ASE T Series Exam Questions

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1.

Generally, voltage drop on the ground side of the alternator circuit should not exceed:

  • 0.5 volts

  • 0.1 volts

  • 0.2 volts

  • 0.4 volts

Correct answer: 0.5 volts

A voltage drop test is performed in order to find excessive resistance in a circuit. When testing a charging system for voltage drop, anything more than 0.5 volts on the ground side indicates high resistance. 

2.

Technician A says engine protection systems are designed to limit horsepower and torque when the ECM recognizes engine overspeeding. Technician B says engine protection systems are designed to limit horsepower and torque when the DPF becomes full. Who is correct?

  • Technician A

  • Technician B

  • Both A and B

  • Neither A nor B

Correct answer: Technician A

Only technician A is correct. The engine protection systems are designed to limit horsepower and torque when the ECM recognizes engine overspeeding, engine overheating or low oil pressure. 

3.

What is the maximum machine limit for 14-inch-diameter brake drums?

  • 14.060 inches

  • 14.090 inches

  • 14.070 inches

  • 14.080 inches

Correct answer: 14.060 inches

The maximum legal service limit for 14-inch-diameter brake drums is 14.120 inches. The machining limit is 14.060 inches and the discard limit is 14.090 inches. 

4.

During a power steering pressure/temperature test or flow test, the fluid should be at least what temperature?

  • 176 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius)

  • 156 degrees Fahrenheit (69 degrees Celsius)

  • 186 degrees Fahrenheit (86 degrees Celsius)

  • 166 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius)

Correct answer: 176 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius)

For a pressure/temperature test, the fluid level must be at least 176 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius) before starting. The same temperature requirements exist for a flow test. 

5.

Which of the following should not be used when transmission operating temperatures are above 230 degrees Fahrenheit?

  • Multipurpose gear oil

  • Transmission oil 

  • Heavy duty engine oil 

  • Straight mineral oil

Correct answer: Multipurpose gear oil

Manufacturers recommend a variety of different fluids for use in transmissions. When operating temperatures exceed 230 degrees, mild extra pressure gear oil or multipurpose gear oil should not be used. 

6.

A tire shows feathering wear. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

  • Bad toe alignment

  • Wheel out of balance

  • Overinflated tires

  • Aggressive driving

Correct answer: Bad toe alignment

A maladjusted toe alignment can cause feathering. It can also be the result of worn suspension components.

Overinflated tires will cause accelerated wear to the center of the tire tread; underinflated tires will cause accelerated wear to both edges of the tire. 

Out-of-balance wheels lead to vibration, while aggressive cornering may be seen by excessive shoulder wear.

7.

A worn pilot bearing may cause all of the following symptoms EXCEPT:

  • Noise when the clutch is engaged

  • Vibration of the clutch disc

  • Vibration of the input shaft

  • Noise when the clutch is disengaged

Correct answer: Noise when the clutch is engaged

A worn pilot bearing can lead to several vibrations, both in the clutch disc and input shaft.

Noise may also be heard when the clutch is disengaged, but it shouldn't be noticeable with the clutch engaged. 

8.

Which of the following should be used to check for moisture contamination in a fuel tank?

  • A probe with water detection paste

  • Water detection test strips 

  • A refractometer 

  • A hydrometer 

Correct answer: A probe with water detection paste

A probe or rod with water detection paste can be inserted into the fuel tank to check for moisture contamination. The paste is designed to change color when it comes in contact with water. 

9.

An alternator is charging properly if system voltage is at least:

  • 13.5 volts

  • 12.6 volts

  • 14.5 volts

  • 15 volts

Correct answer: 13.5 volts

Alternator output can be checked using a digital multimeter set to volts. If the reading is over 13.5 volts, the alternator is charging properly. Anything less and the alternator is undercharging. On the other hand, anything more than 14.2 volts in a gel cell battery system indicates overcharging. 

10.

Technician A says that the vibration dampener can be checked with a dial indicator as part of a preventative maintenance inspection (PMI). Technician B says a failed vibration dampener won't cause internal engine damage.

Who is correct?

  • Technician A

  • Both A and B

  • Technician B

  • Neither A nor B

Correct answer: Technician A

Technician A is correct. The vibration dampener is used to balance harmonic vibrations caused by the torsional loads of the rotating crankshaft. The dampener is checked as part of a preventative maintenance inspection and may be measured with a dial indicator. A failed dampener can cause crankshaft failure.

11.

Technician A says when bleeding the power steering system, the vehicle's wheels should be on the ground. Technician B says the power steering system should be bled by turning the wheels lock to lock with the engine running. Who is correct?

  • Technician B

  • Technician A

  • Both A and B

  • Neither A nor B

Correct answer: Technician B

Only technician B is correct. The the power steering system should be bled by turning the wheels lock to lock with the engine running. Technician A is wrong because this should be done with the vehicle's wheels off the ground to prevent fluid heat and to aid in purging the air.

12.

 What is the maximum percent of its gross vehicle weight that a refrigerant container should be filled?

  • 60%

  • 50%

  • 75%

  • 45%

Correct answer: 60%

The refrigerant container should never be filled more than 60% of its gross vehicle weight. Additionally, if the refrigerant becomes contaminated beyond what can be cleaned, all contents need to be recovered to be reclaimed by a reclaimer that's EPA-certified. 

13.

Technician A says some thermal bulbs are located in the evaporator fins. Technician B says some thermal bulbs are affixed to the evaporator outlet. 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. Some A/C systems use a thermal expansion valve to sense evaporator temperature using a capillary tube connected to a thermal bulb. Some thermal bulbs are located in the evaporator fins while others are affixed to the evaporator outlet. 

14.

A temperature drop test is being performed on a heater core. The difference in temperature between the inlet and the outlet should not exceed:

  • 10 degrees Fahrenheit

  • 5 degrees Fahrenheit

  • 15 degrees Fahrenheit

  • 20 degrees Fahrenheit

Correct answer: 10 degrees Fahrenheit

A temperature drop test can be performed when diagnosing a restricted heater core. Generally, there should not be more than a 10-degree drop between the inlet and the outlet. 

15.

A driver complains of steering shimmy below 30 mph. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

  • A worn pitman arm

  • Tires out of balance

  • A damaged control arm

  • Weak struts 

Correct answer: A worn pitman arm

The pitman arm is responsible for directional stability. A worn pitman arm can cause the steering wheel to be off center and/or cause steering shimmy below 30 mph.

16.

Axle loading imbalance can be corrected with:

  • Shims

  • Weights 

  • An adjustment nut

  • Bushings 

Correct answer: Shims

A vehicle with axle loading imbalance can place excessive stress on the driveline and axle assemblies. If the load placed on each axle varies by more than 500 lbs, shims can be placed between the axle and the spring of the axle with the lightest load. 

17.

The easiest way to identify the type of refrigerant used in an A/C system is by looking at:

  • The service fittings

  • The label under the hood

  • The owner's manual

  • The repair information 

Correct answer: The service fittings 

The easiest way to identify the type of refrigerant used in an A/C system is by looking at the service fittings. Systems that use R-12 will have fittings with external threads, whereas systems that use R-134a use quick-disconnect fittings. 

18.

An engine exhibits excessive cranking to start. Technician A says this could be caused by a stuck-open EGR valve. Technician B says this could be caused by a jumped timing belt. 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. Extended cranking time can be caused by a timing belt that has jumped. It can also be caused by an EGR valve that is stuck open, resulting in lack of vacuum.  

19.

A three-way catalytic converter is used to control several substances. Which of the following is not controlled by this converter?

  • NO2

  • HC

  • CO

  • NOx

Correct answer: NO2

Three-way catalytic converters have been used to reduce emissions since 1981. They control CO, HC, and NOx emissions.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is not converted during the process.

20.

Technician A says to clean a breather, it should be soaked in oil before blowing it with compressed air. Technician B says a clogged breather can cause fluid to leak past seals in the transmission. Who is correct?

  • Technician B

  • Technician A

  • Both A and B

  • Neither A nor B

Correct answer: Technician B

Only Technician B is correct. A clogged breather can cause fluid to leak past seals in the transmission due to pressure build-up, resulting in leaks. Technician A is wrong because a breather should be soaked in solvent, not oil, before blowing it with compressed air.