ASE A2 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Certification Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A vehicle with an automatic transmission accelerates normally from a stop, but the engine lacks power at highway speeds and the transmission fluid overheats. Which torque converter fault is most likely?

Stator one-way clutch slipping in both directions
Turbine splines worn at the input shaft
Stator one-way clutch seized in the locked position (Correct answer)
Torque converter clutch apply solenoid stuck off

Correct answer: Stator one-way clutch seized in the locked position

A stator that stays locked blocks fluid returning to the pump at coupling speed. This restricts flow, which causes poor top-end performance and overheating.

Question 2: Which statement correctly describes a Hall-effect input speed sensor used in an electronically controlled transmission?

It generates its own AC voltage without any supply
It requires a supply voltage and produces a digital on/off signal (Correct answer)
It is a simple coil whose resistance is checked with an ohmmeter to verify operation
It is a thermistor whose resistance changes with fluid temperature

Correct answer: It requires a supply voltage and produces a digital on/off signal

Hall-effect sensors contain electronics that need a reference or battery supply and output a square-wave digital signal.

Question 3: While draining the pan on a high-mileage transmission, a technician finds bronze-colored particles on the pan magnet. What do they most likely indicate?

Torque converter lock-up clutch wear
Failed pan gasket material
Worn bushings or thrust washers (Correct answer)
Normal clutch wear

Correct answer: Worn bushings or thrust washers

Bronze or brass-colored particles point to worn bushings or thrust washers, which are made of those materials.

Question 4: A scan tool shows DTC P0700 stored along with other transmission-related codes. What does P0700 indicate?

A request from the transmission control module to illuminate the MIL, meaning the TCM has stored its own DTCs (Correct answer)
A faulty transmission range sensor
A shorted shift solenoid A circuit
A torque converter clutch stuck on

Correct answer: A request from the transmission control module to illuminate the MIL, meaning the TCM has stored its own DTCs

P0700 is the Transmission Control System Malfunction code. It means the TCM has set a fault and asked for the MIL, so the TCM's own DTCs must be retrieved to find the actual problem.

Question 5: While a technician slowly moves the throttle from closed to wide open, the scan tool throttle position value drops to zero for an instant at one point in the sweep and then recovers. The transmission shows harsh, erratic shifts. What is the most likely cause?

A low reading from the fluid temperature sensor
A missing terminating resistor on the CAN bus
A restricted transmission cooler line
A worn spot in the throttle position sensor resistance track (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A worn spot in the throttle position sensor resistance track

A smooth sensor should give a continuous, gradual signal. A momentary dropout points to a worn spot or open in the sensor's resistive track.

Question 6: A technician is checking the fluid level on a vehicle with a transmission dipstick, and the manufacturer's procedure does not specify anything unusual. Which condition is the usual requirement for the check?

Engine running, transmission cold, selector in Reverse
Engine off, transmission hot, selector in Neutral
Engine idling, transmission at normal operating temperature, vehicle level, selector in Park (Correct answer)
Engine off, transmission cold, vehicle on a lift with the wheels hanging

Correct answer: Engine idling, transmission at normal operating temperature, vehicle level, selector in Park

The usual dipstick procedure is a level vehicle with the engine idling, the fluid at normal operating temperature, and the selector in Park (or as the manufacturer specifies). Reading the level under other conditions gives a false reading.

Question 7: While inspecting a gear-type oil pump, a technician needs to measure gear end clearance. Which method is correct?

Spin the pump on the bench and listen for noise
Measure the gear width with a caliper and subtract the pump body depth
Lay a straightedge across the pump body and measure the gap to the gear face with a feeler gauge (Correct answer)
Rock the drive gear by hand and judge the movement

Correct answer: Lay a straightedge across the pump body and measure the gap to the gear face with a feeler gauge

End clearance is the gap between the gear face and a straightedge laid on the pump body. A feeler gauge measures that gap, and the reading is compared to specification.

Question 8: During inspection of a clutch drum, a technician finds that the check ball in the piston area is stuck in its seat. What problem can this cause?

Harsh upshifts only
Low line pressure in all gears
The clutch may drag because residual fluid is not released from the apply chamber (Correct answer)
A leaking torque converter

Correct answer: The clutch may drag because residual fluid is not released from the apply chamber

The check ball opens to dump trapped fluid when apply pressure drops. If it sticks, centrifugal pressure may keep the clutch partly applied.

Question 9: A technician measures the voltage drop across the ground circuit of a transmission control module with the circuit operating and reads 0.8 volt. What does this indicate?

A shorted solenoid winding
A failed terminating resistor
Normal ground circuit condition
Excessive resistance in the ground circuit (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Excessive resistance in the ground circuit

A good ground circuit should drop only a small fraction of a volt, commonly 0.1 to 0.2 volt or less. A drop of 0.8 volt means high resistance.

Question 10: A technician disassembling a clutch pack finds the steel plates blued and the friction plates dark, glazed and flaking. What is the most likely cause?

Prolonged slippage that generated excessive heat (Correct answer)
Excessive piston return spring tension
Using ATF of the wrong color
Over-torquing the clutch drum retaining nut

Correct answer: Prolonged slippage that generated excessive heat

Blued steel plates and burned friction material result from heat produced by a slipping clutch.

Question 11: When bolting the torque converter to the flexplate, which procedure is correct?

Install only half the bolts if the others are hard to reach
Tighten each bolt fully in turn as it is installed
Use an impact wrench and tighten in any order
Install all bolts by hand first, then tighten them evenly in a crisscross pattern to specification (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Install all bolts by hand first, then tighten them evenly in a crisscross pattern to specification

Starting all the bolts by hand and tightening evenly in a pattern prevents flexplate and converter distortion. The bolts are then torqued to specification.

Question 12: A vehicle equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) needs a fluid service. Which fluid should the technician use?

Gear oil rated for manual transmissions
Any conventional ATF, since all automatic transmission fluids are interchangeable
The CVT fluid specified by the vehicle manufacturer (Correct answer)
Power steering fluid

Correct answer: The CVT fluid specified by the vehicle manufacturer

A CVT depends on the fluid's specific friction characteristics for the belt or chain and pulleys, so only the specified CVT fluid should be used.

Question 13: When inspecting a planetary carrier assembly, a technician checks pinion gear end play by inserting a feeler gauge between each pinion and the carrier. What does a reading above specification indicate?

The pinion needle bearings are too tight
The pinion thrust washers or carrier are worn and the assembly should be replaced or repaired (Correct answer)
The carrier is within normal wear limits for a high-mileage unit
The sun gear is installed backward

Correct answer: The pinion thrust washers or carrier are worn and the assembly should be replaced or repaired

Excess pinion end play means the thrust surfaces or the carrier are worn beyond limits. The assembly needs repair or replacement.

Question 14: What is the maximum time a stall test should normally run at full throttle with the brakes applied?

60 seconds
15 seconds
5 seconds (Correct answer)
30 seconds

Correct answer: 5 seconds

A stall test generates a lot of heat in the fluid, so each test is limited to about 5 seconds. Then the engine is idled in Neutral for cooling.

Question 15: Which test equipment is best for observing the waveform from a permanent-magnet (variable reluctance) output speed sensor, including amplitude and signal dropouts at low speed?

A fuel pressure gauge
A test light
A digital multimeter on the resistance range with the engine running
A digital storage oscilloscope (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A digital storage oscilloscope

A DSO shows the AC waveform's amplitude, frequency, and any dropouts or noise over time, which a DMM average reading cannot show.

Question 16: When reinstalling a transmission pan with a new gasket, which procedure best prevents leaks and a warped pan flange?

Tighten the bolts in order from one end to the other to full torque
Apply thick sealant to both sides of every gasket and tighten fully at once
Tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern to the specified torque in stages (Correct answer)
Tighten the bolts with an impact wrench until the gasket squeezes out

Correct answer: Tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern to the specified torque in stages

Staged, crisscross tightening to the specified low torque, usually in inch-pounds, gives even clamping. It avoids crushing the gasket or distorting the pan.

Question 17: A technician tests a permanent-magnet (variable reluctance) output speed sensor with the transmission output shaft turning. Which DMM test result indicates a properly working sensor?

Resistance that rises steadily as speed increases
A fixed 12 volts DC at all speeds
DC voltage that stays steady at about 5 volts
AC voltage that increases as shaft speed increases (Correct answer)

Correct answer: AC voltage that increases as shaft speed increases

A magnetic-pickup sensor generates its own AC signal, and the amplitude and frequency rise with rotational speed.

Question 18: A technician needs to test a shift solenoid's coil with a DMM for a suspected open winding. Which procedure is correct?

Measure voltage across the solenoid terminals with the ignition off
Measure resistance with the circuit energized and the engine running
Place the meter on the amperage setting across the terminals with the circuit unpowered
Disconnect the solenoid from the circuit and measure resistance across its terminals, then compare it with the specification (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Disconnect the solenoid from the circuit and measure resistance across its terminals, then compare it with the specification

Resistance must be measured with power removed and the solenoid isolated, then compared with the manufacturer's specification. An open reads infinite resistance.

Question 19: The ATF on the dipstick is milky pink and the cooling system level is dropping. The transmission cooler is inside the radiator tank. What is the most likely cause?

A leak between the cooler and coolant passages in the radiator (Correct answer)
A restricted external cooler line
A stuck pressure regulator valve
A worn front pump bushing

Correct answer: A leak between the cooler and coolant passages in the radiator

Coolant and ATF mixing through a failed radiator-tank cooler gives pink, milky fluid and a falling coolant level.

Question 20: A transmission has been overfilled by about a quart. Which symptom is most likely?

Delayed engagement caused by a high fluid level
Improved cooling and quieter operation
Fluid pressure that is too low because the pump runs dry
Foamy, aerated fluid with erratic shifts and fluid expelled from the vent (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Foamy, aerated fluid with erratic shifts and fluid expelled from the vent

Rotating parts churn an overfilled pan and whip air into the fluid. Aerated fluid gives erratic pressure and can foam out of the vent.

Question 21: A technician measures transmission input or output shaft end play with a dial indicator mounted on the case. If end play is outside specification and the unit uses selective parts, how is it normally corrected?

Tighten the case bolts beyond the torque specification
Add shims behind the torque converter
Replace the shaft seal rings
Change to a selective thrust washer or spacer of different thickness (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Change to a selective thrust washer or spacer of different thickness

End play is adjusted with a selective thrust washer or spacer in the correct thickness. The dial indicator measurement determines which size is needed.

Question 22: A technician checks an installed one-way roller clutch by turning the inner race by hand. Which behavior is correct for a good unit?

It rotates freely in both directions
It locks in one direction and freewheels in the other (Correct answer)
It drags equally in both directions
It locks in both directions

Correct answer: It locks in one direction and freewheels in the other

A one-way clutch must hold in its driving direction and overrun freely in the opposite direction.

Question 23: ATF is leaking at the output shaft seal on a rear-wheel-drive transmission, and the seal looks worn on one side. What else should be checked and likely replaced?

The extension housing bushing (Correct answer)
The governor or output speed sensor
The pan gasket
The torque converter drain plug

Correct answer: The extension housing bushing

A worn extension housing bushing lets the yoke move off-center, which wears the seal unevenly and makes it leak again.

Question 24: A technician is checking the fluid level on a transmission without a dipstick. Which procedure is correct?

Check the level cold with the engine off, then add one quart
Bring the fluid to the specified temperature with the vehicle level, then check at the level plug as directed (Correct answer)
Drain the pan and refill with the capacity listed in the owner's manual
Fill until fluid appears at the vent

Correct answer: Bring the fluid to the specified temperature with the vehicle level, then check at the level plug as directed

Sealed units are checked through a check plug at a specified fluid temperature, usually read with a scan tool, with the vehicle level.

Question 25: A scan tool shows the transmission range sensor reading Drive while the shifter is in Park. The shift cable was recently adjusted. What should the technician do first?

Verify the shift cable adjustment, then align the sensor to the manual shaft per specification (Correct answer)
Replace the valve body
Replace the transmission control module
Replace the sensor harness

Correct answer: Verify the shift cable adjustment, then align the sensor to the manual shaft per specification

A disagreement between the shifter and the sensor usually means linkage or sensor alignment, so check those before replacing parts.

Question 26: A scan tool cannot communicate with the transmission control module, although it communicates with other modules on the vehicle. What should the technician check first?

Flush and refill the transmission fluid
Replace the valve body solenoid pack
Power, ground and fuse supply circuits to the TCM (Correct answer)
Replace the TCM and reprogram it

Correct answer: Power, ground and fuse supply circuits to the TCM

A module that does not respond often has no power or ground. These simple circuits should be verified before condemning the module.

Question 27: After installing a band with an external adjusting screw, what is the correct adjustment procedure?

Torque the screw to specification, then back it off the exact number of turns specified and tighten the lock nut (Correct answer)
Tighten the screw as far as it will go and leave it
Back the screw out fully and tighten the lock nut
Tighten the lock nut first and then set the screw by feel

Correct answer: Torque the screw to specification, then back it off the exact number of turns specified and tighten the lock nut

Bands are adjusted by torquing the adjusting screw to specification and then backing it off the specified number of turns before locking it.

Question 28: A technician finds automatic transmission fluid in the vacuum hose that runs to the vacuum modulator. What is the most likely cause?

A worn converter pump bushing
Overfilled transmission
A ruptured modulator diaphragm (Correct answer)
A restricted transmission vent

Correct answer: A ruptured modulator diaphragm

A ruptured diaphragm lets fluid pass into the vacuum line and the engine intake. The modulator can then no longer regulate line pressure correctly.

Question 29: ATF is seeping from the lower bell housing inspection area, and the back of the engine is dry. The fluid is red and the leak is at the torque converter hub. Which seal is most likely leaking?

Engine rear main seal
Transmission front pump seal (Correct answer)
Pan gasket
Output shaft seal

Correct answer: Transmission front pump seal

ATF at the converter hub points to the front pump (converter hub) seal. The rear main seal would leak engine oil.

Question 30: During air testing of a band servo, air is applied to the apply passage. Which result indicates a servo in good condition?

The piston moves the apply pin smoothly and returns when the air is released (Correct answer)
The pin moves only when the air is first applied and then stops
The pin moves with a harsh bind and does not return
Air escapes audibly from around the piston and cover

Correct answer: The piston moves the apply pin smoothly and returns when the air is released

A good servo moves smoothly with no audible leakage and returns under spring force when air is removed.

Question 31: During a road test at a steady cruise with the TCC commanded on, a scan tool shows engine speed of 2,000 rpm and turbine speed of 1,700 rpm. What does this indicate?

About 300 rpm of converter slip, which suggests the TCC is not applying fully (Correct answer)
A defective output speed sensor, because turbine speed must always exceed engine speed
Normal TCC lockup operation
The transmission is in a lower gear than commanded

Correct answer: About 300 rpm of converter slip, which suggests the TCC is not applying fully

Converter slip is engine speed minus turbine speed. With the TCC applied, slip should be near zero, so 300 rpm means the clutch is not holding.

Question 32: Which condition most likely results from too much clutch pack clearance?

Clutch drag and plate burning in neutral
Delayed or slipping engagement because the piston must travel farther before clamping the plates (Correct answer)
Increased line pressure
Excessively fast, harsh release

Correct answer: Delayed or slipping engagement because the piston must travel farther before clamping the plates

Excess clearance means the piston has more travel before clamping, so the clutch engages late and may slip.

Question 33: A customer says the transmission "slams" into gear only after the vehicle sits overnight. What should the technician do FIRST, before ordering parts or removing the transmission?

Perform a transmission flush to remove varnish
Verify the concern by duplicating it, then check fluid level and condition and scan for DTCs (Correct answer)
Replace the valve body solenoids
Reprogram the TCM with the latest calibration

Correct answer: Verify the concern by duplicating it, then check fluid level and condition and scan for DTCs

A concern must be verified by duplicating it under the reported conditions, along with basic checks of fluid and stored codes, before any repair is chosen. Replacing parts or reflashing without verification is guessing.

Question 34: A technician replaces a valve body and clutch pack during an overhaul and the new components shift harshly even though no DTCs are stored and the pressure control solenoid tests good. What should the technician do next?

Replace the TCM immediately
Replace the fluid temperature sensor
Install a larger-value terminating resistor
Clear the old adaptive values and perform the manufacturer's adaptive learn procedure (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Clear the old adaptive values and perform the manufacturer's adaptive learn procedure

Adaptive shift strategies store correction values for the old clutch wear. After mechanical repairs these must be reset and relearned.

Question 35: During a road test, engine speed rises sharply during a 1-2 upshift without a matching increase in vehicle speed, then the transmission catches. What does this indicate?

A faulty torque converter clutch
A slipping clutch or band applying for second gear (Correct answer)
A worn drive axle joint
A restricted air filter

Correct answer: A slipping clutch or band applying for second gear

Engine rpm flaring during a shift means the element that should apply is slipping. It often points to low apply pressure or worn friction material.

Question 36: A technician measures clutch pack clearance with a feeler gauge between the pressure plate and the snap ring and finds it greater than specification. Which correction is appropriate?

Install a thicker selective snap ring or pressure plate (Correct answer)
Use a weaker piston return spring
Remove one steel plate and leave the friction plates
Install a thinner selective snap ring

Correct answer: Install a thicker selective snap ring or pressure plate

A thicker snap ring or pressure plate takes up space in the stack and reduces clearance. A thinner one would increase it.

Question 37: A vehicle sets several unrelated DTCs at once for the throttle position sensor, a pressure sensor and another 5-volt sensor, all with low-voltage signals. Which fault is most likely?

An open shift solenoid winding
A failed transmission fluid pump
A shorted 5-volt reference circuit shared by those sensors (Correct answer)
A failed output shaft speed sensor

Correct answer: A shorted 5-volt reference circuit shared by those sensors

Sensors that share a 5-volt reference all lose their supply if that circuit is shorted to ground, so several sensors fail together.

Question 38: A technician disconnects a shift solenoid connector and measures across the solenoid terminals with a DMM set to ohms. The meter displays OL. What does this reading indicate?

The solenoid winding has an internal short between coils
The solenoid is within specification
The solenoid winding is open (Correct answer)
The solenoid winding is shorted to ground

Correct answer: The solenoid winding is open

OL means infinite resistance, so there is no continuous path through the winding. The coil is open and the solenoid cannot be energized.

Question 39: A technician is installing an automatic transmission on a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. After sliding the converter onto the input shaft and stator support, which check best confirms the converter is fully seated in the pump before the transmission is raised to the engine?

The converter pilot hub is flush with the front of the transmission case
The converter can be pulled forward about an inch and will spring back against the pump
The converter drive lugs or studs sit slightly behind the bell housing mounting face when checked with a straightedge (Correct answer)
The converter turns freely by hand in both directions with no resistance

Correct answer: The converter drive lugs or studs sit slightly behind the bell housing mounting face when checked with a straightedge

Measuring the converter lugs or studs against the bell housing face with a straightedge shows whether the hub is fully engaged with the pump drive gear. If the lugs sit proud of the specification, the converter is not seated.

Question 40: During valve body inspection, a technician finds that a spool valve is sluggish in its bore. What is the best test of whether the valve and bore are acceptable?

The lubricated valve should fall through the bore under its own weight when the body is tilted (Correct answer)
Force the valve in with a small hammer and see if it stays
The valve should need light finger pressure to move
Measure the valve with a caliper only

Correct answer: The lubricated valve should fall through the bore under its own weight when the body is tilted

A clean, lubricated valve should move freely and fall by its own weight. If it does not, the valve or bore is dirty, burred, or worn.

Question 41: A technician tests a transmission fluid temperature sensor that is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor. As the sensor is heated, what should the DMM show?

Resistance that increases
Resistance that decreases (Correct answer)
Resistance that changes to OL
Resistance that stays constant

Correct answer: Resistance that decreases

An NTC thermistor's resistance falls as temperature rises.

Question 42: A vehicle clunks and the engine visibly rocks each time the shifter is moved from Park to Drive. The transmission shifts normally otherwise. Which component should be inspected first?

Powertrain mounts (Correct answer)
Valve body separator plate
Accumulator spring
Torque converter stator

Correct answer: Powertrain mounts

Excessive engine movement at engagement points to worn or broken engine or transmission mounts.

Question 43: A technician uses scan tool data to divide turbine (input) speed by output shaft speed while the transmission is commanded into a gear. What is the main reason for this calculation?

To check the TCC solenoid duty cycle
To calculate the torque converter stall speed
To determine the fluid temperature
To compare the actual gear ratio with the expected ratio and detect internal clutch or band slippage (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To compare the actual gear ratio with the expected ratio and detect internal clutch or band slippage

The input-to-output speed ratio gives the actual gear ratio, which can be compared to the specified ratio for the commanded gear. A mismatch indicates slip in an apply element.

Question 44: Why must new clutch friction plates be soaked in the specified ATF before assembly?

To remove the factory friction coating
To harden the friction lining so it lasts longer
To shrink the plates to the correct thickness
To saturate the lining so it does not scuff or burn on its first engagements (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To saturate the lining so it does not scuff or burn on its first engagements

Soaking saturates the lining with fluid so it is lubricated and cooled from the first apply. Dry plates can scuff or burn before fluid reaches them.

Question 45: While checking fluid on a torque converter automatic, a technician finds the fluid on the dipstick is pink and milky. Which is the most likely cause?

A worn output shaft speed sensor
Coolant entering the fluid through a leaking transmission cooler in the radiator (Correct answer)
Normal aging of the friction material
Overfilling with the correct fluid

Correct answer: Coolant entering the fluid through a leaking transmission cooler in the radiator

A milky, pink appearance indicates water or coolant contamination, commonly from an internal leak in the cooler inside the radiator tank. Overfill leads to foaming, not a milky color caused by coolant.

Question 46: When air testing an assembled clutch drum by directing compressed air into its apply passage, which result points to a failed piston seal?

The piston moves and stays applied until the air is released
Air escapes with a hiss and the piston moves weakly or not at all (Correct answer)
The plates can be heard moving freely in the drum
The piston moves with a soft thud and returns when the air is removed

Correct answer: Air escapes with a hiss and the piston moves weakly or not at all

If the piston seals leak, air escapes and the piston cannot build enough force to move. A good clutch applies with a dull thud and releases when air is removed.

Question 47: During a line pressure test, pressure is within specification in Park, Neutral, Drive and the manual ranges, but low only in Reverse. Which is the most likely cause?

A defective pump
A clogged transmission filter
A stuck main pressure regulator valve
A leak in the reverse clutch or servo circuit (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A leak in the reverse clutch or servo circuit

Pressure is good in every other range, so the pump, filter and regulator are working. The leak is in a circuit used only in Reverse, such as the reverse clutch seals.

Question 48: When installing a lip-type seal on a clutch apply piston, how should the seal lip face?

Toward the apply pressure side, so fluid pressure presses the lip against the bore (Correct answer)
Away from the pressure side of the piston
The direction does not matter if the seal is lubricated
Toward the return spring regardless of the design

Correct answer: Toward the apply pressure side, so fluid pressure presses the lip against the bore

Lip seals are installed with the lip facing the pressure, so hydraulic pressure expands the lip against the bore and seals it.

Question 49: A whining noise is heard with the transmission in Park and Neutral. It rises in pitch as engine speed increases, and it is not related to vehicle speed. Which is the most likely cause?

Worn drive axle
Transmission pump wear or low fluid level (Correct answer)
Planetary gear damage
Worn output shaft bearing

Correct answer: Transmission pump wear or low fluid level

The pump is driven by the converter hub at engine speed. A whine that follows engine rpm in Park or Neutral points to the pump or to aeration from low fluid.

Question 50: A transmission that recently had a major internal failure is being fitted with a replacement unit. What should be done to the external cooler and lines?

Leave them in place because the fluid is filtered at the pan
Pressurize the cooler with shop air and reuse it
Remove the cooler and bypass it with a hose
Flush and flow-test them per the manufacturer, and replace the cooler if it cannot be cleaned (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Flush and flow-test them per the manufacturer, and replace the cooler if it cannot be cleaned

Debris trapped in the cooler can destroy the new unit, so the cooler must be flushed and flow-tested or replaced.

Question 51: A vehicle has a vibration, like driving over rumble strips, at a light throttle cruise of 40-50 mph. It goes away when the brake is lightly touched, which releases the torque converter clutch. What should be done first?

Replace the engine mounts
Balance the driveshaft
Replace the torque converter immediately
Check the fluid condition, and exchange it with the correct fluid before further repair (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Check the fluid condition, and exchange it with the correct fluid before further repair

Touching the brake releases the TCC and the shudder stops, so it is TCC shudder. Degraded or wrong fluid is a common cause and the simplest to correct first.

Question 52: Which tools are used to accurately measure the inside diameter of a transmission bushing so it can be compared to specification?

A feeler gauge and a straightedge
A dial indicator and a magnetic base
A telescoping gauge and an outside micrometer (Correct answer)
A thread pitch gauge and a caliper depth rod

Correct answer: A telescoping gauge and an outside micrometer

A telescoping gauge is set inside the bushing and then measured with a micrometer, which gives the inside diameter.

Question 53: Transmission fluid on the dipstick looks milky and pink. What is the most probable cause?

A worn front pump seal
A clogged internal filter
A leaking transmission cooler inside the radiator (Correct answer)
A stuck converter clutch solenoid

Correct answer: A leaking transmission cooler inside the radiator

Coolant mixing with the fluid gives it a milky pink appearance. The usual entry point is a failed cooler in the radiator tank.

Question 54: A technician measures the clearance of a multiple-disc clutch pack by inserting a feeler gauge between the pressure plate and the snap ring, with the clutch pack stacked. The clearance is greater than specification. What is the usual correction?

Install a thinner selective snap ring
Shorten the return spring
Install a thicker selective snap ring or pressure plate (Correct answer)
Add one more steel plate and friction plate

Correct answer: Install a thicker selective snap ring or pressure plate

Too much clearance is taken up by a thicker selective snap ring or pressure plate. This restores the correct clutch pack clearance.

Question 55: With the ignition off, a technician measures resistance between CAN High and CAN Low at the data link connector and reads about 120 ohms. A normal two-terminator high-speed CAN network should read about 60 ohms. What is the most likely cause?

The CAN Low wire is shorted to ground
The CAN High wire is shorted to battery voltage
Both terminating resistors are working normally
One of the network's terminating resistors or its circuit is open (Correct answer)

Correct answer: One of the network's terminating resistors or its circuit is open

Two 120-ohm terminating resistors in parallel read about 60 ohms. A reading near 120 ohms means only one resistor is in the circuit.

Question 56: A technician must reprogram a transmission control module with a manufacturer calibration update using a pass-through programming tool. Which step is most important to take before starting the flash?

Connect a battery maintainer to hold stable system voltage during programming (Correct answer)
Drain the transmission fluid so the sensors read zero
Leave the key on with the engine running so the module stays awake
Disconnect the battery to reset the module memory first

Correct answer: Connect a battery maintainer to hold stable system voltage during programming

Voltage that drops during a flash can corrupt the software and leave the module unusable. A battery maintainer or power supply holds voltage steady.

Question 57: A vehicle with an automatic transmission stalls or bucks every time it is brought to a stop in gear, and runs normally in Neutral. Which fault is most likely?

A torque converter clutch that fails to release (Correct answer)
A worn turbine shaft seal
A failed stator one-way clutch
A low fluid level

Correct answer: A torque converter clutch that fails to release

If the lock-up clutch stays applied, the engine is mechanically tied to the drivetrain at a stop. The engine stalls like a manual-transmission car with the clutch released.

Question 58: After a transmission range sensor is replaced, the engine cranks in Neutral but not in Park. Which is the most likely cause?

The starter solenoid is failing
The torque converter clutch is stuck applied
The shift cable is too long to reach Reverse
The range sensor is not aligned with the manual shaft (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The range sensor is not aligned with the manual shaft

Park and Neutral should both close the start circuit. If only Neutral does, the sensor's alignment with the manual shaft is off.

Question 59: A technician checks steel clutch plates and finds one that is dished and warped. What should be done?

Flatten it in a vise
Install it as the last plate in the stack
Reinstall it facing the other way
Replace the plate, because warping causes uneven clamping and hot spots (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Replace the plate, because warping causes uneven clamping and hot spots

Warped steel plates do not clamp evenly, which causes hot spots, drag or slip. They should be replaced.

Question 60: A new valve body is being installed. The bolts are of several lengths. What is the correct practice?

Reuse any bolts since they are all interchangeable
Tighten all bolts fully in numerical order before the next one is started
Use the longest bolts everywhere to ensure full thread engagement
Install each bolt in its matching location and tighten in the specified sequence and torque (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Install each bolt in its matching location and tighten in the specified sequence and torque

Valve body bolts differ in length and must go in their original locations, tightened to the specified low torque and sequence.

ASE A2 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Certification Test

ASE certification test for technicians who diagnose, maintain and repair automatic transmissions and transaxles. It covers general diagnosis, in-vehicle maintenance and repair, and off-vehicle repair.

Questions

75 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

ase.com — Eligibility, test delivery, time limit, registration deadline, test dates, score validity, retake policy, score release · verified Nov 2026