If the check engine light is on for a vacuum leak, which type of inspection would a technician perform first?

When confronted with a check engine light that indicates a vacuum leak, the technician's first step would typically be to conduct a visual inspection. This approach allows the technician to look for obvious signs of leaks, such as disconnected or cracked vacuum hoses, loose fittings, or damaged intake components. A visual inspection is crucial because it can quickly identify issues that may be easily observable without requiring any disassembly of engine parts or complex diagnostic procedures.

This initial inspection is efficient and helps determine if there are apparent problems that can be fixed quickly. If the technician notices any visible signs of wear or leaks, they can address those issues promptly before moving on to more involved inspections. If the problem is not evident from visual inspection, the technician can then proceed to mechanical testing, which usually involves more detailed checking of the vacuum system's functionality.