ASE ASE Automatic Transmission and Transaxle 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A vehicle with an automatic transmission slips when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear but operates normally in all other gears. What is the MOST likely cause?
- Worn 1-2 shift solenoid
- Low transmission fluid level
- Worn or burned 1-2 clutch pack (Correct answer)
- Faulty torque converter
Correct answer: Worn or burned 1-2 clutch pack
A slip specific to the 1-2 shift typically indicates a worn or burned 1-2 clutch pack that cannot hold properly under load.
Question 2: When pressure testing an automatic transmission, the technician finds that line pressure is low in all ranges. What is the MOST likely cause?
- Worn oil pump
- Stuck pressure regulator valve
- Both A and B (Correct answer)
- Clogged transmission filter
Correct answer: Both A and B
Low line pressure in all ranges points to either a worn oil pump that cannot build adequate pressure or a stuck pressure regulator valve that bleeds off too much pressure.
Question 3: A customer complains of harsh engagements when shifting from Park to Drive. Which component is MOST likely at fault?
- Modulator valve
- Throttle valve cable
- Accumulator piston or spring (Correct answer)
- Shift solenoid B
Correct answer: Accumulator piston or spring
An accumulator piston or spring that is worn or broken cannot cushion apply pressure, resulting in harsh band and clutch engagements.
Question 4: Technician A says a torque converter clutch (TCC) that never releases can cause the engine to stall at stops. Technician B says a TCC that never applies will reduce fuel economy. Who is correct?
- Technician A only
- Technician B only
- Both Technician A and B (Correct answer)
- Neither Technician A nor B
Correct answer: Both Technician A and B
A TCC stuck engaged stalls the engine at stops because the engine is locked to the drivetrain, and a TCC that never applies keeps the converter in slip mode reducing fuel efficiency.
Question 5: What fluid condition would MOST likely indicate that the transmission has overheated?
- Fluid that is bright red and smells fresh
- Dark brown or black fluid with a burnt odor (Correct answer)
- Milky or foamy fluid
- Fluid that is slightly pink
Correct answer: Dark brown or black fluid with a burnt odor
Dark brown or black fluid with a burnt odor is caused by oxidation and varnish buildup from excessive heat, indicating the transmission has overheated.
Question 6: A vehicle's automatic transmission will not downshift when the accelerator pedal is fully depressed (kickdown). Which component is MOST likely faulty?
- Governor assembly
- Throttle valve (TV) cable or throttle position sensor (Correct answer)
- Output shaft speed sensor
- Park/neutral position switch
Correct answer: Throttle valve (TV) cable or throttle position sensor
The throttle valve cable or throttle position sensor signals transmission load demand; if faulty, the transmission cannot detect full-throttle kickdown and will not force a downshift.
ASE ASE Automatic Transmission and Transaxle 1
A vehicle with an automatic transmission slips when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear but operates normally in all other gears.
What is the MOST likely cause?