ASE Automatic Transmission/Transaxle 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A vehicle shifts harshly into all gears and has no torque converter clutch (TCC) apply. Which sensor failure is the MOST likely cause?
- Transmission fluid temperature sensor
- Input shaft speed sensor
- Throttle position sensor (TPS) (Correct answer)
- Vehicle speed sensor (VSS)
Correct answer: Throttle position sensor (TPS)
A faulty TPS gives the controller incorrect load data, producing harsh shifts and preventing proper TCC apply.
Question 2: Aerated, foamy automatic transmission fluid on the dipstick most commonly indicates which condition?
- Overfilled fluid level (Correct answer)
- Worn output shaft bushing
- Clogged transmission cooler
- Slipping front clutch pack
Correct answer: Overfilled fluid level
An overfilled level lets the rotating components whip air into the fluid, creating foam.
Question 3: Which component allows the front wheels of a transaxle-equipped vehicle to rotate at different speeds while turning?
- Final drive ring gear
- Differential (Correct answer)
- Planetary carrier
- Governor assembly
Correct answer: Differential
The differential, integrated into the transaxle, lets the drive wheels turn at different speeds during cornering.
Question 4: A torque converter that is locked up (TCC stuck applied) will cause which symptom?
- Slipping at highway speed
- Engine stall when coming to a stop (Correct answer)
- No upshift past second gear
- Whining noise in park
Correct answer: Engine stall when coming to a stop
A stuck-applied TCC mechanically links the engine to the transmission, stalling the engine as the vehicle stops.
Question 5: In a Simpson planetary gear set, what provides the reduction needed for first gear?
- Holding the front carrier while the sun gear drives
- Holding the rear carrier while the sun gear drives (Correct answer)
- Locking two members together
- Driving the ring gear directly
Correct answer: Holding the rear carrier while the sun gear drives
In low gear the input drives the sun gear and the rear carrier is held, producing maximum gear reduction.
Question 6: A technician finds metallic particles clinging to the transmission pan magnet. What does this primarily indicate?
- Normal clutch friction wear
- Gear or bearing wear (Correct answer)
- Contaminated new fluid
- A failed solenoid
Correct answer: Gear or bearing wear
The magnet attracts ferrous metal, so accumulation points to wearing gears, bearings, or hard parts.
Question 7: Which check should be performed FIRST when diagnosing a slipping automatic transmission?
- Replace the valve body
- Check fluid level and condition (Correct answer)
- Perform a stall test
- Remove the transmission pan
Correct answer: Check fluid level and condition
Fluid level and condition are the quickest, most common causes of slipping and must be verified first.
ASE Automatic Transmission/Transaxle 2
A vehicle shifts harshly into all gears and has no torque converter clutch (TCC) apply.
Which sensor failure is the MOST likely cause?