NSW Education Standards Authority

2021 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION

Automotive
Vehicle Body

General • Reading time – 5 minutes

Instructions • Working time – 2 hours
• Write using black pen
• Calculators approved by NESA may be used
• Write your Centre Number and Student Number at the top of
pages 9, 13 and 15

Total marks: Section I – 15 marks (pages 2–5)

80 • Attempt Questions 1–15
• Allow about 20 minutes for this section

Section II – 35 marks (pages 9–15)

• Attempt Questions 16–21
• Allow about 50 minutes for this section

Section III – 15 marks (page 17)

• Attempt Question 22
• Allow about 25 minutes for this section

Section IV – 15 marks (page 18)

• Attempt Question 23
• Allow about 25 minutes for this section

1360
Section I

15 marks
Attempt Questions 1–15
Allow about 20 minutes for this section

Use the multiple-choice answer sheet for Questions 1–15.

1 A troubleshooting flow chart is shown.

1
Turn key to Start position

2 3 Engine does
Engine cranks not crank

4 Engine cranks 5 Starter Motor 6 Check battery

normally noisy state of charge

7 No further 8 Test Starter

action required Motor

Which step on the flow chart identifies the point where a voltage test would be performed?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 6
D. 7

2 Which maintenance procedure should be carried out on a pneumatic tool?

A. Oil daily
B. Charge battery
C. Change hydraulic oil
D. Tag out when not in use

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3 A worker is seriously injured in the workplace.

Which of the following is responsible for investigating the incident?

A. NSW Health
B. Trade union
C. SafeWork NSW
D. FairWork Australia

4 The diagram shows a check engine light.

A vehicle in a workshop shows a check engine light illuminated on the instrument

cluster.

What is the correct diagnostic sequence to identify the fault?

A. Connect a scan tool, start the engine

B. Connect a scan tool, check the fuel level
C. Check the engine oil, connect a scan tool
D. Test the starter motor, connect a scan tool

5 Which colour is most commonly used to identify a spill kit in an automotive workshop?

A. Blue
B. Green
C. Red
D. Yellow

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6 An employer pays a technician the award wage.

Which of the following best describes this pay scale?

A. The maximum weekly wage

B. The minimum weekly wage
C. A negotiated employee salary
D. A negotiated workplace agreement

7 Why is it important to attach the vacuum hose when using an orbital air sander?

A. Reduce operational noise

B. Assist the rotational speed
C. Prevent the sandpaper clogging
D. Prevent the sandpaper overheating

8 What would be the result of corrosion in an automotive electrical connection?

A. High current
B. High voltage
C. Low resistance
D. High resistance

9 What information should be recorded on a tag after a component has been removed?

A. The VIN
B. Customer name
C. Customer address
D. The vehicle colour

10 What area of the vehicle is covered by the turret?

A. The grille area

B. The boot lid opening
C. The engine compartment
D. The passenger compartment

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11 When repairing the rear section of a vehicle by metal cutting and grinding, it is best
practice to remove the

A. wheels.
B. boot lid.
C. fuel tank.
D. rear bumper bar.

12 A roller method should be used to apply a primer coat when

A. priming a large area.

B. even coats are required.
C. a thin primer coat is required.
D. the spray booth is not operational.

13 What hazardous substance is contained in two part acrylic urethane primer?

A. Asbestos
B. Thinners
C. Isocyanate
D. Chromates

14 Which type of protective coating is commonly applied by manufacturers on automotive

replacement panels?

A. Tar compound
B. Etch phosphate
C. Silicone phosphate
D. Water-based compound

15 According to Ohm’s law, voltage drop occurs when

A. a circuit is open.
B. current is present.
C. voltage is present.
D. resistance is applied.

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© 2021 NSW Education Standards Authority
 2021 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION

Centre Number
Automotive
Vehicle Body
Student Number
Section II

35 marks
Attempt Questions 16–21
Allow about 50 minutes for this section

Answer the questions in the spaces provided. These spaces provide guidance for the expected
length of response.

Show all relevant working in questions involving calculations.

Question 16 (4 marks)

Describe ways an automotive workshop can promote environmental sustainability. 4

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Question 17 (5 marks)

(a) An image of a red fire extinguisher with a white band is shown. 2

Describe TWO types of fire this extinguisher is most suitable for.

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(b) Outline the procedure used to extinguish a fire using a fire extinguisher. 3
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Question 18 (6 marks)

(a) Why is it important for a technician to verify a fault prior to diagnosing the 2
fault?

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(b) Describe the difference between a symptom and a fault. Include an automotive 4
example in your answer.

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© 2021 NSW Education Standards Authority
 2021 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION

Centre Number
Automotive
Vehicle Body
Section II (continued) Student Number

Question 19 (5 marks)

(a) Identify TWO work health and safety (WHS) risks involved when refitting 2
doors to a modern vehicle.

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(b) A vehicle is to be re-assembled following a repair of a major side impact. 3

Explain why the rear door of the vehicle should be fitted first.
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Question 20 (6 marks)

(a) A two-pack primer is to be applied by spray method to a vehicle panel. 2

Outline ONE process which should be carried out prior to the application of the
primer.

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(b) A vehicle side panel has been primed and is ready to be sanded in preparation 4
for the top coat.

Describe the steps to be followed when sanding to achieve an industry-standard

finish.

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© 2021 NSW Education Standards Authority
 2021 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION

Centre Number
Automotive
Vehicle Body
Section II (continued) Student Number

Question 21 (9 marks)

(a) Outline the difference between Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current 2
(AC).

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(b) How would a voltage drop greater than 0.6 of a volt affect a 12 volt circuit? 3
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(c) Explain the operating differences between a series circuit and a parallel circuit. 4
You may include diagrams in your answer.

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© 2021 NSW Education Standards Authority
 2021 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION

Automotive
Vehicle Body

Section III

15 marks
Attempt Question 22
Allow about 25 minutes for this section

Answer the question in a writing booklet. Extra writing booklets are available.

Question 22 (15 marks)

(a) Why are both an etch primer and primer filler used in vehicle paint repairs? 5

(b) Explain the use of different types of drying equipment available in most licensed 10
workshops.

Please turn over

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Section IV

15 marks
Attempt Question 23
Allow about 25 minutes for this section

Answer the question in a SEPARATE writing booklet. Extra writing booklets are available.

Your answer will be assessed on how well you:

● demonstrate knowledge and understanding relevant to the question
● communicate ideas and information using relevant workplace examples and industry
terminology
● present a logical and cohesive response

Question 23 (15 marks)

Global events can affect different aspects of the automotive industry.

How can the automotive industry respond to challenges at both local and global levels?

End of paper

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© 2021 NSW Education Standards Authority