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ASE G1 Cheat Sheet

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Engine Systems

  • 16% of exam
  • Engine Fluids & Belts Engine Diagnostics & Emissions Oil Change Cooling System

Automatic Transmission/Transaxle

  • 7% of exam
  • Automatic Transmission Service Fluid Service CV Boots Leak Diagnosis

Manual Drive Train & Axles

  • 11% of exam
  • Clutch & Driveline Axles & 4WD/AWD CV Joints Transfer Case

Suspension & Steering

  • 24% of exam
  • Power Steering Service Front & Rear Suspension Steering Linkage & Alignment Wheels & Tires

Brakes

  • 20% of exam
  • Brake Hydraulic System Drum & Disc Brakes Power Assist & Parking Brake ABS Warning Light

Electrical

  • 15% of exam
  • Battery & Charging Starting & Circuits Lighting & Accessories Alternator Test

Heating, Ventilation & AC

  • 7% of exam
  • HVAC Service Refrigerant Recharge Cabin Air Filter Evaporator Drain

Quick Facts

  • Exam G1
  • Credential Auto Maint. & Light Repair
  • Questions 55 (45 scored)
  • Time 90 minutes
  • Pass 70 scaled score
  • Format CBT, Prometric/ProProctor
  • Level Entry-level
  • Blueprint 2026 ASE spec
  • Experience 1 year required
  • Validity 5 years

Engine Fluid Check Order EN

  • Oil, then coolant, then belts
  • Oil: check level, life Coolant: check level, type Belts: check cracks, tension Filters: air and oil

Engine Service Decision EN

  • Oil life monitor lit → Change oil and filter ( Reset monitor after )
  • Overheating concern reported → Pressure test cooling system ( To cap rating )
  • Rough idle, DTC set → Retrieve codes first ( Before parts swap )
  • Fuel smell present → Inspect tank and lines ( Check EVAP too )
  • Belt squeal noise → Inspect belt and tensioner ( Check pulley alignment )

Engine Fluids & Belts EN

  • Oil change Warm engine before draining
  • Oil filter Check for stuck gasket
  • Coolant service Drain, flush, refill, bleed
  • Pressure test To radiator cap rating
  • Drive belt Inspect tensioner and pulleys
  • Thermostat Controls coolant flow rate

Engine Diagnostics & Emissions EN

  • DTCs Retrieve before any repair
  • Spark plugs Check secondary ignition parts
  • Air filter Replace if restricted, damaged
  • EVAP system Inspect canister, lines, hoses
  • DEF fluid Diesel exhaust fluid only
  • Exhaust leak Check hangers and shields

Automatic Transmission Service AU

  • Fluid check Type, level, and condition
  • External seals Replace if leaking
  • CV boots Inspect for cracks, tears
  • Filter service Replace with fluid change
  • Cooler lines Visually inspect for leaks
  • Powertrain mounts Inspect for excess movement

Automatic vs Manual Drivetrain MA

Automatic Transmission

  • Fluid and filter service
  • No clutch pedal present
  • Torque converter driven design

Manual Drivetrain

  • Clutch hydraulics present
  • Shift linkage needs service
  • Driver-operated clutch pedal
  • Fluid service vs clutch

Clutch & Driveline MA

  • Clutch hydraulics Bleed slave and master
  • Shift linkage Inspect bushings and pivots
  • U-joints Verify proper phasing
  • CV joints Inspect boots for wear
  • Support bearing Inspect center driveshaft bearing
  • Wheel bearings Excludes press-type designs

Axles & 4WD/AWD MA

  • RWD axle Identify fluid leak points
  • Axle housing Inspect vent for blockage
  • Transfer case Check fluid level, condition
  • Front differential Inspect seals and vents
  • 4WD/AWD Verify engagement and operation
  • Tire size Match front and rear

Alignment Angle Order SU

  • Camber first, caster next, toe last
  • Camber: tilt in or out Caster: steering axis angle Toe: adjusted last always Thrust: rear axle reference

Camber vs Caster SU

Camber

  • Wheel tilt in/out
  • Vertical angle measurement
  • Affects tire wear pattern

Caster

  • Steering axis tilt angle
  • Affects steering return, stability
  • Not a tire-wear angle
  • Tilt vs steering axis

Alignment Symptom Decision SU

  • Vehicle wanders or drifts → Check alignment angles ( Camber, caster, toe )
  • Tire wear is uneven → Inspect toe setting ( Or camber wear )
  • Steering wheel is off-center → Center it mechanically ( After toe set )
  • Vehicle pulls one direction → Check caster split ( Between left, right )
  • Warning light after service → Calibrate angle sensor ( Post-alignment requirement )

Power Steering Service SU

  • PS fluid Match type, check level
  • Pump noise Check belt and pulleys
  • Rack boots Inspect for tears
  • System bleed Flush, fill, bleed air
  • System type Identify electric or hydraulic

Toe vs Thrust Angle SU

Toe

  • Front or rear wheel pair
  • Set last in alignment
  • Directly affects tire wear

Thrust Angle

  • Rear axle centerline angle
  • Compares to body centerline
  • Affects steering wheel centering
  • Wheel pair vs axle

Front & Rear Suspension SU

  • Ball joints Check wear indicators first
  • Control arms Inspect bushings and shafts
  • Struts Inspect cartridge and mount
  • Stabilizer bar Inspect links and bushings
  • Springs Inspect insulators and shackles
  • Air suspension Disable before servicing system

Direct vs Indirect TPMS SU

Direct TPMS

  • Wheel-mounted pressure sensors
  • Reads actual tire pressure
  • Needs relearn after service

Indirect TPMS

  • Uses wheel speed sensors
  • Estimates pressure through ABS
  • No physical pressure sensor
  • Sensor vs ABS-based

Steering Linkage & Alignment SU

  • Pitman arm Inspect center link, idler
  • Tie rod ends Inspect sockets and bushings
  • Camber Adjust to specification first
  • Caster Affects steering pull, return
  • Toe Set last, both axles
  • Thrust angle Rear axle alignment reference
  • Angle sensor Calibrate after alignment work

Wheels & Tires SU

  • Wear pattern Diagnoses alignment or inflation
  • Tread depth Check load, speed rating
  • TPMS Direct or indirect system
  • Wheel balance Fixes vibration and shimmy
  • Lug torque Always to specification value
  • TPMS relearn Required after tire service

Brake Service Steps BR

  • Inspect, measure, machine, then install
  • Inspect: pads and rotors Measure: with a micrometer Machine: only if in-spec Install: torque to spec

Drum vs Disc Brakes BR

Drum Brakes

  • Self-adjusting shoe design
  • Common on rear axles
  • Requires drum machining check

Disc Brakes

  • Caliper and pad design
  • Better heat dissipation ability
  • Rotor resurfacing is option
  • Shoes vs pads

Brake Noise/Feel Decision BR

  • Grinding noise while braking → Inspect pads and rotors ( Measure thickness first )
  • Soft, spongy pedal feel → Bleed hydraulic system ( Check for air )
  • Vehicle pulls one side → Inspect calipers and hoses ( Check for drag )
  • ABS warning light on → Retrieve ABS codes ( Check wiring routing )
  • Parking brake feels weak → Adjust brake shoes ( After shoe service )

Brake Hydraulic System BR

  • Master cylinder Check fluid level, condition
  • Brake lines Inspect for rust, kinks
  • Brake fluid Store in closed container
  • Bleeding Removes trapped system air
  • ABS light Verify operation and wiring
  • Pedal feel Diagnoses hydraulic system problems

Vacuum Booster vs Hydro-Boost BR

Vacuum Booster

  • Uses engine intake vacuum
  • Common on gas engines
  • Needs a check valve

Hydro-Boost

  • Uses power steering fluid
  • Common on diesel engines
  • No vacuum supply needed
  • Vacuum vs hydraulic assist

Drum & Disc Brakes BR

  • Brake drums Measure before machining option
  • Brake shoes Inspect springs, pins, adjusters
  • Calipers Inspect slides and pins
  • Rotors Measure with a micrometer
  • Brake pads Inspect retaining hardware condition
  • Burnishing Break in new pads

Power Assist & Parking Brake BR

  • Vacuum booster Check pedal free travel
  • Hydro-boost Uses power steering fluid
  • Parking brake Adjust after shoe service
  • Electric-hydraulic Check leaks and operation

Battery Test Sequence EL

  • Visual check, then load test
  • Visual: cables and terminals Load: capacitance and CCA Charge: slow or fast Verify: charge holds after

Battery vs Charging Fault EL

Battery Fault

  • Fails battery load test
  • Won't hold a charge
  • Slow or no crank

Charging Fault

  • Low alternator output reading
  • Dash lights appear dim
  • Battery drains while driving
  • Storage vs generation fault

No-Start Electrical Decision EL

  • Slow or no crank → Load test battery first ( Check terminal connections )
  • Battery tests good → Run starter draw test ( Interpret amperage reading )
  • Dash lights look dim → Check charging output ( Test alternator function )
  • Battery won't hold charge → Inspect battery cables ( Check clamps, hold-downs )
  • Emergency start needed now → Jump-start the vehicle ( Use booster pack )

Battery & Charging EL

  • Battery test Load and capacitance test
  • Charging output Identify under or overcharge
  • Alternator belt Inspect tension and pulleys
  • Jump start Use booster or pack
  • Battery cables Inspect clamps, hold-downs

Starting & Circuits EL

  • Starter draw Interpret amperage test reading
  • Voltage drop Locate circuit resistance point
  • Continuity test Confirms complete circuit path
  • Electronic memory Save before disconnecting battery
  • Airbag Disarm before electrical work

Lighting & Accessories EL

  • Headlight aim Adjust to specification
  • Wiper motor Replace with new blades
  • Horn Verify operation function
  • Gauges Reset maintenance indicator lights
  • Lenses Inspect for cracks, damage

HVAC Performance Decision HV

  • Warm air only blows → Check refrigerant charge level ( Recover, recharge system )
  • Weak airflow from vents → Inspect blower and fan ( Check for restrictions )
  • Musty cabin odor present → Replace cabin air filter ( Clean evaporator drain )
  • Visible refrigerant leak found → Check A/C components ( Dye or UV test )

HVAC Service HV

  • Refrigerant Identify type before recharge
  • Recharge Follow manufacturer specifications exactly
  • Cabin filter Replace on service interval
  • Evaporator drain Clean to prevent clogs
  • Condenser Check for restricted airflow
  • Compressor Verify engagement and cycling

Common Traps

Camber vs Caster Confusion

  • Camber = tilt angle ≠ Caster = steering axis

Toe vs Thrust Angle

  • Toe = wheel pair ≠ Thrust = axle centerline

Scored vs Unscored Questions

  • 45 scored questions count ≠ 10 unscored questions don't

Drum vs Disc Service

  • Drums get machined ≠ Rotors get resurfaced

Direct vs Indirect TPMS

  • Direct reads real pressure ≠ Indirect infers via ABS

Vacuum vs Hydro-Boost Assist

  • Vacuum uses engine vacuum ≠ Hydro-boost uses steering fluid

Passing Score Myth

  • No fixed raw cutoff ≠ Uses scaled score 70

Last Minute

  • 1. 55 total questions, 45 scored
  • 2. 90-minute time limit total
  • 3. Suspension/Steering is largest domain, 24%
  • 4. Brakes is second largest, 20%
  • 5. Passing uses a scaled score
  • 6. 1 year experience required for certification
  • 7. Camber tilts wheel, caster steers
  • 8. Toe is adjusted last always
  • 9. Drums machined, rotors resurfaced separately
  • 10. TPMS service needs a relearn
  • 11. Retest wait is 30 days
  • 12. Disarm airbag before electrical work

ASE G1

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