Take this free ASE G1 practice test with fully explained answers and instant scoring. It is based on topics in the real exam.

ASE identifies auto maintenance and light repair as an individual service area. The auto maintenance and light repair service area involves the following components: Engine Systems, Automatic Transmission/Trans-Axle, Manual Drive Train and Axles, Suspension and Steering, Brakes, Electrical and HVAC.

The free sample ASE G1 Practice Test below consists of 15 questions organized within the 7 sections. It was written by Dr. John Kershaw, an ASE test prep expert: ASE test question developer; ASE Certified Master Technician; ASE Master Truck Technician; and Auto Industry Technical Instructor. Dr. Kershaw was among the first to receive ASE certification in 1972.

For the complete practice test, flash cards, test review and testing tips, check out:

ASE G1 Complete Practice Test with 180 questions

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Engine Systems

1.	A tight timing belt makes what type of noise?
		a. Thumping sound
		b. Whining sound
		c. Slapping sound
		d. Will not make noise
When the cogs of the belt hit the cogs in the sprocket it is similar to the noise two gears make. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Engine Systems

2.	Two technicians are explaining radiator cap service. Technician A says a radiator cap is tested using a cooling system pressure tester. Technician B says when the radiator cap does not hold enough pressure, you can replace the cap gasket. Who is right?
		a. A only
		b. B only
		c. Both A and B
		d. Neither A nor B
Technician A is right because a defective radiator cap can cause low cooling system pressure; it allows cooling system pressure to escape. Technician B is wrong because the only acceptable repair for a defective radiator pressure cap is replacement. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Automatic Transmission/Trans-Axle

3.	A vehicle with an electronically controlled automatic transmission is being road tested for poor shifting. What should be done before doing a road test?
		a. Check wires and connectors for disconnects
		b. Check for DTCS (diagnostic trouble codes)
		c. Hook up the scan tool to the DLC (Data Link Connector)
		d. Check transmission/transaxle fluid level
The automatic transmission fluid (ATF) must always be verified before a road test. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Automatic Transmission/Trans-Axle

4.	Technician A says the auxiliary automatic transmission oil cooler is a small radiator separate from the engine radiator. Technician B says that if the automatic transmission oil cooler lines are found to be leaking, they are first tightened to specifications. Who is right?
		a. A only
		b. B only
		c. Both A and B
		d. Neither A nor B
Both technicians are right. Technician A is correct because heavy duty applications will use an auxiliary automatic transmission oil cooler. Technician B is correct because the first step in a leaking fluid line fitting is to tighten it to specifications using a torque wrench. If there is still a leak, then the fitting is defective and needs repaired. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Manual Drive Train and Axles

5.	A RWD (rear wheel drive) transmission has a leaking output shaft seal on a vehicle with 25,000 miles on the odometer. The MOST likely cause for the leakage is:
		a. excessive bearing wear.
		b. naturally occurring evaporation.
		c. plugged transmission breather filter
		d. poor quality fluid filter
A plugged transmission breather filter causing excessive internal pressure is the most likely cause. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Manual Drive Train and Axles

6.	Of the following, when replacing a CV (constant velocity) joint or boot, what is the last step before clamping the boot?
		a. Lubricate the CV joint with chassis grease
		b. Mark location of the boot on drive axle shaft
		c. Lubricate the CV joint and the boot
		d. Burp the air out of the boot
Before clamping the last seal on the boot, be sure to release trapped air to prevent the boot from expanding when heated and collapsing when cold (This is sometimes called burping the boot). Clamp the boot according to the manufacturer's specifications. The final step in the process is reinstalling the drive axle shaft in reverse order of removal and torque the drive axle nut to factory specifications. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Suspension and Steering

7.	This question has the word EXCEPT. For this question, look for the choice that would NOT fit the described situation. Read the entire question carefully before choosing your answer. Close visual inspection of the power steering serpentine belt can reveal all the following, EXCEPT:
		a. Premature wear due to misalignment
		b. Proper belt tension
		c. Correct orientation of dual belt application
		d. Proper belt seating in the pulley
You cannot see proper belt tension. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Suspension and Steering

8.	Steering dampers can be used to reduce excessive __________.
		a. negative camber
		b. toe-in
		c. negative camber
		d. positive caster
High positive caster places the top of the wheel high, so when it lifts, if too high, it will cause wheel kickback. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Suspension and Steering

9.	A technician is rotating the tires using the modified X-method of tire rotation on a front-wheel-drive vehicle. Where should be the right front wheel placed?
		a. Right front
		b. Right rear
		c. Left rear
		d. Kept at left front
This is the standard practice for a modified X tire rotation. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Brakes

10.	A spongy brake pedal may be caused by which of the following?
		a. ABS Diagnostic Trouble Code set
		b. Frozen caliper piston
		c. Defective metering valve.
		d. Air in hydraulic system
Air causes a gap in the hydraulic fluid flow because the fluid has to compress the air before it can apply the piston. This delay causes the spongy feel. The other choices do not affect this concern. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Brakes

11.	Why are drum brakes adjusted?
		a. To stop loose wheel bearings
		b. To prevent brake fluid evaporation
		c. To reduce fluid loss
		d. To compensate for lining wear
The lining does wear and increases the clearance between the drum and brake lining. A manual or automatic adjustment decreases this clearance. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Electrical

12.	The open circuit voltage (OCV) test on a fully charged battery should show which voltage?
		a. 9.6 volts
		b. 4 volts per cell
		c. 1 volt per cell
		d. 12.6 volts
The standard is 2.1 volts per cell and 2.1 times 6 is 12.6 volts. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Electrical

13.	The starter motor was recently replaced and now makes a whining noise when starting. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?
		a. Wrong starter installed
		b. Shims left out
		c. Defective solenoid
		d. Defective flywheel
A whining noise is most likely caused by an incorrect clearance between the starter drive pinion and the flexplate or flywheel teeth. Shim (or half shim) may be needed to provide the proper clearance between the flywheel teeth of the engine and the pinion teeth of the starter. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Electrical

14.	Why should you never touch the tip of a halogen bulb?
		a. Oil from a finger can cause shortened bulb life.
		b. The glass will crack.
		c. You can get a significant burn and personal injury.
		d. The glass will melt from the heat of your finger.
Oil from your skin leaves a residue on the glass shell to the bulb. When the bulb is turned on, it begins to get hot. Much of this heat is dumped into air around the bulb and is carried away. However, when there is oil on the bulb, it begins to get heated as well. The heat is actually enough to cause oil to boil and its temperature can reach near 1,100 Fahrenheit. This "hot spot" puts a great deal of heat near the glass bulb and can cause glass in the hot spot to warp and stretch. This causes a weak spot in the glass bulb which can break and thus shortening life span. The other choices will not happen. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

HVAC

15.	This question has the word EXCEPT. For this question, look for the choice that would NOT cause the described situation. Read the entire question carefully before choosing your answer. All of the following cause compressor drive belt edge wear, EXCEPT:
		a. Clutch air gap
		b. Bent mounting bracket
		c. Damaged pulley
		d. Worn pulley bearing
The clutch air gap has no effect on belt wear. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.