid

  • Faulty starter brushes

  • A shorted armature in the starter

  • A misadjusted neutral safety switch

Correct answer: A faulty starter solenoid 

If you apply 12 volts to the "S" terminal of a starter solenoid and nothing is heard; the starter solenoid is likely to be faulty. The exception would be if the starter and starter solenoid have a bad ground connection. If the starter solenoid makes a loud clicking sound and the starter does not turn, the starter motor is likely to be inoperative. A shorted starter motor armature or worn starter brushes would cause the starter to be inoperative.

A starter solenoid in good working condition will make a loud click when battery voltage is applied to it. The solenoid click may not be heard if the starter spins as designed. If the neutral safety switch is misadjusted, it usually interrupts the "S" circuit and battery voltage does not reach the "S" terminal of the starter solenoid. The "S" terminal can be identified because it is the small terminal on the starter solenoid. The battery terminal is much larger because it must carry more than 100 amps from the battery to the starter. 

6.

Technician A says horns on modern vehicles incorporate the use of a module instead of a horn relay. Technician B says a faulty ground can prevent a horn from operating. Who is correct?

  • Technician B

  • Technician A

  • Both A and B

  • Neither A nor B

Correct answer: Technician B

Technician B is correct because a faulty ground can prevent the operation of a horn. Corrosion- and collision-related damage are common causes of faulty horn grounds.

Technician A is incorrect because modern horn circuits incorporate a horn relay which is controlled by a module. The horn chirp that occurs when doors are locked remotely is a result of a module output. Typically, the same module that locks the doors causes the horn to chirp.

7.

Brake line fittings should be loosened with which of the following?

  • Flare nut wrench

  • Box end wrench

  • Open end wrench

  • Brake flaring tool

Correct answer: Flare nut wrench

Brake line fittings should be removed and installed using a flare nut wrench to prevent rounding them off. A flare nut wrench is also known as a line wrench. A flare nut wrench has six corners and is less likely to round off the fitting.

A box end wrench would be obstructed by the brake line and can not reach the fitting. An open end wrench only has two sides and is much more likely to round the fitting off. A brake flaring tool is not used to turn fittings.

8.

Which of the following would be MOST LIKELY to cause rebound bumpers to be damaged?

  • Weak springs

  • A worn stabilizer bar

  • Worn control arm bushings

  • Excessive wear on an outer tie rod end

Correct answer: Weak springs

The rebound bumpers are made of rubber and are designed to limit suspension travel as the suspension jounces and rebounds. Damage occurs to rebound bumpers when the suspension jounces to its limits and is stopped repeatedly by the rebound bumpers. Weak springs often allow the vehicle frame or suspension component to hit the rebound bumpers during suspension travel. Ride height should be measured any time a technician sees evidence of rebound bumper damage.

Stabilizer bars are not considered to be wear items or a cause of rebound bumper damage. Control arm bushings must be in good condition for wheel alignment and proper vehicle handling, but do not contribute to rebound bumper damage. Worn tie rod ends affect steering, but do not affect suspension travel and will not cause rebound bumper damage.

9.

A customer complains that the air coming out of the air conditioning vents has an offensive odor. Which of the following is the MOST LIKELY cause?

  • A clogged evaporator drain

  • Condensation on the compressor

  • A contaminated condenser

  • A restriction in the condenser

Correct answer: A clogged evaporator drain

Most odors related to the air conditioning system are related to the evaporator. A clogged or restricted evaporator drain would contribute to odor caused by biological growth in the evaporator area. Leaves, pet hair, or other debris can also contribute to this issue. Routine replacement of the cabin air filter can prevent debris from entering the evaporator area. 

10.

Two technicians are discussing cooling system pressure testing. Technician A says the cooling system should be pressurized to the specification listed on the underhood label. Technician B says overpressurization of the cooling system can damage cooling system components. Who is correct?

  • Technician B only

  • Technician A only

  • Both A and B

  • Neither A nor B

Correct answer: Technician B only

Technician B is correct. Cooling system pressure corresponds with the specified relief pressure of the radiator cap. This is typically stamped or printed on the radiator cap. The radiator cap regulates maximum cooling system pressure and should be checked periodically with a cooling system pressure tester. Never exceed the specified pressure of the cooling system when using a cooling system pressure tester. Overpressurization is  likely to cause damage to cooling system components.

11.

Which of the following would NOT cause a rattling noise from the exhaust system?

  • A faulty oxygen sensor heater

  • A broken exhaust hanger

  • An internally damaged catalytic converter

  • A loose heat shield

Correct answer: A faulty oxygen sensor heater

A faulty oxygen sensor heater would not cause an exhaust rattle because the surface area of the element for an oxygen sensor heater is less than one square inch and is encapsulated in a metal chamber.

A broken exhaust hanger often causes exhaust components to rattle against parts of the undercarriage. Loose heat shields can rattle when rubbing against exhaust components or the body of the automobile. The catalyst substrate in the catalytic converter can crack and break when overheated or damaged from an impact. A broken catalyst substrate can also cause a rattling noise. A broken catalyst substrate can usually be isolated by tapping on the catalytic converter with a rubber mallet.

12.

Which of the following would a technician do to verify a customer concern about automatic transmission operation?

  • Drive the vehicle and observe transmission operation.

  • Use a scan tool to command upshifts and downshifts.

  • Use a scan tool to observe which gear the transmission control module has commanded.

  • Use a scan tool to check transmission fluid temperature.

Correct answer: Drive the vehicle and observe transmission operation.

A test drive is required to verify a customer concern with an automatic transmission. While on the test drive, a technician will observe upshifts and downshifts and note any irregularities. The point of the initial test drive is to attempt to reproduce the customer concern as stated in the repair order. The technician should be able to match the stated customer concern with observations during the test drive and have a systematic plan to complete the diagnosis.

Using a scan tool to command upshifts and downshifts is likely to be part of the diagnostic process, but is not part of verifying the customer concern. Using a scan tool to observe the commanded gear from the transmission control module and the transmission fluid temperature are also recommended parts of the diagnostic process, but not necessary for verifying the customer concern. An exception to the required initial test drive would occur when a vehicle is towed in and will not move forward or in reverse. 

13.

Which of the following is NOT a consideration when mounting tires on wheels or performing a tire rotation?

  • An automobile equipped with metric-sized tires

  • An automobile equipped with asymmetric tires

  • An automobile equipped with directional tires

  • An automobile equipped with staggered tire sizes

Correct answer: An automobile equipped with metric-sized tires

Many new tires are designated as metric-sized tires and are considered standard equipment on many models of automobile.

Asymmetric tires should be mounted with a specific portion of the tread mounted toward the outside. Directional tires must turn in one direction only. They must not be crossed when performing a tire rotation. Moving a directional tire to the opposite side of the vehicle requires dismounting and remounting the tire to maintain the same direction of rotation. Vehicles with staggered tires have different sized tires on the front than on the rear. The rim sizes are usually different also. Front-to-rear tire rotation is not possible on these vehicles. 

14.

A technician is testing the starter circuit on a vehicle equipped with a top post battery. The technician sets a digital volt ohm meter to the lowest volt scale, places one lead end on the negative battery post, and the other meter lead end to the negative cable clamp. The technician observes the volt readings on the meter as an assistant cranks the engine. The voltage reading should not exceed:

  • 200 millivolts

  • 500 millivolts

  • 1200 millivolts

  • 1 volt

Correct answer: 200 millivolts

The voltage drop across any connection in the starting circuit should not exceed 200 millivolts (0.2 volts). Unlike resistance testing, voltage drop testing is performed with the circuit intact and operating. The ignition or fuel system is usually disabled during this test to prevent the vehicle from starting.

15.

A technician is performing a visual inspection to determine if an automobile is equipped with hydraulic or electric power steering. Which of the following would NOT help identify the type of power steering system used on an automobile?

  •  The use of a surpentine accessory drive belt

  • Power steering hoses attached to a belt-driven pump and the rack and pinion unit

  • A belt-driven power steering pump

  • Bright orange wires attached to steering column components

Correct answer: The use of a serpentine accessory drive belt

The use of a serpentine accessory drive belt is not an indication of the type of power steering a vehicle is equipped with. Accessory drive belts are used on several accessories as well as power steering pumps.

Power steering hoses and a belt-driven power steering pump are used in hydraulic power steering systems. Some hybrid vehicles use high voltage wires to provide power to the electric power steering. The high voltage wires are identified by their bright orange cover. Most electric power steering systems are powered by a 12-volt battery. 

16.

A vehicle with a MacPherson strut front suspension has too much positive camber on the right side. The top of the strut tower has a bracket that provides adjustment for camber and caster. The bracket on the strut tower allows the MacPherson strut to move inward, outward, forward, and rearward. Which way does the top of the strut need to move to correct the condition of having too much positive camber?

  • Inward

  • Outward

  • Forward

  • Rearward

Correct answer: Inward

If the technician uses the bracket on the strut tower to move the top of the MacPherson strut inward, the camber angle will decrease and make a correction for too much positive camber.

Moving the top of the MacPherson strut outward will increase camber even more and worsen the condition. Forward movement of the top of the MacPherson strut will decrease caster and rearward movement of the top of the MacPherson strut will increase caster. 

17.

A technician is using a volt meter and it is set to the lowest voltage scale. The end of the positive volt meter lead is submerged in the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir and the negative lead is pressed against the metal master cylinder assembly. The technician is testing for:

  • A galvanic reaction in the brake fluid

  • An overheated condition in the brake fluid

  • Use of the incorrect brake fluid

  • Proper operation of the brake fluid level sensor

Correct answer: A galvanic reaction in the brake fluid

A volt meter can be used to test for a galvanic reaction in brake fluid. The maximum voltage measurement between the brake fluid in the master cylinder reservoir and the master cylinder assembly is 300 milli-volts. If the voltage exceeds 300 milli-volts, the brake system needs to be flushed. 

18.

Which of the following should be used to check wheel bearing end play? 

  • Dial indicator

  • Micrometer 

  • Feeler gauge 

  • Straight edge 

Correct answer: Dial indicator

Wheel bearing end play can be checked using a dial indicator. To check end play, place the dial indicator stem against the hub and move the hub in and out. If play exceeds the manufacturer's specifications, the bearings should be serviced or replaced. Many older vehicles were equipped with serviceable tapered wheel bearings which needed adjustment to limit end play. Most modern wheel bearings are sealed and should be replaced if the wheel bearing end play measurement exceeds manufacturer specifications.

19.

A customer has a concern about the volume of air coming from the air conditioning vents. Technician A says excessive voltage drop in the blower ground circuit can cause a reduced volume of airflow from the vents. Technician B says a restricted cabin air filter can cause reduced airflow through the vents. Who is correct?

  • Both A and B

  • Technician B

  • Technician A

  • Neither A nor B

Correct answer: Both A and B

Technician A is correct because any unintended voltage drop in the blower circuit will reduce the blower speed and therefore reduce air volume through the vents.

Technician B is also correct because a restricted cabin air filter will reduce airflow through the vents. Periodic replacement of the cabin air filter will prevent this concern.

20.

A battery in a vehicle is being replaced. Technician A says the negative battery terminal should be removed first. Technician B says battery cable corrosion should be cleaned with a brush and a mixture of baking soda and water. Who is correct?

  • Both A and B

  • Technician A

  • Technician B

  • Neither A nor B

Correct answer: Both A and B

Both technicians are correct. Technician A is correct because the negative battery cable should be removed first. If a technician uses a wrench to disconnect the positive cable first, the wrench could touch a metal component, causing a short circuit. Upon reinstallation of the new battery, the negative cable should also be installed last. Technician B is also correct because a cleaning brush and a solution of baking soda and water is recommended for cleaning corrosion from battery clamps and cables. The baking soda neutralizes the acid and cleans corrosion effectively.