MASTER AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN
EXAM Questions with Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A vehicle cranks normally but will not start. Fuel pressure is within specification. The next most
logical diagnostic step is:
A. Replace fuel pump
B. Check ignition spark at the plugs
C. Replace fuel injectors
D. Replace crankshaft
Answer: B. Check ignition spark at the plugs
If fuel pressure is correct, ignition or timing issues are the next likely cause.
2. A customer complains of engine misfire under load only. Which system is most likely involved?
A. Cooling system
B. Ignition system
C. Exhaust system
D. Charging system
Answer: B. Ignition system
Misfires under load often indicate weak coils, plugs, or ignition breakdown.
3. A scan tool shows a P0302 code. This indicates:
A. Oxygen sensor failure
B. Cylinder 2 misfire
C. Fuel system rich condition
D. Transmission slip
Answer: B. Cylinder 2 misfire
OBD-II code P0302 specifically refers to misfire in cylinder 2.
,4. A vehicle has low compression in one cylinder. Most likely cause is:
A. Faulty alternator
B. Worn piston rings or valve damage
C. Bad battery
D. Clogged fuel filter
Answer: B. Worn piston rings or valve damage
Mechanical sealing failure reduces compression.
5. A technician hears knocking noise increasing with engine RPM. Likely cause is:
A. Loose belt
B. Rod bearing wear
C. Exhaust leak
D. Low refrigerant
Answer: B. Rod bearing wear
Engine knock that increases with RPM often indicates internal bearing damage.
6. A vehicle’s ABS warning light is ON. The first step in diagnosis should be:
A. Replace ABS module
B. Scan ABS codes
C. Replace brake pads
D. Bleed brake system
Answer: B. Scan ABS codes
Diagnostic trouble codes guide further testing.
7. A battery repeatedly discharges overnight. Most likely cause is:
A. Faulty starter motor
B. Parasitic draw
C. Bad fuel pump
D. Low coolant
Answer: B. Parasitic draw
Electrical components draining power when vehicle is off.
8. A vehicle pulls to the right during braking. Likely cause is:
, A. Overinflated tires
B. Sticking left brake caliper
C. Faulty alternator
D. Bad spark plugs
Answer: B. Sticking left brake caliper
Uneven braking force causes directional pull.
9. A technician finds coolant in engine oil. Most likely cause is:
A. Bad alternator
B. Head gasket failure
C. Fuel injector leak
D. Transmission failure
Answer: B. Head gasket failure
Allows coolant and oil to mix.
10. A vehicle overheats at idle but cools while driving. Likely cause:
A. Faulty radiator fan
B. Bad spark plugs
C. Low fuel pressure
D. Clogged air filter
Answer: A. Faulty radiator fan
Fan is required at low speeds for cooling.
11. A scan tool shows lean fuel mixture codes (P0171). Likely cause is:
A. Vacuum leak
B. Bad battery
C. Faulty brake pads
D. Low oil pressure
Answer: A. Vacuum leak
Extra air causes lean condition.
12. A vehicle has poor fuel economy and black exhaust smoke. Likely cause:
A. Lean mixture
B. Rich fuel mixture
EXAM Questions with Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A vehicle cranks normally but will not start. Fuel pressure is within specification. The next most
logical diagnostic step is:
A. Replace fuel pump
B. Check ignition spark at the plugs
C. Replace fuel injectors
D. Replace crankshaft
Answer: B. Check ignition spark at the plugs
If fuel pressure is correct, ignition or timing issues are the next likely cause.
2. A customer complains of engine misfire under load only. Which system is most likely involved?
A. Cooling system
B. Ignition system
C. Exhaust system
D. Charging system
Answer: B. Ignition system
Misfires under load often indicate weak coils, plugs, or ignition breakdown.
3. A scan tool shows a P0302 code. This indicates:
A. Oxygen sensor failure
B. Cylinder 2 misfire
C. Fuel system rich condition
D. Transmission slip
Answer: B. Cylinder 2 misfire
OBD-II code P0302 specifically refers to misfire in cylinder 2.
,4. A vehicle has low compression in one cylinder. Most likely cause is:
A. Faulty alternator
B. Worn piston rings or valve damage
C. Bad battery
D. Clogged fuel filter
Answer: B. Worn piston rings or valve damage
Mechanical sealing failure reduces compression.
5. A technician hears knocking noise increasing with engine RPM. Likely cause is:
A. Loose belt
B. Rod bearing wear
C. Exhaust leak
D. Low refrigerant
Answer: B. Rod bearing wear
Engine knock that increases with RPM often indicates internal bearing damage.
6. A vehicle’s ABS warning light is ON. The first step in diagnosis should be:
A. Replace ABS module
B. Scan ABS codes
C. Replace brake pads
D. Bleed brake system
Answer: B. Scan ABS codes
Diagnostic trouble codes guide further testing.
7. A battery repeatedly discharges overnight. Most likely cause is:
A. Faulty starter motor
B. Parasitic draw
C. Bad fuel pump
D. Low coolant
Answer: B. Parasitic draw
Electrical components draining power when vehicle is off.
8. A vehicle pulls to the right during braking. Likely cause is:
, A. Overinflated tires
B. Sticking left brake caliper
C. Faulty alternator
D. Bad spark plugs
Answer: B. Sticking left brake caliper
Uneven braking force causes directional pull.
9. A technician finds coolant in engine oil. Most likely cause is:
A. Bad alternator
B. Head gasket failure
C. Fuel injector leak
D. Transmission failure
Answer: B. Head gasket failure
Allows coolant and oil to mix.
10. A vehicle overheats at idle but cools while driving. Likely cause:
A. Faulty radiator fan
B. Bad spark plugs
C. Low fuel pressure
D. Clogged air filter
Answer: A. Faulty radiator fan
Fan is required at low speeds for cooling.
11. A scan tool shows lean fuel mixture codes (P0171). Likely cause is:
A. Vacuum leak
B. Bad battery
C. Faulty brake pads
D. Low oil pressure
Answer: A. Vacuum leak
Extra air causes lean condition.
12. A vehicle has poor fuel economy and black exhaust smoke. Likely cause:
A. Lean mixture
B. Rich fuel mixture
