Truck and Transport Mechanic
1 Introduction to Truck and Transport Mechanics
1-1 Overview of the Truck and Transport Mechanic profession
1-2 Importance of safety in the workplace
1-3 Introduction to heavy-duty vehicles
1-4 Basic principles of vehicle mechanics
2 Vehicle Systems and Components
2-1 Engine systems
2-1 1 Internal combustion engines
2-1 2 Diesel engines
2-1 3 Engine components and their functions
2-2 Transmission systems
2-2 1 Manual transmissions
2-2 2 Automatic transmissions
2-2 3 Clutch systems
2-3 Suspension and steering systems
2-3 1 Suspension components
2-3 2 Steering mechanisms
2-4 Brake systems
2-4 1 Hydraulic brake systems
2-4 2 Air brake systems
2-5 Electrical systems
2-5 1 Battery and charging systems
2-5 2 Ignition systems
2-5 3 Lighting and signaling systems
3 Maintenance and Repair Procedures
3-1 Preventive maintenance
3-1 1 Scheduled maintenance tasks
3-1 2 Inspection and testing procedures
3-2 Diagnostic techniques
3-2 1 Use of diagnostic tools and equipment
3-2 2 Troubleshooting common issues
3-3 Repair and replacement of components
3-3 1 Engine repair and overhaul
3-3 2 Transmission repair and overhaul
3-3 3 Brake system repair and overhaul
3-4 Welding and fabrication
3-4 1 Welding techniques
3-4 2 Fabrication of vehicle parts
4 Specialized Systems and Equipment
4-1 Hydraulic systems
4-1 1 Hydraulic pumps and motors
4-1 2 Hydraulic control systems
4-2 Air conditioning and heating systems
4-2 1 Refrigeration cycles
4-2 2 Heating and ventilation systems
4-3 Auxiliary power units (APUs)
4-3 1 APU components and functions
4-3 2 Maintenance and troubleshooting of APUs
5 Safety and Environmental Regulations
5-1 Workplace safety practices
5-1 1 Personal protective equipment (PPE)
5-1 2 Handling hazardous materials
5-2 Environmental regulations
5-2 1 Emissions control standards
5-2 2 Waste disposal procedures
5-3 Compliance with industry standards
5-3 1 ISO standards
5-3 2 National and international regulations
6 Professional Development and Career Pathways
6-1 Continuing education and training
6-1 1 Advanced courses and certifications
6-1 2 Industry conferences and workshops
6-2 Career opportunities
6-2 1 Employment in various sectors
6-2 2 Entrepreneurship and business management
6-3 Networking and professional associations
6-3 1 Joining industry associations
6-3 2 Participating in professional networks
Automatic Transmissions Explained

2.2.2 Automatic Transmissions Explained

Key Concepts

Hydraulic System

The hydraulic system in an automatic transmission uses fluid pressure to control gear shifts and apply the brakes. It includes components like the transmission fluid, pump, and valves. The fluid pressure is regulated to ensure smooth and efficient gear changes.

Example: Think of the hydraulic system as the circulatory system of the transmission. Just as blood pressure regulates blood flow in the body, fluid pressure regulates the movement of gears, ensuring the vehicle operates smoothly.

Planetary Gear Set

The planetary gear set is the core of an automatic transmission, consisting of sun gears, planet gears, and ring gears. These components work together to provide multiple gear ratios, allowing the transmission to adapt to different driving conditions.

Example: Imagine the planetary gear set as a complex clock mechanism. Each gear interacts with others to keep time accurately. Similarly, the gears in an automatic transmission interact to provide the right gear ratio for optimal performance.

Torque Converter

The torque converter acts as a fluid coupling between the engine and the transmission. It multiplies the engine's torque, allowing the vehicle to start moving smoothly from a standstill. The torque converter also allows the engine to idle without the vehicle moving.

Example: Think of the torque converter as a turbocharger for the transmission. Just as a turbocharger increases air pressure to boost engine performance, the torque converter increases torque to enhance transmission efficiency.

Control Module

The control module, also known as the transmission control unit (TCU), manages the automatic transmission's operations. It receives input from various sensors and uses algorithms to determine the optimal gear shifts and fluid pressure adjustments.

Example: Consider the control module as the brain of the transmission. Just as the brain processes information to control the body's movements, the TCU processes data to control the transmission's functions, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.