ASE Practice Test (A2: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle)

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?

Accepted Answer

Oxidation from overfilling

Answer

Correct answer: Oxidation from overfilling

Oxidation from under or overfilling will cause the fluid to be varnished with a light to dark brown color.

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?

Accepted Answer

X only

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

X only

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Forward clutch

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Stays with transmission

Answer

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.