AARC Vehicle Dismantling Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended procedure for disabling a live airbag inflator that cannot be deployed in-vehicle?
- Submerge it in water to neutralize the propellant
- Follow the vehicle manufacturer's published deactivation or EOL disposal protocol (Correct answer)
- Remove the inflator and store it in a sealed metal drum
- Cut the inflator housing open with a reciprocating saw
Correct answer: Follow the vehicle manufacturer's published deactivation or EOL disposal protocol
Manufacturers publish end-of-life (EOL) disposal protocols for inflators, which must be followed to safely neutralize propellant chemicals.
Question 2: During vehicle dismantling, when should mercury switches be removed and how must they be handled?
- After all fluids are drained; placed in regular scrap metal bin
- Before crushing or shredding; collected in sealed containers for mercury recycling (Correct answer)
- Only if the vehicle is older than 20 years; no special handling needed
- After the engine is removed; disposed of with hazardous waste oil
Correct answer: Before crushing or shredding; collected in sealed containers for mercury recycling
Mercury switches must be removed before vehicle crushing and collected separately for certified mercury recycling to prevent environmental contamination.
Question 3: What is the primary reason refrigerant must be recovered before dismantling an A/C system, even on an inoperable vehicle?
- To recover the refrigerant for resale value only
- To comply with CAA Section 608 which prohibits venting refrigerants (Correct answer)
- To prevent damage to recovery equipment
- To allow the compressor to be tested before removal
Correct answer: To comply with CAA Section 608 which prohibits venting refrigerants
Clean Air Act Section 608 prohibits knowingly venting refrigerants and requires EPA-certified technicians to recover refrigerant before system service or disposal.
Question 4: A dismantler encounters a vehicle with a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system. What must be done before cutting begins?
- Run the engine until the tank is empty
- Bleed down and purge the CNG system using approved procedures before any cutting (Correct answer)
- Remove the tank and store it outdoors
- Disconnect the battery and proceed normally
Correct answer: Bleed down and purge the CNG system using approved procedures before any cutting
CNG tanks hold gas at up to 3,600 psi and must be properly bled and purged by trained personnel before any cutting or grinding near the system.
Question 5: Which component is considered a 'core' part that typically retains the highest remanufacturing value and requires the most careful removal?
- Door hinges
- Alternator, starter, and steering rack (Correct answer)
- Hood latches
- Seat belt buckles
Correct answer: Alternator, starter, and steering rack
Alternators, starters, and steering racks are high-demand remanufactured cores and must be removed without damage to retain their remanufacturing credit value.
Question 6: What does the NMVTIS database help auto recyclers verify before purchasing or processing a vehicle?
- The vehicle's fuel economy ratings
- Title history including salvage, junk, and theft records (Correct answer)
- The original factory paint code
- Emissions test history
Correct answer: Title history including salvage, junk, and theft records
The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) provides title brand history including salvage, junk, and theft records to prevent fraud.
Question 7: When removing a diesel particulate filter (DPF) from a vehicle, what safety concern is unique to this component?
- Risk of electrical shock from integrated sensors
- Extreme retained heat and accumulated carbon soot that can ignite (Correct answer)
- High-pressure fuel stored inside the filter
- Toxic refrigerant gas trapped in the filter housing
Correct answer: Extreme retained heat and accumulated carbon soot that can ignite
DPFs accumulate fine carbon soot and can retain significant heat after operation, posing a fire and respiratory hazard during removal.
AARC Vehicle Dismantling Procedures 3
What is the recommended procedure for disabling a live airbag inflator that cannot be deployed in-vehicle?