ASE Risk Management & Mitigation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A vehicle is brought in after an airbag deployment. What is the first risk management step before beginning repairs?
- Replace the airbag module immediately
- Disable the SRS system and follow manufacturer disarming procedures (Correct answer)
- Check if any other airbags are still live using a test light
- Proceed normally since deployed airbags cannot fire again
Correct answer: Disable the SRS system and follow manufacturer disarming procedures
Undeployed airbag modules still present explosive risk; the SRS must be properly disarmed per the manufacturer's procedure before any related work.
Question 2: What risk does a corroded brake line present beyond reduced braking performance?
- Increased tire wear
- Sudden catastrophic line rupture causing total brake failure (Correct answer)
- ABS sensor interference only
- Slight delay in pedal response with no further concern
Correct answer: Sudden catastrophic line rupture causing total brake failure
Severely corroded brake lines can rupture under normal braking pressure, causing complete loss of hydraulic braking ability.
Question 3: Which scenario represents an 'undisclosed liability' risk for an auto repair shop?
- Performing additional work with signed customer authorization
- Returning a vehicle with a known safety defect without informing the customer (Correct answer)
- Charging for an alignment after a suspension repair
- Recommending a tire rotation at every oil change
Correct answer: Returning a vehicle with a known safety defect without informing the customer
Releasing a vehicle with a known defect without disclosure exposes the shop to significant legal liability if an accident results from that defect.
Question 4: A lift suddenly drops slightly while a technician is under a vehicle. What is the correct immediate action?
- Stay under and check the hydraulic fluid level
- Immediately exit from under the vehicle and inspect the lift before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Place additional jack stands and continue working
- Notify a coworker and continue working cautiously
Correct answer: Immediately exit from under the vehicle and inspect the lift before proceeding
Any unexpected movement of a lift is a critical warning sign; the technician must exit the area immediately and the lift must be inspected before further use.
Question 5: How does proper torque specification adherence reduce risk during brake caliper installation?
- It only affects noise and vibration, not safety
- It prevents caliper loosening or bolt shear that could cause brake failure (Correct answer)
- It speeds up the installation process
- It is only relevant for performance vehicles
Correct answer: It prevents caliper loosening or bolt shear that could cause brake failure
Under- or over-torquing caliper bolts can lead to bolt failure or caliper separation, resulting in catastrophic brake loss.
Question 6: What is the risk of reusing a single-use prevailing torque nut on a suspension component?
- Only cosmetic thread damage with no structural concern
- Loss of clamping force that can allow the joint to loosen during vehicle operation (Correct answer)
- Slightly increased torque requirement with no safety impact
- Risk applies only to aluminum suspension components
Correct answer: Loss of clamping force that can allow the joint to loosen during vehicle operation
Prevailing torque nuts use deformed threads or nylon inserts that lose effectiveness after first use, potentially allowing critical suspension fasteners to back out.
Question 7: When a vehicle comes in with a check engine light and the customer complains of a fuel smell, what risk assessment priority applies?
- Schedule it for the next available slot since it is a diagnostic issue
- Treat it as a potential fire/safety risk and inspect for fuel leaks before other diagnostics (Correct answer)
- Clear the codes first to see if the light returns
- Assume the smell is normal for older vehicles
Correct answer: Treat it as a potential fire/safety risk and inspect for fuel leaks before other diagnostics
A fuel smell combined with a check engine light indicates a possible fuel leak, which is a fire hazard that takes priority over standard diagnostic procedures.
ASE Risk Management & Mitigation 3
A vehicle is brought in after an airbag deployment.
What is the first risk management step before beginning repairs?