Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Brakes Certification Practice Exam

Technician A claims that wheel speed sensors are likely causes of illuminated EBC warning lamps. Technician B claims that diagnostic codes can help identify faulty wheel speed sensors. Who is correct?

1. Technician A

2. Technician B

3. Both Technician A and Technician B

4. Neither Technician A nor Technician B

The correct answer is: Both Technician A and Technician B

Both technicians provide valuable insights regarding wheel speed sensors and their relationship to the Electronic Brake Control (EBC) system. The presence of illuminated EBC warning lamps can indeed be influenced by issues with the wheel speed sensors. These sensors are crucial components of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control systems, monitoring the speed of each wheel and providing real-time data to the vehicle's control module. When these sensors fail or operate incorrectly, it can trigger a fault that leads to the activation of the EBC warning lamp. Additionally, diagnostic codes serve as an essential tool in identifying faults related to wheel speed sensors. Modern vehicles are equipped with onboard diagnostics (OBD) systems that detect and log faults when they occur. When a wheel speed sensor malfunctions, the control module often generates a specific diagnostic trouble code (DTC) which can pinpoint not only the type of issue but also which wheel's sensor might be affected. This diagnostic data can significantly aid technicians in troubleshooting and understanding the exact nature of the problem. In summary, both technicians are correct: wheel speed sensors can indeed cause EBC warning lamps to illuminate, and diagnostic codes are invaluable in identifying faulty sensors.