ASE Certification Training Course (A-8)

By Mandy Concepcion

This book is meant to be used as an EXAM training course for the (A-
8) Engine Performance ASE certification. It is derived from our
companion software series "Interactive Software Preparation Series"
by the same author, Mandy Concepcion. This book series is unique in
that it forms a complete and full ASE training course. No other study
material is needed to study and pass the ASE EXAM. This book also
has a complimentary DVD, but although it is recommended it is not
absolutely necessary when using this book alone.

The Book takes into account the ASE questioning format and the study
material presented here is structured according to the latest ASE
specifications. The study flow is simple, use the guided material in the
books, take a few sample exams, use the optional DVD-set and take
the ASE exam.

We hope to better educate the technician community and to this effect
we've developed this unique ASE study course. Being an ASE certified
technician shows only one thing, that you care about your trade and at
the very least you try to stay current with our automotive technology
field. Enjoy.

These questions and answers were developed over many months. It is
illegal for any individual or institution to photocopy the Q & A or any
other part of this book for distribution. If interested in using these Q &
A set, please contact us immediately.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mandy Concepcion
• Release date: Jul 7, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224325122

Mandy Concepcion

Mandy Concepcion has worked in the automotive field for over 28 years. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Electronics Engineering as well as an ASE Master & L1 certifications. For the past 19 years he has been exclusively involved in the diagnosis of all the different electronic systems found in today's vehicles. It is here where he draws extensive practical knowledge from his experience and hopes to convey it in his books, equipment, and gadgets he designs. Mandy designs and builds his own diagnostic equipment, DVD-Videos and repair software.

Book preview

ASE Certification Training Course (A-8)

(Includes Everything You Need for the ASE A-8 Engine Performance Exam and Sample Certification EXAMS)

By Mandy Concepcion

Copyright © 2004, 2023 By Mandy Concepcion

THIS BOOK IS COPYRIGHTED under Federal Law to prevent the unauthorized use or copying of its contents. Under copyright law, no part of this work can be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any way or form without the written permission of its author, Mandy Concepcion.

The information, schematics diagrams, documentation, and other material in this book are provided as is, without warranty of any kind. No warranty can be made to the testing procedures contained in this book for accuracy or completeness. In no event shall the publisher or author be liable for direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages in connection with, or arising out of the performance or other use of the information or materials contained in this book. The acceptance of this manual is conditional on the acceptance of this disclaimer.

About ASE Certification

WE AT AUTOMOTIVE DIAGNOSTICS and Publishing promote the ASE Certification program and encourage all beginning and advanced technicians alike to participate and get certified. We are not directly affiliated with ASE. ASE Automotive Technician Certifications are recognized throughout the United States by almost all county and state agencies as meeting the requirements to be considered an automotive technician. Many organizations and repair facilities nationwide have ASE Certification as mandatory for their technicians as part of their business model.

It’s one thing to just show up for work; it is quite another to take control of your career, and get recognition for the knowledge and skills you’ve developed over the years. That’s what ASE certification is all about: helping you tell customers, employers, and other people about what you know. After all, being an automotive technician is not just turning wrenches. Your years of hard work show that you’ve gone the extra mile, and put in the time and effort to learn your trade. Your ASE certification patch is proof of it. Get certified now."

We are not directly affiliated with ASE. The Tech-2 is a registered trademark of Vetronix Corp. and GM The DRB III & Starscan are a registered trademark of DaimlerChrysler The NGS is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Co. Any other proprietary name used in this book was done purely for explanatory purposes.

Preface & Acknowledgements

THIS BOOK IS MEANT to be used as an EXAM training course for the (A-8) Engine Performance ASE certification. It is derived from our companion software series Interactive Software Preparation Series by the same author, Mandy Concepcion. This book series is unique in that it forms a complete and full ASE training course. No other study material is needed to study and pass the ASE EXAM. This book also has a complimentary DVD, but although it is recommended it is not absolutely necessary when using this book alone.

The Book takes into account the ASE questioning format and the study material presented here is structured according to the latest ASE specifications. The study flow is simple, use the guided material in the books, take a few sample exams, use the optional DVD-set and take the ASE exam.

We hope to better educate the technician community and to this effect we've developed this unique ASE study course. Being an ASE certified technician shows only one thing, that you care about your trade and at the very least you try to stay current with our automotive technology field. Enjoy.

These questions and answers were developed over many months. It is illegal for any individual or institution to photocopy the Q & A or any other part of this book for distribution. If interested in using these Q & A set, please contact us immediately.

[e-mail]

(For further insight on the operation and testing of these components see our complimentary book & DVD-Videos to this series.)

TABLE of CONTENTS

BASIC EXAM INFORMATION

How are the tests given?

Types of Questions

Multiple-Choice Questions 

How to answer the question:

Technician A, Technician B Questions

Analysis:

How to answer: 

Summary

General Diagnosis A1-A22 (12 Questions)

TASK A.1 General Engine Diagnosis

TASK A.2 Research applicable vehicle and service information, such as engine management system operation, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.

Freeze Frames information gathering

Monitor Status Flag

Code Setting Criteria. How and why was the code set?

Freeze Frame and Code Setting Criteria comparison

First rule of diagnostics? Know the system you're working on. 

System by System outlook. General Engine conditions

Task A.3 Diagnose noises and/or vibration problems related to engine performance; determine needed action.

Task A.4 Diagnose the cause of unusual exhaust color, odor, and sound; determine needed action.

BASIC ENGINE SYSTEMS and HESITATION and LACK OF POWER DIAGNOSTICS

HESITATION and LACK OF POWER DIAGNOSTICS

THEORY OF OPERATION

Reciprocating Engines

Rotary Engines

Designations of Engines Used in Automobiles

Engine construction and design  (Cylinder Block (Piston engine. Cylinders, Pistons, Connecting Rod and Crankshaft, Cylinder Head, Combustion Chamber, Valves, Camshaft, Flywheel, Timing, Air-Fuel Ratio)

Task A.5 Perform engine manifold vacuum or pressure tests; determine needed action.

Task A.6 Perform cylinder power balance test; determine needed action.

IGNITION ANALYZER QUICK CHECKLIST

TESTING SEQUENCE

FUEL FLOW REFERENCE VALUES

Task A.7 Perform cylinder cranking compression test; determine needed action.

CURRENT RAMPING COMPRESSION TEST

Task A.8 Perform cylinder leakage/leak-down test; determine needed action.

Task A.9 Diagnose engine mechanical, electrical, electronic, fuel, and ignition problems with an oscilloscope, engine analyzer, and/or scan tool and determine needed action.

SCAN TOOLS

AMP PROBES (LOW AND HIGH CURRENT) 

Task A.10 Prepare and inspect vehicle and analyzer for HC, CO, COz, and 02 exhaust gas analysis; perform tests and interpret exhaust gas readings.

PRE-CONDITIONING STEPS and PRE-DIAGNOSING WITH THE SCANNER and GAS ANALYZER

Task A.11 Verify valve adjustment on engines with mechanical or hydraulic lifters.

Task A.12 Verify camshaft timing; determine needed action.

CAM and CRK synchronization operation

Task A.13 Verify engine-operating temperature, check coolant level and condition, perform cooling system pressure test; determine needed repairs.

Task A.14 Inspect and test, mechanical/electrical fans, fan clutch, fan shroud/ducting, and fan control devices, determine needed repairs.

Task A.15 Repair and interpret electrical schematic diagrams and symbols. (Electron Theory and Metals, What is current, What is resistance, What is voltage, Electronic Modules and Controllers)

Ignition System Diagnosis B1-B9 (8 questions)

Task B.1 Diagnose ignition system-related problems such as no-starting, hard-starting, engine misfire, poor drivability, spark knock, power loss, poor mileage, and emissions problems; determine root cause; determine needed repairs.

NO START, NO SPARK PROCEDURE (NO IGNITION)

Visual inspection of all engine components. Scan the vehicle for any codes and out of specs PIDs on the data stream.

Other points to remember

Ignition Coil Diagnostics

IGNITION COIL CURRENT WAVEFORM INTERPRETATION

Task B.2 Interpret ignition system-related diagnostic trouble codes (DTC); determine needed repairs.

Misfire detection strategy (EGR, ignition and mechanical misfires)

TEST CONCLUSION:

Other points to remember

Task B.3 Inspect, test, repair, or replace ignition primary circuit wiring and components.

IGNITION ANALYZER QUICK CHECKLIST

Basics on Ignition Primary

Ignition TESTING SEQUENCE

Task B.4 Inspect, test, and service distributor.

Pick-up, CAM and CRK sensor

THEORY OF OPERATION

CAM and CRK sensors come in four different varieties:

MAGNETIC, HALL EFFECT, OPTICAL AND MAGNETO-RESISTIVE.

Task B.5 Inspect, test, service, repair, or replace ignition system secondary circuit wiring and components.

Task B.6 Inspect, test, and replace ignition coil(s)

Task B.7 Check and adjust, if necessary, ignition system timing and timing advance/retard.

Task B.8 Inspect, test, and replace ignition system pickup sensor or triggering devices.

The CAM, CRK and triggering device

CAM and CRK sensors come in four different varieties: MAGNETIC, HALL EFFECT, OPTICAL AND MAGNETO-RESISTIVE.

CONDITIONS THAT AFFECT OPERATION

Component Testing (MAGNETIC SENSORS, HALL EFFECT & OPTICAL SENSORS, MAGNETO-RESISTIVE SENSORS:

Task B.9 Inspect, test, and/or replace ignition control module (ICM)/power train control module (PCM).

ECM Modes of operation

Ignition Modules

Engine Control Module

C. Fuel, Air Induction, and Exhaust System Diagnosis and Repair (9 Questions)

Task C.1 Diagnose fuel system-related problems, including hot or cold no-starting, hard-starting, poor drivability, incorrect idle speed, poor idle, flooding, hesitation, surging, engine misfire, power loss, stalling, poor mileage, and emission problems, determine root cause; determine needed action.

Basics Concepts (ECM Modes, Lack of Power, Further points to remember, PID or parameter analysis)

Task C.2 Interpret fuel or induction system-related diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs); determine needed repairs.

Basis of OBD-2

Task C.3 Inspect fuel tank, filler neck, and gas cap; inspect and replace fuel lines, fittings, and hoses; check fuel for contaminants and quality.

Task C.4 Inspect, test, and replace fuel pump and/or fuel pump assembly; inspect, service, and replace fuel filters.

FUEL SYSTEM OPERATION (FUEL PUMP, DEDICATED FUEL LINES, FUEL FILTER, FUEL PUMP RELAY, FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR, RELATED ELECTRICAL WIRING)

Task C.5 Inspect and test fuel pump electrical control circuits and components; determine needed repairs.

CURRENT RAMPING A FUEL PUMP

Task C.6 Inspect, test, and repair or replace fuel-pressure regulation system and components of fuel-injection systems; perform fuel pressure/volume test.

FUEL VOLUME VALUES

systems with a fuel pressure regulator

Systems without a fuel pressure regulator (Returnless systems)

Continuous fuel injection system (CFI German cars)

Task C.7 Inspect, remove, service or replace throttle assembly; make related adjustments.

Minimum Air Rate Adjustment

Task C.8 Inspect, test, clean, and replace fuel injectors.

Task C.9 Inspect, service, and repair or replace air filtration system components.

Task C.10 Inspect throttle assembly, air induction system, intake manifold, and gaskets for vacuum leaks and/or unmetered air.

A/F RATIO FAULTS

Task C.11 Check and/or adjust idle speed where applicable.

Idle Speed adjustments

Task C.12 Remove, clean, inspect, test, and repair or replace fuel system vacuum and electrical components and connections.

Task C.13 Inspect, service, and replace exhaust manifold, exhaust pipes, mufflers, resonators, catalytic converters, tail pipes, and heat shields.

Task C.14 Test for exhaust system restriction; determine needed action.

TESTING A CLOGGED EXHAUST

TEST CONCLUSSION:

Task D.1 Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) (1 Question)

Task D.1.1 Test and diagnose emissions or drivability problems caused by positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system.

Task D.1.2 Inspect, service, and replace positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) filter/breather cap, valve, tubes, orifices/metering device, and hoses.

Task D.2 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (3 Questions)

Task D.2.1 Test and diagnose drivability problems caused by the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system.

Task D.2.2 Interpret exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)-related diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs); determine needed repairs.

Exhaust Backpressure EGR Sensors (PFE/DPFE)

EGR EXHAUST GAS TEMPERATURE SENSING

EGR VALVE POSITION (LIFT) SENSOR

EGR MAP/O2 SENSING (EGR BOOST SENSOR)

Task D.2.3 Inspect, test, service, and replace components of the EGR system, including EGR valve, tubing, exhaust passages, vacuum/pressure controls, filters, hoses, electrical/electronic sensors, controls, solenoids, and wiring of exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR) systems.

CONDITIONS THAT AFFECT OPERATION

COMPONENT TESTING

EXHAUST BACK PRESSURE SENSOR

EGR TEMPERATURE SENSOR

EGR VALVE POSITION SENSOR

MAP/O2 SENSOR

Task D.3 Secondary Air Injection (AIR) and Catalytic Converter (2 Questions)

Task D.3.1 Test and diagnose emissions or drivability problems caused by the secondary air injection or catalytic converter systems. Task D.3.2 Interpret secondary air-injection system-related diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs); determine needed repairs.

Task D.3.3 Inspect, test, service, and replace mechanical components and electrical/electronically operated components and circuits of secondary air-injection systems.

Task D.3.4 Inspect catalytic converter. Interpret catalytic converter-related diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs); determine needed repairs.

Task D.4 Evaporative Emissions Controls (3 Questions)

Task D.4.1 Test and diagnose emissions or drivability problems caused by the evaporative-emissions control system.

SOLENOID EVAP SYSTEM (The system works as follow)

Task D.4.2 Interpret evaporative emission-related diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs); determine needed repairs.

Task D.4.3 Inspect, test, and replace canister, lines/hoses, mechanical and electrical components of the evaporative-emissions control systems.

COMPONENT TESTING (non OEM scanner, LDP type EVAP leak testing, Solenoid type EVAP leak testing, SCAN TOOL TESTING, Seal the system by activating the vent solenoid (with scanner).

E. Computerized Engine Controls Diagnosis and Repair (including OBD II) (16 Questions)

Task E.1 Retrieve and record diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) and freeze frame data if applicable.

Diagnostic Trouble Code Implementation

What are Freeze-Frames (FF) and how are they useful in diagnostics?

Task E.2 Diagnose the causes of emissions or drivability problems resulting from failure of computerized engine controls with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC)

PRINCIPLES OF DIAGNOSTICS

Code Setting Criteria. How and why was the code set?

Task E.3 Diagnose the causes of emissions or drivability problems resulting from failure of computerized engine controls with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTC)

SYMPTOMATIC DIAGNOSTICS CASE STUDIES

COMPUTER DATA LINES

FAULTY EGR OPERATION

THE MISFIRE GHOST

Task E.4 Use a scan tool, digital multimeter (DMM), or digital storage oscilloscope (DSO) to inspect or test computerized engine control system sensors, actuators, circuits, and powertrain control module (PCM); determine needed repairs.

PID Diagnostics

THEORY OF OPERATION BEHIND THE DIFFERENT PARAMETERS (PIDs)

Task E.5 Measure and interpret voltage, voltage drop, amperage, and resistance using digital multimeter (DMM) readings.

DIGITAL MULTIMETER, OSCILLOSCOPES

Task E.6 Test, remove, inspect, clean, service, and repair or replace power and ground distribution circuits and connections.

What is current, What is resistance, Resistance in series and parallel, Resistance and Power, What is voltage, Why is ohms law so important, What is a capacitor, capacitors in series and in parallel,  What is inductance, Automotive Solenoids are Inductors, What are transformers, Current Flow Analysis, Switches and Relays)

Task E.7 Practice recommended precautions when handling static-sensitive devices and/or replacing the powertrain control module (PCM). 

Task E.8 Diagnose drivability and emissions problems resulting from failures of interrelated systems (such as cruise control, security alarms/theft deterrent, torque controls, traction controls, torque management, A/C, non-OEM installed accessories).

Task E.9 Diagnose the causes of emissions or drivability problems resulting from computerized spark timing controls; determine needed repairs. 

DISTRIBUTORLESS IGNITION SYSTEM (How It Works) GM Only

Task E.10 Verify the repair, and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Baseline the vehicle. Retrieving pending & current codes.

Freeze Frames information gathering

SAMPLE TEST 1 (30 questions)

SAMPLE TEST 2 (30 questions)

SAMPLE TEST 3 (30 questions)

Basic EXAM Information

THIS SOFTWARE PRODUCT is intended to serve as training course for the (A-8) exam. This software product has been written with each exam task in question. The entire software is divided into the most updated exam TASKS available. This information has been compiled into the specific areas of study covered by the exam. Each task is mucj more that a study guide. It is simply all you need to take and pass the exam. Specifics for each system covered are given in text form, video clips and diagrams. Some of this information has been repeated in certain cases, since not all technicians need to cover the entire course and may want to skip to specific areas of study. Since some of these tasks intertwine or overlap, in some cases the text may also repeat. This INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE COURSE is divided into the 6 specific areas of study for the (A-8) exam.

The INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE has a main menu with each of the exam task areas bottoned. By pressing each TASK button in step 2, the technician will then enter each specific task area. Each task has its own button, with a few of them sharing one button. Press each task button to go and start the course. The technician can advance through the course as he/she sees fit, taking your time to cover each subject area thoroughly. He can also skip tasks and go back as needed. So long as the technician doesn't exit the software, the system will not loose track of the progress. A red ball appears every time the tech enter a task.

In step 3 the technician gets to take a sample test to familiarize himself with the questions. Each test is designed to output a question explanation in the event the it is answered wrong. Read the questions and proceed. A score tally is given on a green screen to keep track of progress. Do not try to pass the questions by reading back from the text. It is a good idea to take the test and fail so as to learn from the answer explanations. This is another way how the INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE can help you. So with that in mind, learn and injoy.

How are the tests given?

CERTIFICATION TEST are administered at over 750 test sites in local communities. Paper and pencil tests are the type most widely available to technicians. Each tester is given a booklet containing questions with charts and diagrams where required. You can mark in this test booklet but no information entered in the booklet is scored. Answers are recorded on a separate answer sheet. You will enter your answers, using a number 2 pencil only. certification recommends you bring four sharpened number 2 pencils that have certifications. Answer choices are recorded by coloring in the blocks on the answer sheet. The answer sheets are scanned electronically and the answers tabulated. For test security, test booklets include randomly generated questions. Your answer key must be matched to the proper booklet so it is important to correctly enter the booklet serial number on the answer sheet. All instructions are printed on the test materials and should be followed carefully.

Types of Questions

EXAMS RELY ON THE ABILITY and knowledge of the technician in each specific system to answer the pertinent questions. These examples will help you get acquainted with the questions normally used in the exams. Normal paper exams and CBT or computer questions are identical. These exams carry from 40 to 80 questions. Multiple-choice questions are used heavily on each test. Read the question carefully. Do not rush through the question. If in doubt, leave the question for later and continue the other questions. know what the question is about until you answer it. The sample test found at the end of this software study course will get you acquainted with the tests.

Roughly 12 percent of the questions on the Exam may use an diagrams and they should be used to answer each question. Study the diagram carefully and then answer the question. When studying these diagrams, look at it and then choose the answer that best fits the diagram. But concentrate on the diagram first. Questions that relate to each specific system should be answered based on your knowledge. Do not try to predict what the examiner wants. Use your knowledge.

Multiple-Choice Questions

AS SAID BEFORE, MCQ are used heavily on each exam. A MCQ is designed to throw you off and will try to break your concentration. These distractions are meant for the inexperienced technician. Sometimes you can also get the right answer by studying the rest of the wrong answers. In other words, if you can't find the right answer, try and decipher it by eliminating the least likely ones.

An EGR valve belongs to or is used in which of the following?

A. The EVAP system

B. The reduction of NOx

C. The fuel system

D. The cooling system

How to answer:

THIS IS WHERE YOUR knowledge comes into play. The EGR is used for the reduction of NOx gases. The EVAP, Fuel or cooling systems have nithing to do with it. This is also where this software far exeeds the technical and training structure of other study guides and courses. In step 2 study the TASKS areas.

Use all available resources found there. Read through the entire text, study the diagrams and video clip sections. Then perform all the sample tests given.

Other types of exam questions are those where you have to choose the WRONG answer. Again, your knowledge will prevail. However, your frame of mind will have to change. Concentrate on the wrong answer. Scratch or eliminate the right answers immediately. This is why a simple question and answer study guide will not train you for these tests.

All these belong to the EVAP system, EXEPT:

A. The VENT valve

B. The Purge valve

C. The IAC valve

D. The charcoal canister

How to answer the question:

IN THIS CASE, THE VENT, Purge and charcoal caniter are part of the EVAP system. Using a pencil or mentally scratch them from existence. Just concentrate on the wrong answer.

Technician A, Technician B Questions

THIS QUESTIONS ARE meant to confuse you, as you may not share the same criteria as these technicians. However, they're meant to expose you to a different way of thinking. In other words, how do other GOOD and BAD technicians think and comprehend the subject. This is important since you have to deal with all kinds of levels of knowledge and experiance. The idea is to make you think like a good technician and be able to spot a bad one. Also you have to be able to both express and understand the same concept in different ways.

To answer this type of question, read each technician statement and analyze it separately. Don't get ahead of yourself. Take the question and eliminate posibilities. It is also a good idea to study the question statement, which will give clues to the right answer. Always think for yourself and use your knowledge as a guide. Do not try to anticipate what the examiner wants you to answer. Remember that the questions may be tricky, but are desegned to weed out the technician with a lack of knowledge.

An example of this type of question follows.

A vehicle comes into the shop with an EVAP code. Upon completion of the repair, the technician runs the drive cycle, but can not reset it to complete. Why is this happening? Technician A says that there is a code that was set back in memory. Technician B says that the fuel level is below 1/4 tank or too low for the EVAP monitor to run.

A. A only

B. B only

C. Both A and B

D. Neither A nor B

Analysis:

BY STUDYING THE STATEMENT you gain the knowledge that the vehicle came in and was fixed. There is also NO mention of any codes set in memory and the EVAP system is the center of the question. Your knowledge of the EVAP system is at center stage here. Start by eliminating the wrong technician. Obviously, there is no menting of a code. These questions are not tricks but are designed to confuse you. Knowledge of the EVAP system says that this monitor will not run if the fuel level is too low. So, technician B is the right technician. The answer is (Technician B only). The last part is to choose the right answer from the 4 separate options. Take your time in choosing. Often times, the technician fails this question due to the fact that he/she chooses wrong.

Most-Likely Questions and answers

Most-Likely questions difficult due to the fact that only one choice is correct, while the other three choices are almost right. Most-Likely-cause questions are as follows:

The Most-Likely cause of reduced compression in one of the cylinders is as follows:

A. A washed out cylinder due to axcess fuel.

B. A broken piston ring.

C. An intermittently sealing valve.

D. An overly charged valve lifter due to over-cranking.

How to answer it:

ANSWERS A,C AND D ARE all posible causes of low compression, but they're all conditional. In other words thay tend to happen only if certain conditions are met. Therefore, the best answer is B, which the only answer that will always give you a low compression.

LEAST-Likely Questions and answers

This is a fill in the blank for the leas posible cause and tend to be confusing, but not tricky.

What is the LEAST-Likely cause of a burned valve?

A. Excessive engine speed

B. Extremely lean mixture

C. Overly adjusted valve clearance

D. Firing order not correct

How to answer:

QUESTIONS B, C AND D are huge reasons for burned valves. Only answer A is the least likely cause. In the event that the engine speed goes too high, the valve and probably mor ethan the valve will fail due to excess engine speed. Use the question to your advantage. Gain clues from them just as you do when diagnosing a vehicle.

Summary

STUDY THE SITUATION. Gain as much knowledge of the system you're being tested on as posible. And use the answers to your advantage. Make sure you study and analyze all the tasks objectives and sample questions and reviews before presenting for the exam.

General Diagnosis A1-A22 (12 Questions)

TASK A.1 General Engine Diagnosis

TASK A.1 VERIFY DRIVER'S complaint, perform visual inspection, and/or road test vehicle; determine needed action.

One of the first things to do when a veicle is recieved by the customer is to do a visual inspection. The ability for the tech or service writer to analyze primary faults is very important. A visual inspection includes: checking all air intake ducting for cracks or loose connections, checking vacuum hoses and routing, and checking spark plug wires for damaged cables, COP or coil on plugs connectors, check wire harnesse for correct routing or wire contors for components on the engine. Check all fluids for proper level and quality.

Doing a road test and verifying customers's complaint is also a mainstay in ascerting the problem. A basic road test should reveal any other impending fault, besides that of the customer's. Note should be made as to any other faulty conditions on the vehicle's systems. A road test will also point to the right diagnostic and repair direction.

TASK A.2 Research applicable vehicle and service information, such as engine management system operation, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.

THE FIRST RULE OF DIAGNOSTICS is to know the system that you're working on. Knowledge if this will guide you in the right direction Information technology such as the internet, OEM websites, Iatn, Mitchell, Alldata and Chilton can be used to gather as much data as posible about the vehicle and problem. This includes theory of funtioning or how it works, system specific operation, patern failure TSBs or tech service bulletins, codes information and general raplement guides.

Previous vehicle service information should be gathered from the customer if repairs or service were performed elsewhere, as well as any repairs already performed by the shop that should be kept in a customer file or on a shop management computer. Knowing what repairs have already been performed will help eliminate duplicate services. The ability for the technician to input, research and maintain a customers database is important.

The Following is a large text that deals with Engine Performance, Information gathering, OBD-2 and general data as it applies to TASKS 1 and 2 of the Exam. Careful attention has been given in this software product to include the latest information. 

Baseline the