ASE Practice Test (G1: Auto Maintenance & Light Repair) — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A customer complains that the vehicle's engine oil level was correct at the last oil change but is now 1.5 quarts low after 4,000 miles with no visible leaks. The technician should FIRST:
- Recommend a high-mileage oil additive to reduce consumption
- Check for blue smoke from the exhaust during acceleration and deceleration (Correct answer)
- Advise the customer to add oil and monitor consumption
- Replace the valve cover gaskets as a common oil consumption source
Correct answer: Check for blue smoke from the exhaust during acceleration and deceleration
Checking for blue smoke during acceleration (worn piston rings) or deceleration (worn valve stem seals) helps identify the consumption source before recommending repairs. Diagnosing the cause is essential before recommending any repair or service.
Question 2: During a multi-point inspection, a technician finds the serpentine belt has cracks across the ribs at a rate of 4 or more per inch. The correct recommendation is:
- Monitor the belt and recheck at next service
- Replace the belt immediately — it has reached end of service life (Correct answer)
- Apply belt dressing to condition the rubber and reduce cracking
- Replace the belt only if it shows fraying on the edges
Correct answer: Replace the belt immediately — it has reached end of service life
Most manufacturers specify that 4 or more transverse cracks per inch in the rib of a serpentine belt indicates the belt is at end of life and must be replaced. Belt dressing is not recommended as it can cause slipping and deterioration.
Question 3: A vehicle's battery tests good with a load tester but the customer reports repeated slow cranking. The technician should next check:
- The starter motor current draw with an ammeter
- Voltage drop across the battery cables and connections (Correct answer)
- The charging system output voltage
- The battery state of charge with a hydrometer
Correct answer: Voltage drop across the battery cables and connections
Even a good battery can cause slow cranking if there is excessive resistance in the cable connections or terminals. Voltage drop testing across the positive and negative cables under cranking load will identify any resistance that is robbing the starter of available voltage.
Question 4: The correct tire rotation pattern for a vehicle with four non-directional tires and NO full-size spare is:
- Straight rear-to-front on each side
- Forward cross (front tires move straight back, rear tires cross to front)
- Rearward cross (rear tires move straight forward, front tires cross to rear) (Correct answer)
- X-pattern (all four tires cross to the opposite axle and side)
Correct answer: Rearward cross (rear tires move straight forward, front tires cross to rear)
The rearward cross pattern (also called the modified X) is the most common rotation for RWD and 4WD/AWD vehicles with non-directional tires. The rear tires move straight forward, and the front tires cross to the opposite rear position. The forward cross is used for FWD vehicles.
Question 5: A customer requests a coolant flush. The technician drains and refills the system but does not perform a complete flush. The MOST important step after refilling is:
- Test the coolant freeze point with a refractometer
- Pressure test the cooling system to check for leaks
- Purge trapped air by running the engine with the heater on HIGH until the thermostat opens (Correct answer)
- Add a cooling system conditioner to the new coolant
Correct answer: Purge trapped air by running the engine with the heater on HIGH until the thermostat opens
After refilling a cooling system, trapped air pockets must be purged. Running the engine with the heater set to high heat and the temperature maxed allows the thermostat to open, circulating coolant through the entire system including the heater core and flushing out air. Failure to bleed air can cause overheating.
Question 6: A customer's vehicle has a TPMS warning light that is solid (not flashing). This indicates:
- The TPMS system has lost communication with one or more sensors
- One or more tires are significantly below the recommended inflation pressure (Correct answer)
- A TPMS sensor battery has failed and the sensor must be replaced
- The system is in relearn mode after a tire rotation
Correct answer: One or more tires are significantly below the recommended inflation pressure
A solid TPMS warning light indicates that one or more tires are at least 25% below the vehicle manufacturer's recommended inflation pressure. A flashing TPMS light (typically for 60–90 seconds then solid) indicates a system malfunction such as a failed sensor or loss of sensor communication.
ASE Practice Test (G1: Auto Maintenance & Light Repair)
A customer complains that the vehicle's engine oil level was correct at the last oil change but is now 1.5 quarts low after 4,000 miles with no visible leaks.
The technician should FIRST: