CAFM Vehicle Maintenance and Repair 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A fleet vehicle's brake pedal feels spongy and sinks to the floor under moderate pressure. What is the most likely cause?
- Worn brake pads
- Air in the brake hydraulic system (Correct answer)
- Faulty ABS module
- Loose wheel bearings
Correct answer: Air in the brake hydraulic system
Air in the hydraulic brake lines compresses under pressure, causing a spongy pedal feel and reduced braking effectiveness.
Question 2: When implementing a preventive maintenance schedule for a mixed fleet, which interval system is generally preferred over fixed mileage intervals?
- Calendar-based intervals
- Severity-adjusted intervals (Correct answer)
- Odometer-only intervals
- Manufacturer-default intervals
Correct answer: Severity-adjusted intervals
Severity-adjusted intervals account for actual operating conditions (stop-and-go, idling, towing) which affect component wear more accurately than fixed mileage alone.
Question 3: A fleet manager notices repeated alternator failures on a specific vehicle model. What is the BEST first step in diagnosing this systemic issue?
- Replace alternators with higher-output units
- Review repair history and identify common failure modes (Correct answer)
- Switch to a different vehicle brand
- Increase PM intervals for electrical systems
Correct answer: Review repair history and identify common failure modes
Reviewing repair history to identify common failure modes helps pinpoint root causes such as accessory loads, wiring issues, or a faulty OEM part batch.
Question 4: What does the acronym 'OBD-II' refer to in fleet vehicle diagnostics?
- On-Board Diagnostics, second generation (Correct answer)
- Operational Brake Detection, second iteration
- Output Buffer Device, version II
- On-Board Data Integrator, second release
Correct answer: On-Board Diagnostics, second generation
OBD-II is the standardized on-board diagnostics system mandatory on US vehicles since 1996, providing fault codes and sensor data via a standard port.
Question 5: A fleet vehicle is due for a timing belt replacement per manufacturer schedule. The technician finds the belt in apparently good condition. What should the fleet manager authorize?
- Postpone replacement until visible wear appears
- Replace it on schedule regardless of appearance (Correct answer)
- Extend the interval by 10,000 miles and re-inspect
- Switch to a timing chain at this service
Correct answer: Replace it on schedule regardless of appearance
Timing belt failures are catastrophic and often occur without visible warning signs; replacement on schedule is standard fleet risk management practice.
Question 6: Which type of engine oil viscosity rating is most critical for fleet vehicles operating in regions with extreme temperature swings?
- Single-grade oil (e.g., SAE 30)
- Multi-grade oil (e.g., SAE 5W-30) (Correct answer)
- Straight-weight racing oil
- Vegetable-based bio-oil
Correct answer: Multi-grade oil (e.g., SAE 5W-30)
Multi-grade oils maintain proper viscosity across a wide temperature range, ensuring adequate lubrication during cold starts and high-temperature operation.
Question 7: A fleet technician reports that a vehicle's coolant is milky or frothy in appearance. What does this most likely indicate?
- Normal coolant oxidation
- Head gasket failure allowing oil-coolant mixing (Correct answer)
- Overfilled coolant reservoir
- Thermostat stuck open
Correct answer: Head gasket failure allowing oil-coolant mixing
Milky or frothy coolant is a classic sign of head gasket failure, where combustion gases or oil enters the cooling system.
CAFM Vehicle Maintenance and Repair 2
A fleet vehicle's brake pedal feels spongy and sinks to the floor under moderate pressure.
What is the most likely cause?