ASE AUTOMOBILE TECHNICIAN A3 –
MANUAL DRIVETRAIN & AXLES
CERTIFICATION EXAM QUESTION AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the primary purpose of a clutch in a manual transmission vehicle?
A. Multiply engine torque
B. Change gear ratios
C. Disconnect the engine from the drivetrain
D. Reduce engine speed
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The clutch allows the engine to be temporarily disconnected from the
drivetrain so gears can be shifted smoothly.
2. A clutch that slips most often causes which symptom?
A. Vehicle stalls when stopping
B. Poor acceleration and burning smell
C. Hard shifting
D. Excessive driveline noise
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A slipping clutch allows engine speed to increase without
proportional vehicle speed, often producing a burning odor.
, 3. Which component applies pressure to the clutch disc?
A. Flywheel
B. Release bearing
C. Pressure plate
D. Pilot bearing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The pressure plate clamps the clutch disc against the flywheel to
transmit torque.
4. A worn pilot bearing will most likely cause:
A. Clutch slippage
B. Transmission fluid leaks
C. Noise during clutch disengagement
D. Vibration at highway speed
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A worn pilot bearing causes noise when the clutch is disengaged
because the input shaft is no longer supported properly.
5. Which clutch component allows smooth engagement by absorbing
torsional shock?
A. Pressure plate springs
B. Clutch disc damper springs
C. Release fork
D. Flywheel
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Damper springs in the clutch disc reduce shock and vibration during
engagement.
6. A hydraulic clutch system uses which fluid?
A. Engine oil
B. Power steering fluid
, C. Brake fluid
D. Gear oil
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hydraulic clutch systems typically share the same type of fluid as
brake systems—DOT brake fluid.
7. A clutch pedal that slowly sinks to the floor indicates:
A. Worn clutch disc
B. Broken pressure plate springs
C. Internal hydraulic leak
D. Misadjusted clutch cable
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A sinking pedal usually indicates fluid bypassing internally in the
master or slave cylinder.
8. What is the function of a synchronizer in a manual transmission?
A. Increase gear strength
B. Match gear speeds during shifting
C. Provide lubrication
D. Reduce transmission noise
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Synchronizers equalize the speed of gears to allow smooth
engagement without grinding.
9. Gear clash during shifting most often indicates:
A. Low engine oil
B. Worn synchronizers
C. Broken differential
D. Bent axle shaft
MANUAL DRIVETRAIN & AXLES
CERTIFICATION EXAM QUESTION AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the primary purpose of a clutch in a manual transmission vehicle?
A. Multiply engine torque
B. Change gear ratios
C. Disconnect the engine from the drivetrain
D. Reduce engine speed
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The clutch allows the engine to be temporarily disconnected from the
drivetrain so gears can be shifted smoothly.
2. A clutch that slips most often causes which symptom?
A. Vehicle stalls when stopping
B. Poor acceleration and burning smell
C. Hard shifting
D. Excessive driveline noise
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A slipping clutch allows engine speed to increase without
proportional vehicle speed, often producing a burning odor.
, 3. Which component applies pressure to the clutch disc?
A. Flywheel
B. Release bearing
C. Pressure plate
D. Pilot bearing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The pressure plate clamps the clutch disc against the flywheel to
transmit torque.
4. A worn pilot bearing will most likely cause:
A. Clutch slippage
B. Transmission fluid leaks
C. Noise during clutch disengagement
D. Vibration at highway speed
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A worn pilot bearing causes noise when the clutch is disengaged
because the input shaft is no longer supported properly.
5. Which clutch component allows smooth engagement by absorbing
torsional shock?
A. Pressure plate springs
B. Clutch disc damper springs
C. Release fork
D. Flywheel
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Damper springs in the clutch disc reduce shock and vibration during
engagement.
6. A hydraulic clutch system uses which fluid?
A. Engine oil
B. Power steering fluid
, C. Brake fluid
D. Gear oil
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hydraulic clutch systems typically share the same type of fluid as
brake systems—DOT brake fluid.
7. A clutch pedal that slowly sinks to the floor indicates:
A. Worn clutch disc
B. Broken pressure plate springs
C. Internal hydraulic leak
D. Misadjusted clutch cable
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A sinking pedal usually indicates fluid bypassing internally in the
master or slave cylinder.
8. What is the function of a synchronizer in a manual transmission?
A. Increase gear strength
B. Match gear speeds during shifting
C. Provide lubrication
D. Reduce transmission noise
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Synchronizers equalize the speed of gears to allow smooth
engagement without grinding.
9. Gear clash during shifting most often indicates:
A. Low engine oil
B. Worn synchronizers
C. Broken differential
D. Bent axle shaft
