ASE A8 TEST PREP TASK LIST
ii
Content Area
Questions in Test
Percentage of Test
A. General Diagnosis
12
24%
B. Ignition System Diagnosis and Repair
8
16%
C. Fuel, Air Induction and Exhaust Systems
Diagnosis and Repair
9
18%
D. Emissions Control Systems Diagnosis and Repair
(Including OBD II)
1. Positive Crankcase Ventilation (1)
2. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (2)
3. Secondary Air Injections (AIR) and Catalytic
Converter (2)
4. Evaporative Emissions Controls (3)
8
16%
E. Computerized Engine Controls Diagnosis and
Repair (Including OBD II)
13
26%
A. General Diagnosis (12 questions)
1. Verify driver’s complaint, perform visual inspection, and/or road test vehicle; determine needed
action.
2. Research applicable vehicle and service information, such as engine management system operation,
vehicle service history, service precautions, technical service bulletins, and service
campaigns/recalls.
3. Diagnose noises and/or vibration problems related to engine performance; determine needed action.
4. Diagnose the cause of unusual exhaust color, odor, and sound; determine needed action.
5. Perform engine manifold vacuum or pressure tests; determine needed action.
6. Perform cylinder power balance test; determine needed action.
7. Perform cylinder cranking compression test; determine needed action.
8. Perform cylinder leakage/leak-down test; determine needed action.
9. Diagnose engine mechanical, electrical, electronic, fuel, and ignition problems with an oscilloscope,
engine analyzer, and/or scan tool; determine needed action.
10. Prepare and inspect vehicle for HC, CO, CO2, and O2 exhaust gas analysis; perform test and
interpret exhaust gas readings.
11. Verify valve adjustment on engines with mechanical or hydraulic lifters.
12. Verify camshaft timing (including engines equipped with variable valve timing); determine needed
action.
13. Verify engine operating temperature, check coolant level and condition, perform cooling system
pressure test; determine needed repairs.
14. Inspect and test mechanical/electrical fans, fan clutch, fan shroud/ducting, and fan control devices;
determine needed repairs.
15. Read and interpret electrical schematic diagrams and symbols.
16. Test and diagnose emissions or driveability problems caused by battery condition, connections, or
excessive key-off battery drain; determine needed repairs.
17. Perform starter current draw test; determine needed action.
18. Perform starter circuit voltage drop tests; determine needed action.
19. Inspect, test, and repair or replace components and wires in the starter control circuit.
20. Test and diagnose engine performance problems resulting from an undercharge, overcharge, or a no-
charge condition; determine needed action.
21. Inspect, adjust, and replace alternator (generator) drive belts, pulleys, tensioners and fans.
22. Inspect, test, and repair or replace charging circuit components, connectors and wires.
Summary of Contents for ASE-A8
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