Position Description
Postal Automotive Mechanics handle repairs and maintenance on all types of postal vehicles. Typical tasks include troubleshooting and diagnosing vehicle operations using a variety of tools and test equipment. Most new postal automotive mechanics are paid an hourly rate and work a flexible schedule.
According to the US Postal Service, the duties and responsibilities of a postal automotive mechanic are:
1. Removes and replaces defective and worn parts as necessary; disassembles, cleans and replaces re-useable parts; requests replacement parts.
2. Changes fluids and filters; performs routine adjustments necessary to maintain safety, operational performance, and vehicle driveability.
3. Performs maintenance and repairs resulting from normal preventive maintenance inspections.
4. Performs electrical repairs and/or replaces electrical items and system components.
5. Performs road calls; road tests vehicles as necessary before and after maintenance and repairs.
6. Reviews historical records of service performed on vehicles; prepares and updates vehicle service records, annotates repairs and other pertinent data on work orders.
7. Operates standard automotive test equipment necessary to perform routine service and repairs.
8. Repairs air, mechanical, and hydraulic brake systems as required; removes and replaces engine blocks, transmissions, drive shafts, universal joints, rear end differentials and other major drive train components including the removal/replacement of wiring, hoses, etc.
9. Removes, replaces and adjusts vehicle hardware and other related parts.
10. Follows all established safety practices and procedures; complies with all postal, local, state, and federal environmental regulations and policies.
Postal Exam 943
The Postal Exam 943 is given on an as-needed basis at various facilities across the U.S. In addition to passing the exam, applicants should have had technical training and experience covering automotive repair and maintenance. Passing your postal exam is only one step you need to take you get your local post office job. You can prepare for your postal exam by taking some free postal exam questions.
The Postal Exam 943 helps determine an applicant’s knowledge with respect to automotive technology. The exam is exclusively multiple choice with four answer choices (A,B,C, D).
The U.S. Post Office lists the following sample questions for Postal Exam 943
Postal Examination 943 (Automotive Mechanic) Sample Questions
1. A spongy brake pedal usually indicates:
A. Worn shoes or pads
B. Defective brake booster
C. Brakes out of adjustment
D. Air in the system
2. A battery load test determines if the:
A. Voltage meets a minimum standard
B. Amperage meets a minimum standard
C. Charging system is defective
D. Cold cranking amperes are sufficient
3. Oil pressure gauges may be of the ______ or _____ type.
A. Thermistor, primary
B. Magnetic, bimetallic
C. Secondary, property
D. Cadmium, electrical
4. All of the following could cause tire wear if not within manufacturer’s specs EXCEPT:
A. Steering axis inclination
B. Toe-in
C. Caster
D. Camber
5. A hydro-boost system provides assisted power to the steering and which other system?
A. Electrical
B. Air-ride suspension
C. Air conditioner
D. Braking
6. No cranking and no lights when the key is turned to the START position may be caused by all the following EXCEPT a/an:
A. Dead battery
B. Open fusible link
C. Burned-out headlight
D. Open circuit
Correct Answers:
- D
- A
- B
- C
- D
- C