S T U D Y G U I D E

A U T O
Maintenance and Light Repair

National Institute for

AUTOMOTIVE
SERVICE
EXCELLENCE
 Overview
This guide is intended to help technicians study for the ASE Auto Maintenance and
Light Repair Test (Test G1). If you pass the G1 exam, and have at least one year of
hands-on working experience in auto maintenance and light repair (half may be met
by appropriate vocational training), you will be certified in this area.

Test questions, written by service industry experts familiar with all aspects of
maintenance and light repair, are entirely job-related. They test knowledge of the
skills you need to do the job; theoretical knowledge is not covered. The G1 tests have
a “Leer en español” button that, when clicked, calls up a side-by-side Spanish/
English rendering of the question and answer options. Anyone can use this feature
during the test; no special registration is needed. For more information, see www.ase.
com/spanish.

The Test Specifications and Task List provide you with a map of the test content, helping
you discover areas you need to learn more about. The sample questions show the types of
multiple-choice questions on ASE tests.

Plan to arrive early at the test center; late arrivals may be turned away. Be sure to
bring your test center admission ticket and a current government-issued photo
ID. Lockers will be provided for personal items that are not allowed in the test center.

Your appointment begins with a short tutorial to familiarize you with our testing system.
You can also preview the testing platform online at www.ase.com/asedemo.

If a question is difficult, mark your best guess and flag the question. If you have time
at the end, review the flagged questions. Your score is based on correct answers only,
so try to answer every question to the best of your ability.

After you finish your last test and complete the customer survey, inform the test center
staff and leave. When you check your email, your test results will be waiting for you.

Number Testing
of time
MLR Tests 2022 questions

G1 Auto Maintenance & Light 55* 1 1/2

Repair hrs
G1R Auto Maintenance & Light 28 45
COPYRIGHT © 2021 by Repair Recert mins
National Institute for
* Includes 10 additional research questions that are not scored.
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE
Spanish translation of each question is available in the G1 tests.
EXCELLENCE
Selecting the “Leer en español” button displays split screens showing
All rights reserved both English and Spanish versions of each question. No special
registration is necessary.

Page 2 ASE Auto Maintenance & Light Repair Study Guide

 Test Specifications and Task List
Auto Maintenance and Light
Repair (Test G1)
Questions Percentage
Content Area in Test of Test
A. Engine Systems 9 16%
B. Automatic Transmission/Transaxle 4 7%
C. Manual Drive Train and Axles 6 11%
D. Suspension and Steering 13 24%
E. Brakes 11 20%
F. Electrical 8 15%
G. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning 4 7%

Total 55* 100%
* ASE certification tests include 10 research questions that are not counted for score (so
Test G1 will have 65 total questions). You will not know which questions these are, so you
should answer every question. Recertification tests do not have additional questions.

A. Engine Systems (9 questions)

1. Verify driver’s concern and/or road test vehicle; determine necessary action.
Utilize service manuals, technical service bulletins (TSBs), and product
information.
2. Inspect engine assembly for fuel, oil, coolant, and other leaks; determine
necessary action.
3. Check for abnormal engine noises.
4. Inspect and replace pans and covers.
5. Change engine oil and filter; reset oil life monitor.
6. Inspect and test radiator, heater core, pressure cap, and coolant recovery system;
determine needed repairs; perform cooling system pressure and dye tests.
7. Inspect, replace, and adjust drive belt(s), tensioner(s), and pulleys.
8. Inspect and replace engine cooling system and heater system hoses, pipes, and
fittings.
9. Remove and replace engine thermostat and coolant bypass.
10. Inspect and test coolant; drain, flush, and refill cooling system with
recommended coolant; bleed air as required.
11. Inspect and replace accessory belt driven water pumps.
12. Confirm fan operation (both electrical and mechanical); inspect fan clutch, fan
shroud, and air dams.
13. Verify operation of engine-related warning indicators.

ASE Auto Maintenance & Light Repair Study Guide Page 3

14. Perform air induction/ throttle body service.
15. Inspect, service, or replace air filter(s), filter housing(s), and air intake system
components.
16. Inspect and replace crankcase ventilation system components.
17. Inspect exhaust system for leaks; check hangers, brackets, and heat shields;
determine needed repairs.
18. Retrieve and record diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
19. Remove and replace spark plugs; inspect secondary ignition components for
wear or damage.
20. Inspect fuel tank, filler neck, fuel cap, lines, fittings, and hoses; replace external
fuel filter.
21. Inspect canister, lines/hoses, and mechanical and electrical components of the
evaporative emissions control system (EVAP).
22. Check and refill diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).

B. Automatic Transmission/Transaxle (4 questions)

1. Road test the vehicle to normal operation; retrieve and record diagnostic trouble
codes (DTCs).
2. Determine fluid type, level, and condition.
3. Inspect transmission for leaks; replace external seals and gaskets.
4. Inspect and replace CV boots, axles, drive shafts, U-joints, drive axle joints, and
seals.
5. Visually inspect condition of transmission cooling system, lines, and fittings.
6. Inspect and replace power train mounts.
7. Replace fluid and filter(s).

C. Manual Drive Train and Axles (6 questions)

1. Inspect, adjust, replace, and bleed external hydraulic clutch slave/release
cylinder, master cylinder, lines, and hoses; clean and flush hydraulic system;
refill with proper fluid.
2. Inspect and replace power train mounts.
3. Inspect, adjust, and replace transmission/transaxle external shifter assembly, shift
linkages, brackets, bushings/grommets, pivots, and levers.
4. Inspect and replace external seals.
5. Check fluid level; refill with fluid.
►Drive Shaft, Half-Shaft, and Universal Joints/Constant Velocity
(CV) Joint (Front and Rear Wheel Drive)
6. Road test the vehicle to verify drive train noises and vibration.
7. Inspect, service, and replace shafts, yokes, boots, universal/CV joints; verify
proper phasing.
8. Inspect, service, and replace drive shaft center support bearings.
9. Inspect, service, and replace wheel bearings, seals, and hubs, excluding
press-type bearings.

Page 4 ASE Auto Maintenance & Light Repair Study Guide

► Rear Wheel Drive Axle Inspection
10. Identify fluid leakage problems.
11. Inspect, drain, and refill with lubricant.
12. Inspect and replace rear axle shaft wheel studs.
13. Inspect axle housing and vent; inspect rear axle mountings.
► Four Wheel/All Wheel Drive
14. Inspect, adjust, and repair transfer case manual shifting mechanisms, bushings,
mounts, levers, and brackets.
15. Check transfer case fluid level and inspect condition; drain and refill with fluid.
16. Inspect, service, and replace front drive/propeller shaft and universal/CV joints.
17. Inspect front drive axle universal/CV joints and drive/half shafts, axle seals, and
vents.
18. Inspect front wheel bearings, seals, and hubs.
19. Inspect transfer case, front differential, and axle seals and vents.
20. Inspect tires for correct size for vehicle application; check for wear.
21. Retrieve and record diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
22. Inspect and verify operation of 4WD/AWD system.

D. Suspension and Steering (13 questions)

1. Disarm airbag (SRS) system.
2. Check power steering fluid level; determine fluid type and adjust fluid level;
identify system type (electric or hydraulic).
3. Inspect, adjust, and replace power steering pump belt(s), tensioners and pulleys;
verify pulley alignment.
4. Identify power steering pump noises, vibration, and fluid leakage.
5. Remove and replace power steering pump; inspect pump mounting and
attaching brackets; remove and replace power steering pump pulley; transfer
related components.
6. Inspect and replace power steering hoses, fittings, O-rings, coolers, and filters.
7. Inspect and replace rack and pinion steering gear bellows/boots.
8. Flush, fill, and bleed power steering system.
9. Retrieve and record diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
10. Inspect electronic suspension components (ride height sensors, wiring, etc.).
► Steering Linkage
11. Inspect, adjust (where applicable), and replace pitman arm, center link (relay rod/
drag link/intermediate rod), idler arm(s) and mountings.
12. Inspect, replace, and adjust tie rods, tie rod sleeves/adjusters, clamps, and tie rod
ends (sockets/bushings).
13. Inspect and replace steering linkage damper(s).
► Front Suspension
14. Identify front suspension system noises, handling, ride height, and ride quality
concerns; disable air suspension system.
15. Inspect upper and lower control arms, bushings, and shafts.

ASE Auto Maintenance & Light Repair Study Guide Page 5

16. Inspect and replace rebound and jounce bumpers.
17. Inspect track bar, strut rods/radius arms, and related mounts and bushings.
18. Inspect upper and lower ball joints (with or without wear indicators).
19. Inspect non-independent front axle assembly for damage and misalignment.
20. Inspect front steering knuckle/spindle assemblies and steering arms.
21. Inspect front suspension system coil/air springs and spring insulators (silencers).
22. Inspect front suspension system leaf spring(s), leaf spring insulators (silencers),
shackles, brackets, bushings, center pins/bolts, and mounts.
23. Inspect front suspension system torsion bars and mounts.
24. Inspect and replace front stabilizer bar (sway bar) bushings, brackets, and links.
25. Inspect front strut cartridge or assembly.
26. Inspect front strut bearing and mount.
27. Identify noise and service front wheel bearings/hub assemblies.
► Rear Suspension
28. Identify rear suspension system noises, handling, and ride height concerns;
disable air suspension system.
29. Inspect rear suspension system coil/air springs and spring insulators (silencers).
30. Inspect rear suspension system lateral links/arms (track bars), and control
(trailing) arms.
31. Inspect and replace rear stabilizer bars (sway bars), bushings, and links.
32. Inspect rear suspension system leaf spring(s), leaf spring insulators (silencers),
shackles, brackets, bushings, center pins/bolts, and mounts.
33. Inspect and replace rear rebound and jounce bumpers.
34. Inspect rear strut cartridge or assembly, and upper mount assembly.
35. Inspect non-independent rear axle assembly for damage and misalignment.
36. Inspect rear ball joints.
37. Inspect and replace rear tie rod/toe linkages.
38. Inspect rear knuckle/spindle assembly.
39. Inspect and replace shock absorbers, mounts, and bushings.
40. Identify noise related concerns and service rear wheel bearings/hub assemblies.
41. Identify driver assist systems, if applicable.
► Wheel Alignment
42. Identify alignment-related symptoms such as vehicle wander, drift, and pull.
43. Perform pre-alignment inspection; prepare vehicle for alignment, and perform
initial wheel alignment measurements.
44. Measure front and rear wheel camber; adjust as needed.
45. Measure caster; adjust as needed.
46. Measure front wheel toe; adjust as needed.
47. Center the steering wheel using mechanical methods.
48. Measure rear wheel toe; adjust as needed.
49. Measure thrust angle.
50. Calibrate steering angle sensor.

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► Wheel and Tires
51. Identify tire wear patterns.
52. Inspect tire condition, tread depth, size, and application (load and speed ratings).
53. Check and adjust tire air pressure. Utilize vehicle tire placard and information.
54. Diagnose wheel/tire vibration, shimmy, and noise concerns; determine needed
repairs.
55. Rotate tires/wheels and torque fasteners/wheel locks.
56. Dismount and mount tire on wheel.
57. Balance wheel and tire assembly.
58. Identify and test tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) (indirect and
direct) for operation. Verify instrument panel lamps operation; conduct relearn
procedure.
59. Repair tire according to tire manufacturers’ standards.

E. Brakes (11 questions)

1. Check for poor stopping, pulling, dragging, noises, high or low pedal, and hard
or spongy pedal.
2. Check the master cylinder fluid level and condition; inspect for external fluid
leakage.
3. Inspect flexible brake hoses, brake lines, valves, and fittings for routing, leaks,
dents, kinks, rust, cracks, or wear; inspect for loose fittings and supports;
determine needed repairs.
4. Verify operation of brake warning light and ABS warning light; inspect brake
system wiring damage and routing.
5. Test parking brake indicator light, switch, and wiring.
6. Bleed and/or flush hydraulic system.
7. Select, handle, store, and install proper brake fluids.
► Drum Brakes
8. Remove, clean, inspect, and measure brake drums; follow manufacturers’
recommendations in determining need to machine or replace.
9. Machine drums according to manufacturers’ procedures and specifications.
10. Using proper safety procedures, remove, clean, and inspect brake shoes/linings,
springs, pins, self-adjusters, levers, clips, brake backing (support) plates, and
other related brake hardware; determine needed repairs.
11. Lubricate brake shoe support pads on backing (support) plate, self-adjuster
mechanisms, and other brake hardware.
12. Inspect wheel cylinder(s) for leakage, operation, and mounting; remove and
replace wheel cylinder(s).
13. Install brake shoes and related hardware.
14. Adjust brake shoes and parking brake.
15. Check parking brake system operation; inspect cables and components for wear,
rust, and corrosion; clean or replace components as necessary; lubricate and
adjust assembly.
16. Reinstall wheel, torque lug nuts, and make final brake checks and adjustments.

ASE Auto Maintenance & Light Repair Study Guide Page 7

► Disc Brakes
17. Retract integral parking brake caliper piston(s) according to manufacturers’
recommendations.
18. Remove caliper assembly from mountings; inspect for leaks and damage to
caliper housing.
19. Clean and inspect caliper mountings and slides/pins for wear and damage.
20. Remove, clean, and inspect pads and retaining hardware; determine needed
repairs, adjustments, and replacements.
21. Clean caliper assembly; inspect external parts for wear, rust, scoring, and
damage; replace any damaged or worn parts; determine the need to repair or
replace caliper assembly.
22. Clean, inspect, and measure rotors with a dial indicator and a micrometer;
determine the need to index, machine, or replace the rotor.
23. Remove and replace rotors.
24. Machine rotors, using on-car or off-car method.
25. Install pads, calipers, and related attaching hardware; lubricate components;
bleed system.
26. Adjust calipers with integral parking brakes.
27. Fill master cylinder with recommended fluid; reset system.
28. Reinstall wheel, torque lug nuts, and make final brake checks and adjustments.
29. Road test vehicle and burnish/break-in pads according to manufacturers’
recommendations.
► Power Assist Units
30. Test brake pedal free travel with and without engine running to check power
booster operation.
31. Check vacuum supply (manifold or auxiliary pump) to vacuum-type power
booster.
32. Inspect the vacuum-type power booster unit for operation, and vacuum leaks;
inspect the check valve for proper operation.
33. Identify operation of electric-hydraulic assist system; check system for leaks and
operation.
34. Identify operation of hydro-boost assist system; check system for leaks and
operation.

F. Electrical (8 questions)
1. Disarm/re-enable air bag; verify lamp operation.
2. Check voltages, grounds, and voltage drops in electrical circuits; interpret
readings.
3. Check current flow in electrical circuits and components; interpret readings.
4. Check continuity and resistances in electrical circuits and components; interpret
readings.
5. Perform battery tests (load and capacitance); determine needed service.
6. Maintain or restore electronic memory functions.
7. Inspect, clean, fill, or replace battery.

Page 8 ASE Auto Maintenance & Light Repair Study Guide

 8. Perform slow/fast battery charge in accordance with manufacturers’
recommendations.
9. Inspect, clean, and repair or replace battery cables, connectors, clamps, and
hold-downs.
10. Jump-start a vehicle with a booster battery or auxiliary power supply.
11. Perform starter current draw test; interpret readings.
12. Inspect switches, connectors, and wires of starter control circuits.
13. Remove and replace starter.
14. Perform charging system output test and identify undercharge, no-charge, or
overcharge condition.
15. Inspect, adjust, and replace generator (alternator) drive belts, pulleys, and
tensioners.
16. Remove, inspect, and replace generator (alternator).
17. Inspect, replace, and aim headlights/bulbs and auxiliary lights (fog lights/driving
lights).
18. Inspect interior and exterior lamps and sockets; repair as needed.
19. Inspect lenses; determine needed repairs.
20. Verify instrument gauges and warning/indicator light operation; reset
maintenance indicators.
21. Verify horn operation; determine needed repairs.
22. Verify wiper and washer operation; replace wiper motor, blades, washer pump,
and hoses and nozzles as needed.

G. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

(4 questions)
1. Verify HVAC operation (vent temperature, blower and condenser fan,
compressor engagement, blend and mode door(s) operation).
2. Identify A/C refrigerant type; recover and recharge system per manufacturer’s
specifications.
3. Visually check A/C components for signs of leaks.
4. Inspect A/C condenser for restricted air flow.
5. Inspect and replace cabin air filter.
6. Check drive belt for wear and tension; adjust or replace as needed.
7. Inspect and clean evaporator drains. ■

ASE Auto Maintenance & Light Repair Study Guide Page 9

 Sample Questions
Auto Maintenance and Light
Repair (Test G1)
1. When changing the engine oil filter, the technician should:

(A) install the filter with pliers.

(B) tighten the new filter two turns after seal contact.
* (C) inspect the oil flange for the old filter seal.
(D) install the filter with a dry seal.

2. When pressure testing an engine cooling system, the technician
should pressurize the system to:

* (A) the radiator cap’s specified pressure.

(B) twice the radiator cap’s specified pressure.
(C) half the radiator cap’s specified pressure.
(D) three times the radiator cap’s specified pressure.

3. The tire wear in the illustration shown could be caused by:

(A) camber wear.

(B) toe wear.
(C) under-inflation.
* (D) over-inflation.

Page 10 ASE Auto Maintenance & Light Repair Study Guide

4. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light is illuminated
on a vehicle equipped with direct TPMS.
Technician A says that low air pressure in the spare tire could be the
cause.
Technician B says that inflating the tires to the proper pressure
using nitrogen could be the cause.
Who is right?

* (A) A only
(B) B only
(C) Both A and B
(D) Neither A nor B

5. Brake fluid that is not in use should be kept in a closed container

to prevent:

(A) the spread of toxic fumes.

(B) evaporation.
(C) the possibility of fire.
* (D) moisture contamination.

This question contains the word EXCEPT. Read the question carefully
before choosing your answer.

6. Tire sidewalls include all of the following items EXCEPT:

(A) tire manufacturer.
(B) load class.
* (C) minimum tread depth.
(D) manufacture date.

ASE Auto Maintenance & Light Repair Study Guide Page 11

 National Institute for
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE
1503 Edwards Ferry Road, NE
Suite 401
Leesburg, VA 20176
To contact us:
703-669-6600
www.ase.com