Technology & Digital Tools Flashcards

A fleet technician is using remote diagnostics to review a vehicle's DTC before it arrives at the shop. Which term describes this pre-arrival diagnostic capability?

Answer: Remote pre-diagnosis / connected diagnostics

Connected or remote pre-diagnosis allows technicians to review fault codes and telematics data before the vehicle arrives, enabling parts pre-ordering and faster repair turnaround.

Which best describes the purpose of an OBD-II Mode $06 (non-continuous monitor test results) during a fleet inspection?

Answer: It shows pass/fail results for specific component self-tests run by the ECM

Mode $06 provides the ECM's internal test results for specific sensors and components, helping technicians identify borderline failures before they set a full DTC.

In a fleet management platform, what is the primary function of a 'dashboard' or KPI view for a fleet manager?

Answer: To provide a consolidated real-time visual summary of key fleet metrics like utilization, alerts, and costs

Fleet management dashboards aggregate KPIs (utilization rates, fuel efficiency, open work orders, active alerts) into a single visual interface for rapid situational awareness.

When performing an Over-the-Air (OTA) software update on a fleet vehicle's ECM, which precaution is most critical?

Answer: Maintaining stable power supply voltage throughout the programming process

Voltage drop during ECM programming can corrupt the software write process, potentially rendering the module inoperable; a battery maintainer or stable power source is essential.

A telematics report identifies a vehicle with consistently high 'engine load' readings at low vehicle speeds. What fleet maintenance insight does this suggest?

Answer: A potential drivetrain, brake drag, or accessory load issue that increases engine work demand

High engine load at low speed suggests the engine is working harder than expected, which can indicate brake drag, excessive accessory loads, drivetrain binding, or transmission slippage.

Which fleet software feature allows managers to compare the maintenance cost per mile of individual vehicles to identify underperforming assets?

Answer: Cost-per-mile / cost-per-unit benchmarking reports

Cost-per-mile benchmarking in fleet software calculates and compares maintenance and operating costs normalized to distance traveled, flagging high-cost vehicles as replacement candidates.

A fleet technician notices that a vehicle's telematics unit has stopped reporting. After confirming the vehicle is operational, what is the FIRST diagnostic step?

Answer: Check the unit's power and ground connections, fuse, and whether the cellular signal indicator shows connectivity

A telematics unit that stops reporting should first be checked for power supply issues (blown fuse, loose ground), then cellular connectivity before assuming hardware failure.