F80 Inspection Procedures 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following exhaust system conditions would cause a vehicle to fail inspection?
- A small surface rust spot on the muffler exterior
- An exhaust leak forward of the catalytic converter (Correct answer)
- A minor rattle at the tailpipe heat shield
- A slightly bent exhaust tip
Correct answer: An exhaust leak forward of the catalytic converter
An exhaust leak forward of the catalytic converter can allow carbon monoxide to enter the passenger compartment, which is a rejection criterion.
Question 2: A vehicle's emergency parking brake is tested during inspection and holds the car stationary on a 20% grade. What is the result?
- Fail — the parking brake must hold on a 30% grade
- Pass — the parking brake meets the requirement (Correct answer)
- Inconclusive — only flat-surface tests are valid
- Fail — parking brakes are not evaluated on grades
Correct answer: Pass — the parking brake meets the requirement
The parking brake must hold the vehicle stationary; a 20% grade test is a standard method confirming adequate holding force.
Question 3: When inspecting headlights for aim, what instrument is typically used?
- A voltmeter
- A headlight aiming screen or mechanical aimometer (Correct answer)
- A lux meter pointed at the sky
- A standard ruler held 10 feet away
Correct answer: A headlight aiming screen or mechanical aimometer
A headlight aiming screen or mechanical aimometer measures beam pattern and angle to ensure proper aim.
Question 4: An inspector finds that a vehicle's left front wheel bearing has excessive play. The correct action is to:
- Pass the vehicle and advise the owner to monitor it
- Reject the vehicle — excessive wheel bearing play is a safety hazard (Correct answer)
- Mark it as advisory if play is less than 1 inch
- Require repair within 60 days before re-inspection
Correct answer: Reject the vehicle — excessive wheel bearing play is a safety hazard
Excessive wheel bearing play affects steering control and can lead to wheel separation, making it a mandatory rejection.
Question 5: During inspection of a vehicle's suspension, a worn ball joint is identified. Which symptom most clearly indicates rejection?
- Slight squeaking during turns
- Visible grease on the boot
- Excessive axial or radial play beyond manufacturer specification (Correct answer)
- Minor surface pitting on the ball stud
Correct answer: Excessive axial or radial play beyond manufacturer specification
Excessive play in a ball joint beyond manufacturer tolerances compromises steering geometry and is a rejection criterion.
Question 6: What is inspected when an inspector checks a vehicle's 'glazing' during a safety inspection?
- The condition of brake fluid
- The windshield and window glass for cracks, chips, or unapproved tinting (Correct answer)
- The finish on chrome trim pieces
- The headlight lens clarity only
Correct answer: The windshield and window glass for cracks, chips, or unapproved tinting
Glazing refers to all vehicle glass; inspectors check for cracks, chips in the driver's view, and illegal tint levels.
Question 7: A vehicle presents with a cracked front leaf spring. How should the inspector classify this finding?
- Advisory — springs rarely fail completely
- Pass — minor cracks are within tolerance
- Reject — a cracked spring is a safety hazard affecting vehicle control (Correct answer)
- Pass with a 30-day repair order
Correct answer: Reject — a cracked spring is a safety hazard affecting vehicle control
A cracked spring can fracture completely, causing loss of vehicle control, and is classified as a mandatory rejection item.
F80 Inspection Procedures 4
Which of the following exhaust system conditions would cause a vehicle to fail inspection?