ASE A2 Automatic Transmission Practice Test

25 practice questions

Choose an answer, then check it under Show answer.

1. Question 1 of 25Medium

   All of the following are correct when using a DSO with a current clamp to test a pulse-width-modulated transmission solenoid EXCEPT:

   1. AA. Compare the current ramp with a known-good waveform for the same command.
   2. BB. Use the current waveform to help identify a mechanically sticking solenoid armature.
   3. CC. Look for a smooth current rise and a stable commanded current level.
   4. DD. Interpret a current waveform higher than normal as proof of excessive circuit resistance.
   Show answer to question 1

   Answer: D. Interpret a current waveform higher than normal as proof of excessive circuit resistance.

   A current clamp shows solenoid current, and a higher-than-normal current points to lower resistance, such as shorted coil turns, not excessive resistance. Comparing known-good waveforms, checking the current rise and commanded level, and using the waveform to identify mechanical sticking are valid uses. Excessive resistance would reduce current.

2. Question 2 of 25Hard

   A three-wire Hall-effect output shaft speed sensor is being tested. All of the following are correct procedures EXCEPT:

   1. AA. Measure resistance between the sensor terminals to verify internal switching
   2. BB. Measure the signal voltage while rotating the shaft and look for a low-to-high switch
   3. CC. Use a DSO to confirm a clean square wave on the signal circuit
   4. DD. Verify the reference voltage and ground at the sensor connector
   Show answer to question 2

   Answer: A. Measure resistance between the sensor terminals to verify internal switching

   A Hall-effect sensor is an active device that cannot be validated with an ohmmeter across its terminals. It requires reference voltage and ground, and its output is a digital square wave that should switch between low and high as the shaft turns.

3. Question 3 of 25Medium

   A technician performs a wet vacuum test on a pressure regulator valve bore and records a vacuum level significantly lower than the manufacturer's specification. Which condition does this reading indicate?

   1. AA. A collapsed valve return spring
   2. BB. An over-torqued valve body retaining bolt
   3. CC. Excessive hydraulic clearance between the valve and bore
   4. DD. A restricted fluid passage downstream of the valve
   Show answer to question 3

   Answer: C. Excessive hydraulic clearance between the valve and bore

   A vacuum test measures the sealing efficiency between the valve lands and the bore walls; a low vacuum reading indicates excessive clearance or bore wear that allows fluid leakage. While a weak spring alters dynamic valve timing, it does not affect the physical vacuum seal between the valve land and the bore.

4. Question 4 of 25Hard

   A technician is using a digital multimeter (DMM) to diagnose a transmission speed sensor fault. All of the following statements regarding transmission speed sensor testing are true EXCEPT:

   1. AA. A Hall-effect speed sensor requires an external DC reference voltage and ground connection to generate a digital square-wave signal.
   2. BB. A variable reluctance speed sensor coil can be tested for continuity and resistance using the ohmmeter function.
   3. CC. A Hall-effect speed sensor's internal operation can be confirmed by measuring coil resistance across its signal and power terminals.
   4. DD. A variable reluctance speed sensor generates an AC voltage signal that increases in amplitude with shaft speed.
   Show answer to question 4

   Answer: C. A Hall-effect speed sensor's internal operation can be confirmed by measuring coil resistance across its signal and power terminals.

   A Hall-effect speed sensor is an active solid-state electronic device that contains semiconductor circuitry, not a simple wire coil, so measuring resistance across its terminals will not verify proper operation and can damage the internal electronics. Variable reluctance sensors are passive magnetic coils whose resistance and output AC voltage can be tested with an ohmmeter and an AC voltmeter, whereas Hall-effect sensors require DC power and produce a switched DC digital signal.

5. Question 5 of 25Hard

   An engine stalls immediately whenever the transmission selector lever is moved from Park into Drive or Reverse. A scan tool displays a commanded TCC duty cycle of 0%. With the key on and engine off, backprobing the ground-side TCC solenoid control wire at the PCM reveals 0.2 volts. When the PCM harness connector is unplugged, the voltage on that same wire immediately rises to 12.6 volts. What is the MOST likely cause?

   1. AA. A short to ground inside the powertrain control module low-side driver
   2. BB. An internally shorted torque converter clutch solenoid coil
   3. CC. A short to ground in the wiring harness between the transmission and PCM
   4. DD. A mechanically stuck-closed torque converter clutch apply valve
   Show answer to question 5

   Answer: A. A short to ground inside the powertrain control module low-side driver

   Because the voltage rises to battery voltage when the PCM connector is disconnected, the short to ground is located inside the PCM driver itself, which permanently grounds the solenoid and applies the clutch. If the wiring harness between the transmission and PCM were shorted to ground, the voltage would remain near 0 volts even after unplugging the PCM.

6. Question 6 of 25Medium

   A vehicle experiences a front pump seal leak and buzzing noise shortly after a replacement transmission is installed. Inspection reveals that the torque converter hub is scored on one side and the front pump bushing is worn into an oval shape. Which of these is the MOST likely cause?

   1. AA. Excessive torque converter end play
   2. BB. A restricted transmission case vent
   3. CC. A missing bellhousing alignment dowel pin
   4. DD. An overfilled transmission fluid level
   Show answer to question 6

   Answer: C. A missing bellhousing alignment dowel pin

   A missing or damaged bellhousing dowel pin allows radial misalignment between the engine crankshaft and the transmission pump centerline. This misalignment puts severe side-loading on the converter hub, rapidly wearing the pump bushing out of round and causing the front seal to leak. A restricted case vent typically causes fluid to push past seals without causing one-sided metal wear, while an overfilled fluid level causes aeration and foaming.

7. Question 7 of 25Easy

   A vehicle with an electronically controlled transmission has harsh shifts and several solenoid performance codes. With the engine running and all accessories on, charging voltage at the battery posts is below the manufacturer's specification. Which of these is the MOST likely cause?

   1. AA. A transmission internal pressure leak
   2. BB. A skewed fluid temperature sensor
   3. CC. Excessive battery reserve capacity
   4. DD. Low charging system output
   Show answer to question 7

   Answer: D. Low charging system output

   Low charging system output can reduce system voltage and cause module resets or poor solenoid operation, resulting in harsh shifts and multiple codes. An internal pressure leak could affect shift quality, but it would not explain the below-specification charging voltage.

8. Question 8 of 25Medium

   A front-wheel-drive vehicle has an acceleration shudder after a replacement transaxle was installed. Technician A says powertrain mount alignment has no effect on front halfshaft operating angles. Technician B says a leaking hydraulic transaxle mount can be repaired by refilling it with automatic transmission fluid and resealing the fill plug. Who is correct?

   1. AA. A only
   2. BB. B only
   3. CC. Both A and B
   4. DD. Neither A nor B
   Show answer to question 8

   Answer: D. Neither A nor B

   Neither technician is correct. Technician A is incorrect because powertrain mount alignment directly sets the height and lateral position of the transaxle; improper alignment causes steep or mismatched constant velocity (CV) joint angles, which produces acceleration shudder. Technician B is incorrect because hydraulic powertrain mounts are sealed, non-serviceable units filled with specialized damping fluid during manufacturing, and any mount leaking fluid must be replaced.

9. Question 9 of 25Medium

   Which of these is LEAST likely to cause a scan tool to lose communication with the TCM only while the engine is running?

   1. AA. A low transmission fluid level
   2. BB. A CAN circuit chafed against a hot exhaust component
   3. CC. High resistance at a TCM ground connection
   4. DD. A failing contact inside the TCM power relay
   Show answer to question 9

   Answer: A. A low transmission fluid level

   Fluid level affects hydraulic operation, not the module's electrical power, ground, or network circuits, so it would not cause a communication dropout that appears only when the engine runs. A chafed bus wire, an intermittent power relay, and a poor ground all vary with engine operation, temperature, and vibration and can drop the module off the network.

10. Question 10 of 25Medium

    A transmission has simultaneous low-circuit codes for two shift solenoids, the torque converter clutch solenoid, and the transmission fluid temperature sensor. Technician A says a common power feed or ground at the transmission case connector should be checked before replacing parts. Technician B says multiple unrelated codes make the transmission control module the most likely cause, so it should be replaced first. Who is correct?

    1. AA. A only
    2. BB. B only
    3. CC. Both A and B
    4. DD. Neither A nor B
    Show answer to question 10

    Answer: A. A only

    Several unrelated circuits sharing a power feed or ground can set multiple codes when that common connection is open or has high resistance, so it should be tested first. Multiple codes do not make the control module the most likely cause; module replacement is not a first step. Thus only the first technician is correct.

11. Question 11 of 25Medium

    During a transmission removal, an inspection of the flexplate reveals cracks radiating outward from the crankshaft bolt circle. Which of these is the MOST likely cause of this condition?

    1. AA. A leaking torque converter seal
    2. BB. A restricted transmission fluid cooler
    3. CC. Excessive crankshaft end play
    4. DD. Overfilling the transmission fluid
    Show answer to question 11

    Answer: C. Excessive crankshaft end play

    Excessive crankshaft end play causes constant back-and-forth axial movement of the crankshaft, which repeatedly flexes the flexplate until metal fatigue causes cracks around the crankshaft bolt holes. Missing bellhousing dowels or converter misalignment can also cause flexplate flexing, but fluid overfilling, cooler restrictions, and leaking converter seals do not induce the cyclic mechanical bending stresses that crack the flexplate center.

12. Question 12 of 25Hard

    After reassembly, a technician measures input shaft end play at 0.002 in (0.05 mm) with the specification being 0.008 to 0.015 in (0.20 to 0.38 mm). Technician A says the reading is acceptable because end play will increase as the thrust surfaces wear in during the first few hundred miles. Technician B says the end play is too tight and the unit must be disassembled to check for a mispositioned bearing, an incorrect selective washer or trapped debris. Who is correct?

    1. AA. A only
    2. BB. B only
    3. CC. Both A and B
    4. DD. Neither A nor B
    Show answer to question 12

    Answer: B. B only

    End play below specification leaves too little clearance and can cause the geartrain to bind and damage the thrust surfaces, so the cause must be found before the unit is put into service. Relying on wear to open up the clearance risks destroying the transmission during break-in.

13. Question 13 of 25Hard

    A technician installs a pressure gauge at a forward clutch tap to diagnose slipping during engagement. Which of these is LEAST likely to cause a low pressure reading at this specific test port while main line pressure remains within specification?

    1. AA. A cut forward clutch piston lip seal
    2. BB. A restricted transmission cooler return line
    3. CC. A cracked forward clutch cylinder drum
    4. DD. Worn oil delivery sleeve sealing rings on the input shaft
    Show answer to question 13

    Answer: B. A restricted transmission cooler return line

    A restricted transmission cooler return line affects lubrication circuit flow and torque converter charge pressure, but it does not cause localized pressure loss in the forward clutch apply circuit. Cut piston lip seals, cracked apply drums, and worn shaft sealing rings allow apply fluid to escape directly from the forward clutch circuit while main line pressure remains normal.

14. Question 14 of 25Medium

    A stored transmission DTC has freeze-frame data showing vehicle speed of 45 mph, throttle at 25 percent, and transmission fluid temperature of 180°F at the time of the fault. Which of these is the BEST use of this information?

    1. AA. Recreate those operating conditions during a road test to duplicate the fault.
    2. BB. Clear the DTC and return the vehicle to the customer.
    3. CC. Replace the transmission because the data proves a mechanical failure.
    4. DD. Check the MIL bulb because freeze frame only stores when the lamp is on.
    Show answer to question 14

    Answer: A. Recreate those operating conditions during a road test to duplicate the fault.

    Freeze-frame data records the conditions present when the fault was first detected, which helps a technician reproduce the problem. Recreating the same speed, throttle, and temperature during a road test is the best next step. Freeze-frame data does not prove a mechanical failure, and it can be stored before the MIL is commanded on.

15. Question 15 of 25Medium

    While disassembling a differential, a technician finds the pinion shaft lock pin sheared off. Technician A says the cross shaft can be reinstalled without the lock pin as long as it is a snug fit in the case. Technician B says a broken or missing pinion shaft lock pin lets the cross shaft walk out and damage the case, so the pin must be replaced. Who is correct?

    1. AA. A only
    2. BB. B only
    3. CC. Both A and B
    4. DD. Neither A nor B
    Show answer to question 15

    Answer: B. B only

    The lock pin or roll pin holds the cross shaft in place, and a snug fit alone does not keep the shaft from moving once the differential is loaded. If the shaft walks out it contacts the transaxle case and destroys the differential, so the retaining pin is always replaced with a new one.

16. Question 16 of 25Medium

    Two technicians are discussing clutch pack assembly and clearance measurement. Technician A says new friction discs must be installed dry when checking clearance to prevent transmission fluid from skewing feeler gauge readings. Technician B says incorrect installation or omission of the waved cushion spring can cause harsh shift engagement even if total clearance is within specification. Who is correct?

    1. AA. A only
    2. BB. B only
    3. CC. Both A and B
    4. DD. Neither A nor B
    Show answer to question 16

    Answer: B. B only

    Technician B is correct because the waved cushion spring dampens the initial apply shock of the clutch pack; omitting or misorienting it results in harsh shifts regardless of overall clearance. Technician A is incorrect because friction discs should be pre-soaked in clean automatic transmission fluid prior to assembly to prevent premature wear and ensure accurate operational thickness.

17. Question 17 of 25Hard

    Line pressure is within specification when the transmission is cold, but drops below specification after the fluid reaches operating temperature. The scan tool shows commanded and actual EPC current agree and follow the desired current. Technician A says this confirms the EPC solenoid is sticking. Technician B says replacing the pressure regulator spring is the correct next step. Who is correct?

    1. AA. A only
    2. BB. B only
    3. CC. Both A and B
    4. DD. Neither A nor B
    Show answer to question 17

    Answer: D. Neither A nor B

    Neither technician is correct. A hot-only pressure drop with correct EPC current can be caused by internal leakage, a restricted filter, or a worn pump, so it does not confirm a sticking EPC solenoid. Replacing a pressure regulator spring without further pressure and leakage testing is not the correct next step.

18. Question 18 of 25Easy

    A technician is reinstalling a valve body onto an automatic transmission case. The service manual specifies tightening the bolts in a spiral sequence starting at the center and working outward. What is the primary purpose of this procedure?

    1. AA. To compress the accumulator piston return springs before the valve body seats
    2. BB. To prevent casting distortion and ensure even clamping force across the separator plate
    3. CC. To allow trapped air to escape through the manual shift valve exhaust port
    4. DD. To prevent check balls from moving out of their designated separator plate pockets
    Show answer to question 18

    Answer: B. To prevent casting distortion and ensure even clamping force across the separator plate

    Tightening valve body fasteners in a spiral pattern from the center outward spreads clamping force evenly across the casting and separator plate, preventing distortion, warpage, and internal hydraulic cross-leaks. Air purging occurs dynamically during hydraulic system operation and is not affected by bolt tightening order. Check balls are held in place by separator plates, gaskets, or retainers rather than the sequence in which fasteners are tightened.

19. Question 19 of 25Medium

    A transmission slips and flares on the 1-2 shift. With the valve body removed, the technician finds the servo apply pin bore in the case is elongated and the pin shows a wear flat. Which of these is the MOST likely effect of this condition?

    1. AA. The accumulator piston seals too tightly against its bore
    2. BB. The piston cocks in the bore, damaging the seal and leaking apply pressure
    3. CC. The return spring loses tension and holds the band applied
    4. DD. Line pressure rises above specification in all ranges
    Show answer to question 19

    Answer: B. The piston cocks in the bore, damaging the seal and leaking apply pressure

    A worn pin bore lets the apply pin tilt, which cocks the servo piston and damages or lifts the lip seal so apply oil leaks past it and the band slips. Pin bore wear has no effect on return spring tension or on pump line pressure.

20. Question 20 of 25Hard

    After repairing an open circuit at an input shaft speed sensor, a technician is attempting to clear a permanent DTC before releasing the vehicle. Technician A says that a permanent DTC can be cleared by performing a 30-minute battery power disconnect. Technician B says that cycling the ignition switch on and off ten times without starting the engine will erase the permanent DTC. Who is correct?

    1. AA. A only
    2. BB. B only
    3. CC. Both A and B
    4. DD. Neither A nor B
    Show answer to question 20

    Answer: D. Neither A nor B

    Neither technician is correct. Permanent DTCs are stored in non-volatile memory and cannot be erased by disconnecting the battery, clearing codes with a scan tool, or cycling the ignition switch. A permanent DTC is only cleared by the onboard control module after the specific monitor executes during a drive cycle and verifies that the fault is no longer present.

21. Question 21 of 25Easy

    A transmission pan with a drain plug is being reinstalled after service. The drain plug uses a crush washer. What action is needed?

    1. AA. Apply thread sealant to the old washer and reuse it
    2. BB. Reuse the old crush washer if it is not visibly torn
    3. CC. Install the plug finger-tight to avoid damaging the pan threads
    4. DD. Replace the crush washer and tighten the plug to specification
    Show answer to question 21

    Answer: D. Replace the crush washer and tighten the plug to specification

    A crush washer deforms when tightened and may not seal reliably if reused. It should be replaced, and the drain plug should be tightened to the manufacturer's specification rather than finger-tight or with thread sealant.

22. Question 22 of 25Easy

    A customer reports that the transmission occasionally fails to upshift from second to third gear, but no warning lamp is on. Technician A says the road test should try to reproduce the concern under the same throttle, speed, and temperature conditions while recording commanded gear and actual gear. Technician B says that if no diagnostic trouble code is stored, the transmission control module and wiring are functioning correctly. Who is correct?

    1. AA. A only
    2. BB. B only
    3. CC. Both A and B
    4. DD. Neither A nor B
    Show answer to question 22

    Answer: A. A only

    Reproducing the driver's concern while comparing commanded and actual gear data is the correct way to verify an intermittent electronic shift fault. A stored trouble code is not required for an intermittent circuit or signal problem, so the absence of a code does not prove the control module and wiring are good. The technician who would rely only on the lack of a code is incorrect.

23. Question 23 of 25Easy

    All of the following are common symptoms of a worn or failing Cardan universal joint on a rear-wheel-drive vehicle EXCEPT:

    1. AA. A rhythmic chirping or squeaking noise during low-speed driving.
    2. BB. A driveline vibration that intensifies under vehicle acceleration.
    3. CC. A clicking or snapping noise heard exclusively when turning sharply.
    4. DD. A metallic clunk heard when shifting from Drive to Reverse.
    Show answer to question 23

    Answer: C. A clicking or snapping noise heard exclusively when turning sharply.

    A clicking or snapping noise heard during sharp low-speed turns is the classic symptom of a worn outer constant velocity (CV) joint on a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive axle, not a Cardan universal joint on a rear-wheel-drive driveshaft. Worn or dry universal joints typically produce squeaking or chirping that varies with driveshaft rotational speed, a clunk when changing driveline torque direction, and driveline vibrations under load.

24. Question 24 of 25Easy

    A customer complains that the transmission will not upshift past 2nd gear. Live scan tool data shows that with the gear selector placed in Drive (D), the Transmission Range (TR) Switch PID displays "Manual 2." Moving the selector between Overdrive and Drive does not change the PID reading. What should the technician do NEXT?

    1. AA. Measure line pressure at the forward clutch port.
    2. BB. Inspect the 2nd gear servo apply band.
    3. CC. Check the TR switch adjustment and circuit integrity.
    4. DD. Replace the 2-3 shift solenoid assembly.
    Show answer to question 24

    Answer: C. Check the TR switch adjustment and circuit integrity.

    The transmission control module commands shift points based on driver range selection; if the TR switch input reports Manual 2, the module intentionally holds the transmission in 2nd gear to provide engine braking. The technician must verify TR switch adjustment, linkage alignment, and circuit wiring before replacing internal hydraulic or electrical components. Shift solenoids and mechanical friction bands do not cause an incorrect gear range PID reading.

25. Question 25 of 25Easy

    A technician is inspecting an automatic transmission shift linkage with severely worn rubber bushings. All of the following symptoms can be directly caused by these worn bushings EXCEPT:

    1. AA. Excessive free play in the floor or column gear selector lever
    2. BB. Slippage during the wide-open-throttle 1-2 upshift while in Drive
    3. CC. Inability to fully engage the manual Park or Low gear detents
    4. DD. Misalignment between the shift indicator display and actual gear position
    Show answer to question 25

    Answer: B. Slippage during the wide-open-throttle 1-2 upshift while in Drive

    Slippage during an automatic upshift while driving is caused by internal transmission faults such as worn friction elements, low hydraulic line pressure, or leaking servo seals, not linkage bushings. Worn linkage bushings create mechanical lost motion, resulting in loose shifter feel, inaccurate gear indicator alignment, and the inability to travel far enough to reach the outer detents like Park or first gear.

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