CAR Vehicle Dismantling Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before dismantling a vehicle with a supplemental restraint system (SRS), what is the first safety step?
- Begin cutting immediately to save time
- Disconnect the battery and wait the manufacturer-specified time for capacitors to discharge (Correct answer)
- Remove the airbag modules first while the battery is still connected
- Inflate the airbags manually to confirm they are functional
Correct answer: Disconnect the battery and wait the manufacturer-specified time for capacitors to discharge
Disconnecting the battery and waiting the required discharge time (often 10–30 minutes) prevents accidental airbag deployment during dismantling.
Question 2: Which fluid must be removed from a vehicle BEFORE it is crushed or shredded under US EPA regulations?
- Windshield washer fluid
- Mercury from switches
- Air conditioning refrigerant (Correct answer)
- Engine coolant
Correct answer: Air conditioning refrigerant
EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require recovery of CFC and HFC refrigerants before vehicles are crushed or shredded.
Question 3: When removing a catalytic converter for resale, which tool minimizes damage to surrounding exhaust components?
- Torch cutting as close to the converter as possible
- Reciprocating saw with a metal blade
- Pipe cutter or reciprocating saw leaving adequate pipe length on each side (Correct answer)
- Impact wrench on the O2 sensor bung
Correct answer: Pipe cutter or reciprocating saw leaving adequate pipe length on each side
Leaving adequate pipe length on each side of the catalytic converter preserves its resale value and simplifies installation in the receiving vehicle.
Question 4: What is the correct procedure for draining engine oil during vehicle dismantling?
- Puncture the oil pan and let oil drain onto the ground
- Remove the drain plug and collect oil in an approved container for recycling (Correct answer)
- Siphon the oil into any available container and store indefinitely
- Leave oil in the engine until the block is sold
Correct answer: Remove the drain plug and collect oil in an approved container for recycling
Oil must be drained through the drain plug into an approved container and recycled to comply with environmental regulations.
Question 5: A technician is removing a transmission for resale. Which step should be performed LAST?
- Drain the transmission fluid
- Disconnect the driveshaft or CV axles
- Disconnect electrical connectors and shift linkage
- Lower the transmission from the vehicle (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Lower the transmission from the vehicle
The transmission should only be lowered from the vehicle after all fluid is drained, electrical connections are detached, and driveshaft or CV axles are disconnected.
Question 6: When extracting a used engine, what is the purpose of attaching a load leveler to the engine hoist chain?
- To increase the maximum lift capacity of the hoist
- To allow the engine angle to be adjusted for removal through tight clearances (Correct answer)
- To eliminate the need for a transmission jack
- To prevent the hoist from tipping backward
Correct answer: To allow the engine angle to be adjusted for removal through tight clearances
A load leveler lets the technician tilt the engine to clear firewall obstructions and guide it out of the engine bay safely.
Question 7: Which method is recommended for safely removing a pressurized fuel tank from a dismantled vehicle?
- Pierce the tank to release pressure before removal
- Remove the tank while smoking to identify fuel vapor leaks
- Depressurize the fuel system via the Schrader valve, then disconnect lines and remove the tank (Correct answer)
- Leave fuel in the tank and transport it pressurized
Correct answer: Depressurize the fuel system via the Schrader valve, then disconnect lines and remove the tank
Depressurizing through the Schrader valve and then disconnecting fuel lines minimizes spill risk and prevents dangerous fuel spray.
CAR Vehicle Dismantling Procedures 2
Before dismantling a vehicle with a supplemental restraint system (SRS), what is the first safety step?