Automatic Transmission Course

Lesson 1 • Safety and Workshop Practices

Establishes safe handling procedures for heavy assemblies, hot fluids, and pressurised systems. Ensures compliance with workshop safety standards before hands-on work begins.

Lesson 2 • Major Assemblies and Components

Identifies and describes each major assembly inside an automatic transmission. Builds vocabulary and spatial awareness needed for diagnosis and repair.

Lesson 3 • Transmission Role in the Drivetrain

Covers how the transmission multiplies torque and transfers engine power to the wheels. Establishes context for all subsequent component study.

Lesson 1 • Lockup Clutch Mechanism

Describes the lockup clutch that mechanically connects the converter at cruising speeds. Links lockup operation to fuel efficiency and heat reduction.

Lesson 2 • Converter Failure Modes

Identifies common torque converter failures including ballooning, stator clutch failure, and clutch material contamination. Prepares students to link symptoms to root causes.

Lesson 3 • Fluid Coupling Principles

Explains how the pump, turbine, and stator interact to transfer and multiply torque through fluid. Provides the hydraulic foundation for understanding converter behaviour.

Lesson 1 • Clutch and Band Application Charts

Teaches use of clutch and band application charts to determine which holding devices are applied in each gear. Enables systematic power flow tracing.

Lesson 2 • Simple Planetary Gear Set Mechanics

Analyses the sun, planet carrier, and ring gear relationships in a single planetary set. Establishes the mechanical logic used in all subsequent gear set analysis.

Lesson 3 • Power Flow Tracing Practise

Applies gear set knowledge to trace complete power flow paths in first through overdrive gears. Reinforces ratio calculation and prepares students for shift quality diagnosis.

Lesson 1 • Hydraulic Pressure Generation

Covers the transmission oil pump types, operation, and pressure output characteristics. Links pump condition to overall hydraulic system performance.

Lesson 2 • Valve Body Design and Operation

Examines shift valves, check balls, and orifices within the valve body. Establishes how valve body components direct fluid to execute gear changes.

Lesson 3 • Hydraulic Circuit Diagnosis

Applies pressure testing techniques to isolate hydraulic faults causing shift problems. Connects pressure readings to specific valve body or pump failures.

Lesson 1 • Transmission Control Module Functions

Describes TCM inputs, processing logic, and output commands that govern shift timing and quality. Positions the TCM as the central coordinator of all electronic transmission functions.

Lesson 2 • Diagnostic Trouble Codes and Data

Teaches retrieval and interpretation of transmission-related diagnostic trouble codes and live data streams. Connects code definitions to specific circuit or component failures.

Lesson 3 • Shift Solenoids and Pressure Control

Examines on/off shift solenoids and variable force solenoids that control hydraulic circuits electronically. Links solenoid duty cycle to clutch apply pressure.

Lesson 4 • Adaptive Shift Strategy

Explains how the TCM monitors shift quality and adjusts solenoid timing to compensate for wear. Prepares students to reset and recalibrate adaptive values after repair.

Lesson 1 • External Component Disassembly

Removes the oil pan, filter, valve body, and external sensors before internal teardown. Establishes the correct sequence to avoid damage and contamination.

Lesson 2 • Internal Component Disassembly

Guides removal of clutch packs, planetary sets, and shafts in the correct order. Emphasises component organisation and marking for accurate reassembly.

Lesson 3 • Transmission Removal Procedures

Details transmission jack positioning, cooler line disconnection, and controlled lowering sequence. Ensures safe extraction without damage to surrounding components.

Lesson 1 • Seals, Bushings, and Bearings

Evaluates lip seals, Teflon rings, bushings, and thrust bearings for wear and damage. Ensures fluid sealing and correct shaft alignment after reassembly.

Lesson 2 • Clutch Pack Inspection

Measures clutch plate thickness, checks for glazing, and verifies pack clearance. Links clutch condition to shift quality and holding capacity.

Lesson 3 • Torque Converter Inspection

Evaluates converter end float, pilot diameter, and external condition for reuse or replacement. Prevents reassembly with a defective converter that would cause repeat failure.

Lesson 4 • Planetary Gear Set Inspection

Checks planet pinion end float, gear tooth condition, and carrier bearing wear. Identifies gear set damage that causes noise or ratio errors.

Lesson 1 • Main Case Assembly Sequence

Guides installation of planetary sets, shafts, and pump in the correct order with specified torques. Ensures correct end float and bearing preload before valve body installation.

Lesson 2 • Subassembly Overhauling Techniques

Covers clutch pack assembly, seal installation, and snap ring fitting with correct torque and clearance. Builds the precision habits required for leak-free, shift-quality results.

Lesson 3 • Transmission Installation Procedure

Covers converter installation depth, bell housing alignment, and torque converter-to-flex plate bolt torque. Ensures correct engagement before vehicle is lowered.

Lesson 4 • Valve Body and Pan Installation

Details valve body alignment, check ball placement, and oil pan torque sequence. Prevents leaks and hydraulic circuit errors that cause immediate shift failures.