March T2 Pop Quiz

This month’s quiz addresses Power Control Modules. Students should select the answer that best completes the following statements or questions.
Answers to the quiz are available below.

1) Powertrain Control Modules are commonly reprogrammed to correct an emissions or driveability issue, or to enhance vehicle performance or diagnostics. Sometimes a glitch or oversight in the ____________ software leads to engine problems later on.

A. manufacturer’s
B. hardware developed
C. recently purchased
D. shareware

2) Flash reprogramming is possible because most late-model PCMs and other onboard modules use ___________________ chips that store the instructions. When the chip receives the correct electronic coded instruction, it allows the currently loaded instruction set to be deleted and new information to be written to the chip.

A. Program Read Only Memory (PROM)
B. Electronically Erasable Program Read Only Memory (EEPROM)
C. Intel Inside (II)
D. Plug & Play (P&P)

3) The introduction of reprogrammable modules predates OBD II and goes back to the mid 1990s.  Modules that can be reprogrammed include:
A. Powertrain Control Modules
B. Body Control Modules
C. Transmission Control Modules
D. A and B only
E. A, B and C

4) It is absolutely essential to maintain a constant, steady ________ supply to a module when reprogramming it.  If the ________ drops below an acceptable level, the reprogramming event can be interrupted and the module rendered inoperative.

A. fuel
B. data
C. voltage
D. surge

5) GM estimates that ________ of 1995 and newer GM cars could benefit from a software update, yet few cars have received the updates because many technicians are not aware the updates exist.

A. 25%
B. 50%
C. 70%
D. 90%

6) Fault code data is stored when a system malfunction is detected.  When tail pipe emissions exceed a threshold of ____________ the Federal Test Procedure, the MIL light will be illuminated.

A. 1.5 times
B. 2.5 times
C. 5 times
D. 10 times

7) Flash programming requires several pieces of equipment. Which item is NOT needed to perform this function?

A. laptop or desktop computer
B. a fast DSL or cable Internet connection for online updates
C. appropriate OEM installation software
D. an MP3 player
E. a flash capable aftermarket scan tool, or a J-2534 pass-through tool and cables

8) Swapping a PCM from one vehicle to another and expecting it to work properly is not an option in servicing today’s vehicles. If the _______ in the PCM doesn’t match with the number programmed in other modules in the vehicle, it can cause a no-start condition because of normal vehicle theft system operation, affect emissions, economy and performance as well as complicate scan tool diagnostics.

A. model number
B. vehicle identification number
C. catalog number
D. tracking number
E. PIN number

9) After the reprogramming process is complete, the standard procedure is __________ before you disconnect the scan tool or J-2534 pass-through tool from the vehicle.

A. to cycle the ignition key OFF and ON
B. cycle the ignition key between OFF and ACCY
C. disconnect the battery
D. reset the radio presets

10) Starting in 2004, flash reprogramming procedures must also conform to _________ standards that allow the use of aftermarket scan tools or similar pass-through devices.

A.OBD-II
B. OEM
C. SAE J2534
D. CAN

 

Scroll down for the answers to the March T2 Pop Quiz.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers to March T2 Pop Quiz

1. A. manufacturer’s

2. B. Electronically Erasable Program Read Only Memory (EEPROM)

3. E. A, B and C

4. C. voltage

5. C. 70%

6. A. 1.5 times

7. D an MP3 player

8. B. vehicle identification number

9. A. to cycle the ignition key OFF and ON

10. C. SAE J2534