Practice Exam Questions And Correct

ASE Master Automobile Technician Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• A vehicle has low compression in one cylinder. Which of the following

is the most likely cause?

• Worn piston rings
• Clogged fuel injector
• Worn cylinder head gasket
• Weak ignition coil

Rationale: A blown or damaged cylinder head gasket can cause low

compression in a single cylinder by allowing pressure to escape.

• What is the purpose of the crankshaft position sensor?
• Control fuel injection timing
• Monitor crankshaft position for ignition timing 1 / 4

• Measure engine oil pressure
• Adjust camshaft timing

Rationale: The crankshaft position sensor detects the position and

rotational speed of the crankshaft, which is used for ignition timing and fuel injection.

• A technician finds metallic debris in the automatic transmission fluid.

What is the most likely cause?

• Low transmission fluid
• Worn or damaged internal transmission components
• Dirty torque converter
• Clogged transmission filter

Rationale: Metallic debris in ATF indicates internal wear or damage

such as worn gears or bearings.

• When inspecting a vehicle with a manual transmission, a clunk is heard

when shifting into gear. What is the likely cause?

• Low transmission fluid
• Worn brake pads
• Worn or damaged synchronizer
• Loose driveshaft

Rationale: Worn synchronizers in a manual transmission can prevent

smooth gear engagement, causing clunks.

• Which component in a suspension system controls body roll during

cornering? 2 / 4

• Control arm
• Strut
• Sway bar
• Shock absorber

Rationale: The sway bar (anti-roll bar) links the left and right sides of

the suspension to reduce body roll.

• A vehicle’s brakes feel soft when pressed. Which is the most probable

cause?

• Worn brake pads
• Air in brake lines
• Faulty ABS module
• Contaminated rotors

Rationale: Air in hydraulic brake lines compresses when the pedal is

pressed, resulting in a soft pedal feel.

• A battery shows 12.2 volts at rest but drops to 10 volts under load.

What is the likely condition?

• Fully charged
• Weak or failing battery
• Faulty alternator
• Bad starter

Rationale: A battery that cannot maintain voltage under load

indicates internal resistance and failing condition. 3 / 4

• A vehicle exhibits a sweet smell from the engine compartment. What

is the likely source?

• Burning oil
• Fuel leak
• Coolant leak
• Overheated brake fluid

Rationale: A sweet smell typically comes from leaking coolant, which

contains ethylene glycol.

• A vehicle has a check engine light with a P0302 code. What does this

indicate?

• Oxygen sensor failure
• EGR valve malfunction
• Cylinder 2 misfire
• Fuel pressure low

Rationale: P0302 specifically identifies a misfire in cylinder number 2.

• Which is the purpose of a catalytic converter?
• Increase engine horsepower
• Reduce engine noise
• Reduce harmful emissions
• Improve fuel economy

Rationale: Catalytic converters convert harmful gases (CO, NOx, HC)

into less harmful emissions.

• / 4