Understanding Automotive Control Modules

Which of the following best describes the primary function of an Engine Control Unit (ECU) in a vehicle?

• To control the air conditioning system

• To manage engine performance and emissions

• To operate the car’s audio system

• To inflate airbags during a collision

Which type of control module is responsible for managing the deployment of airbags in a vehicle?

• Transmission Control Module (TCM)

• Airbag Control Module (ACM)

• Body Control Module (BCM)

• Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

What does the acronym CAN stand for in automotive communication protocols?

• Car Area Network

• Controller Area Network

• Centralized Access Node

• Communication and Networking

Which of the following is a standard format for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in vehicles?

• Four letters followed by two numbers (e.g., ABCD12)

• One letter followed by four numbers (e.g., P0301)

• Three numbers followed by two letters (e.g., 123AB)

• Two letters followed by three numbers (e.g., AB123)

A vehicle is experiencing issues with its automatic transmission. Which control module should a technician check first?

• Engine Control Module (ECM)

• Transmission Control Module (TCM)

• Body Control Module (BCM)

• Airbag Control Module (ACM)

If a vehicle’s ECU detects a problem with the oxygen sensor, which of the following actions might it take to protect the engine?

• Disable the air conditioning system

• Adjust the air-fuel mixture

• Turn off the headlights

• Lock the doors automatically

A technician needs to diagnose a communication issue between the ECU and other modules. Which protocol should they check if the vehicle was manufactured after 2008 and is commonly used for high-speed communication?

• LIN

• CAN

• K-Line

• OBD-I

A student is given a DTC code “P0420.” Using their knowledge of DTC structure, what does the “P” indicate?

• The code relates to the powertrain system

• The code is a pending issue

• The code is for the passenger compartment

• The code is for the parking system

A car is showing multiple DTCs related to both the engine and transmission. How should a technician strategically approach diagnosing the root cause?

• Clear all codes and see if they return

• Address the code with the lowest number first

• Analyze the codes to determine if one system’s fault could cause issues in the other, then test related components

• Replace both the engine and transmission control modules immediately

A vehicle intermittently loses communication between its control modules, causing various warning lights to appear. What is the most logical first step in diagnosing this issue?

• Replace all control modules

• Inspect the wiring and connectors for the communication network

• Reset the vehicle’s battery

• Change the engine oil