Transmission & Drivetrain Systems Flashcards
7 cards from real CPT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Transmission & Drivetrain Systems flashcards as text
During a routine transmission fluid inspection, the fluid appears dark brown with a burnt odor. This indicates:
Answer: Overheating and oxidation of the fluid, requiring immediate service
Dark brown, burnt-smelling ATF indicates thermal breakdown and oxidation from overheating, which degrades lubrication and hydraulic properties and requires immediate service.
An automatic transmission that slips in all forward gears but engages reverse normally most likely has a fault in the:
Answer: Forward clutch pack or input drum
Slipping in all forward gears while reverse works normally points to a failed forward clutch pack or input drum, which is the common element for all forward drive ranges.
What is the purpose of a transmission oil cooler?
Answer: Maintain ATF temperature within an optimal operating range to prevent breakdown
The transmission cooler dissipates heat generated by fluid shear and friction to keep ATF within the temperature range that preserves its viscosity and additive package.
A technician finds metal particles in the transmission pan during a fluid change. This finding indicates:
Answer: Significant internal mechanical damage requiring inspection and likely rebuild
Large or numerous metal particles in the pan indicate accelerated wear or mechanical failure of gears, bearings, or clutch steels, requiring a thorough diagnostic inspection.
What is the correct procedure for checking automatic transmission fluid level on most vehicles with a traditional dipstick?
Answer: Check with engine running at operating temperature in Park or Neutral
Most manufacturers specify checking ATF with the engine running, at operating temperature, and in Park or Neutral, as this represents the normal fluid volume in circulation.
A driveshaft that is out of balance will most likely cause:
Answer: Vibration that increases proportionally with vehicle speed
An unbalanced driveshaft creates a centrifugal force that produces vibration whose frequency and intensity increase with rotational speed, directly proportional to vehicle speed.
When replacing a driveshaft U-joint, why is it critical to reassemble the driveshaft yokes in phase (aligned)?
Answer: To cancel out velocity fluctuations produced by each U-joint and eliminate vibration
With two U-joints in phase, the velocity fluctuation introduced by the first joint is exactly cancelled by the second joint, resulting in smooth constant-velocity output.