F80 Inspection Procedures 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the correct sequence for a brake performance test on a dynamometer?
- Accelerate to 60 mph, then apply brakes and record distance
- Place vehicle on rollers, apply brakes at a specified speed, and measure brake force on each wheel (Correct answer)
- Apply the parking brake only and record drum temperature
- Manually push the vehicle and observe stopping distance
Correct answer: Place vehicle on rollers, apply brakes at a specified speed, and measure brake force on each wheel
A brake dynamometer test places driven wheels on rollers, applies brakes at a set speed, and measures individual wheel brake force.
Question 2: During inspection, an inspector finds the vehicle's odometer has been tampered with. What is the required action?
- Pass the vehicle but note the discrepancy
- Reject the vehicle and report the tampering to the appropriate authority (Correct answer)
- Request a second inspector's opinion before acting
- Issue a conditional pass pending odometer repair
Correct answer: Reject the vehicle and report the tampering to the appropriate authority
Odometer tampering is a federal offense; the inspector must reject the vehicle and report the violation to the appropriate state or federal authority.
Question 3: What condition of a vehicle's battery or electrical cables would cause an inspector to reject a vehicle?
- Minor oxidation on the terminals that can be cleaned
- Cables routed under a floor mat
- Cracked or severely corroded cables with exposed conductors near fuel lines (Correct answer)
- A battery that is not the OEM brand
Correct answer: Cracked or severely corroded cables with exposed conductors near fuel lines
Severely damaged cables with exposed conductors near fuel lines create a fire and electrical hazard warranting rejection.
Question 4: Which lighting component, if inoperative, would NOT typically result in an automatic rejection in most states?
- Both headlights
- All brake lights
- One of two rear license plate lights on a vehicle equipped with two (Correct answer)
- Turn signals
Correct answer: One of two rear license plate lights on a vehicle equipped with two
Many states allow a single inoperative license plate light if the other illuminates the plate adequately, while headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are mandatory.
Question 5: A vehicle undergoes an OBD-II emissions test and returns two ready monitors set to 'not ready.' What happens?
- The vehicle passes — only one monitor is required
- The vehicle fails the OBD portion — most states allow a maximum of one incomplete monitor (Correct answer)
- The vehicle is exempt if it was manufactured before 2000
- The vehicle is retested immediately with no penalty
Correct answer: The vehicle fails the OBD portion — most states allow a maximum of one incomplete monitor
Most US states allow a maximum of one incomplete OBD-II monitor (two for older vehicles); two incomplete monitors is a failure.
Question 6: When inspecting a vehicle for proper VIN placement, where must the primary VIN be located?
- On the driver's door jamb sticker only
- Visible through the windshield on the dashboard near the driver's side A-pillar (Correct answer)
- Stamped only on the engine block
- Printed on the rearview mirror housing
Correct answer: Visible through the windshield on the dashboard near the driver's side A-pillar
Federal law requires the primary VIN to be visible through the windshield, affixed to the left (driver's side) dashboard near the A-pillar.
Question 7: During a commercial vehicle inspection, what does a 'Level I' roadside inspection include?
- Driver credentials check only
- Full walk-around with driver/vehicle documentation review, brake check, lights, and under-vehicle inspection (Correct answer)
- Emissions test and tire pressure check only
- Interior cab inspection for contraband
Correct answer: Full walk-around with driver/vehicle documentation review, brake check, lights, and under-vehicle inspection
A FMCSA Level I inspection is the most comprehensive, covering driver credentials, logbooks, and a complete 37-item vehicle inspection including brakes and undercarriage.
F80 Inspection Procedures 5
Which of the following is the correct sequence for a brake performance test on a dynamometer?