ASE - Automotive Service Excellence Practice Test #4 1

Question 1

A technician is performing a compression test on a 4-cylinder engine. Cylinders 2 and 3 both show low compression readings. What is the MOST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

A blown head gasket between cylinders 2 and 3

Answer

Worn piston rings on both cylinders

Answer

Faulty intake valves on cylinders 2 and 3

Answer

Low engine oil pressure

Question 2

A customer complains of a vibration felt in the steering wheel only during braking. The vibration is not present during normal driving. Technician A says the front brake rotors are likely warped. Technician B says the front wheel bearings are worn. Who is correct?

Accepted Answer

Technician A only

Answer

Technician B only

Answer

Both Technician A and Technician B

Answer

Neither Technician A nor Technician B

Question 3

A vehicle's OBD-II system sets a P0420 code (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold, Bank 1). Before condemning the catalytic converter, what should the technician inspect FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Exhaust leaks upstream of the downstream oxygen sensor

Answer

The oxygen sensor heater circuit

Answer

The fuel injectors for proper spray pattern

Answer

The EGR valve operation

Question 4

When measuring battery state of charge with a hydrometer on a conventional flooded lead-acid battery, a technician finds one cell reads 1.175 specific gravity while the remaining five cells read approximately 1.265. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

One cell has a dead short or internal failure

Answer

The battery needs to be fully recharged before testing

Answer

The battery is fully charged and ready for service

Answer

The electrolyte level is low in all cells

Question 5

A technician is diagnosing a vehicle with a complaint of hard starting when the engine is hot, but normal starting when cold. The engine cranks normally. What is the MOST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Fuel pressure dropping due to a leaking fuel pressure regulator or injectors (hot soak)

Answer

A faulty coolant temperature sensor sending a cold signal

Answer

A weak battery that cannot supply sufficient cranking amperage

Answer

A clogged fuel filter restricting flow at idle

Question 6

A rear-wheel-drive vehicle pulls strongly to the left during hard acceleration but tracks straight during coasting. Which condition is the MOST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Rear axle housing torque wrap causing pinion angle change under load

Answer

Unequal tire pressure between the left and right rear tires

Answer

A broken or sagged rear leaf spring on the left side

Answer

Excessive positive caster on the left front wheel