Vehicle Maintenance, Servicing and Troubleshooting
What the exam tests
This domain tests scheduled servicing, fluid checks, inspection routines, job cards, diagnostic logic and verifying repairs.
Core rules
- Follow the manufacturer's service schedule for engine oil, filters, brake fluid, coolant, belts, tyres and battery checks.
- Use a job card to record customer complaint, inspection findings, parts, labour and approval before work.
- Troubleshoot systematically: verify the complaint, gather information, inspect, test, isolate the fault, repair and re-test.
- Read diagnostic trouble codes as a guide, not a parts list; confirm with live data and circuit tests.
- Check tyre pressures cold, torque wheel nuts to specification and never overtighten a drain plug.
Worked example
A car cranks but does not start. Reasoning: confirm fuel level and battery condition, then check for spark, fuel pressure and compression. If spark is weak, test ignition components; if fuel pressure is low, check pump, relay and filter. Do not replace the ECU first. After repair, clear codes, road test and confirm the complaint is gone.
Traps that cost marks
Parts swapping without testing, ignoring a customer complaint, not road-testing after repair, reusing drain-plug washers, and recording no measurements on the job card.