NCE PRACTICE EXAM

2023 Edition

This ASE A2 Practice Test covers both transmissions and transaxles that involve the drive train, which is a series of components that transfer power from the engine to the wheels. The following subjects are covered:

General Transmission/Transaxle Diagnosis
In-Vehicle Transmission/Transaxle Maintenance and Repair
Off-Vehicle Transmission/Transaxle Repair

Tests.com's ASE A2 Practice Test was written by Dr. John Kershaw, an ASE test prep expert: ASE test question developer; ASE Certified Master Technician; ASE Master Truck Technician; and Auto Industry Technical Instructor. Dr. Kershaw was among the first to receive ASE certification in 1972.

For complete test practice, flash cards, exam review and testing tips, check out:

The Complete A1 - A8 Practice Test Kit with 800 Questions
The A2 Practice Test Kit with 100 Questions and Complete Task Coverage

General Transmission/Transaxle Diagnosis

1.	You are using a diagnostic symptom chart to diagnose an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic RWD (rear wheel drive) transmission with a strange noise in drive. Technician A says the control valve could be the cause and is an OFF-vehicle procedure. Technician B says the oil pump assembly could be the cause and is an OFF-vehicle procedure. Who is right?
		a. A only
		b. B only
		c. Both A and B
		d. Neither A nor B
Technician B is correct because the oil pump assembly could be the diagnostic item and is an OFF-vehicle procedure. Technician A is wrong because the control valve is likely to be the cause in an ON-vehicle procedure, NOT an OFF-vehicle procedure. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

General Transmission/Transaxle Diagnosis

2.	On an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transaxle, you experience a "shock" when shifting from "N" to "D." Which of the following will require an OFF-vehicle repair?
		a. Line pressure test
		b. A/T fluid temperature sensor
		c. Control valve assembly
		d. Forward clutch
The only OFF-vehicle repair listed for a vehicle that exhibits a shock when shifting from "N" to "D" range is the FORWARD clutch. All of the other distracters are ON-vehicle repairs. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

General Transmission/Transaxle Diagnosis

3.	Technician A says you pick the symptom in the on-line service information that closely matches the customer concern. Technician B says the customer will describe their concerns as they are listed in the on-line service information. Who is right?
		a. A only
		b. B only
		c. Both A and B
		d. Neither A nor B
You pick the symptom in the on-line service information that closely matches the customer concern. The customer will generally describe their concerns much differently than they are listed in the on-line service information. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

General Transmission/Transaxle Diagnosis

4.	This question has the word EXCEPT. For this question, look for the choice that could NOT fit the described situation. Read the entire question carefully before choosing your answer. Preliminary diagnosis on an electronically controlled automatic transmission/transaxle consists of all the following tests, EXCEPT:
		a. Line pressure test
		b. Fluid check
		c. Stall test
		d. Flex plate check
Checking the flex plate is not part of the preliminary diagnosis process. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

General Transmission/Transaxle Diagnosis

5.	Technician A says engine, suspension and driveline problems may appear to be caused by the transmission or transaxle. Technician B says you start with the simple inspections first to ensure that you have not overlooked something and you can use the scan tool for further clarification. Who is right?
		a. A only
		b. B only
		c. Both A and B
		d. Neither A nor B
Both technicians are correct. Tech A is right because many suspension and driveline concerns and noises may appear to be caused by the transmission or transaxle, when they are caused by the suspension. For diagnosis, you put the transmission in neutral and see if the concern changes or goes away. If it goes away, the automatic transmission should be investigated. Tech B is right because you always do the easy and simple inspections first to make sure that you have not overlooked something and you can use the scan tool for further clarification. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

General Transmission/Transaxle Diagnosis

6.	You are checking fluid color on an automatic transmission/transaxle. Which of the following will cause the fluid to be varnished with a light to dark brown color?
		a. Oxidation from overfilling
		b. Water contamination
		c. Engine coolant contamination
		d. Wear from friction material
Oxidation from under or overfilling will cause the fluid to be varnished with a light to dark brown color. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

In-Vehicle Transmission/Transaxle Maintenance and Repair

7.	DTC (Diagnostic trouble code) P0705 PNP (park/neutral position) switch circuit is being diagnosed. Technician A says this code sets when the TCM (Transmission Control Module) or PCM (powertrain control module) does not receive the correct voltage signal from the park/neutral position (PNP) switch. Technician B says the park/neutral position (PNP) switch circuit could be open or shorted. Who is right?
		a. A only
		b. B only
		c. Both A and B
		d. Neither A nor B
Both technicians are correct. Technician A is right because the (Diagnostic trouble code) sets when the TCM (Transmission Control Module) or PCM (powertrain control module) does not receive the correct voltage signal from the park/neutral position (PNP) switch. Technician B is right because the park/neutral position (PNP) switch being open or shorted would also set a DTC. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

In-Vehicle Transmission/Transaxle Maintenance and Repair

8.	Technician A says low line pressure on an electronically controlled line pressure can cause the transmission to slip and operate sluggishly. Technician B says line pressure varies with engine speed. Who is right?
		a. A only
		b. B only
		c. Both A and B
		d. Neither A nor B
Technician A is correct because low line pressure can cause the transmission to slip and operate sluggishly. Technician B is wrong because the line pressure should not vary with engine speed. It must remain at a constant level to correctly operate the friction components. It will be lower at idle because of lower RPM as sensed by the TCM or PCM. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

In-Vehicle Transmission/Transaxle Maintenance and Repair

9.	A line pressure test shows low pressure at idle in all ranges on an electronically controlled automatic transmission. Which of the following can be the cause?
		a. Maladjusted TP (throttle position) sensor
		b. ATF (automatic transmission fluid) temperature sensor
		c. Open in dropping resistor circuit
		d. Oil pump pressure regulator
A problem in the oil pump or oil pump pressure regulator will cause low pressure at idle in all gear ranges. Answer option A is wrong because a misadjusted TPS can cause high line pressure at idle not low. B is wrong because a problem with the ATF temperature sensor will cause high line pressure at idle not low. C is wrong because an open in a dropping resistor circuit will cause high line pressure at idle not low pressure. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

In-Vehicle Transmission/Transaxle Maintenance and Repair

10.	Using the chart below to diagnose a 4-speed automatic transaxle, which of the following is the MOST likely cause of no engine braking in manual second?
		a. Forward clutch
		b. Third clutch
		c. Input Sprag
		d. 2-4 Band
The 2-4 band is used for manual braking. The forward clutch is not used for braking and is ON in all forward speeds. The third or direct clutch is not used for braking and is ON for direct drive and reverse. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Off-Vehicle Transmission/Transaxle Repair

11.	When removing an engine from a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, the torque converter does which of the following?
		a. Stays with transmission
		b. Stays with engine
		c. Must be drained
		d. Must be flushed
This is the proper procedure when the transmission is not going to be disassembled. If left on the engine, all of the oil will leak out and make a huge mess. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Off-Vehicle Transmission/Transaxle Repair

12.	This question has the word EXCEPT. For this question, look for the choice that could NOT fit the described situation. Read the entire question carefully before choosing your answer. When inspecting the flex plate shown in the photo below, you should check it for all of the following, EXCEPT:
		a. Cracks.
		b. Elongated bolt holes.
		c. Damaged starter ring teeth.
		d. Crankshaft pilot bearing
Automatic transmissions do not use a crankshaft pilot bearing. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Off-Vehicle Transmission/Transaxle Repair

13.	This question has the word EXCEPT. For this question, look for the choice that could NOT fit the described situation. Read the entire question carefully before choosing your answer. All of the following are industry-standard methods used to reprogram the EEPROM, EXCEPT:
		a. Remote programming
		b. Direct programming
		c. Off-board programming
		d. Indirect programming
Indirect programming does not exist. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.

Off-Vehicle Transmission/Transaxle Repair

14.	An automatic transmission pressure test will identify which of the following?
		a. Dirty transmission filter
		b. Defective Engine Shutoff (ESO) solenoid
		c. Defective torque converter
		d. Shift solenoid
A dirty filter will cause lower line pressure and the other choices listed will not. Incorrect answer. Please choose another answer.