The New ASE Diesel Test

Posted 11/1/2008
By Tony Molla

The first new certification test in 15 years underscores the growing importance of diesel engines in automotive service.

Without a doubt, the recent - and probably permanent - rise in fuel prices has changed the way we drive forever. Consumers are dumping large vehicles in favor of more fuel-efficient transportation. To meet this growing demand, carmakers worldwide are looking for ways to improve fuel economy across their entire range of vehicle models. As a result, one engine technology is poised to make a comeback in the American light-vehicle market - the diesel.

While diesel engines in passenger cars and light duty trucks are nothing new, recent advances in diesel technology in the area of emissions and fuel delivery have revived the interest for this power plant in the passenger car market in a big way. In short, Americans are about to discover what the Europeans have known for years - light-duty diesels can perform just as well or better than their gasoline counterparts . . . and do it with 20 percent to 30 percent greater fuel economy.

To address the expected adoption of this new diesel technology, ASE is working on a new addition to its Automobile Technician certification test series - the Light Vehicle Diesel Engines Test (A9). The new A9 test has been years in the making and has come as a response to industry interest in having ASE provide a certification path for technicians working on diesels in passenger vehicles. This certification is being introduced as American, European and Asian manufacturers are planning to incorporate diesel engines in production vehicles as soon as the 2010 model year.

What does this mean for technicians in the service bay? If you've already been servicing light-duty diesel trucks, then you're probably well positioned with the knowledge and equipment necessary to handle diagnosing, repairing and servicing the new diesel automobiles that may be heading your way. If you aren't knowledgeable in diesel engine diagnosis, service and repair, then you might want to start looking for some training to get you up-to-speed. This way, you'll be ahead of the learning curve when it comes to your ability to service all of your customer's vehicles and competently handle all of their service and repair needs.

The new A9 test will cover automobiles and light trucks up through and including Class 3 (up to14,000 lbs GVW). The A9 has been in the research and development stage for approximately three years using the well-established ASE workshop process, which assembles some of the best subject matter experts in the industry to outline the test content and write the test questions. The tentative release date is the May 2009 test administration.

It is important to note that the new Light Duty Diesel (A9) Test will be offered as an addition to the Automobile Technician certification test series and will not be required for technicians to achieve "Master Technician" status. It's been about 15 years since ASE has offered a new certification test for automobile/ light truck technicians. The new A9 continues ASE's commitment to providing the best in nationally recognized certification credentials for automotive service professionals across the nation.

Tony Molla is the vice president of communications for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in Leesburg, Va. With more than 35 years experience in the automotive service industry, Molla has held positions at all levels, including technician, service manager, parts store manager, new car sales and automotive technical editor writing service manuals for the Chilton Book Company. He has authored more than a dozen technical and car care manuals. He can be reached at tmolla@ase.com.