Study topics
All 42 ASE content areas
Every A1–A8 and G1 content area, what it covers, how much it counts, and free practice to check yourself.
A1 Engine Repair
Test format →A1 · 18 questions on the test
General Engine Diagnosis
Pinpointing engine problems before teardown: verifying the concern, telling mechanical faults from other systems, and running vacuum, power balance, compression and leak-down tests.
A1 · 6 questions on the test
Cylinder Head & Valve Train
Inspecting and repairing cylinder heads and valve trains: valves, seats, springs, guides, lifters, cams, timing drives and variable valve timing and lift parts.
A1 · 4 questions on the test
Engine Block
Engine removal and block-level work: measuring cylinders, crankshaft, bearings and rods, timing camshafts and balance shafts, and reassembling with the right seals.
A1 · 8 questions on the test
Lubrication & Cooling
Diagnosing and servicing oil and coolant systems: oil pressure and leak tests, pumps and coolers, oil changes, cooling system pressure tests, thermostats, water pumps, fans and belts.
A1 · 9 questions on the test
Fuel, Electrical, Ignition, Air Induction & Exhaust
Finding engine problems caused by outside systems, then testing and repairing fuel, air induction, electrical, ignition and exhaust components.
A2 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
Test format →A2 · 26 questions on the test
Transmission/Transaxle Diagnosis
Diagnosing automatic, dual-clutch and CVT units: road tests, fluid checks, pressure and converter clutch tests, and electronic diagnosis with scan tools, meters and OBD II data.
A2 · 12 questions on the test
In-Vehicle Maintenance & Repair
Repairs done with the transmission in the car: linkage and range sensor, seals and pans, coolers, valve bodies, servos, electronic components, mounts, and fluid and filter service.
A2 · 7 questions on the test
Unit Removal, Inspection & Installation
Removing, overhauling and reinstalling the transmission: converter and flexplate checks, measurements during teardown, clutch packs and bands, and relearn after install.
A3 Manual Drive Train & Axles
Test format →A3 · 6 questions on the test
Clutch
Diagnosing and repairing clutch systems: pedal and hydraulic release components, release bearing, disc and pressure plate, pilot bearing, flywheel and powertrain mounts.
A3 · 7 questions on the test
Transmission
Rear-wheel-drive manual transmission work: shifting and noise diagnosis, external linkage, overhaul of shafts, gears and synchronizers, preload and endplay, and electronic parts.
A3 · 7 questions on the test
Transaxle
Front-wheel-drive manual transaxle work: shifting and noise diagnosis, removal and mounts, internal gears and synchros, the built-in differential, preload, lubrication and electronics.
A3 · 5 questions on the test
Drive/Half Shaft & U/CV Joints
Servicing drive shafts and half shafts on front- and rear-drive vehicles: noise and vibration diagnosis, U-joints and CV joints, balance, runout, working angles and wheel bearings.
A3 · 7 questions on the test
Drive Axle
Rear drive axle service: ring and pinion setup, differential case work, limited slip and locking units, and axle shafts, bearings and housings.
A3 · 8 questions on the test
Four-Wheel/All-Wheel Drive
Diagnosing and servicing 4WD and AWD systems: transfer case removal and overhaul, shafts and front axles, engagement and actuation controls, and tire size matching.
A4 Suspension & Steering
Test format →A4 · 12 questions on the test
Steering
Steering column, gear and linkage diagnosis and repair, including power and electric assist systems, airbag precautions, pump and fluid service, and tie rods and idler arms.
A4 · 12 questions on the test
Suspension
Front and rear suspension diagnosis and repair: control arms, ball joints, springs, struts, shocks, stabilizer bars, wheel bearings, subframes and electronically controlled suspension.
A4 · 11 questions on the test
Wheel Alignment
Diagnosing pull, wander and steering return concerns, then measuring and adjusting alignment angles and recalibrating related electronic systems.
A4 · 5 questions on the test
Wheels & Tires
Wheel and tire service: reading wear patterns, checking size and ratings, mounting and balancing, runout and vibration diagnosis, and TPMS testing and relearn.
A5 Brakes
Test format →A5 · 19 questions on the test
Hydraulic, Power Assist & Parking Brake
The largest A5 area: master cylinders, lines and hoses, valves and switches, bleeding and brake fluid, vacuum, hydro-boost and electronic power assist, and parking brakes.
A5 · 5 questions on the test
Drum Brakes
Drum brake diagnosis and service: hydraulic and mechanical faults, drum measuring and machining, shoes and hardware, wheel cylinders, adjustment and wheel bearings.
A5 · 11 questions on the test
Disc Brakes
Disc brake diagnosis and service: calipers, slides and pads, rotor measuring and machining, installation and burnishing, wheel bearings, and brake versus tire vibration.
A5 · 10 questions on the test
ABS/TCS/ESC
Diagnosing electronic brake controls (ABS, traction control and stability control): warning lights, scan tool and meter tests, sensors, bleeding, module setup and related systems.
A6 Electrical/Electronic Systems
Test format →A6 · 13 questions on the test
General Electrical Diagnosis
Core circuit diagnosis: voltage, voltage drop, current and resistance checks, waveforms, wiring diagrams, finding shorts and opens, parasitic draw, network faults and module programming.
A6 · 9 questions on the test
Battery & Starting
Low-voltage battery and starting system service: battery types and testing, charging and jump-starting, memory retention, starter draw and voltage drop tests, and slow or no-crank diagnosis.
A6 · 5 questions on the test
Charging
Charging system diagnosis and repair: no-charge, low-charge and overcharge faults, output and voltage drop tests, alternator controls, drive belts and alternator replacement.
A6 · 6 questions on the test
Lighting
Lighting system diagnosis and repair: exterior and interior lamps, headlamp aiming and leveling (including HID, LED and adaptive lights), turn signals and hazards, and trailer wiring.
A6 · 17 questions on the test
Body Electrical
The largest A6 area: diagnosing instrument clusters and infotainment, power accessories, heated and cooled features, security systems, and safety systems such as airbags, wipers and cameras.
A7 Heating & Air Conditioning
Test format →A7 · 21 questions on the test
HVAC & Engine Cooling Diagnosis/Service
The largest A7 area: HVAC performance and pressure diagnosis, leak testing, refrigerant recovery, evacuation and charging, refrigerant handling, and engine cooling and heater service.
A7 · 10 questions on the test
Refrigeration System Components
Diagnosing and replacing A/C refrigeration components: compressors and clutches, protection devices, condensers, evaporators, expansion valves, orifice tubes and driers.
A7 · 19 questions on the test
Operating Systems & Related Controls
Diagnosing HVAC controls: blower and compressor clutch circuits, fan controls, electric and vacuum actuators, ducts and doors, and automatic temperature control systems.
A8 Engine Performance
Test format →A8 · 12 questions on the test
General Diagnosis
Broad engine performance diagnosis: base engine mechanical tests, vacuum, compression and leak-down, cam timing, cooling, oil-related issues, and battery, starting and charging effects.
A8 · 8 questions on the test
Ignition
Diagnosing ignition-related no-start, misfire, knock, power loss and emissions problems, including primary and secondary circuits, coils, sensors, and ignition and engine control modules.
A8 · 9 questions on the test
Fuel, Air Induction & Exhaust
Diagnosing fuel delivery, air induction and exhaust problems on port and direct injection engines: fuel trim, pumps and pressure, injectors, throttle bodies, vacuum leaks and turbochargers.
A8 · 8 questions on the test
Emissions Control
Diagnosing emission control systems: PCV, EGR, secondary air injection and catalytic converters, and evaporative (EVAP) controls, using scan data and DTCs.
A8 · 13 questions on the test
Computerized Engine Controls
Diagnosing engine computer systems: DTCs, freeze frame and OBD II monitors, faults with or without codes, sensors and actuators, power and ground circuits, PCM programming and networks.
G1 Maintenance & Light Repair
Test format →G1 · 9 questions on the test
Engine Systems
Routine engine service and inspection: leaks and noises, oil changes, cooling system tests and parts, belts, air and throttle body service, exhaust, spark plugs, fuel and EVAP checks, and DEF.
G1 · 4 questions on the test
Automatic Transmission
Basic automatic transmission service: road test and DTC retrieval, fluid type and condition, leaks and seals, CV and drive shaft parts, cooler lines, mounts, and fluid and filter changes.
G1 · 6 questions on the test
Manual Drive Train & Axles
Basic driveline service: hydraulic clutch bleeding, shift linkage, seals and fluid, drive shafts and CV joints, wheel bearings, rear axles, and 4WD/AWD transfer case checks.
G1 · 13 questions on the test
Suspension & Steering
The largest G1 area: power steering service, linkage and suspension inspection, struts and shocks, basic alignment measurements and adjustment, tire service and repair, and TPMS.
G1 · 11 questions on the test
Brakes
Brake inspection and service: fluid and leak checks, warning lights, bleeding, drum and disc brake service, rotor and drum machining, parking brakes, and power assist checks.
G1 · 8 questions on the test
Electrical
Basic electrical service: voltage, current and resistance checks, battery testing and charging, jump-starting, starter and alternator replacement, lighting, gauges, horn and wipers.
G1 · 4 questions on the test
Heating & A/C
Basic HVAC service: verifying system operation, identifying refrigerant and recovering and recharging, checking for leaks, condenser airflow, cabin filters, belts and evaporator drains.