F80 F80 Inspection Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the correct method for testing parking brake effectiveness during an F80 inspection?
- Apply the parking brake and attempt to drive forward on flat ground (Correct answer)
- Measure the distance the vehicle rolls after the parking brake is released
- Inspect only the parking brake cable for fraying
- Verify only that the parking brake lever moves up and down
Correct answer: Apply the parking brake and attempt to drive forward on flat ground
Applying the parking brake and attempting to move forward on flat ground tests whether it holds the vehicle stationary as intended.
Question 2: What is the acceptable minimum tire tread depth for a vehicle to pass an F80 inspection?
- 1/16 inch (1.6 mm)
- 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) (Correct answer)
- 4/32 inch (3.2 mm)
- 6/32 inch (4.8 mm)
Correct answer: 2/32 inch (1.6 mm)
Most US state inspection standards require a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inch, which is also the depth of the wear indicator bars.
Question 3: During an F80 exhaust inspection, which condition is grounds for rejection?
- A muffler that reduces exhaust noise
- Exhaust leaks forward of the last point of exit from the passenger compartment (Correct answer)
- Exhaust that exits at the rear of the vehicle
- A catalytic converter in good working order
Correct answer: Exhaust leaks forward of the last point of exit from the passenger compartment
Exhaust leaks near the passenger compartment allow carbon monoxide to enter, posing a serious health and safety hazard.
Question 4: When an inspector checks suspension components during an F80 inspection, what is the correct tool used to check for worn ball joints?
- A torque wrench
- A pry bar and dial indicator or equivalent lift test (Correct answer)
- A feeler gauge only
- A tire pressure gauge
Correct answer: A pry bar and dial indicator or equivalent lift test
A pry bar combined with a dial indicator measures ball joint play and identifies wear beyond the manufacturer's specification.
Question 5: Which fuel system condition would cause a vehicle to fail an F80 inspection?
- A fuel cap that snaps closed
- Fuel odor or visible fuel leakage anywhere in the system (Correct answer)
- A fuel tank with less than a quarter tank of fuel
- A fuel injector that is slightly dirty
Correct answer: Fuel odor or visible fuel leakage anywhere in the system
Any fuel leakage or strong fuel odor indicates a fire hazard that requires immediate rejection.
Question 6: How are wiper blades evaluated during an F80 windshield wiper inspection?
- Only their mounting hardware is checked for tightness
- They are tested on the windshield for proper contact and streak-free wiping (Correct answer)
- Their age in years is compared to manufacturer recommendations
- Only the wiper motor speed is tested
Correct answer: They are tested on the windshield for proper contact and streak-free wiping
Wiper blades must be tested on the windshield while operating to confirm they make full contact and clear the glass without streaking.
Question 7: Which of the following seat belt conditions results in an F80 inspection failure?
- A belt with a slight color fade from sun exposure
- A belt that does not retract, latch, or has visible webbing damage (Correct answer)
- A belt that locks during hard braking
- A belt with a manufacturer's logo worn off
Correct answer: A belt that does not retract, latch, or has visible webbing damage
Seat belts that fail to retract, latch securely, or show webbing damage cannot restrain occupants in a crash.
Which of the following is the correct method for testing parking brake effectiveness during an F80 inspection?