AUTOMOTIVE PROGRAM
ACCREDITATION AND
CERTIFICATION PRACTICE
EXAM ASE ENTRY LEVEL
AS 80 QUESTIONS
Question 1: During a compression test one cylinder is much lower than the others.After adding a small amount of oil to that cylinder the compression reading increases substantially. What is the most likely cause?
Choices:
1) A burned exhaust valve 2) A restricted air �lter 3) A weak ignition coil 4) Worn piston rings
Correct Answer: Worn piston rings
Explanation: A large increase after adding oil indicates the oil temporarily improved the seal between the piston rings and cylinder wall. That points to worn rings or cylinder wear rather than a valve or ignition problem.Page 1
Question 2: An engine takes an unusually long time to reach normal operating
temperature and the heater output is weak while driving. Which condition is most likely?
Choices:
1) An inoperative oil pressure switch 2) A thermostat stuck open 3) A thermostat stuck closed 4) A restricted radiator
Correct Answer: A thermostat stuck open
Explanation: A thermostat stuck open allows coolant to circulate through the radiator continuously, delaying warm-up and often reducing heater performance.Question 3: Technician A says blue exhaust smoke can indicate engine oil entering the combustion chamber. Technician B says a leaking valve stem seal can be one cause. Who is correct?
Choices:
1) Both Technician A and Technician B 2) Neither Technician A nor Technician B 3) Technician A only 4) Technician B only
Correct Answer: Both Technician A and Technician B
Explanation: Blue smoke is commonly associated with engine oil being burned. Worn or damaged valve stem seals can allow oil to enter a cylinder, so both statements are correct.Page 2
Question 4: A mechanical oil pressure gauge shows normal pressure but the
instrument panel continues to display a low oil pressure warning. What should be checked next?
Choices:
1) The piston ring end gap 2) The oil pressure sensor and its circuit 3) The oil pump pickup tube 4) The thermostat bypass valve
Correct Answer: The oil pressure sensor and its circuit
Explanation: Normal pressure on a mechanical gauge con�rms the engine is producing oil pressure. The warning is therefore more likely caused by the oil pressure sensor, wiring, connector, or related input circuit.Question 5: An engine has low compression on one cylinder. A cylinder leakage test produces a strong �ow of air from the throttle body. What is the most likely fault?
Choices:
1) Worn connecting rod bearing 2) Leaking intake valve 3) Stuck-open thermostat 4) Leaking exhaust valve
Correct Answer: Leaking intake valve
Explanation: Air heard at the throttle body or intake manifold during a cylinder leakage test indicates leakage past the intake valve.Page 3