Practice Exam for Alberta Automotive
Service Technician Apprenticeship
Certification Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A customer reports a pulsation in the brake pedal during braking. What
is the most common cause?
A. Warped drum
B. Warped rotor
C. Seized caliper
D. Air in brake lines
Rationale: Rotor runout causes pedal pulsation because brake pads move
in and out with rotor wobble.
2. When diagnosing a no-start condition, which should be checked first?
A. Oxygen sensor
B. Battery state of charge
C. Catalytic converter
D. Coolant temperature sensor
Rationale: Verifying power availability is the foundational step in any no-
start diagnosis.
,3. A vehicle with OBD-II sets a P0171 code. What does this indicate?
A. Rich condition bank 1
B. Lean condition bank 1
C. Misfire bank 1
D. EVAP leak
Rationale: P0171 corresponds to a lean mixture on bank 1, usually due to
air leaks or low fuel pressure.
4. What tool is used to check crankshaft end play?
A. Feeler gauge
B. Compression gauge
C. Dial indicator
D. Torque wrench
Rationale: Dial indicators measure precise axial movement such as
crankshaft end play.
5. A sulfur smell from the exhaust is typically caused by:
A. Too much air
B. Rich fuel mixture
C. Faulty EGR valve
D. Vacuum leak
Rationale: Excess fuel overloads the catalytic converter, producing
hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell).
, 6. What component stores high-pressure fuel in a gasoline direct-injection
system?
A. Low-pressure pump
B. Fuel rail pressure sensor
C. Fuel rail
D. EVAP canister
Rationale: GDI fuel rails hold high-pressure fuel (often 500–3,000 psi).
7. Engine overheating at idle but normal on the highway usually indicates:
A. Faulty thermostat
B. Poor airflow through radiator
C. Slipping water pump belt
D. Incorrect ignition timing
Rationale: At idle, airflow is limited; a bad fan or fan clutch causes idle-only
overheating.
8. What is the primary purpose of the PCV system?
A. Increase fuel economy
B. Reduce exhaust emissions
C. Vent crankcase vapours safely
D. Improve power
Rationale: PCV systems route crankcase gases into the intake to prevent
pressure buildup and pollution.
9. Which battery test measures its ability to provide current?
Service Technician Apprenticeship
Certification Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A customer reports a pulsation in the brake pedal during braking. What
is the most common cause?
A. Warped drum
B. Warped rotor
C. Seized caliper
D. Air in brake lines
Rationale: Rotor runout causes pedal pulsation because brake pads move
in and out with rotor wobble.
2. When diagnosing a no-start condition, which should be checked first?
A. Oxygen sensor
B. Battery state of charge
C. Catalytic converter
D. Coolant temperature sensor
Rationale: Verifying power availability is the foundational step in any no-
start diagnosis.
,3. A vehicle with OBD-II sets a P0171 code. What does this indicate?
A. Rich condition bank 1
B. Lean condition bank 1
C. Misfire bank 1
D. EVAP leak
Rationale: P0171 corresponds to a lean mixture on bank 1, usually due to
air leaks or low fuel pressure.
4. What tool is used to check crankshaft end play?
A. Feeler gauge
B. Compression gauge
C. Dial indicator
D. Torque wrench
Rationale: Dial indicators measure precise axial movement such as
crankshaft end play.
5. A sulfur smell from the exhaust is typically caused by:
A. Too much air
B. Rich fuel mixture
C. Faulty EGR valve
D. Vacuum leak
Rationale: Excess fuel overloads the catalytic converter, producing
hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell).
, 6. What component stores high-pressure fuel in a gasoline direct-injection
system?
A. Low-pressure pump
B. Fuel rail pressure sensor
C. Fuel rail
D. EVAP canister
Rationale: GDI fuel rails hold high-pressure fuel (often 500–3,000 psi).
7. Engine overheating at idle but normal on the highway usually indicates:
A. Faulty thermostat
B. Poor airflow through radiator
C. Slipping water pump belt
D. Incorrect ignition timing
Rationale: At idle, airflow is limited; a bad fan or fan clutch causes idle-only
overheating.
8. What is the primary purpose of the PCV system?
A. Increase fuel economy
B. Reduce exhaust emissions
C. Vent crankcase vapours safely
D. Improve power
Rationale: PCV systems route crankcase gases into the intake to prevent
pressure buildup and pollution.
9. Which battery test measures its ability to provide current?
