Exam 43: Automatic Transmission and Transaxle Service

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

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?

When should the ATF level be checked on most vehicles?

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

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?

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?

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

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?

What is the first step in removing an automatic transmission?

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?

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

What do varnish deposits on the dipstick indicate?

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

Early upshifts can be caused by ______.

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

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?

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?

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