ASE A2 Automatic Transmission
Transaxle Practice Exam 100 Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download Pdf
1. After a long drive, red fluid is seen on the transmission case and under the
vehicle's chassis. Technician A says this could be caused by fluid aeration.
Technician B says this could be caused by engine overheating. Who is correct?
A. Technician A
B. Technician B
C. Both Technician A and Technician B
D. Neither Technician A nor Technician B
Rationale: Fluid aeration causes expansion and overflow, leading to external
fluid loss. Engine overheating can raise transmission fluid temperature,
causing expansion and fluid expulsion through the vent or dipstick tube. Both
conditions can result in fluid on the case and under the vehicle.
2. The MIL is illuminated and the transmission only operates in third and
reverse gears. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of this
condition?
A. Adaptive learning
B. High line pressure
C. Low line pressure
D. Limp-in mode
,Rationale: Limp-in mode (also called fail-safe or default mode) is designed to
protect the transmission when a critical fault is detected. The TCM commands
a single gear (often third) and reverse to allow limited vehicle operation.
3. An automatic transaxle slips only while turning corners. Which of the
following has caused this condition?
A. Worn band
B. Torque converter clutch
C. Low fluid level
D. Planetary gearset
Rationale: During cornering, fluid shifts away from the pickup tube in the
pan. If the fluid level is low, the pump draws air, causing slippage that is most
noticeable during turns.
4. Refer to the chart above. Which gear ratio best represents overdrive?
A. 4.027:1
B. 0.852:1
C. 3.064:1
D. None of these
Rationale: An overdrive ratio is less than 1:1 (e.g., 0.852:1), meaning the
output shaft turns faster than the input shaft for improved fuel economy.
5. A transaxle's final drive assembly has been replaced. Which of the
following is used to measure ring gear backlash?
A. An inch-pound torque wrench
B. An outside micrometer
C. A dial indicator
D. A straightedge and feeler gauge
,Rationale: Ring gear backlash is measured with a dial indicator positioned
against the ring gear teeth. An inch-pound torque wrench measures pinion
preload, and a micrometer measures journal diameters.
6. Technician A says an automatic transmission multiple friction disc clutch
can drive a member of the planetary gear set. Technician B says a multiple
friction disc clutch can ground a member to the transmission case. Who is
correct?
A. Technician A
B. Technician B
C. Both Technician A and Technician B
D. Neither Technician A nor Technician B
Rationale: Multiple friction disc clutches serve two functions: driving a
planetary member (connecting it to input) or grounding/holding a member
stationary by connecting it to the transmission case.
7. An automatic transmission will not shift out of PARK. Technician A says a
faulty shift interlock solenoid will result in this condition. Technician B says
this could be caused by a faulty brake switch. Who is correct?
A. Technician A
B. Technician B
C. Both Technician A and Technician B
D. Neither Technician A nor Technician B
Rationale: The shift interlock solenoid prevents shifter movement from PARK
until the brake is depressed. A faulty brake switch would prevent the solenoid
from receiving the signal to release.
8. Technician A says the test ports to retrieve hydraulic pressure readings for
the line, clutch, and servo circuits are located on the transmission case.
Technician B says to perform air pressure tests before and after transmission
disassembly. Who is correct?
, A. Technician A
B. Technician B
C. Both Technician A and Technician B
D. Neither Technician A nor Technician B
Rationale: Hydraulic test ports are on the transmission case for pressure
testing. Air pressure testing is useful both before disassembly (to verify circuit
integrity) and after (to verify assembly).
9. Transmission fluid is leaking from the front of the transmission bell
housing. The torque converter is dry and free of leaks. Which is the MOST
likely cause?
A. A leaking front pump seal
B. A leaking transmission cooler line
C. A leaking transmission pan gasket
D. A leaking dipstick tube O-ring
Rationale: Fluid leaking from the bell housing area with a dry torque
converter indicates the front pump seal (converter seal) is leaking. The seal is
located behind the converter and can leak fluid into the bell housing.
10. A vehicle has a shudder during torque converter lock-up. Which of the
following is the MOST likely cause?
A. Low transmission fluid level
B. A faulty TCC solenoid
C. A worn torque converter clutch
D. A restricted transmission cooler
Rationale: A shudder during lock-up is most commonly caused by a worn or
glazed torque converter clutch lining. Contaminated fluid or a faulty TCC
apply circuit can also contribute, but the clutch itself is the most common
mechanical cause.
Transaxle Practice Exam 100 Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download Pdf
1. After a long drive, red fluid is seen on the transmission case and under the
vehicle's chassis. Technician A says this could be caused by fluid aeration.
Technician B says this could be caused by engine overheating. Who is correct?
A. Technician A
B. Technician B
C. Both Technician A and Technician B
D. Neither Technician A nor Technician B
Rationale: Fluid aeration causes expansion and overflow, leading to external
fluid loss. Engine overheating can raise transmission fluid temperature,
causing expansion and fluid expulsion through the vent or dipstick tube. Both
conditions can result in fluid on the case and under the vehicle.
2. The MIL is illuminated and the transmission only operates in third and
reverse gears. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of this
condition?
A. Adaptive learning
B. High line pressure
C. Low line pressure
D. Limp-in mode
,Rationale: Limp-in mode (also called fail-safe or default mode) is designed to
protect the transmission when a critical fault is detected. The TCM commands
a single gear (often third) and reverse to allow limited vehicle operation.
3. An automatic transaxle slips only while turning corners. Which of the
following has caused this condition?
A. Worn band
B. Torque converter clutch
C. Low fluid level
D. Planetary gearset
Rationale: During cornering, fluid shifts away from the pickup tube in the
pan. If the fluid level is low, the pump draws air, causing slippage that is most
noticeable during turns.
4. Refer to the chart above. Which gear ratio best represents overdrive?
A. 4.027:1
B. 0.852:1
C. 3.064:1
D. None of these
Rationale: An overdrive ratio is less than 1:1 (e.g., 0.852:1), meaning the
output shaft turns faster than the input shaft for improved fuel economy.
5. A transaxle's final drive assembly has been replaced. Which of the
following is used to measure ring gear backlash?
A. An inch-pound torque wrench
B. An outside micrometer
C. A dial indicator
D. A straightedge and feeler gauge
,Rationale: Ring gear backlash is measured with a dial indicator positioned
against the ring gear teeth. An inch-pound torque wrench measures pinion
preload, and a micrometer measures journal diameters.
6. Technician A says an automatic transmission multiple friction disc clutch
can drive a member of the planetary gear set. Technician B says a multiple
friction disc clutch can ground a member to the transmission case. Who is
correct?
A. Technician A
B. Technician B
C. Both Technician A and Technician B
D. Neither Technician A nor Technician B
Rationale: Multiple friction disc clutches serve two functions: driving a
planetary member (connecting it to input) or grounding/holding a member
stationary by connecting it to the transmission case.
7. An automatic transmission will not shift out of PARK. Technician A says a
faulty shift interlock solenoid will result in this condition. Technician B says
this could be caused by a faulty brake switch. Who is correct?
A. Technician A
B. Technician B
C. Both Technician A and Technician B
D. Neither Technician A nor Technician B
Rationale: The shift interlock solenoid prevents shifter movement from PARK
until the brake is depressed. A faulty brake switch would prevent the solenoid
from receiving the signal to release.
8. Technician A says the test ports to retrieve hydraulic pressure readings for
the line, clutch, and servo circuits are located on the transmission case.
Technician B says to perform air pressure tests before and after transmission
disassembly. Who is correct?
, A. Technician A
B. Technician B
C. Both Technician A and Technician B
D. Neither Technician A nor Technician B
Rationale: Hydraulic test ports are on the transmission case for pressure
testing. Air pressure testing is useful both before disassembly (to verify circuit
integrity) and after (to verify assembly).
9. Transmission fluid is leaking from the front of the transmission bell
housing. The torque converter is dry and free of leaks. Which is the MOST
likely cause?
A. A leaking front pump seal
B. A leaking transmission cooler line
C. A leaking transmission pan gasket
D. A leaking dipstick tube O-ring
Rationale: Fluid leaking from the bell housing area with a dry torque
converter indicates the front pump seal (converter seal) is leaking. The seal is
located behind the converter and can leak fluid into the bell housing.
10. A vehicle has a shudder during torque converter lock-up. Which of the
following is the MOST likely cause?
A. Low transmission fluid level
B. A faulty TCC solenoid
C. A worn torque converter clutch
D. A restricted transmission cooler
Rationale: A shudder during lock-up is most commonly caused by a worn or
glazed torque converter clutch lining. Contaminated fluid or a faulty TCC
apply circuit can also contribute, but the clutch itself is the most common
mechanical cause.