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ASE A2 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Certification
Exam | Latest Verified Questions and Detailed Answers
OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION
This comprehensive set of multiple choice questions is designed for the ASE A2
Automatic Transmission/Transaxle certification exam, administered by the National
Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The exam evaluates a technician’s
ability to diagnose and repair automatic transmissions and transaxles, organized into
three core content areas: General Transmission/Transaxle Diagnosis (50%), In-Vehicle
Maintenance and Repair (24%), and Off-Vehicle Repair (26%). Questions assess
knowledge ranging from retrieving diagnostic trouble codes and interpreting hydraulic
principles to performing internal overhauls and reassembly procedures.
Domain 1: General Transmission/Transaxle Diagnosis
QUESTION 1
A vehicle with an automatic transmission has a stored P0715 (Input/Turbine Speed
Sensor Circuit Malfunction). Which of the following is the LEAST likely cause of this
code?
A) Failed input speed sensor
B) Damaged reluctor wheel on the input shaft
C) Worn forward clutch plates
D) Open in the sensor wiring harness
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE:
P0715 indicates an electrical circuit issue, not a mechanical clutch wear problem. Worn
forward clutch plates would cause slip or shift concerns, not a circuit code.
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QUESTION 2
Technician A says that freeze frame data captures vehicle operating conditions at the
time a diagnostic trouble code is set. Technician B says that freeze frame data may
include engine RPM, vehicle speed, and transmission fluid temperature. Who is correct?
A) Technician A only
B) Technician B only
C) Both A and B
D) Neither A nor B
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE:
Freeze frame data records a snapshot of parameters when a DTC sets, commonly
including RPM, speed, and transmission temperature. Both statements are accurate.
QUESTION 3
A transmission fluid dipstick shows a milky, pink-colored fluid. What is the most likely
cause?
A) Overheated transmission fluid
B) Engine coolant contamination
C) Aerated fluid from overfilling
D) Normal fluid oxidation
CORRECT ANSWER: B
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EXPERT RATIONALE:
A milky pink appearance indicates coolant mixing with ATF, often due to a leaking
transmission oil cooler inside the radiator. Overheating causes a burnt odor and dark
color, not a milky appearance.
QUESTION 4
Pascal's Law states that pressure in an enclosed fluid is transmitted equally in all
directions. If a force of 50 lbs is applied to a piston with an area of 5 in², what pressure is
generated?
A) 10 psi
B) 55 psi
C) 250 psi
D) 5 psi
CORRECT ANSWER: A
EXPERT RATIONALE:
Pressure = Force / Area. 50 lbs / 5 in² = 10 psi. Pascal’s Law allows this pressure to be
used for hydraulic force multiplication.
QUESTION 5
Using Pascal’s Law, a master cylinder piston with area 2 in² applies force to a slave
piston of area 8 in². If the input force is 100 lbs, what output force is produced (ignoring
friction)?
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A) 25 lbs
B) 100 lbs
C) 400 lbs
D) 800 lbs
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE:
Pressure = 100 lbs / 2 in² = 50 psi. Output force = pressure × slave area = 50 psi × 8 in²
= 400 lbs. Force multiplies by the area ratio.
QUESTION 6
A torque converter is being tested. During a stall test, the engine RPM is below
specification. Which of the following could cause this?
A) A slipping one-way clutch in the stator
B) A restricted exhaust causing low engine power
C) A worn torque converter clutch piston
D) Low line pressure
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE:
Low stall speed indicates the engine is not producing full power, possibly due to a
restricted exhaust or other engine performance issue. A slipping stator would cause high
stall speed.
ASE A2 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Certification
Exam | Latest Verified Questions and Detailed Answers
OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION
This comprehensive set of multiple choice questions is designed for the ASE A2
Automatic Transmission/Transaxle certification exam, administered by the National
Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The exam evaluates a technician’s
ability to diagnose and repair automatic transmissions and transaxles, organized into
three core content areas: General Transmission/Transaxle Diagnosis (50%), In-Vehicle
Maintenance and Repair (24%), and Off-Vehicle Repair (26%). Questions assess
knowledge ranging from retrieving diagnostic trouble codes and interpreting hydraulic
principles to performing internal overhauls and reassembly procedures.
Domain 1: General Transmission/Transaxle Diagnosis
QUESTION 1
A vehicle with an automatic transmission has a stored P0715 (Input/Turbine Speed
Sensor Circuit Malfunction). Which of the following is the LEAST likely cause of this
code?
A) Failed input speed sensor
B) Damaged reluctor wheel on the input shaft
C) Worn forward clutch plates
D) Open in the sensor wiring harness
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE:
P0715 indicates an electrical circuit issue, not a mechanical clutch wear problem. Worn
forward clutch plates would cause slip or shift concerns, not a circuit code.
,2|Page
QUESTION 2
Technician A says that freeze frame data captures vehicle operating conditions at the
time a diagnostic trouble code is set. Technician B says that freeze frame data may
include engine RPM, vehicle speed, and transmission fluid temperature. Who is correct?
A) Technician A only
B) Technician B only
C) Both A and B
D) Neither A nor B
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE:
Freeze frame data records a snapshot of parameters when a DTC sets, commonly
including RPM, speed, and transmission temperature. Both statements are accurate.
QUESTION 3
A transmission fluid dipstick shows a milky, pink-colored fluid. What is the most likely
cause?
A) Overheated transmission fluid
B) Engine coolant contamination
C) Aerated fluid from overfilling
D) Normal fluid oxidation
CORRECT ANSWER: B
,3|Page
EXPERT RATIONALE:
A milky pink appearance indicates coolant mixing with ATF, often due to a leaking
transmission oil cooler inside the radiator. Overheating causes a burnt odor and dark
color, not a milky appearance.
QUESTION 4
Pascal's Law states that pressure in an enclosed fluid is transmitted equally in all
directions. If a force of 50 lbs is applied to a piston with an area of 5 in², what pressure is
generated?
A) 10 psi
B) 55 psi
C) 250 psi
D) 5 psi
CORRECT ANSWER: A
EXPERT RATIONALE:
Pressure = Force / Area. 50 lbs / 5 in² = 10 psi. Pascal’s Law allows this pressure to be
used for hydraulic force multiplication.
QUESTION 5
Using Pascal’s Law, a master cylinder piston with area 2 in² applies force to a slave
piston of area 8 in². If the input force is 100 lbs, what output force is produced (ignoring
friction)?
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A) 25 lbs
B) 100 lbs
C) 400 lbs
D) 800 lbs
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE:
Pressure = 100 lbs / 2 in² = 50 psi. Output force = pressure × slave area = 50 psi × 8 in²
= 400 lbs. Force multiplies by the area ratio.
QUESTION 6
A torque converter is being tested. During a stall test, the engine RPM is below
specification. Which of the following could cause this?
A) A slipping one-way clutch in the stator
B) A restricted exhaust causing low engine power
C) A worn torque converter clutch piston
D) Low line pressure
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE:
Low stall speed indicates the engine is not producing full power, possibly due to a
restricted exhaust or other engine performance issue. A slipping stator would cause high
stall speed.
