First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.
Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.
Question 1Engine Repair and Engine Performance
A four-stroke engine completes one full power cycle in how many crankshaft revolutions?
- Half
- Four
- One
- Two Correct answer.
Explanation
In a four-stroke cycle the piston travels through intake, compression, power, and exhaust strokes, which takes two full turns of the crankshaft. Each stroke corresponds to half a revolution, so four strokes equal 720 degrees of crank rotation.
Question 2Engine Repair and Engine Performance
Which component seals the combustion chamber at the top of the cylinder bore?
- Cylinder head gasket Correct answer.
- Valve stem seal
- Oil pan gasket
- Piston ring
Explanation
The head gasket is clamped between the block and cylinder head and must hold compression, coolant, and oil passages tight. It is the primary combustion seal at the top of the bore.
Question 3Engine Repair and Engine Performance
A technician finds coolant in the engine oil and bubbles in the radiator while the engine runs. Which failure best explains both symptoms?
- A clogged radiator core
- A breached head gasket between a coolant passage and a cylinder Correct answer.
- A stuck-open thermostat
- A failed water pump seal
Explanation
Combustion gas entering the cooling system causes the bubbling, and pressure pushing coolant past the failed seal puts coolant into the oil galleries. Both symptoms point to a breach between the combustion chamber and a coolant jacket, most often the head gasket.
Question 4Engine Repair and Engine Performance
During a compression test, one cylinder reads much lower than the others, but adding a few drops of oil raises the reading sharply. What does this indicate?
- A jumped timing chain
- A leaking head gasket
- Worn piston rings or cylinder wall Correct answer.
- A burned exhaust valve
Explanation
Oil temporarily seals the gap between rings and bore, so a reading that climbs after oiling points to ring or cylinder wall wear. If the leak were at a valve or gasket, the added oil would not restore pressure.
Question 5Engine Repair and Engine Performance
Which condition would cause an engine to exhibit low oil pressure at idle that rises with engine speed?
- Worn main and rod bearings Correct answer.
- An overfilled crankcase
- A faulty oil pressure sending unit
- A restricted oil filter
Explanation
Excessive bearing clearance lets oil escape faster at low pump speed, so idle pressure drops while higher rpm restores flow and pressure. This pattern is typical of worn bearings rather than a sensor fault, which would misreport pressure at all speeds.
Question 6Engine Repair and Engine Performance
What is the primary function of the camshaft in a pushrod engine?
- To drive the water pump only
- To open and close the valves at the correct time Correct answer.
- To pressurize the fuel rail
- To convert reciprocating motion into rotation
Explanation
The camshaft lobes actuate lifters, pushrods, and rocker arms so each valve opens and closes in step with piston position. Its lobe profile and timing determine when and how far the valves move.
Question 7Engine Repair and Engine Performance
An engine has a misfire on one cylinder and a spark plug that is wet with fuel. Which component should be checked first?
- The ignition coil or plug wire for that cylinder Correct answer.
- The crankshaft position sensor
- The mass airflow sensor
- The fuel pressure regulator
Explanation
A wet plug shows fuel is present but not igniting, so the fault is on the ignition side of that cylinder. Testing the coil and wire for that cylinder isolates the no-spark condition quickly.
Question 8Engine Repair and Engine Performance
Which valve timing event is described as valve overlap?
- Both intake and exhaust valves open near top dead center Correct answer.
- The intake valve opens at top dead center
- The intake valve closes after bottom dead center
- The exhaust valve opens before bottom dead center
Explanation
Overlap is the period around top dead center when the intake valve has opened and the exhaust valve has not yet closed. It helps scavenge exhaust and improve cylinder filling at speed.
Question 9Engine Repair and Engine Performance
A vehicle with a turbocharged engine has low power and blue-gray smoke from the tailpipe. Which cause fits best?
- A clogged air filter
- Low coolant level
- A stuck-closed wastegate
- Failed turbocharger shaft seal allowing oil into the exhaust Correct answer.
Explanation
A worn shaft seal lets pressurized oil pass into the turbine or compressor housing, producing blue-gray oil smoke. The loss of boost also explains the reduced power.
Question 10Engine Repair and Engine Performance
During a cylinder leak-down test, air escapes through the radiator and bubbles appear. Which area has the leak?
- Intake valve seat
- Exhaust valve seat
- Piston ring land
- Head gasket or cracked head near a coolant passage Correct answer.
Explanation
Air reaching the cooling system means the leak path connects the cylinder to a coolant jacket. That points to the head gasket or a crack in the head or block.
Question 11Engine Repair and Engine Performance
What is the main purpose of the thermostat in an engine cooling system?
- To pressurize the cooling system
- To circulate coolant through the radiator
- To regulate coolant flow and maintain operating temperature Correct answer.
- To cool the intake air charge
Explanation
The thermostat opens and closes with temperature to control coolant flow to the radiator, keeping the engine near its designed operating range. This improves efficiency and heater performance.
Question 12Engine Repair and Engine Performance
An engine runs rough at idle and smooths out at higher speed, with a vacuum gauge showing a fluctuating needle. Which fault is most likely?
- A weak battery
- A vacuum leak at an intake gasket Correct answer.
- A worn serpentine belt
- A restricted exhaust system
Explanation
A vacuum leak admits unmetered air that has a larger effect at idle when manifold vacuum is high, and the leak causes the needle to fluctuate. Sealing the leak restores smooth idle.
Question 13Engine Repair and Engine Performance
Which tool is used to measure the diameter of a cylinder bore accurately?
- Torque wrench
- Inside micrometer or bore gauge Correct answer.
- Dial indicator on a magnetic base
- Feeler gauge
Explanation
Bore diameter is measured with an inside micrometer or a bore gauge set from an outside micrometer. These tools read the internal diameter directly.
Question 14Engine Repair and Engine Performance
A timing belt has jumped two teeth. Which symptom is most consistent with this fault?
- Higher fuel economy
- Increased oil pressure
- Steady idle with normal power
- Poor compression and rough running with possible valve damage Correct answer.
Explanation
Jumping teeth changes valve timing relative to the pistons, which disturbs compression and combustion. In interference engines it can also cause valve-to-piston contact and damage.
Question 15Engine Repair and Engine Performance
What does the PCV valve do in a positive crankcase ventilation system?
- Meters crankcase vapors into the intake for burning Correct answer.
- Vents crankcase gases to the atmosphere
- Recirculates exhaust gas into the intake
- Regulates fuel tank pressure
Explanation
The PCV valve controls the flow of blowby gases from the crankcase back into the intake so they are burned. This prevents pressure buildup and reduces emissions.
Question 16Engine Repair and Engine Performance
An engine overheats only at highway speed while idling normally. Which cause is most likely?
- A thermostat stuck open
- A slipping water pump belt at idle
- A faulty radiator cap
- A restricted radiator or collapsed hose limiting flow Correct answer.
Explanation
At highway speed the engine produces more heat that must be carried away, so a flow restriction in the radiator or a hose that collapses under suction shows up as high-speed overheating. Idle cooling remains adequate because heat load is lower.
Question 17Engine Repair and Engine Performance
Which of these best describes detonation (spark knock)?
- Normal flame travel from the spark plug
- Late combustion from retarded timing
- Pre-ignition caused by a hot spot before spark
- Uncontrolled rapid burning of the end gas after spark ignition Correct answer.
Explanation
Detonation occurs when the unburned end gas ignites spontaneously from pressure and heat after normal spark ignition, producing a sharp pressure spike and knocking sound. It differs from pre-ignition, which starts before the spark.
Question 18Engine Repair and Engine Performance
A scan tool shows a large positive long-term fuel trim on one bank only. What does this suggest?
- Normal closed-loop operation
- A faulty speedometer sensor
- A lean condition on that bank, such as a vacuum leak or weak injectors Correct answer.
- A rich condition on that bank
Explanation
Positive fuel trim means the PCM is adding fuel to correct a lean reading, so that bank is receiving too little fuel or too much air. Bank-specific faults such as intake leaks or clogged injectors are likely.
Question 19Engine Repair and Engine Performance
Which component converts the up-and-down motion of the piston into rotary motion?
- Flywheel and starter
- Connecting rod and crankshaft Correct answer.
- Valve spring and retainer
- Camshaft and lifters
Explanation
The connecting rod links the piston to the crank throw, and the crankshaft converts the reciprocating force into rotation. This is the core of the reciprocating engine's power conversion.
Question 20Engine Repair and Engine Performance
What is the purpose of setting valve lash on a mechanical valvetrain?
- To set fuel injector pulse width
- To increase compression ratio
- To maintain correct clearance so valves fully seat and open properly Correct answer.
- To adjust ignition timing
Explanation
Valve lash is the clearance between the rocker and valve tip or the cam and follower. Correct lash ensures valves close fully when hot and open the intended amount.
Question 21Engine Repair and Engine Performance
A no-start condition exists with good spark and correct fuel pressure, but the engine will not fire. Which check is most useful next?
- Check the radio fuse
- Replace the ignition coil
- Verify compression with a compression or leak-down test Correct answer.
- Replace the fuel pump
Explanation
With spark and fuel confirmed, the remaining requirement for combustion is adequate compression at the right time. A compression or leak-down test checks mechanical condition and valve timing.
Question 22Engine Repair and Engine Performance
Which statement correctly describes the difference between an interference and a non-interference engine?
- Interference engines do not use valves
- In an interference engine, valve and piston paths overlap so a broken belt can cause contact Correct answer.
- Non-interference engines use no timing belt
- In an interference engine, valves can never contact pistons
Explanation
In an interference design the valve and piston occupy the same space at different times, so losing cam timing can let the piston strike an open valve. A non-interference engine has enough clearance to avoid contact.
Question 23Engine Repair and Engine Performance
An engine has excessive blowby and oil consumption, with a leak-down test showing air escaping into the crankcase. What is the most likely cause?
- A clogged PCV valve alone
- A failed head gasket
- A leaking intake valve
- Worn piston rings or scored cylinder walls Correct answer.
Explanation
Air escaping into the crankcase during leak-down passes the rings, indicating worn rings or cylinder wall damage. This also explains blowby and oil consumption.
Question 24Engine Repair and Engine Performance
Which sensor provides the PCM with the piston position reference needed for spark and injector timing?
- Knock sensor
- Manifold absolute pressure sensor
- Crankshaft position sensor Correct answer.
- Oxygen sensor
Explanation
The crankshaft position sensor reports crank angle and speed, letting the PCM time spark and injection relative to piston position. Without it the engine may not start or may run in a default mode.
Question 25Engine Repair and Engine Performance
A vehicle pings under acceleration and the scan tool shows the knock sensor is not responding. What is the most appropriate action?
- Install a higher-temperature thermostat
- Increase base ignition timing
- Disconnect the oxygen sensor
- Diagnose and repair the knock sensor circuit so timing retard works Correct answer.
Explanation
A working knock sensor lets the PCM retard timing when detonation is detected. Restoring the circuit allows that protection to function and removes the ping.
Question 26Engine Repair and Engine Performance
Which component is responsible for opening and closing the valves at the correct time in a pushrod engine?
- The piston
- The crankshaft
- The camshaft Correct answer.
- The connecting rod
Explanation
The camshaft has lobes that push lifters, which through pushrods and rocker arms open the valves. Its rotational speed is half the crankshaft speed, so valve events occur once every two crank revolutions. The crankshaft converts reciprocating piston motion into rotation and does not directly actuate valves.
Question 27Engine Repair and Engine Performance
A technician measures a cylinder bore and finds it is 0.005 inch larger than the specified limit. What is the most appropriate action?
- Rebore the cylinder and install an oversize piston Correct answer.
- Do nothing because the wear is within tolerance
- Replace the piston rings with standard-size rings
- Hone the cylinder and reuse the original piston
Explanation
When cylinder wear exceeds the manufacturer's limit, the bore must be enlarged to a true round and straight condition, and an oversize piston and rings must be fitted to match. Simply replacing rings or honing will not correct an out-of-round or oversized bore and will lead to poor sealing and piston slap. Ignoring the wear will cause blowby and oil consumption.
Question 28Engine Repair and Engine Performance
An engine has a persistent misfire on cylinder number 3. A compression test shows 150 psi on all cylinders except number 3, which shows 90 psi. When a small amount of oil is added to cylinder 3, the compression rises to 130 psi. What is the most likely cause?
- A blown head gasket
- A burned exhaust valve
- A broken valve spring
- Worn piston rings Correct answer.
Explanation
A wet compression test that increases pressure indicates that the oil is temporarily sealing the piston rings, so the low reading is due to ring wear or cylinder wear. If the problem were a valve or head gasket, the oil would not significantly raise the reading because the leak path is not past the rings. The partial increase to 130 psi still suggests ring sealing is the primary issue.
Question 29Engine Repair and Engine Performance
Which statement best explains why an engine with a turbocharger may require a lower compression ratio than a naturally aspirated engine?
- A lower compression ratio improves low-speed torque before the turbo spools
- A lower compression ratio reduces the risk of detonation under boost Correct answer.
- A lower compression ratio increases exhaust gas temperature for faster spool
- A lower compression ratio allows the use of regular fuel without any timing changes
Explanation
Turbocharging raises the effective compression pressure in the cylinder, which increases the tendency toward detonation. Lowering the static compression ratio provides a margin so that the engine can run higher boost without knock, often allowing more optimal spark timing. It does not primarily improve low-speed torque or reduce exhaust temperature.
Question 30Engine Repair and Engine Performance
What is the primary purpose of the radiator pressure cap in a cooling system?
- To circulate coolant through the radiator
- To raise the boiling point of the coolant Correct answer.
- To release excess coolant when the engine warms
- To filter debris from the coolant
Explanation
The pressure cap holds pressure in the cooling system, which raises the boiling point of the coolant and prevents boil-over at normal operating temperatures. It also has a relief valve that opens if pressure exceeds the rating, but that is a safety function, not the primary purpose. Coolant circulation is handled by the water pump.
Question 31Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
In a manual transmission, what is the primary function of the synchronizer assembly?
- To disengage the clutch when the pedal is released
- To lock the differential during straight-line driving
- To match the rotational speed of the gear and the output shaft before engagement Correct answer.
- To multiply engine torque before it reaches the differential
Explanation
Synchronizers use cone clutches to bring the gear and the shaft sleeve to the same speed so the dog teeth can engage without grinding. This speed matching protects the teeth and allows smooth shifting. Torque multiplication is the job of gear ratios, not the synchronizer.
Question 32Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
A vehicle with an automatic transaxle has a fluid level that is checked with the engine running in Park at operating temperature. The dipstick shows the level at the low mark. What is the most appropriate first action?
- Drain the transaxle completely and refill with the exact specified capacity
- Add the specified fluid in small increments until the level reaches the full mark Correct answer.
- Replace the transaxle filter before adding any fluid
- Drive the vehicle for 20 minutes and recheck without adding fluid
Explanation
When the level is below the full mark under the specified checking conditions, the correct procedure is to add the specified fluid gradually and recheck to avoid overfilling. Overfilling can cause aeration and shifting problems, so small increments are important. Draining or replacing parts is not justified by a low reading alone.
Question 33Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
Which component in a torque converter is responsible for multiplying engine torque at low vehicle speeds?
- The impeller
- The lockup clutch
- The stator Correct answer.
- The turbine
Explanation
The stator redirects fluid returning from the turbine so that it strikes the impeller in the direction of rotation, which multiplies torque. This multiplication is greatest when the turbine is stationary or turning slowly. The impeller is the driving member and the turbine is the driven member.
Question 34Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
A manual transaxle vehicle jumps out of third gear under acceleration. Which condition is the most likely cause?
- Low transaxle lubricant level
- A faulty clutch release bearing
- Worn synchronizer blocker rings
- Excessive end play or worn engagement teeth on the third gear Correct answer.
Explanation
Jumping out of gear under load usually indicates that the gear or hub engagement teeth are worn or that shaft end play allows the sleeve to walk out of engagement. Synchronizer rings affect engagement quality but do not hold the gear engaged. Lubricant level and release bearing faults cause different symptoms.
Question 35Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
In an automatic transmission, what is the purpose of the valve body?
- To direct hydraulic pressure to clutches and bands according to shift scheduling Correct answer.
- To mechanically lock the torque converter
- To convert hydraulic pressure into electrical signals
- To cool the automatic transmission fluid
Explanation
The valve body contains spool valves and shift valves that route line pressure to the appropriate apply devices, such as clutches and bands, to produce gear changes. It is the hydraulic control center of the transmission. It does not generate electrical signals or cool the fluid.
Question 36Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
A customer reports that a manual transmission grinds when shifting into reverse while the vehicle is stationary. Which factor is most likely responsible?
- Lack of a synchronizer on the reverse gear Correct answer.
- A worn clutch disc hub spring
- A misadjusted shift linkage
- Low transaxle fluid
Explanation
Many manual transmissions do not use a synchronizer for reverse, so the reverse idler must be engaged while the input shaft is still spinning. If the clutch does not fully disengage or the vehicle is not fully stopped, grinding occurs. A worn hub spring or misadjusted linkage can contribute but is not the fundamental design reason.
Question 37Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
Which of the following is a characteristic of a continuously variable transmission (CVT)?
- It uses a belt or chain running between variable-diameter pulleys Correct answer.
- It uses fixed gear ratios selected by a shift fork
- It relies on a torque converter for all ratio changes
- It requires a clutch pedal for engagement
Explanation
A CVT changes ratio by varying the effective diameter of the driving and driven pulleys, with a steel belt or chain transferring torque. This provides an infinite number of ratios within its range. Fixed gears and a clutch pedal are features of conventional manual transmissions.
Question 38Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
A technician is diagnosing a vehicle with an automatic transaxle that slips in all forward gears but works in reverse. Which component is most likely faulty?
- The torque converter lockup clutch
- The forward clutch pack Correct answer.
- The governor pressure solenoid
- The reverse band
Explanation
If the transaxle operates in reverse but slips in all forward gears, the common apply device for forward ranges, the forward clutch, is the prime suspect. The reverse band is only used in reverse and would not affect forward gears. Lockup and governor faults would produce different symptom patterns.
Question 39Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
What is the purpose of the clutch release (throw-out) bearing?
- To press the pressure plate fingers and disengage the clutch Correct answer.
- To align the clutch disc with the flywheel
- To dampen torsional vibrations from the engine
- To transmit engine torque to the transmission input shaft
Explanation
The release bearing is moved by the clutch fork or hydraulic slave cylinder to apply force to the pressure plate diaphragm, releasing the disc. It is a bearing because it rotates with the pressure plate fingers while the fork does not rotate. Torque transmission and vibration damping are handled by other components.
Question 40Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
A manual transmission is noisy in neutral with the engine running and the clutch engaged, but the noise disappears when the clutch pedal is depressed. Which component is most likely worn?
- The input shaft bearing Correct answer.
- The differential carrier bearing
- The output shaft bearing
- The clutch pilot bearing
Explanation
With the clutch engaged and the transmission in neutral, the input shaft and countershaft spin while the output shaft is stationary. Noise that disappears when the clutch is depressed indicates the input shaft bearing or countershaft bearing is worn, because those parts stop turning. Output and differential bearings turn with vehicle speed, not engine speed.
Question 41Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
What is the function of the transmission control module (TCM) in a modern automatic transaxle?
- To charge the battery
- To regulate engine idle speed
- To manage the anti-lock brake system
- To control shift points and line pressure based on sensor inputs Correct answer.
Explanation
The TCM processes inputs such as throttle position, vehicle speed, and engine load to command shift solenoids and pressure control solenoids. This optimizes shift timing and quality. Engine idle, ABS, and charging are controlled by other modules.
Question 42Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
A vehicle with a CVT has a shudder during acceleration from a stop. Which component is most likely causing the shudder?
- The torque converter lockup clutch
- The final drive gear
- The push belt and pulley surfaces Correct answer.
- The planetary gear set
Explanation
Shudder during acceleration in a CVT often results from wear or contamination on the belt and pulley surfaces, which prevents smooth ratio change and torque transfer. The lockup clutch typically causes shudder at steady cruise when it applies. Planetary gears and final drive gears usually produce whine or clunk rather than acceleration shudder.
Question 43Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
In a manual transmission, which component allows the driver to select different gear ratios while the vehicle is moving?
- The constant-velocity joint
- The clutch master cylinder
- The differential pinion shaft
- The synchronizer hub and sleeve assembly Correct answer.
Explanation
The synchronizer hub and sleeve assembly locks the selected gear to the output shaft after speed matching, enabling ratio changes while moving. The differential, clutch hydraulics, and CV joints perform other functions. Without synchronizers, shifting while moving would require double-clutching.
Question 44Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
Which of the following is the correct procedure for checking the fluid level in a manual transaxle?
- With the vehicle level, remove the fill plug and verify fluid is at the bottom of the hole Correct answer.
- With the engine idling and the transmission in neutral, check the overflow tube
- With the vehicle on a lift and the engine off, check the fluid pressure at the test port
- With the engine running in Park, check the dipstick
Explanation
Most manual transaxles are checked by removing the fill plug with the vehicle level; fluid should be level with the bottom of the fill hole. There is typically no dipstick or pump pressure test for level. Checking with the engine running is a procedure for automatic transmissions.
Question 45Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
What is the primary purpose of the lockup clutch in a torque converter?
- To increase torque multiplication at low speed
- To cool the transmission fluid
- To provide engine braking during deceleration
- To mechanically couple the impeller and turbine for improved efficiency Correct answer.
Explanation
The lockup clutch eliminates slip between the impeller and turbine at cruising speeds, improving fuel economy and reducing heat. Torque multiplication is the stator's function. Engine braking and cooling are not the primary purposes of the lockup clutch.
Question 46Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
A manual transmission has a whine that is present in all gears and increases with vehicle speed. Which component is the most likely cause?
- The output shaft bearing or final drive gears Correct answer.
- The input shaft bearing
- The synchronizer rings
- The clutch release bearing
Explanation
A whine that changes with vehicle speed and is present in all gears typically comes from components that rotate with the output shaft, such as the output shaft bearing or final drive gears. Input shaft bearing noise changes with engine speed and may disappear when the clutch is depressed. Synchronizer rings cause grinding during shifts.
Question 47Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
Which of the following describes the function of the differential in a transaxle?
- To allow the drive wheels to turn at different speeds during turns Correct answer.
- To change the direction of power flow by 90 degrees
- To disengage the axles for towing
- To multiply engine torque before the transmission
Explanation
The differential divides engine torque between the drive wheels while allowing them to rotate at different speeds when cornering. In a transaxle, it also houses the final drive ratio. Changing direction by 90 degrees applies to rear-wheel-drive axles, not transverse transaxles.
Question 48Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
A vehicle with an automatic transaxle has harsh reverse engagement. Which component is most likely causing the harsh engagement?
- A worn forward clutch
- A clogged transmission cooler
- A worn torque converter stator
- A faulty reverse accumulator or band adjustment Correct answer.
Explanation
Harsh reverse engagement often results from a reverse accumulator that is not cushioning the apply or from an improperly adjusted reverse band. The forward clutch affects forward engagement, not reverse. Cooler and stator faults produce overheating or poor acceleration, not harsh engagement.
Question 49Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
What is the purpose of the clutch master cylinder in a hydraulic clutch system?
- To multiply torque from the engine
- To convert pedal force into hydraulic pressure that operates the release mechanism Correct answer.
- To store hydraulic fluid under pressure for the brakes
- To provide a mechanical advantage for the shift linkage
Explanation
The clutch master cylinder receives force from the clutch pedal and converts it into hydraulic pressure, which is transmitted to the release cylinder to disengage the clutch. It is separate from the brake system and does not multiply engine torque. Shift linkage is mechanical, not hydraulic.
Question 50Automatic and Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
A technician finds that a manual transaxle is difficult to shift into all gears when the engine is running, but shifts easily when the engine is off. Which condition is the most likely cause?
- Low transaxle fluid level
- A broken shift fork
- A clutch that is not fully disengaging Correct answer.
- Worn synchronizer rings
Explanation
When shifting is difficult only with the engine running, the input shaft is still being driven because the clutch is not fully disengaging. This may be due to air in the hydraulic system, a worn pressure plate, or a misadjusted linkage. A broken shift fork or worn synchronizers would affect shifting regardless of engine operation.