Top 10 Questions for Automotive Drivability Technician Interview

1. Describe the steps you would take to diagnose a vehicle that is experiencing a lack of power?

• Inspect the air filter for cleanliness and replace if necessary
• Check the fuel filter for cleanliness and replace if necessary
• Inspect the spark plugs for cleanliness and replace if necessary
• Check the ignition coils for proper operation
• Check the fuel pressure and fuel injector operation
• Inspect the exhaust system for blockages or leaks
• Perform a compression test to check engine cylinder health
• Use a scan tool to check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

2. How would you approach a vehicle that has a rough idle and is misfiring?

Engine Mechanical Issues

• Inspect spark plugs and replace if necessary
• Check ignition coils for proper operation
• Inspect vacuum hoses for leaks
• Check compression to ensure engine health
• Inspect timing belt/chain for proper operation

Fuel System Issues

• Check fuel pressure and ensure it meets specifications
• Inspect fuel injectors for proper operation
• Check fuel filter for cleanliness

Electrical Issues

• Check battery voltage and replace if necessary
• Inspect alternator for proper operation
• Check wiring harness for any shorts or opens

Sensor Issues

• Check mass airflow (MAF) sensor for proper operation
• Check throttle position sensor (TPS) for proper operation
• Check oxygen sensor for proper operation

3. A customer brings in a vehicle with a complaint of poor fuel economy. What are some potential causes and how would you troubleshoot them?

• Check tire pressure and ensure it is at the recommended level
• Inspect air filter for cleanliness and replace if necessary
• Check spark plugs for cleanliness and replace if necessary
• Inspect fuel filter for cleanliness and replace if necessary
• Check oxygen sensor for proper operation
• Check mass airflow (MAF) sensor for proper operation
• Inspect exhaust system for blockages or leaks
• Use a scan tool to check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

4. Describe the operation of a modern fuel injection system and its components.

Components of a Modern Fuel Injection System

• Fuel pump
• Fuel filter
• Fuel injector
• Fuel pressure regulator
• Engine control module (ECM)

Operation of a Modern Fuel Injection System

• The fuel pump draws fuel from the fuel tank and pressurizes it
• The fuel filter removes impurities from the fuel
• The fuel injector sprays fuel into the engine’s cylinders
• The fuel pressure regulator maintains the proper fuel pressure in the system
• The ECM controls the operation of the fuel injector

5. How would you diagnose and repair a vehicle with a faulty oxygen sensor?

• Check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
• Inspect the oxygen sensor for physical damage
• Check the oxygen sensor’s voltage output with a scan tool
• Compare the oxygen sensor’s voltage output to the manufacturer’s specifications
• Replace the oxygen sensor if it is faulty

6. Explain the principles of operation for a closed-loop feedback fuel control system.

• The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas
• The engine control module (ECM) uses the oxygen sensor signal to adjust the air-fuel mixture
• The ECM adjusts the air-fuel mixture by controlling the fuel injector pulse width
• The closed-loop feedback fuel control system helps to maintain a stoichiometric air-fuel mixture

7. Discuss the different types of emissions control systems used in modern vehicles.

• Catalytic converters
• Particulate filters
• Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems
• Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems
• AdBlue injection systems

8. What are the common causes of engine knocking and how would you diagnose and repair them?

• Carbon buildup on the pistons
• Incorrect ignition timing
• Lean air-fuel mixture
• Overheating
• Worn or damaged engine components

9. How would you troubleshoot and repair a vehicle with a faulty ignition coil?

• Check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
• Inspect the ignition coil for physical damage
• Test the ignition coil’s resistance with an ohmmeter
• Compare the ignition coil’s resistance to the manufacturer’s specifications
• Replace the ignition coil if it is faulty

10. What are the different types of diagnostic equipment used in automotive drivability diagnostics?

• Scan tools
• Multimeters
• Engine analyzers
• Pressure gauges
• Temperature gauges

Automotive Drivability Technicians are responsible for the diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of vehicles to ensure optimal performance and driveability. They possess a comprehensive understanding of automotive systems, including engine, transmission, fuel, and electrical components.

1. Diagnostic and Troubleshooting

Thoroughly inspect vehicles to identify issues affecting driveability, including engine performance, acceleration, and handling.

• Utilize advanced diagnostic tools to analyze vehicle data and pinpoint problems.
• Interpret diagnostic codes and perform necessary tests to confirm the root cause of driveability concerns.

2. Repair and Maintenance

Perform repairs on identified issues to restore vehicle driveability and performance.

• Replace or repair faulty components, including sensors, actuators, fuel injectors, and electrical systems.
• Adjust and calibrate vehicle systems, such as engine timing, fuel injection, and transmission shifting, to optimize performance.

3. Electrical Troubleshooting and Repair

Diagnose and repair electrical problems that affect vehicle driveability.

• Trace electrical circuits and identify short circuits, open circuits, and other electrical faults.
• Repair or replace electrical components, such as wiring, connectors, batteries, and alternators.

4. Customer Interaction and Communication

Effectively communicate with customers to understand their concerns and expectations.

• Explain diagnostic findings and repair recommendations to customers in a clear and concise manner.
• Provide updates on repairs and answer customer questions throughout the process.

1. Research the Company and Position

Familiarize yourself with the company’s history, mission, and values. Research the specific position you are applying for to understand its responsibilities and requirements.

• Visit the company’s website and social media pages for information.
• Read online reviews and articles about the company to gain insights into its culture and reputation.

2. Quantify Your Accomplishments

When describing your past experiences, use specific metrics and data to demonstrate your impact. Quantifying your accomplishments will make your answers more tangible and impressive.

• For example, instead of saying “I improved customer satisfaction,” you could say “I increased customer satisfaction ratings by 15% through implementing a new customer feedback program.”
• Use numbers, percentages, or other quantifiable measures to support your claims.

3. Showcase Your Technical Skills

Automotive Drivability Technicians rely heavily on their technical skills. During the interview, highlight your proficiency in diagnosing and repairing vehicle issues.

• Discuss specific diagnostic techniques you have mastered, such as using scan tools, analyzing diagnostic codes, and performing electrical troubleshooting.
• Provide examples of complex repairs you have successfully completed, demonstrating your ability to resolve challenging driveability problems.

4. Emphasize Communication and Customer Service

Automotive Drivability Technicians often interact with customers. Showcase your communication and customer service skills to demonstrate your ability to build rapport and effectively resolve customer concerns.

• Highlight your ability to explain technical information to customers in a clear and understandable manner.
• Provide examples of situations where you went above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service.