{"id":"ase-free","timeLimitSec":300,"questions":[{"id":"aef-01","section":"a5","q":"What is the most likely cause of a spongy brake pedal?","options":["A seized parking brake cable","Air in the hydraulic system","Worn rear tires","A weak vacuum booster"],"answer":1,"explain":"Air compresses, so the pedal feels soft and travels further. A weak booster gives a hard pedal instead. Bleeding the system fixes air."},{"id":"aef-02","section":"a8","q":"An engine sets code P0171 (system too lean, bank 1) mainly at idle. Technician A says an intake vacuum leak is a likely cause. Technician B says a leaking fuel injector is a likely cause. Who is right?","options":["A only","B only","Both A and B","Neither A nor B"],"answer":0,"explain":"A vacuum leak adds air the MAF sensor does not measure, and its effect is biggest at idle. A leaking injector adds fuel, which makes the mixture rich."},{"id":"aef-03","section":"a6","q":"A 12-volt circuit draws 2 amps. What is the resistance of the circuit?","options":["24 ohms","10 ohms","0.17 ohms","6 ohms"],"answer":3,"explain":"Ohm's law: resistance = voltage / current = 12 V / 2 A = 6 Ω."},{"id":"aef-04","section":"a4","q":"Both front tires have feathered wear, sharp on one edge of each tread rib. What does this usually point to?","options":["Underinflation","Incorrect toe","Static wheel imbalance","Worn brake pads"],"answer":1,"explain":"Toe that is off makes the tires scrub sideways, leaving a feathered edge. Underinflation wears both shoulders and imbalance gives cupping."},{"id":"aef-05","section":"a1","q":"A compression test shows one cylinder at 90 psi and the others at 150 psi. Technician A says adding a little oil and retesting helps tell worn rings from a leaking valve. Technician B says a cylinder leakage test can show where the compression is escaping. Who is right?","options":["A only","B only","Both A and B","Neither A nor B"],"answer":2,"explain":"If the reading rises a lot with oil, the rings are leaking; if not, suspect a valve or head gasket. A leakage test then shows where air escapes: crankcase, intake, exhaust or cooling system."}]}