Mixed Deck — All CAR Topics Flashcards

A recycler receives a hybrid vehicle with front-end collision damage. The 12V battery is accessible, but the high-voltage service disconnect is under a damaged panel. What is the mandatory first step for the technician before attempting any repairs or dismantling?

Answer: Disconnect the 12V battery and wait the manufacturer-specified time for the HV system to de-energize.

The universally accepted first step in disabling a high-voltage system is to disconnect the 12V battery. This action opens the relays that isolate the high-voltage battery from the rest of the vehicle's systems. Waiting for the manufacturer-specified time (often 5-15 minutes) is critical to allow capacitors within the system to discharge safely. Attempting to access the HV disconnect first or draining fluids bypasses this crucial safety protocol.

The 'land disposal restrictions' (LDRs) under RCRA require that hazardous waste must be treated to meet specific standards before:

Answer: Being placed in or on the land

LDRs prohibit land disposal of hazardous waste unless the waste has been treated to meet EPA-specified treatment standards to reduce toxicity.

Which GHS pictogram indicates a chemical that poses a health hazard such as carcinogenicity or respiratory sensitization?

Answer: Health hazard (silhouette with starburst) pictogram

The GHS health hazard pictogram (person with starburst on chest) indicates serious health effects including carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, and respiratory sensitization.

Which emerging industry standard specifically addresses end-of-life EV battery testing, grading, and data transparency requirements to facilitate second-life reuse markets in the US?

Answer: SAE J2983 (Health Monitoring of Lithium-Ion Batteries)

SAE J2983 establishes protocols for monitoring, grading, and reporting battery health data to support transparent second-life and recycling market transactions.

In accounts receivable management, what is the best practice for an auto recycler dealing with a slow-paying wholesale customer?

Answer: Establish and enforce credit limits with clear payment terms and follow-up procedures

Setting credit limits and enforcing payment terms balances maintaining customer relationships with protecting cash flow.

What is the purpose of a core charge in auto recycling?

Answer: It incentivizes returning old parts for recycling.

The purpose of a core charge in auto recycling is to incentivize customers to return their old, worn-out parts (the 'core') when purchasing a recycled or remanufactured replacement. This deposit system ensures a continuous supply of used parts for recycling and remanufacturing, promoting resource recovery and reducing waste.

Secondary containment around oil storage tanks at an automotive recycling yard must be capable of holding:

Answer: 110% of the largest single tank's capacity

EPA and most state regulations require secondary containment to hold at least 110% of the largest tank's volume to prevent spills from reaching the environment.

A Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan is required when an automotive recycler stores:

Answer: More than 1,000 gallons of oil in aboveground containers

SPCC plans are required for facilities with aboveground oil storage capacity exceeding 1,320 gallons or underground storage exceeding 42,000 gallons.

State right-to-repair considerations for EV battery packs primarily affect automotive recyclers because:

Answer: Proprietary BMS software locks may prevent recyclers from resetting or testing recovered packs without OEM tools

Many OEM battery management systems use encrypted software, requiring OEM scan tools or defeating access restrictions to read SOH data or reset pack configurations for reuse.

A Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan is required by the EPA for facilities storing oil in aggregate above:

Answer: 1,320 gallons aboveground or 42,000 gallons underground

The EPA's SPCC rule applies to facilities with aboveground oil storage capacity exceeding 1,320 gallons or underground capacity exceeding 42,000 gallons.

Why should airbags be carefully handled during the dismantling process?

Answer: They contain explosive materials and require special handling.

Airbags contain pyrotechnic charges designed to rapidly inflate during a collision. Improper handling, such as cutting into the module or exposing it to heat, can cause accidental deployment, leading to serious injury or even death. Therefore, airbags must be disarmed or removed following strict safety protocols to prevent unintended detonation.

When is it appropriate to use a die grinder with a cut-off wheel to separate a seized exhaust manifold stud?

Answer: Only after penetrating oil has been applied and the stud is still immovable after a reasonable wait

After penetrant application and a soak period, a cut-off wheel may be used to cut a seized stud flush if other methods fail, particularly when the engine block will be reused.

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is relevant to automotive recyclers primarily because of its regulation of:

Answer: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) found in older vehicle components

TSCA regulates PCBs, which may be found in older capacitors, transformers, and certain vehicle electrical components from pre-1979 vehicles.

What does 'turn rate' measure in an auto recycling parts inventory context?

Answer: How often inventory is sold and replaced within a given time period

Inventory turn rate measures how frequently parts stock is sold and replenished, indicating the efficiency of inventory management.

A CAR-certified recycler receives a Chevrolet Volt with an unknown crash history. The high-voltage interlock loop (HVIL) circuit indicates an open fault. What does this mean operationally?

Answer: A cover or connector in the HV circuit is missing or improperly seated, keeping contactors open

The HVIL is a daisy-chained low-voltage circuit through every HV cover and connector; an open indicates a physical break—missing cover, unplugged connector—not necessarily a battery fault.

Why is recording the odometer reading important when cataloging a used engine for resale?

Answer: It helps customers assess the engine's wear level and remaining useful life

The odometer reading helps customers assess how much wear an engine has accumulated and make an informed decision about its expected remaining useful life.

A recycler is processing a Nissan LEAF with a 24 kWh battery. Assuming 400 V pack voltage, what is the approximate maximum stored energy in kilowatt-hours that represents the hazard level?

Answer: 24 kWh

The nameplate 24 kWh rating represents the total energy stored in the pack, which is the hazard energy workers must account for during safe handling procedures.

A compliance plan's 'corrective action' section is triggered when:

Answer: A deficiency or non-conformance is identified during an internal or external audit

Corrective action procedures are activated by identified non-conformances or deficiencies found during audits, inspections, or incident investigations.

Which environmental condition during storage most rapidly degrades the quality of recycled rubber components such as weatherstripping?

Answer: Prolonged exposure to UV light and ozone

UV radiation and ozone cause rubber to crack, harden, and lose elasticity, significantly shortening its usable life.

A drum of waste solvent at an automotive recycler is found to be bulging and under pressure. The safest immediate response is to:

Answer: Evacuate the area, ventilate if safe, and contact a hazmat specialist

A pressurized or bulging drum may indicate chemical reaction or gas generation inside; evacuating and calling a hazmat specialist prevents ignition, explosion, or toxic exposure.