ASE A2 flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Stall test

A diagnostic test holding the brakes at wide-open throttle in Drive and Reverse; abnormal engine speed can reveal a slipping clutch, low apply pressure, or converter/engine fault.

Line pressure test

Measures hydraulic pressure at an OEM test port at specified engine speed and range; low or high readings help locate pump, regulator, solenoid, or leakage faults.

Gear ratio calculation

For scan-data diagnosis, divide input shaft speed by output shaft speed; compare the actual ratio with commanded gear ratio to detect slip or sensor error.

TCC slip

Difference between engine speed and transmission input speed when the torque converter clutch is commanded on; excessive positive slip indicates clutch or hydraulic control failure.

Freeze-frame data

Operating conditions stored when a transmission DTC sets, including speed, throttle, temperature, gear, and pressure; it helps reproduce the fault and choose circuit tests.

Manual range test

Shifting the transmission manually through its ranges during a road test; a gear that works manually but not in Drive points to electronic or hydraulic shift control.

Speed sensor diagnosis

Compare input and output speed sensor signals with scan data and check resistance, AC voltage, wiring, and debris; a faulty signal can cause wrong ratios and harsh shifts.

Adaptive shift learning

Transmission control adjusts apply pressure and timing based on clutch slip during shifts; after repair, relearn procedures restore correct shift feel and prevent comebacks.

ATF level check

Check with engine running at operating temperature on level ground, range cycled per OEM procedure; fluid level affects line pressure, aeration, and shift quality.

Fluid specification

The OEM ATF or CVTF specification required for a transmission; using a non-approved fluid can alter friction, cause shudder, flare, or converter clutch failure.

Pan magnet inspection

Fine gray paste on the magnet is normal break-in wear; large metal flakes, bronze particles, or heavy clutch material indicate internal damage requiring repair.

Band adjustment

Tighten the band adjusting screw to a specified torque, then back it off a specified number of turns; this sets band clearance and prevents drag or slip.

Shift linkage adjustment

Aligns the manual valve and range sensor with the selector detents using an OEM pin or mark; verify Park/Neutral start and reverse lamps afterward.

Adaptive memory reset

Clearing transmission adaptive values after valve body, solenoid, or clutch repair; a relearn drive cycle then lets the TCM establish correct shift pressures.

Cooler flow check

Verify transmission cooler flow in the OEM specified direction and quantity; restricted flow from a clogged cooler or kinked line can overheat and damage the unit.

Pan bolt torque pattern

Tighten pan bolts in a crosswise sequence to the specified torque; uneven or excessive torque warps the pan flange and causes fluid leaks.

Solenoid resistance test

Measure solenoid coil resistance across its terminals and compare with OEM specification; an open or shorted coil requires replacement, while correct resistance still requires circuit voltage checks.

Valve body bolt tagging

Label valve body bolts and parts by location during in-vehicle removal; different bolt lengths and trapped check balls can cause pressure loss or no engagement if misplaced.

Speed sensor AC test

While cranking or driving, measure the sensor's AC voltage and inspect for metal debris; a weak or erratic signal can mimic internal slip and set ratio codes.

Range sensor adjustment

Position the transmission range sensor so it matches the manual lever detents; misadjustment can cause no-start, wrong gear range, or incorrect reverse lamps.

TCM programming

Replacement transmission control modules often need OEM programming and configuration; without correct software the unit may not communicate or may shift incorrectly.

Axle seal replacement

Remove the axle shaft, replace the seal with the correct driver, lubricate the lip, and verify fluid level; a damaged seal causes leaks and possible differential contamination.

Transmission mount check

Inspect the mount for cracked rubber, separated bonded surfaces, or excessive movement under load; a failed mount can cause noise, vibration, and misaligned driveline angles.

In-vehicle servo repair

Remove the servo cover, inspect the piston and bore, replace seals, lubricate with ATF, and verify apply pressure; a torn seal causes flare or delayed engagement.

Clutch pack clearance

Measure clearance between the clutch pack and pressure plate with a feeler gauge or dial indicator; excessive clearance causes flare, while too little causes drag and burned plates.

Air check clutch apply

Apply regulated air to a clutch or band feed hole and listen for leakage; a firm apply with no leak confirms piston and seal condition before assembly.

Torque converter runout

Measure converter hub runout and check for ballooning or debris; excessive runout or contamination requires replacement because flushing may not remove clutch material.

Pump clearance check

Measure pump rotor or gear side clearance and end clearance with a feeler gauge and straightedge; wear beyond specification reduces line pressure and causes delayed engagement.

Endplay adjustment

Set transmission shaft endplay with selective shims or thrust washers to OEM specification; too little can seize, too much can cause noise and gear misalignment.

Valve body flatness

Check the valve body mating surface with a straightedge for warpage; a warped body causes cross leaks, harsh shifts, or no engagement even with good solenoids.

Check ball location

During valve body reassembly, place check balls in the exact passages shown by the OEM diagram; a missing or misplaced ball causes wrong pressure routing and shift failure.

Seal protector use

Cover sharp splines and shaft steps with a seal protector or tape before installing seals; damaged lips cause leaks and low pressure after reassembly.