Professional Documents
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Figure 2·1. An apprentice works under the direction of an complex, the transmission technician must receive very
experienced auto technician. This is an excellent way to learn specialized training and must frequently retrain. Some
the trade. (Fluke) large service facilities have a rear axle specialist, who
works on nothing but differentials, axle shafts, and drive
shafts.
Specialized Technician A steering and suspension technician is responsible
A specialized technician is an expert in one area of for checking, replacing, and adjusting steering and sus-
automotive repair, such as engines, brakes, electrical, or pension components. This technician must use special-
other areas. Because of the increasingly complex nature ized equipment, such as the wheel alignment rack, to line
of today's vehicles, the trend is toward specialization. It up the wheels. A steering and suspension technician may
is much easier to learn to repair one system than all sys- also take care of tire and wheel problems.
tems. After specializing in one area, you can expand your A brake technician specializes in brake system ser-
abilities to include other areas of repair. vice and repair, Figure 2-3. This individual must be
Common areas of specialization include engines, capable of rapidly diagnosing problems and making
transmissions, steering and suspension, brakes, electrical, adjustments or repairs. A brake technician's job is one of
heating and cooling, driveability and performance, and the easiest to master. Jobs are available in both small and
lubrication. large shops, service stations, and tire outlets.
An engine technician troubleshoots, services, and The electrical system technician must be able to test
repairs automobile engines. Refer to Figure 2-2. This and repair lighting systems, charging systems, computer
requires a knowledge of all types of engines: gasoline, control systems, starting systems, and other electrical
diesel, 4-cylinder, 6-cylinder, lO-cylinder, etc. The systems. Compared to other specialties, this area of repair
engine technician has one of the most physically might be desirable because it requires less physical
demanding automotive jobs. It requires a fairly strong strength than other areas. See Figure 2-4.
individual who can lift heavy parts and easily torque A heating and air conditioning technician must
large fasteners. troubleshoot, service, and repair heaters, vents, and air
A transmission technician works on automatic and conditioning systems. In some instances, this technician
manual transmissions, trans axles, clutches, and, some- will install new air conditioning systems in vehicles. This
times, rear axle assemblies. Because transmissions are so requires considerable skill.
24 Section 1 Introduction to Automotive Technology
Master Technician
A master technician, or general technician, is an
experienced professional who has mastered all the spe-
cialized areas of automotive technology and is capable
of working on almost any part of a vehicle. This person
can service and repair engines, brakes, transmissions,
axles, heaters, air conditioners, and electrical systems. A
master technician generally has enough experience to
advance to a position as a shop supervisor, a service
manager, or an instructor.
Shop Supervisor
The shop supervisor is in charge of all the other
technicians in the service facility. The supervisor must
Figure 2-4. This electrical system technician is using a digital be able to help others troubleshoot problems in all auto-
voltmeter to measure battery voltage. (Fluke)
motive areas. The shop supervisor must also commu-
nicate with the service manager, parts manager, and
technicians.
The driveability and performance technician must
test and service engine fuel, ignition, computer, and Service Manager
emission systems. As pictured in Figure 2-5, this The service manager is responsible for the complete
involves the use of special test equipment to keep engines service and repair operation of a large repair facility. This
in top running condition. The drive ability and perfor- person must use a wide range of abilities to coordinate
mance expert must change spark plugs, as well as adjust the efforts of the shop supervisor, parts specialist, service
and repair carburetors, fuel injection systems, and igni- writer, service dispatcher, and other shop personnel. The
tion system components. service manager must also handle customer complaints,
The lubrication specialist changes engine oil, filters, answer questions, and ensure that the technicians are
and transmission fluid. He or she checks various fluid providing quality service for their customers.
Chapter 2 Automotive Careers and ASE Certification 25
paid, college-trained individual with a working knowl- There are dozens of other job titles in the automotive
edge of the entire automobile, Figure 2-8. field. Check with your school guidance counselor for
Automotive instructors are experienced technicians more information. The chart in Figure 2-10 shows
capable of sharing their knowledge effectively. In addi- automotive job opportunities. Trace the flow from manu-
tion to on-the-job experience, most instructors are facturer to service technician.
required to have a college degree, Figure 2-9.
Parts manufacturers
/ Vehicle manufacturer
~
Equipment manufacturers
Sales
Production
Management
Service :>
specialist
Wholesaler Wholesaler
Sales representative
Service specialists
<Management
Trainers
Management -
Sales
/
Used sales
Vehicle dealerships
""
New sales
Management
Sales
Counter clerks I
Auto equipment specialists Vehicle dealer
Automotive service industry ~Obber Automotive service industry
~services~
Brakes Wheel alignment Transmission I Air conditioning Engine Auto body
Service manager
Dealer and Assistant service manager
service Service salesperson
Auto technician
employment
opportunities Apprentice
Salesperson (new vehicles)
Salesperson (used vehicles
~ Automotive 5O",;ces ~
Collision repair and refinishing Heating and air conditioning
I I
Trim, upholstery, and glass Automatic transmissions and transaxles
I I
Suspension and steering Engine repair
I I
Brakes Electrical/electronic systems
I I
Manual drive train and axles Engine performance
Figure 2-10. Note the many positions available in the automotive field. (Florida Dept. of Voc. Ed.)
Chapter 2 Automotive Careers and ASE Certification 27
• High school training for three full years in auto- • Three years in an apprenticeship program can be
motive technology can be substituted for one year substituted for two years of work experience.
of work experience. To have schooling substituted for work experience,
• Post-high school training for two years in a public you must include a copy of your transcript (list of courses
or private facility can be substituted for one year taken) or a certificate verifying your training or appren-
of work experience. ticeship with your registration form and fee payment.
• Two months of short training courses can be sub- Each should give your length of training and subject area.
stituted for one month of work experience. To apply to take ASE tests, begin by acquiring a reg-
istration booklet. The registration booklet contains the
Figure 2-11. These are the test categories for ASE automobile certification. If you pass a test in a given area and have two years
of applicable work experience, you will be certified as an ASE Automobile Technician. If you pass all eight tests and have the
required work experience, you will be certified as an ASE Master Automobile Technician. (ASE)
Chapter 2 Automotive Careers and ASE Certification 29
• If the question gives only limited information, true or both can be false. In some cases, only one of the
make sure you do not pick one answer as correct statements is true.
because it describes a more common condition. If 1. Technician A says a locking rear differential
the question does not let you conclude that one assembly can be refilled with regular gear oil.
answer is better than another, both answers are Technician B says the differential assembly
equally correct. allows the vehicle to turn corners without wheel
• Your first thought about which answer is correct hop. Who is right?
is usually the correct response. If you think about (A) A only.
a question too much, you may read something (B) B only.
into the question that is not there. Read the ques- (C) Both A & B.
tion carefully and make a decision. (D) Neither A nor B.
• Do not waste time on anyone question. Make In this question, the statement made by Technician A
sure you have enough time to answer all the ques- is wrong. A locking rear wheel differential assembly
tions on the test. must be refilled with special nonslip oil. Technician B's
• Visualize yourself performing a test or repair statement is correct, since the purpose of the differential
when trying to answer a question. This will help assembly is to allow the vehicle to turn corners without
you solve the problem more accurately. wheel hop. Therefore, the correct answer is (B) B only.
Note that Technician A and Technician B appear in many
ASE test questions. You must carefully evaluate the state-
Types of ASE Test Questions ments of each technician before deciding which answer is
ASE tests are designed to measure your knowledge correct.
of three things:
• The operation of various automotive systems and Negative Questions
components. Some questions ate called negative questions. These
• The diagnosis and testing of various automotive questions require you to identify the incorrect answer.
systems and components. Negative questions will usually contain the word
"except."
• The repair of automotive systems and components.
1. An engine contains all of the following bearings
All test questions are multiple choice and contain
except:
four possible answers. Sample questions are given below.
(A) connecting rod bearings.
The answer to each question is explained in detail.
(B) main crankshaft bearings.
One-Part Questions (C) camshaft bearings.
(D) reverse idler bearings.
In a one-part question, you must choose the best
answer out of all the possibilities. Since reverse idler bearings are used in transmissions
1. Which of the following components ignites the and there is no bearing with that name used in the engine,
the correct answer is (D) reverse idler bearings.
fuel in a gasoline engine?
(A) Injector. A variation of the negative question· contains the
word "least."
(B) Valve.
(C) Spark plug. 1. An automatic transmission installed in a late-
(D) Glow plug. model vehicle slips during acceleration. Which
The spark plug produces the electric arc to start the of these defects is least likely to be the cause?
fuel burning. Therefore, the correct answer is (C) Spark (A) Clogged transmission oil filter.
plug. The injector simply sprays fuel into the engine. The (B) Defective transmission oil pump.
valve allows the air-fuel mixture to flow into the engine. (C) Maladjusted throttle linkage.
The glow plug is only used in a diesel engine to warm the (D) Low fluid level.
combustion chamber to aid combustion. In this case, the least likely cause of transmission
slippage is a maladjusted throttle linkage, which is much
Two-Part Questions more likely to cause shifting problems than slippage.
Two-part questions require you to read two state- Therefore, the correct answer is (C) Maladjusted throttle
ments and decide if they are true. Both statements can be linkage.
Chapter 2 Automotive Careers and ASE Certification 31
Recertification Tests
Once you are certified in any area, you must take a
recertification test every five years to maintain your cer-
Summary
tification. Recertification test questions concentrate on • Economists are predicting a continued demand
recent developments. This ensures that certified techni- for automotive technicians for many years.
cians will keep up with changes in technology.
• An automotive technician makes a living by diag-
Applying to take recertification tests is simIlar to
nosing, servicing, and repairing cars and light
applying for original certification tests. Use the same trucks.
form and enclose the proper recertification test fees. If
you allow your certification to lapse, you must take the • A job as a service station attendant requires little
regular certification testes) to regain your certification. mechanical experience, yet provides an excellent
learning experience.
Text Organization and ASE Certification • One way to get started in automotive service is to
become an apprentice or helper mechanic,
This textbook will help you prepare for ASE certifi-
working under an experienced technician.
cation. The content, scope, and organization were devel-
oped with the ASE certification tests in mind. Each • A specialized technician is an expert on one
chapter contains a section of ASE-type questions, which system of a car. This type of specialist may work
will help you pass the ASE certification tests. only on brakes, transmissions, engines, tune-ups,
Additionally, sample ASE tests are presented at the ends electrical systems, or air conditioning.
of applicable sections. • An engine technician must be able to trou-
bleshoot, service, and repair automobile engines.
Entrepreneurship • A transmission technician usually works on auto-
matic and manual transmissions, transaxles,
An entrepreneur is someone who starts a business,
clutches, and, sometimes, rear axle assemblies.
such as a muffler shop, tune-up shop, parts house, or sim-
ilar facility. To be a good entrepreneur, you must be able • A steering and suspension technician is respon-
to organize all aspects of the business: bookkeeping, pay- sible for checking, replacing, and adjusting
roll, facility planning, hiring, etc. After gaining several steering and suspension components.
32 Section 1 Introduction to Automotive Technology
• A brake technician specializes in brake system 3. Describe some of the responsibilities of a drive-
service and repair. ability and performance technician.
• The electrical system technician must be able to 4. A(n) __ specialist may have to do grease
test and repair lighting systems, charging systems, jobs.
computer control systems, and starting systems. 5. What is a master technician?
• The driveability and performance technician must 6. Explain the job of a service manager.
test and adjust engine fuel, ignition, and emission 7. What is a cooperative training program?
systems.
8. List the eight test categories of ASE certification.
• A master technician is an experienced profes-
9. You will receive a(n) __ and a(n) __ for
sional who has mastered all specialized areas and
each ASE certification exam passed.
is capable of working on almost any part of a
vehicle. 10. A(n) __ is an individual who starts a
business.
• A shop supervisor is in charge of other techni-
cians in a large garage.
• An entrepreneur is someone who starts a busi-
ness. This might be a muffler shop, tune-up shop,
ASE- Type Questions
parts house, or similar facility.
• Auto technician certification is a program where
1. Technician A says that an automotive techni-
persons voluntarily take written tests to prove cian must be a "jack of all trades." Technician B
their knowledge as an auto technician.
says that the technician's job is seldom boring.
Who is right?
Important Terms 0 'l Q\j \1- Q\)({-1'I6rJ5 (A) A only.
Automotive technician Automotive instructors (B) B only.
(C) Both A and B.
o Service station attendant Cooperative training
(D) Neither A nor B.
Apprentice programs
Specialized technician National Institute for 2. All the following are automatic benefits of
Master technician Automotive Service ASE certification except:
o Shop supervisor Excellence (ASE) (A) recognition.
OService manager ASE-certified (B) a sleeve patch.
Auto parts specialist automobile technician (C) a pay raise.
o Service writer ASE-certified (D) a wall certificate.
QService dispatcher master automobile 3. A vehicle comes into the shop for repairs.
Auto salesperson technician Technician A says to check with the service
Automotive designer Entrepreneur writer for the details of the customer com-
Automotive engineer plaint. Technician B says to check with the
shop supervisor to get information on the com-
Review Questions-Chapter 2 plaint. Who is correct?
(A) A only.
Please do not write in this text. Place your answers (B) B only.
on a separate sheet of paper. (C) Both A and B.
1. List four skills that may be needed when (D) Neither A nor B.
working as an automotive technician. 4. A used car needs a wheel alignment. Which tech-
2. Which of the following is not a typical special- nician would usually complete this operation?
ized technician? (A) Engine technician.
(A) Engine technician. (B) Steering and suspension technician.
(B) Steering and suspension technician. (C) Wheel technician.
(C) Brake technician. (D) Brake technician.
(D) Drive shaft technician.
Chapter 2 Automotive Careers and ASE Certification 33