ASE Practice Test (A2: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle) 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: You're inspecting the color of the fluid in an automatic transmission/transaxle. Which of the following will cause the fluid to be varnished with a light to dark brown color?

Engine coolant contamination
Oxidation from overfilling (Correct answer)
Wear from friction material
Water contamination

Correct answer: Oxidation from overfilling

Correct answer: Oxidation from overfilling<br><br> Oxidation from under or overfilling will cause the fluid to be varnished with a light to dark brown color.</br>

Question 2: An automatic transmission does not hold in PARK. Technician X says that misadjusted shift linkage could be the cause. Technician Y says that a roller clutch installed backwards could be the cause. Who is right?

Both X and Y
X only (Correct answer)
Y only
Neither X nor Y

Correct answer: X only

The PARK mechanism in an automatic transmission relies on a parking pawl engaging a parking gear. If the shift linkage is misadjusted, the pawl may not fully engage, preventing the transmission from holding in PARK. A roller clutch, on the other hand, is an internal component for one-way rotation and is not directly involved in the parking function; installing it backwards would affect drive engagement, not the parking mechanism.

Question 3: An automatic transaxle loses pressure as it shifts from first to second gear. Technician X says this could be caused by the clutch piston seal. Technician Y says this could be caused by a stuck servo. Who is correct?

Neither X nor Y
Both X and Y
X only (Correct answer)
Y only

Correct answer: X only

A clutch piston seal is vital for maintaining hydraulic pressure within a clutch pack, which is necessary for engaging and holding a gear. If this seal is faulty, pressure can leak, leading to a loss of engagement during a shift, such as from first to second gear. A stuck servo would typically cause a harsh shift or prevent a gear from engaging, rather than a pressure loss during the shift itself.

Question 4: Shifting from Neutral to Drive with an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transaxle produces a "shock." Which of these requires an off-vehicle repair?

Control valve assembly
A/T fluid temperature sensor
Forward clutch (Correct answer)
Line pressure test

Correct answer: Forward clutch

A 'shock' when shifting from Neutral to Drive often indicates an issue with the initial engagement of the forward clutch, which transmits power in drive ranges. Problems with the forward clutch, such as worn friction material or a faulty piston, require the transmission to be disassembled and removed from the vehicle for repair. Other options like the control valve or sensors can often be addressed with the transmission in place.

Question 5: The torque converter does which of the following when an engine is removed from a vehicle with an automatic transmission?

Must be drained
Must be flushed
Stays with transmission (Correct answer)
Stays with engine

Correct answer: Stays with transmission

The torque converter is designed to mate directly with the input shaft of the automatic transmission and is bolted to the engine's flex plate. When the engine is removed, the torque converter should be carefully unbolted from the flex plate and remain seated in the transmission case. This prevents damage to the transmission's input shaft and pump, which are critical components.

Question 6: When it's cold, the transmission slips. Which of these possibly be the cause of the problem?

Line pressure is at maximum in 1st gear
Low line pressure (Correct answer)
A disconnected line pressure sensor
A shorted low/reverse pressure switch

Correct answer: Low line pressure

When an automatic transmission slips, it indicates insufficient hydraulic pressure to fully engage the clutches or bands. Low line pressure, especially when cold, means the fluid is thicker and the pump or pressure regulator might not be generating enough force to properly apply the friction elements. This can lead to delayed engagement or slipping until the fluid warms up and its viscosity decreases.

Question 7: Hard shifting is the problem with an automatic transmission in a light truck. Technician X says a problem with the accumulator will result in this condition. Technician Y says a sticking restricting orifice/check ball will result in this condition. Who is correct?

X only
Y only
Neither X nor Y
Both X and Y (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Both X and Y

Accumulators are designed to cushion shifts by absorbing hydraulic pressure spikes, ensuring smooth gear changes; a problem with an accumulator would lead to harsh shifts. Similarly, a sticking restricting orifice or check ball in the valve body can disrupt the precise flow and timing of hydraulic fluid, causing abrupt pressure changes and resulting in hard shifts. Therefore, both conditions can cause hard shifting.

Question 8: You intend to diagnose a RWD, electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission that makes an unusual noise while in drive using your diagnostic symptom chart. Technician X believes that the oil pump assembly might the cause and requires an OFF-vehicle procedure. Technician Y states it is the control valve and that requires an OFF-vehicle procedure. Who is correct?

Neither technician
Technician X (Correct answer)
Technician Y
Both X and Y

Correct answer: Technician X

An unusual noise, especially one present in drive, can often be attributed to mechanical components like the oil pump assembly. The oil pump is a critical rotating component that can generate noise if it's worn or damaged, and its repair or replacement typically requires the transmission to be removed from the vehicle. A control valve issue is less likely to produce a distinct 'unusual noise' and might not always require off-vehicle repair.

Question 9: Which of the following will an automatic transmission pressure test reveal?

Defective torque converter
Shift solenoid
Dirty transmission filter (Correct answer)
Defective Engine Shutoff (ESO) solenoid

Correct answer: Dirty transmission filter

A line pressure test measures the hydraulic pressure within the transmission, which is vital for proper operation. A dirty or clogged transmission filter restricts the flow of fluid to the oil pump, leading to a significant drop in line pressure. This reduced pressure would be evident during a pressure test, indicating a potential issue with fluid supply or the filter itself.

Question 10: During normal acceleration, the automatic transaxle upshifts harshly. It's possible that the cause is a failure:

idle air control valve
intake air temperature sensor
oxygen sensor
throttle position sensor (Correct answer)

Correct answer: throttle position sensor

The throttle position sensor (TPS) provides crucial input to the transmission control module (TCM) regarding engine load and driver demand. If the TPS fails or provides an incorrect signal, the TCM might command higher line pressure or faster, firmer shifts, resulting in harsh upshifts during normal acceleration. The other sensors primarily affect engine performance, not direct transmission shift feel.

Question 11: All of the following components can prevent the torque converter clutch from applying, except :

the throttle position sensor
the engine coolant temperature sesor
the intake air temperature sensor (Correct answer)
the brake on/off switch

Correct answer: the intake air temperature sensor

The torque converter clutch (TCC) application is controlled by the transmission control module (TCM) based on various inputs to optimize fuel economy. The throttle position sensor (engine load), engine coolant temperature sensor (to prevent TCC lockup when cold), and brake on/off switch (to disengage TCC when braking) are all critical inputs that can prevent TCC application. The intake air temperature sensor, while important for engine fuel management, typically does not directly inhibit TCC lockup.

Question 12: Technician X believes you should listen to the customer’s concerns and find them as described in the online service information. Technician Y thinks that you should pick the symptom that matches the online information the closest based on the customer’s concern. Who is correct?

Both X and Y
Technician X
Neither technician
Technician Y (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Technician Y

Customers often describe symptoms in their own words, which may not perfectly align with technical diagnostic terminology. Technician Y's approach of matching the customer's concern to the closest symptom described in the service information is a practical and effective diagnostic strategy. This allows the technician to translate the customer's subjective description into a standardized diagnostic path, even if the exact phrasing isn't identical.

Question 13: All of the tests listed below are used to make a preliminary diagnostic on an electronically controlled automatic transmission/transaxle, except:

Stall test
Line pressure test
Flex plate check (Correct answer)
Fluid check

Correct answer: Flex plate check

Stall tests, line pressure tests, and fluid checks are common preliminary diagnostic procedures for automatic transmissions, evaluating torque converter, hydraulic system, and fluid health respectively. A flex plate check, while important for noise or vibration concerns, is typically a more involved inspection and not a standard preliminary diagnostic test for general transmission issues. It usually requires more disassembly or specific conditions to check.

Question 14: The best technique to pinpoint an oil pressure leak with the transmission pan removed is to:

check the line pressure
remove and check the valve body
perform an air pressure test (Correct answer)
check the filter pick-up tube seal

Correct answer: perform an air pressure test

With the transmission pan removed, an air pressure test is the most effective method to pinpoint internal hydraulic leaks. By applying regulated air pressure to specific passages or servo apply circuits, a technician can listen for air leaks or observe components moving, directly identifying where pressure is escaping. This allows for precise diagnosis of issues like faulty seals, gaskets, or cracked components that might be causing a pressure drop.

Question 15: About bushing inspection and measurement, all of the following are correct except:

the shaft to bushing clearance may be measured with a vernier caliper and a micrometer
the shaft to bushing clearance may be measured with a wire type feeler gauge
normal bushing clearance is 0.015 to 0.025 inch (0.381 to 0.635 mm). (Correct answer)
a scored shaft in the bushing contact area may indicate a lack of lubrication

Correct answer: normal bushing clearance is 0.015 to 0.025 inch (0.381 to 0.635 mm).

While shaft-to-bushing clearance is critical and can be measured with precision tools, the specified range of 0.015 to 0.025 inches is excessively large for normal bushing clearance in an automatic transmission. Typical clearances are much tighter, usually in the range of a few thousandths of an inch (e.g., 0.001-0.005 inches) to ensure proper support and lubrication without excessive play. The other statements describe valid inspection and measurement techniques or indicators of wear.

Question 16: Technician X believes that driveline, suspension and engine problems might look like they were caused by the transmission or transaxle. Technician Y says that you must start with a simple inspection to first ensure there’s nothing overlooked requiring a diagnostic scan tool. Who is correct?

Both X and Y (Correct answer)
Neither technician
Technician X
Technician Y

Correct answer: Both X and Y

Technician X is correct because many vehicle symptoms, such as vibrations, noises, or performance issues, can originate from components outside the transmission but mimic transmission problems. Technician Y is also correct, as a thorough preliminary inspection (checking fluid level/condition, linkages, mounts, etc.) is a fundamental first step in diagnostics. This helps rule out simple issues before resorting to more complex tools like a scan tool, saving time and preventing misdiagnosis.

Question 17: Technician X says low line pressure on an electronically controlled line pressure can cause the transmission to slip and operate sluggishly. Technician Y says line pressure varies with engine speed. Who is right?

Both X and Y
X only (Correct answer)
Neither X nor Y
Y only

Correct answer: X only

Technician X is correct because low line pressure directly impacts the ability of the transmission to apply clutches and bands with sufficient force, leading to slipping and sluggish operation. Technician Y is incorrect; while engine speed influences the output of the transmission pump, line pressure is primarily regulated by the pressure regulator valve, which maintains a relatively stable base pressure and then varies it based on load and gear selection, not simply engine speed alone.

Question 18: Too much automatic transmission shaft end play could be caused by any of the following EXCEPT a worn:

transmission case
clutch (Correct answer)
planetary carrier
selective washer

Correct answer: clutch

Shaft end play is determined by the cumulative clearances between various thrust washers, bearings, and components along the length of the shaft, as well as wear in the transmission case or planetary carrier. A worn transmission case, planetary carrier, or selective washer can all directly increase end play. A worn clutch, however, primarily affects the engagement and holding capacity of a gear, not the axial end play of the main shafts.

Question 19: All transmission pressures are normal at idle speed, but low at wide open throttle. Technician X says the Throttle Valve (TV) cable may need adjusting. Technician Y says the vacuum modulator may be damaged. Who is right?

X only
Y only
Neither X nor Y
Both X and Y (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Both X and Y

Both the Throttle Valve (TV) cable and vacuum modulator are mechanisms that signal engine load to the transmission, influencing line pressure. If the TV cable is misadjusted (e.g., too loose), it might not correctly signal increased throttle, leading to low line pressure at Wide Open Throttle (WOT). Similarly, a damaged vacuum modulator could fail to increase line pressure as engine load increases, resulting in low pressure at WOT. Therefore, both technicians are correct.

Question 20: During the stall test, the RPM is lower than specified. Technician X claims that the turbine in the torque converter could be damaged. Technician Y thinks that some of the transmission clutches are slipping. Who is correct?

Both X and Y
Neither technician (Correct answer)
Technician X
Technician Y

Correct answer: Neither technician

During a stall test, if the RPM is lower than specified, it indicates that the engine is struggling to overcome the load, meaning either the engine itself is weak or the torque converter is too tight (not slipping enough) or the transmission is not slipping. A damaged turbine or slipping clutches would cause the engine RPM to be higher than specified, as the engine would be able to rev more freely due to reduced load or power transfer.

Question 21: On an electronically controlled automatic transmission, a line pressure testing shows low pressure at idle in all ranges. Which of the following could be the source of the problem?

Oil pump pressure regulator (Correct answer)
Open in dropping resistor circuit
Maladjusted TP (throttle position) sensor
ATF (automatic transmission fluid) temperature sensor

Correct answer: Oil pump pressure regulator

The oil pump pressure regulator valve is responsible for controlling the main line pressure within the transmission. If this valve is stuck open, worn, or has a weak spring, it will fail to maintain adequate pressure, resulting in low line pressure across all ranges, especially at idle where the pump output is lower. The other options are less likely to cause a systemic low pressure issue in all ranges at idle.

Question 22: From a stop, a vehicle with an automatic transaxle and a properly tuned engine accelerates poorly. Above 35 mph, acceleration is normal. Which of these possibly be the source of the problem?

A failed torque converter (Correct answer)
A worn front pump
A low fluid level
A worn planetary gear set

Correct answer: A failed torque converter

A failed torque converter, specifically one with internal damage or a stator issue, can cause poor acceleration from a stop. If the stator is not multiplying torque effectively at lower speeds, the engine's power won't be efficiently transferred to the transmission. Once the vehicle reaches higher speeds (above 35 mph), the torque converter's role in torque multiplication diminishes, and the direct drive or lock-up clutch might engage, allowing for normal acceleration.

Question 23: A transmission with high pressure in all gears and ranges during a pressure test may be caused by:

a broken manual valve spring
a broken accumulator spring
a damaged pump
a stuck pressure regulator valve (Correct answer)

Correct answer: a stuck pressure regulator valve

The pressure regulator valve is designed to maintain line pressure within a specified range. If this valve becomes stuck in a closed or partially closed position, it can prevent excess pressure from being relieved, leading to abnormally high line pressure in all gears and ranges. This high pressure can cause harsh shifts and excessive wear on components.

Question 24: Technician X believes that many vibration issues are caused by an unbalanced torque converter. Technician Y thinks that vibration problems are the cause of a faulty output shaft. Who is correct?

Neither technician
Technician X
Technician Y
Both X and Y (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Both X and Y

Both technicians are correct. An unbalanced torque converter can cause significant vibrations, especially at certain RPMs, as it rotates with the engine. Similarly, a faulty (bent, worn, or unbalanced) output shaft can also induce vibrations, particularly as vehicle speed increases, since it is a rotating component directly connected to the driveline. Both components are critical rotating assemblies that, if compromised, can lead to noticeable vibration issues.

Question 25: All of these are industry-standard methods for reprogramming the EEPROM, except:

Indirect programming (Correct answer)
Off-board programming
Remote programming
Direct programming

Correct answer: Indirect programming

Industry-standard methods for reprogramming an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) include direct programming (connecting directly to the module), off-board programming (reprogramming the module when it's removed from the vehicle), and remote programming (often referring to over-the-air or network-based updates). 'Indirect programming' is not a recognized industry term for a specific method of EEPROM reprogramming.

ASE Practice Test (A2: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle) 1

You're inspecting the color of the fluid in an automatic transmission/transaxle.
Which of the following will cause the fluid to be varnished with a light to dark brown color?