ASE Practice Test (G1: Auto Maintenance & Light Repair) 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A customer asks when they should have their automatic transmission fluid (ATF) changed. What is the BEST answer?
- ATF never needs changing in modern sealed transmissions
- Follow the vehicle manufacturer's service interval — many specify a change at 30,000–60,000 miles for severe service or as determined by fluid condition inspection (Correct answer)
- Change ATF every 3,000 miles along with the engine oil
- Change ATF only when the transmission is slipping or failing
Correct answer: Follow the vehicle manufacturer's service interval — many specify a change at 30,000–60,000 miles for severe service or as determined by fluid condition inspection
ATF degrades over time from heat and oxidation, losing its viscosity, friction modifier properties, and anti-wear additives. Manufacturers specify service intervals that vary by model and service conditions. "Severe service" (frequent towing, city driving, high temperatures) requires more frequent changes. Inspecting the fluid — checking color (should be reddish, not dark brown or black) and smell (should not smell burned) — helps determine condition. Neglecting ATF changes accelerates transmission wear.
Question 2: When replacing wiper blades, a customer reports the new blades are still streaking. What should the technician check?
- Replace the wiper motor since it is too slow
- Clean the windshield thoroughly with glass cleaner to remove wax, oil film, or silicone residue that causes streaking regardless of blade condition (Correct answer)
- The washer fluid nozzle direction only
- Check for a loose wiper arm at the pivot
Correct answer: Clean the windshield thoroughly with glass cleaner to remove wax, oil film, or silicone residue that causes streaking regardless of blade condition
Wiper streaking after new blade installation is frequently caused by windshield contamination rather than faulty blades. Wax, silicone from detailing products, oil film from rain repellents, and road grime create a hydrophobic layer that prevents the blade from wiping cleanly. Cleaning the windshield with a dedicated glass cleaner (not one with silicone or wax) and wiping the blade rubber with a clean cloth typically resolves streaking. If streaking continues on a clean glass, the wiper arm pressure or blade type may be wrong.
Question 3: What is the purpose of power steering fluid in a hydraulic power steering system, and what are signs of low or degraded fluid?
- Power steering fluid only lubricates the steering gear — it has no hydraulic function
- It transmits hydraulic force from the pump to the steering gear to assist steering; signs of low/degraded fluid include hard steering, whining noise from the pump, and fluid leaks (Correct answer)
- It cools the steering rack only
- Power steering fluid and brake fluid are interchangeable in hydraulic systems
Correct answer: It transmits hydraulic force from the pump to the steering gear to assist steering; signs of low/degraded fluid include hard steering, whining noise from the pump, and fluid leaks
Hydraulic power steering uses a pump to pressurize fluid, which applies force to assist the rack-and-pinion or recirculating ball steering gear. Low fluid reduces hydraulic pressure, making steering heavy, especially at low speeds. A whining or groaning noise from the pump indicates cavitation from low fluid or aeration. Dark, dirty fluid has degraded additives and may contain moisture, promoting corrosion in the pump and steering gear. Fluid level and condition should be checked regularly.
Question 4: A customer's battery requires jump-starting frequently. The battery is only 2 years old. What should the technician test FIRST?
- Replace the battery immediately — 2 years is past its lifespan
- Test the charging system (alternator output voltage and current), then load-test the battery to evaluate its condition (Correct answer)
- Replace the starter motor
- Check for aftermarket accessories causing a phantom drain only
Correct answer: Test the charging system (alternator output voltage and current), then load-test the battery to evaluate its condition
Frequent need for jump-starting can indicate a failing battery, an undercharging alternator, or a parasitic electrical drain. Testing the charging system first (alternator should produce 13.5–14.7V at idle) determines if the battery is being recharged properly. A load test on the battery measures its ability to deliver current under load. If the alternator is undercharging, the battery repeatedly discharges. If the alternator is fine and the battery fails a load test, replacement is indicated.
Question 5: What does the brake fluid DOT rating indicate?
- The fluid's color and viscosity grade
- The fluid's dry and wet boiling point specifications — higher DOT numbers indicate higher boiling points and better performance (Correct answer)
- The fluid's compatibility with ABS systems only
- The fluid's shelf life in sealed containers
Correct answer: The fluid's dry and wet boiling point specifications — higher DOT numbers indicate higher boiling points and better performance
DOT (Department of Transportation) brake fluid ratings specify minimum boiling points under dry (fresh fluid) and wet (fluid with 3.7% absorbed water) conditions. DOT 3 has the lowest boiling points; DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 are progressively higher. Higher boiling points provide greater resistance to vapor lock under severe braking. All DOT 3, 4, and 5.1 are glycol-based and compatible. DOT 5 is silicone-based and NOT compatible with glycol-based systems.
Question 6: When should a technician recommend replacing coolant hoses even if they appear externally undamaged?
- Only when they are visibly cracked or leaking
- When the hoses feel soft and spongy when squeezed, show signs of internal electrochemical degradation, or have reached the manufacturer's service interval (Correct answer)
- Hoses never need preventive replacement
- Only when the vehicle is sold or inspected by a new owner
Correct answer: When the hoses feel soft and spongy when squeezed, show signs of internal electrochemical degradation, or have reached the manufacturer's service interval
Coolant hoses degrade from the inside out. Electrochemical degradation (caused by stray electrical current in the cooling system from improper grounding) attacks the inner liner. External inspection may appear normal while the inside is soft and near failure. Squeezing the hose reveals softness that indicates internal breakdown. Many manufacturers recommend coolant hose inspection every 2 years or 30,000 miles, and replacement based on condition or at coolant change intervals regardless of appearance.
ASE Practice Test (G1: Auto Maintenance & Light Repair) 3
A customer asks when they should have their automatic transmission fluid (ATF) changed.
What is the BEST answer?