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NYC DCAS Auto Mechanic (Gasoline) EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR –
JUST RELEASED
NYC DCAS Auto Mechanic (Gasoline) Exam
EXAM COVERAGE OVERVIEW (10 Key Points)
1. Exam Structure & Administration: The exam is a computer-based multiple-choice test
administered by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). A
score of 70% or higher is required to pass . The application is submitted via the Online
Application System (OASys) at www.nyc.gov/examsforjobs .
2. Work Involved: Auto Mechanics are responsible for overhauling, repairing, and
maintaining engines, motor-powered equipment, and component systems used in
automotive, construction, and special purpose equipment . This includes serving as a
"troubleshooter" to determine mechanical and electrical defects and making field
repairs .
3. Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must have five (5) years of full-time satisfactory
experience as an auto mechanic. Alternatively, 2.5 years of experience plus sufficient
helper/apprentice experience or relevant education can be substituted . Experience
must be met by the end of the application period (June 25, 2024); education by June 30,
2024 .
4. Education & Experience Exam (EEE): This is an online questionnaire completed through
OASys where candidates must detail their education and work background. It must be
"Final Submitted" by the application deadline . Inaccurate responses can lead to
disqualification .
5. License Requirement: At appointment, candidates must possess a Class B Commercial
Driver License (CDL) valid in NY, or a NY driver license with a Class B CDL learner's permit
(then must obtain full CDL within six months) . Serious violations may disqualify the
candidate .
6. Salary & Application Fee: The current minimum salary is $41.96 per hour** for a 40-
hour workweek . Application fee is **$91.00 plus a 2% service fee for credit cards;
waivers may apply for veterans or those on public assistance .
7. Testable Knowledge Areas: The exam covers operating principles of internal combustion
engines, electrical and electronic systems, repair and troubleshooting of vehicle systems
(brakes, transmission, steering, suspension, etc.), proper use of tools, safety practices,
inspections, emissions testing, and NYS DMV operating rules .
8. Professional Knowledge (Gasoline Engines): Questions focus on gasoline engine
components (spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors), and the systems specific to
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gasoline vehicles . This includes diagnosing faults related to the air-fuel mixture and
ignition systems.
9. Abilities Tested (Reasoning Skills): The exam assesses Deductive Reasoning (applying
rules to specific situations), Inductive Reasoning (deriving general rules from specific
cases), Information Ordering (following procedures in correct order), and Mathematical
Reasoning .
10. Promotion Process (if applicable): For promotional exams, the multiple-choice test
accounts for 85% of the final score; seniority accounts for the remaining 15% . A
qualifying practical test may also be required, with a minimum passing score of 70% .
Candidates must be permanent employees in an eligible title (e.g., Automotive Service
Worker) to qualify for promotion .
SECTION 1: ENGINE SYSTEMS & MECHANICAL COMPONENTS (Questions 1-50)
1. The main function of engine oil is to:
A) Cool the radiator
B) Lubricate moving parts
C) Charge the battery
D) Filter fuel
Answer: B
Rationale: Engine oil reduces friction and wear between moving components. It also helps seal
piston rings, clean the engine, and dissipate heat .
2. Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in which type of engine?
A) Diesel engine
B) Gasoline engine
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C) Electric motor
D) Turbine engine
Answer: B
Rationale: Gasoline engines rely on spark ignition from spark plugs, while diesel engines use
compression ignition .
3. What tool is used to measure piston ring end gap?
A) Dial indicator
B) Caliper
C) Torque wrench
D) Feeler gauge
Answer: D
Rationale: Feeler gauges are designed to measure small clearances such as piston ring end
gaps .
4. Compression in an engine refers to:
A) Air only
B) Air-fuel mixture pressure in cylinders
C) Oil pressure
D) Battery voltage
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Answer: B
Rationale: Compression is the pressure exerted on the air-fuel mixture during the piston's
upward stroke, critical for combustion efficiency .
5. What does the alternator do?
A) Lubricates engine parts
B) Charges the battery and powers electrical systems
C) Filters air for combustion
D) Measures engine temperature
Answer: B
Rationale: The alternator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy to charge the
battery and power electrical systems while the engine runs .
6. Normal engine operating temperature is maintained by the:
A) Battery
B) Muffler
C) Thermostat
D) Spark plug
NYC DCAS Auto Mechanic (Gasoline) EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR –
JUST RELEASED
NYC DCAS Auto Mechanic (Gasoline) Exam
EXAM COVERAGE OVERVIEW (10 Key Points)
1. Exam Structure & Administration: The exam is a computer-based multiple-choice test
administered by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). A
score of 70% or higher is required to pass . The application is submitted via the Online
Application System (OASys) at www.nyc.gov/examsforjobs .
2. Work Involved: Auto Mechanics are responsible for overhauling, repairing, and
maintaining engines, motor-powered equipment, and component systems used in
automotive, construction, and special purpose equipment . This includes serving as a
"troubleshooter" to determine mechanical and electrical defects and making field
repairs .
3. Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must have five (5) years of full-time satisfactory
experience as an auto mechanic. Alternatively, 2.5 years of experience plus sufficient
helper/apprentice experience or relevant education can be substituted . Experience
must be met by the end of the application period (June 25, 2024); education by June 30,
2024 .
4. Education & Experience Exam (EEE): This is an online questionnaire completed through
OASys where candidates must detail their education and work background. It must be
"Final Submitted" by the application deadline . Inaccurate responses can lead to
disqualification .
5. License Requirement: At appointment, candidates must possess a Class B Commercial
Driver License (CDL) valid in NY, or a NY driver license with a Class B CDL learner's permit
(then must obtain full CDL within six months) . Serious violations may disqualify the
candidate .
6. Salary & Application Fee: The current minimum salary is $41.96 per hour** for a 40-
hour workweek . Application fee is **$91.00 plus a 2% service fee for credit cards;
waivers may apply for veterans or those on public assistance .
7. Testable Knowledge Areas: The exam covers operating principles of internal combustion
engines, electrical and electronic systems, repair and troubleshooting of vehicle systems
(brakes, transmission, steering, suspension, etc.), proper use of tools, safety practices,
inspections, emissions testing, and NYS DMV operating rules .
8. Professional Knowledge (Gasoline Engines): Questions focus on gasoline engine
components (spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors), and the systems specific to
, Page 2 of 73
gasoline vehicles . This includes diagnosing faults related to the air-fuel mixture and
ignition systems.
9. Abilities Tested (Reasoning Skills): The exam assesses Deductive Reasoning (applying
rules to specific situations), Inductive Reasoning (deriving general rules from specific
cases), Information Ordering (following procedures in correct order), and Mathematical
Reasoning .
10. Promotion Process (if applicable): For promotional exams, the multiple-choice test
accounts for 85% of the final score; seniority accounts for the remaining 15% . A
qualifying practical test may also be required, with a minimum passing score of 70% .
Candidates must be permanent employees in an eligible title (e.g., Automotive Service
Worker) to qualify for promotion .
SECTION 1: ENGINE SYSTEMS & MECHANICAL COMPONENTS (Questions 1-50)
1. The main function of engine oil is to:
A) Cool the radiator
B) Lubricate moving parts
C) Charge the battery
D) Filter fuel
Answer: B
Rationale: Engine oil reduces friction and wear between moving components. It also helps seal
piston rings, clean the engine, and dissipate heat .
2. Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in which type of engine?
A) Diesel engine
B) Gasoline engine
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C) Electric motor
D) Turbine engine
Answer: B
Rationale: Gasoline engines rely on spark ignition from spark plugs, while diesel engines use
compression ignition .
3. What tool is used to measure piston ring end gap?
A) Dial indicator
B) Caliper
C) Torque wrench
D) Feeler gauge
Answer: D
Rationale: Feeler gauges are designed to measure small clearances such as piston ring end
gaps .
4. Compression in an engine refers to:
A) Air only
B) Air-fuel mixture pressure in cylinders
C) Oil pressure
D) Battery voltage
, Page 4 of 73
Answer: B
Rationale: Compression is the pressure exerted on the air-fuel mixture during the piston's
upward stroke, critical for combustion efficiency .
5. What does the alternator do?
A) Lubricates engine parts
B) Charges the battery and powers electrical systems
C) Filters air for combustion
D) Measures engine temperature
Answer: B
Rationale: The alternator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy to charge the
battery and power electrical systems while the engine runs .
6. Normal engine operating temperature is maintained by the:
A) Battery
B) Muffler
C) Thermostat
D) Spark plug
