NAPA Engine Performance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A P0420 code is set. Downstream O2 sensor voltage switches almost as fast as the upstream sensor. What does this indicate?
- The catalytic converter has lost oxygen storage capacity (Correct answer)
- The upstream sensor is lazy
- The engine is running too rich
- The downstream sensor heater has failed
Correct answer: The catalytic converter has lost oxygen storage capacity
A working converter stores oxygen and smooths the downstream signal, so a downstream signal that mirrors the upstream one means poor efficiency.
Question 2: A P0401 code most directly indicates what problem?
- EGR flow excessive
- EGR flow insufficient (Correct answer)
- EVAP large leak
- Secondary air injection malfunction
Correct answer: EGR flow insufficient
P0401 is EGR flow insufficient detected, often caused by carbon-clogged EGR passages.
Question 3: Excessive EGR flow at idle would most likely cause which symptom?
- Pinging under load
- Rough idle or stalling (Correct answer)
- High NOx emissions
- Hard hot restart only
Correct answer: Rough idle or stalling
Inert exhaust gas at idle dilutes the mixture and causes a rough idle or stalling.
Question 4: A P0442 code indicates which of the following?
- EVAP system small leak detected (Correct answer)
- EVAP purge valve stuck open
- Fuel tank pressure sensor circuit high
- EVAP large leak or loose gas cap
Correct answer: EVAP system small leak detected
P0442 is a small EVAP leak, typically about 0.040 inch, while P0455 is a large leak.
Question 5: What is the preferred tool for locating a small EVAP system leak?
- Compression gauge
- Smoke machine (Correct answer)
- Vacuum gauge on the intake manifold
- Cylinder leakage tester
Correct answer: Smoke machine
A smoke machine pushes visible vapor into the sealed EVAP system to show exactly where it leaks.
Question 6: A failed PCV valve stuck open would most likely cause which condition?
- Lean idle and high idle speed (Correct answer)
- Rich mixture at cruise
- Low oil pressure
- Overheating
Correct answer: Lean idle and high idle speed
A PCV valve stuck open lets excess unmetered air into the intake, leaning the idle mixture and raising idle speed.
Question 7: Which readiness monitor is continuous on OBD-II vehicles?
- Catalyst
- EVAP
- Misfire (Correct answer)
- O2 sensor heater
Correct answer: Misfire
Misfire, fuel system, and comprehensive component monitors run continuously, while catalyst and EVAP are non-continuous.