Technology & Digital Tools Flashcards

Which communication protocol is most commonly used by modern telematics devices to transmit vehicle data to a fleet management platform?

Answer: Cellular (4G/LTE)

Modern telematics units use cellular networks (4G/LTE) to transmit vehicle data in real time to cloud-based fleet management platforms.

A fleet technician uses a bi-directional scan tool. What capability does 'bi-directional' provide that a basic code reader does not?

Answer: Commanding vehicle actuators to test components

Bi-directional scan tools can send commands to the vehicle's modules to activate actuators (e.g., cycle fuel injectors, operate ABS motors) for component-level testing.

In a fleet management system, what does the term 'geofencing' refer to?

Answer: Defining virtual geographic boundaries that trigger alerts when crossed

Geofencing creates virtual geographic perimeters in fleet software; when a vehicle enters or exits the zone, the system triggers a notification or alert.

An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is mandated primarily to record which data?

Answer: Driver hours of service (HOS)

ELDs are federally mandated to automatically record a driver's hours of service to ensure compliance with FMCSA regulations.

Which OBD-II Mode provides access to live sensor data (also called Parameter IDs or PIDs)?

Answer: Mode $01

OBD-II Mode $01 (Mode 1) is the 'Show current data' mode that returns real-time sensor values using Parameter IDs (PIDs).

A fleet manager notices a pattern of harsh braking events in telematics reports. Which technology within the telematics device detects these events?

Answer: Accelerometer / G-force sensor

Telematics devices use built-in accelerometers to measure G-forces and detect harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and hard cornering events.

When performing a key programming procedure on a modern fleet vehicle, which tool is typically required in addition to a scan tool?

Answer: A factory-level or OEM-equivalent immobilizer programmer

Key programming and immobilizer functions require a factory-level or OEM-equivalent programmer because these security functions are not accessible through generic scan tools.