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Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

ASE A Series Exam Questions

Page 4 of 25

61.

The brake pedal sinks all the way to the floor when depressed. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

  • A master cylinder that is leaking internally

  • Air in the brake hydraulics

  • Rear brake shoes that are out of adjustment 

  • A blown wheel cylinder

Correct answer: A master cylinder that is leaking internally

The most likely cause of a brake pedal that sinks all the way to the floor is a master cylinder that is leaking internally. This happens because brake fluid is leaking past the sealing cup.

Air in the brake lines would result in a low or spongy brake pedal. Loose rear brake shoes would result in a low brake pedal. A blown wheel cylinder would result in a low brake pedal, but it usually wouldn't sink all the way to the floor.

62.

When cutting brake drums, the minimum rough-cut depth should be set to no less than:

  • 0.002 inches

  • 0.001 inches

  • 0.003 inches

  • 0.004 inches

Correct answer: 0.002 inches

When cutting brake drums, the minimum rough-cut depth should be no less than 0.002 inches. When rough-cutting the glazed surface of the drum with insufficient cutting depth, the tool bit tends to slide over the surface rather than cut into it. The usual rough-cut depth is 0.010" to 0.015", and the usual finish-cut depth is 0.002".

63.

What grit size hone should be used on an engine that has chrome rings?

  • 180 grit 

  • 200 grit

  • 220 grit

  • 240 grit 

Correct answer: 180 grit

The surface finish should match the surface required for the type of piston rings to be used. In the case of chrome rings, 180 grit should be used.

64.

The clutch in a manual transmission is designed to do all of the following except:

  • Allow slippage so the transmission can stay in gear when the vehicle is stopped

  • Transmit torque from the engine to the transmission

  • Dampen and absorb engine impulses 

  • Disconnect the engine from the transmission

Correct answer: Allow slippage so the transmission can stay in gear when the vehicle is stopped

The torque converter in an automatic transmission is designed to allow slippage so the transmission can stay in gear when the vehicle is stopped. In a manual transmission, the clutch disengages the engine from the transmission to allow the engine to remain running when the vehicle is stopped. The clutch is also designed to dampen and absorb engine impulses and to connect and transmit torque from the engine to the transmission.

65.

Technician A says the PCV valve restricts more airflow under a heavy load. Technician B says the PCV valve opens further at idle.

Who is correct?

  • Neither A nor B

  • Technician A

  • Technician B

  • Both A and B

Correct answer: Neither A nor B

Both technicians are incorrect. The PCV valve is used to redirect crankcase vapors into the combustion chamber to be burned. When the engine is idling and crankcase vapors are minimal, the valve is in the restricted position. When the engine is under a heavy load and crankcase vapors are high, the valve is moved to the open position.

66.

Which type of brake fluid has the highest boiling point?

  • DOT 5

  • DOT 3

  • DOT 4

  • DOT 4 LV

Correct answer: DOT 5

DOT 5 is a silicone-based brake fluid with a boiling point of over 500°F (260°C). It is designed for severe-duty applications.

DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids have minimum boiling points of 401°F (205°C) and 446°F (230°C), respectively. Both are hygroscopic, meaning their boiling points gradually decrease as water content increases.

67.

A catalytic converter is clogged. All of the following are possible reasons, EXCEPT:

  • Faulty downstream O2 sensor

  • Using leaded gas

  • Exposure to a rich air/fuel mixture

  • Misfiring cylinder

Correct answer: Faulty downstream O2 sensor

A faulty downstream O2 sensor isn't going to affect catalytic converter performance. This sensor is located after the catalytic converter to measure its efficiency.

The catalytic converter can become clogged from using leaded gas, any exposure to a rich air/fuel mixture and due to a misfiring cylinder. 

68.

Technician A says the control module may select recirculation if the high-side AC pressure is excessive. Technician B says 50% of the air comes from the outside when recirculation is selected.

Who is correct?

  • Technician A

  • Technician B

  • Both A and B

  • Neither A nor B

Correct answer: Technician A

Only technician A is correct. The control module may select recirculation if the high-side AC pressure exceeds 320 PSI. This helps lower high-side pressure using cooler air inside the evaporator case.

Technician B is incorrect because only about 10% of the air comes from the outside when recirculation is selected.

69.

Which of the following is the reaction member of the torque converter that redirects fluid flow?

  • Stator 

  • Turbine 

  • Impeller 

  • Flex plate 

Correct answer: Stator

The stator is the reaction member of the torque converter. It redirects fluid flow to improve efficiency and multiply torque. 

The impeller is the driving member and the turbine is the driven member. The flex plate is not part of the torque converter; the torque converter bolts to the flex plate.

70.

A transmission is difficult to shift into any gear at any speed. What is the most likely cause?

  • A leaking hydraulic clutch release

  • A slipping clutch 

  • A cracked flywheel

  • A worn pilot bearing 

Correct answer: A leaking hydraulic clutch release

This issue would most likely be caused by a problem in the clutch hydraulic system, such as a leaking hydraulic clutch release or a failed slave cylinder. This would result in the clutch not fully disengaging when depressed.

None of the other options would likely hinder shifting (choosing a gear ratio). A slipping clutch would result in poor acceleration. A cracked flywheel would result in a rattling noise, but it would not make shifting difficult. And a squealing noise would be the most noticeable sign of a failed pilot bearing.

71.

All of the following should be replaced during timing belt service except:

  • Harmonic balancer

  • Water pump

  • Crankshaft seal

  • Tensioner assembly 

Correct answer: Harmonic balancer

Although the harmonic balancer must be removed to gain access to the timing belt, it does not need to be replaced unless it is damaged. The following items should be replaced during timing belt service as a preventative measure:

  • Tensioner assembly
  • Idler pulley(s)
  • Water pump (if driven by the timing belt)
  • Camshaft seals
  • Crankshaft seal

72.

All of the following are true regarding clutch bleeding except:

  • Back bleeding involves reducing the air pressure, causing the bubbles to move toward the reservoir 

  • Some slave cylinders can be bench bled

  • Some clutch systems will self-bleed if left with the pedal depressed overnight

  • Most clutch hydraulic systems can be vacuum bled

Correct answer: Back bleeding involves reducing the air pressure, causing the bubbles to move toward the reservoir

It is vacuum bleeding that involves reducing the air pressure, which in turn causes the bubbles to move toward the reservoir. Back bleeding forces air in the fluid through the slave cylinder bleed valve back into the reservoir.

All of the other options are true: some slave cylinders can be bench bled, some clutch systems will self-bleed if left with the pedal depressed overnight, and most clutch hydraulic systems can be vacuum bled.

73.

What fuel injection mode of operation occurs during the warm-up period before the oxygen sensor is able to provide accurate data to the PCM?

  • Open-loop mode

  • Starting mode

  • Warm-up mode

  • Closed-loop mode

Correct answer: Open-loop mode

The open-loop mode occurs during the warm-up period before oxygen sensors are able to supply data to the PCM. The starting mode is used when the ignition is turned to the START position as the engine cranks.

The closed-loop mode occurs when modifying the base injector pulse width due to feedback from the oxygen sensors. Warm-up mode isn't a fuel injection mode of operation. The other modes include the clear flood mode, acceleration enrichment mode and deceleration enleanment mode. 

74.

Which type of gear has straight-cut teeth cut parallel to the axis of the gear?

  • Spur

  • Helical

  • Hypoid

  • Worm

Correct answer: Spur

The simplest kind of gear is the spur gear. This type of gear has straight-cut teeth that are parallel to the axis of the gear, so they can mesh without slippage.

Helical gears are similar to spur gears but have their teeth cut at an angle to the axis of the gear. Hypoid gears have teeth that are curved. Worm gear sets use a screw-type gear that engages with a wheel-type gear. In automotive applications, worm gears are generally found in steering systems.

75.

Which of the following circuits is LEAST likely to be protected by a MEGA fuse? 

  • PCM circuit

  • Charging circuit 

  • HID headlight circuit 

  • Heated glass circuit 

Correct answer: PCM circuit

MEGA fuses are used in high-amperage circuits such as the charging circuit, HID headlight circuit, and heated glass circuit. The PCM is not a high-amperage device and does not require the use of a MEGA fuse. The PCM would likely be protected by a mini or regular fuse.

76.

What form of communication do modules use to send and receive signals on different wires?

  • Parallel

  • Differential 

  • Serial 

  • Multiplexing 

Correct answer: Parallel

There are three ways vehicle modules can communicate on a network: differential, parallel, and serial. In parallel communication, the send and receive signals are on different wires. Serial communication sends data through a series of changing voltage signals, while differential communication utilizes two transfer wires in a twisted pair to send and receive. 

Multiplexing refers to the ability of multiple modules to communicate on the same network, as opposed to individual wires and switches being connected by wires (multiplexing reduces the amount of wiring and weight in a vehicle). 

77.

Two technicians are discussing planetary gears inside an automatic transmission. Technician A says the planetary gears disengage to change ratios. Technician B says most planetary gears use only one pinion gear.

Who is correct?

  • Neither A nor B

  • Technician A

  • Technician B

  • Both A and B

Correct answer: Neither A nor B

Both technicians are incorrect. The planetary gears never disengage to change ratios; torque is redirected based on clutch engagement of ring, sun, or carrier. Most transmission gear sets use three, four, or five planetary pinion gears.

78.

A wiring diagram contains all the following information EXCEPT:

  • Component location 

  • Splices 

  • Wire size 

  • Trace color

Correct answer: Component location

Component location is not listed in a typical wiring diagram - it is usually listed in another section of the repair manual. Items that are usually listed include:

  • The power side of the circuit
  • The ground side of the circuit
  • Splices
  • Connectors
  • Wire size
  • Wire color
  • Trace color
  • Circuit number
  • Electrical components
  • Fuses
  • Switches

79.

A horn produces a harsh sound. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

  • Contact with sheet metal

  • Low voltage

  • High resistance

  • Bad ground connection

Correct answer: Contact with sheet metal 

When the horn tone becomes harsh, it may be contacting sheet metal. To fix this, technicians can bend the horn bracket assembly to reduce contact. 

Low voltage and high resistance create a weak-sounding horn, and a bad ground connection prevents the horn from operating.

80.

A tire with a tread wear rating of 150 should last approximately how many miles?

  • 30,000

  • 20,000

  • 40,000

  • 50,000

Correct answer: 30,000

The tread wear rating indicates how long the tire should last, based on a percentage. 20,000 miles is the baseline tire wear rating of 100. A tire wear rating of 150 should deliver 150% of the baseline, or 30,000 miles. Likewise, a rating of 200 should deliver 40,000 miles (200% of baseline), and a rating of 250 should last 50,000 miles (250% of 20,000 miles).

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