ASE Practice Test (B5: Mechanical & Electrical Components) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When replacing a door hinge on a collision-damaged door, what is the BEST method to ensure proper door alignment?
- Replace all door hinges at once without noting original position
- Mark the hinge position on the door and pillar before removal, then replace one hinge at a time (Correct answer)
- Replace the entire door assembly instead
- Use a torque wrench only to reinstall at factory spec
Correct answer: Mark the hinge position on the door and pillar before removal, then replace one hinge at a time
Marking the original hinge position before removal allows the technician to restore the door to its pre-damage alignment. Replacing one hinge at a time keeps the door supported and in position. Trying to realign a door from scratch after removing all hinges simultaneously takes much longer and may require multiple adjustment attempts to achieve correct gaps and flush alignment.
Question 2: A power window motor runs but the window does not move. What is the MOST likely cause?
- Faulty window switch
- Broken window regulator or disconnected cable from the motor to the regulator (Correct answer)
- Blown fuse in the window circuit
- Open circuit in the motor winding
Correct answer: Broken window regulator or disconnected cable from the motor to the regulator
If the motor runs (which can be confirmed by listening for motor sound or measuring current draw), the electrical circuit and motor are functional. The failure is mechanical — the regulator arm, cable, or linkage connecting the motor to the window glass has broken or become disconnected. The motor spins but no movement is transferred to the glass. A broken regulator is the most common cause.
Question 3: During door glass removal, what is the purpose of securing the window in the full-up position with masking tape before beginning disassembly?
- To prevent the glass from dropping down inside the door when the regulator is disconnected (Correct answer)
- To prevent electric current from activating the window motor
- To protect the glass from paint overspray
- To allow measurement of glass travel distance
Correct answer: To prevent the glass from dropping down inside the door when the regulator is disconnected
Before disconnecting the window regulator from the glass, the glass should be secured with tape or a clamp in the up position. When the regulator is unbolted or the cable is released, there is nothing holding the glass, which can suddenly fall inside the door cavity and potentially crack. Taping the glass to the door frame or using a helper prevents this damage.
Question 4: When replacing a windshield using urethane adhesive, how long must the vehicle be kept from being driven (drive-away time)?
- No wait time is necessary — urethane cures instantly with UV light
- The minimum drive-away time specified by the urethane manufacturer, typically 30–60 minutes for safe-drive-away urethanes (Correct answer)
- At least 24 hours in all conditions
- One week to allow complete urethane cure
Correct answer: The minimum drive-away time specified by the urethane manufacturer, typically 30–60 minutes for safe-drive-away urethanes
The windshield is a structural component in modern vehicles, contributing to roof crush resistance and proper airbag deployment. The urethane adhesive must cure sufficiently to hold the windshield in place during a crash before the vehicle is driven. Safe-drive-away urethanes are formulated to achieve minimum retention strength in 30–60 minutes at room temperature. Driving too soon risks the windshield ejecting in a crash.
Question 5: A technician is replacing a sun/moonroof glass. After installation, the glass does not flush properly with the roof — one edge is higher than the roof panel. What is the FIRST adjustment to make?
- Replace the rubber seal with a thicker one
- Adjust the glass height using the glass mounting brackets or adjustment screws in the frame (Correct answer)
- Bend the roof panel at the opening to match the glass
- Use shims between the glass and the mechanism
Correct answer: Adjust the glass height using the glass mounting brackets or adjustment screws in the frame
Most sunroof/moonroof assemblies have adjustable mounting brackets or bolts that allow the glass to be moved up/down and fore/aft relative to the frame. If one edge sits high, the adjustment bolt or bracket at that corner is turned to lower the glass. Adjusting the glass mounting hardware is always the correct first step before considering seals, shims, or body repairs.
Question 6: When testing a power door lock actuator, the technician uses a 12V test light and finds the actuator has power and ground with no movement. What does this indicate?
- The control module is faulty
- The actuator motor or mechanism has failed internally and needs replacement (Correct answer)
- The door lock switch needs replacement
- There is a broken wire between the switch and actuator
Correct answer: The actuator motor or mechanism has failed internally and needs replacement
If correct voltage (12V) and ground are confirmed at the actuator connector with no mechanical movement, the electrical supply is intact and the fault is within the actuator itself. The internal motor windings, brushes, or gear mechanism have failed. Replacing the actuator is the correct repair. If there were no power or ground, the fault would be in the circuit (wiring, switch, or module).
ASE Practice Test (B5: Mechanical & Electrical Components) 2
When replacing a door hinge on a collision-damaged door, what is the BEST method to ensure proper door alignment?