Deck 43: Automatic Transmission and Transaxle Service

Question 1

When should the ATF level be checked on most vehicles?

A) when the transmission is cool and the engine is off
B) when the transmission is cool and the engine is running
C) when the transmission is at operating temperature and the engine is off
D) when the transmission is at operating temperature and the engine is running

Answer 1

D

Question 2

The transmission's fluid and filter should be changed only when there is an indication of oxidation or contamination.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

An engine vacuum leak can cause degraded shift quality.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

A leaking transmission case can often be repaired with an epoxy-based sealant.

Question 5

The gear range selector linkage must be adjusted properly to prevent fluid line pressure loss from the manual valve.

Question 6

Air pressure tests are performed during disassembly to locate leaking seals and during reassembly to check the operation of the clutches and servos.

Question 7

Synthetic fluids tend to look and smell burnt after normal use; therefore, the appearance and smell of these fluids is not a good indicator of the fluid's condition.

Question 8

On all automatic transmissions, the fluid level is always checked with the engine running and the transmission in park.

Question 9

Some manufacturers do not recommend pressure testing automatic transmissions.

Question 10

Incorrect pressure readings may reveal a possible problem in which of the following hydraulic circuits?

A) oil pump
B) governor
C) servos
D) all answers are correct

Question 11

Two technicians are discussing transmission fluid. Technician A says transmission fluid is red in color and has no dark or metallic particles suspended in it. Technician B says synthetic ATF is normally a darker red than petroleum-based fluid and tends to look and smell burnt after normal use. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 12

Spool valves, springs, and other components of the valve body should be cleaned using a wiping rag or paper towel.

Question 13

Dexron III transmission fluid can be used in all automatic transmissions.

Question 14

Most transmission shops rebuild the torque converter when overhauling the transmission.

Question 15

A plugged transmission cooler line or a restricted cooler can cause the vehicle to stall when shifted into reverse.

Question 16

Slippage during shifting may indicate that a band needs adjustment.

Question 17

A leaking transmission pump seal can be replaced without removing the transmission.

Question 18

Some manufacturers require replacement of the transmission cooler whenever the transmission is overhauled.

Question 19

When performing a stall test, the throttle should be held wide open for ten seconds.

Question 20

A faulty wiring connector will not affect shift timing.

Question 21

Technician A says delayed shifts may be caused by leaking hydraulic circuits. Technician B says poor engine performance can cause delayed shifts. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 22

Technician A says any engine movement may change the effective length of the shift and throttle cables. Technician B says if the driveline mounts are in good condition, there should be no engine movement when the throttle pedal is depressed with the brakes fully applied. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 23

Technician A says a prerequisite to accurate road testing analysis includes knowing what bands and clutches are applied in a particular gear range. Technician B says slipping conditions can be caused by a leaking hydraulic circuit. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 24

Technician A says if the ATF has a dark brownish or blackish color and/or a burned odor, the fluid has been overheated. Technician B says if the fluid has a milky color, this indicates that engine coolant has been leaking into the transmission cooler. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 25

Technician A says a low fluid level can cause fluid aeration. Technician B says a high fluid level can cause fluid aeration. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 26

A low fluid level may be caused by a leak in all of the following except:

A) oil pan gasket
B) extension housing seal
C) electrical switch
D) multiple disc clutch piston seal

Question 27

How much fluid should flow through the cooler during a twenty-second test (cooler return line disconnected)?

A) 8 oz. (1 cup )
B) 16 oz. (1 pint)
C) 32 oz. (1 quart)
D) 64 oz. (
gallon)

Question 28

Two technicians are discussing band adjustment. Technician A says the band adjustment screws are located on the outside of the transmission case. Technician B says the band adjustment screws are located inside the transmission and the transmission pan must be removed to make the adjustments. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 29

Technician A says thumps and grinding noises are often caused by bad thrust washers. Technician B says noise that is engine speed related and occurs in all gear ranges, including Park and Neutral, is likely caused by a bad planetary gearset. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 30

Early upshifts can be caused by ______.

A) low fluid levels
B) worn servo seals
C) worn oil pump
D) misadjusted TV cable

Question 31

Technician A says all automatic transmissions use the same type of fluid. Technician B says each manufacturer specifies the proper type of fluid that should be used in their transmissions. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 32

Technician A says driveline vibration that changes with engine speed can be caused by an unbalanced torque converter. Technician B says driveline vibration that changes with road speed can be caused by a bad universal joint. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 33

Two technicians are trying to install a remanufactured transmission and torque converter in a vehicle. No matter how well they align the transmission with the engine, the transmission will not slide onto the dowel pins. Technician A says the pilot hub on the converter could be damaged. Technician B says one of the dowel pins could be out of round. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 34

In a nonelectronically controlled transmission, improper shift points are most commonly caused by a ______.

A) defective throttle valve
B) faulty vehicle speed sensor
C) faulty governor
D) all answers are correct

Question 35

What tool is needed to adjust the bands?

A) dial indicator
B) inch/pound torque wrench
C) go-no-go gauge type feeler gauge
D) spring tension gauge

Question 36

During a stall test, the engine speed was 50 rpm below the minimum stall speed. What is the most likely problem?

A) seized stator roller clutch
B) defective torque converter clutch
C) transmission filled with the wrong type of ATF
D) engine is not producing enough power

Question 37

What tool is needed to perform a stall test?

A) tachometer
B) voltmeter
C) oil pressure gauge
D) all answers are correct

Question 38

Technician A says the only positive way to identify the exact design of the transmission is by the shape of its oil pan. Technician B says identification numbers only identify the manufacturer and assembly date of the transmission. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 39

Transmission rebuilding procedures are being discussed. Technician A says always replace internal drive chains. Technician B says soak all friction material in clean ATF prior to installing them. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 40

Technician A checks for worn or broken transmission mounts by prying on the transmission case with a pry bar while watching the mount. Technician B checks for worn or broken transmission mounts by running the engine at 1,500 rpm, with the transmission in drive and then in reverse, while he watches the torque reaction (movement) of the engine. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 41

Dark particles in the transmission fluid are an indication of ______.

A) worn clutches or bands
B) worn thrust washers
C) worn oil pump gears
D) worn stator roller clutch

Question 42

During a road test, the engine's speed flares up during acceleration in drive. What is the most likely cause of the problem?

A) faulty torque converter
B) slipping clutches or bands
C) worn thrust washers
D) all answers are correct

Question 43

A technician is diagnosing a transmission fluid leak problem. With the inspection cover removed, there is fluid on the back of the converter shell, but the front of the converter is dry. What is the most likely source of the leak?

A) transmission pan gasket
B) transmission cooler line
C) governor cover seal
D) oil pump seal

Question 44

Low fluid levels can cause ______.

A) aerated fluid
B) a buzzing noise inside the transmission
C) slippage between shifts
D) all answers are correct

Question 45

Technician A checks transmission mounts with a pry bar, pulling up and pushing down on the transaxle case while watching the mount. Technician B checks the mounts by putting the
Transmission into a forward gear and gradually increasing the engine speed to about 1,500 to 2,000 rpm while an assistant observes the torque reaction of the engine on its mounts. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 46

On a road test, a thumping noise is heard in the transmission whenever the vehicle is accelerated. What could be the problem?

A) worn thrust washers
B) faulty torque converter
C) worn clutches or bands
D) all answers are correct

Question 47

A technician is diagnosing a car that lacks power during acceleration. There are no DTCs, and a check of the ignition and fuel system does not reveal any problems. Technician A says the exhaust system should be checked for a restriction. Technician B says the stator overrunning clutch inside the torque converter could be slipping. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 48

A vibration that changes with a change in engine speed is most likely caused by a(n) ______.

A) bad U-joint
B) defective extension housing bushing
C) bent driveshaft
D) out-of-balance torque converter

Question 49

Technician A says a stall test is performed to check the operation of the stator overrunning clutch inside the torque converter. Technician B says a stall test is performed to check the operation of the clutches and bands inside the transmission. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 50

A technician is diagnosing a vehicle that does not crank over when the gear selector is in Park or Neutral but does crank when the gear selector is in Reverse and Drive. Technician A says the neutral safety switch needs adjustment. Technician B says the gear selector linkage needs to be adjusted. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 51

Technician A says the transmission identification number is found on a sticker or stamped on the transmission case. Technician B says the vehicle certification label gives transmission information in a space marked TR. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 52

Technician A says the only positive way to identify the model of a transmission is by the shape of the oil pan. Technician B says the only positive way to identify the transmission model is by the ID number stamp or sticker on the transmission case. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 53

What tool is needed to properly adjust transmission bands?

A) telescoping gauges
B) a pound/inch torque wrench
C) a dial indicator
D) all answers are correct

Question 54

Which of these engine control sensors is NOT likely to cause shifting problems?

A) TP [throttle position]
B) HO₂S [oxygen sensor]
C) VSS [vehicle speed]
D) MAP [manifold absolute pressure]

Question 55

What will be the symptoms of a throttle valve linkage that is adjusted too high?

A) early upshifts and delayed downshifts
B) late upshifts and early downshifts
C) high idle rpm
D) lack of power on acceleration

Question 56

Technician A uses a 400 psi pressure gauge to test mainline [line pressure]. Technician B uses a 100 psi gauge to test throttle [TV] and governor pressure. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 57

A normal vacuum gauge reading while the engine is idling is steady and at _____. The rougher the engine runs, the more the gauge readings will fluctuate.

A) 8 in. Hg
B) 17 in. Hg
C) 22 in. Hg
D) 30 in. Hg

Question 58

If the noise is engine speed related and is present in all gears including Park and Neutral, the most probable source is ______.

A) torque converter
B) planetary gears
C) transmission oil pump
D) bands or servos

Question 59

Technician A says transmission fluid overheating can be caused by a defect in the engine cooling system. Technician B says transmission cooler leaks can be diagnosed by removing and plugging the radiator hose inlet and outlet, then pressurizing the radiator with 50 to 70 psi of shop air while checking for bubbles in the transmission fluid. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 60

The customer complains that the vehicle can roll when the transmission is in Park. Also, the starter does not crank the engine over when the shifter is in Park but will crank over when the shifter is halfway between Neutral and Drive. On a road test, when the transmission is shifted into manual low, the gear indicator is half way between 1 and 2. Technician A says the parking pawl is broken and must be replaced. Technician B says the shifter linkage needs adjustment. Who is correct?

A) A only
B) B only
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 61

What does milky-colored ATF indicate?

Question 62

What transmission problems can be caused by broken or loose driveline mounts?

Question 63

Identify transmission components that may be the source of an ATF leak.

Question 64

Typically, transmission oil pressure should not drop more than ____________________ psi ____________________ kg/cm²) between shifts.

Question 65

The ____________________ test checks the holding capacity of the torque converter stator's overrunning clutch and certain transmission clutches and bands.

Question 66

When using compressed air to clear a cooler line circuit of old fluid, debris, or solvent, avoid using air pressure higher than ____________________ psi ____________________ kg/cm²).

Question 67

Name four causes of low fluid pressure.

Question 68

Identify three conditions that must be followed when performing a fluid level check.

Question 69

____________________ pressure is used as an indication of engine load and influences the speed at which automatic shifts will take place.

Question 70

All late model automatic transmissions are equipped with a(n) ____________________ torque converter.

Question 71

What is the first step in removing a transmission?

Question 72

Red fluid leaking from the bellhousing is an indication of a defective ____________________.

Question 73

If a problem cannot be identified from an inspection or road test, a ____________________ test should be performed.

Question 74

During rebuilding, what three transmission components should be checked for warpage?

Question 75

What do varnish deposits on the dipstick indicate?

Question 76

What is the most probable cause of low fluid levels?

Question 77

What should be the first step in diagnosing an automatic transmission problem?

Question 78

Lubricate seals with ____________________ prior to installation.

Question 79

The shape of the transmission's ____________________ can sometimes be used to identify the model of the transmission.

Question 80

Where is the kickdown switch normally located?