Catalog Description
- Transfer Status
- CSU
- Prerequisite
- AUT 3 (or concurrent enrollment)
- Unit(s)
- 2.00
- Lecture: 34.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)
- Total: 34.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)
Course Description: This course provides theory and principles of operation in automotive manual transmissions/transaxles, drive lines and axles. Shop practice includes diagnostics, testing, and repairing of each system.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Identify the different types of manual transmission, transaxles and four wheel drive configurations used in cars and light trucks.
- Describe power-flow through manual transmissions and transaxles.
- Identify clutch related components using industry terminology and describe the theory and operation of the clutch system.
- Distinguish the difference between Constant Velocity (CV) joints and propeller shafts and describe the operational characteristics of them both.
- Identify the components and describe power-flow through differential assemblies.
Course Content
Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic
Lecture
| Topics | Lec Hrs |
|---|---|
Transmission and transaxle identification, gear types and theory of operation. | 3.00 |
Rear wheel drive transmission powerflow. | 2.00 |
Rear wheel drive transmission synchronizer operation, shifting, and shifting mechanisms. | 2.50 |
Front wheel drive transaxle power-flow. | 2.00 |
Front wheel drive transaxle synchronizer operation, shifting, and shifting mechanisms. | 3.00 |
Transmission and transaxle diagnosis and repair. | 2.00 |
Clutch component identification and clutch system description and operation. | 2.50 |
Clutch system diagnosis and repair. | 2.00 |
Drive shaft and half shaft component identification and description of operation. | 1.00 |
Drive shaft and half shaft diagnosis and repair. | 2.00 |
Differential and drive axle component identification and theory of operation. | 3.00 |
Differential and drive axle diagnosis and repair. | 3.00 |
Four wheel drive system and transfer case component identification. Four wheel drive system theory of operation. | 2.00 |
Four wheel drive and transfer case diagnosis and repair. | 2.00 |
Electronic four wheel drive systems theory of operation and diagnostics. | 2.00 |
| Total Hours: | 34.00 |
Methods of Instruction
- Class Activities
- Demonstrations
- Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
- Instructor Demonstrations
- Lecture
Methods of Evaluation
- Exams/Tests
- Quizzes
- Homework
- Class participation
- Final Examination
Examples of Assignments
Reading Assignments
- Read the assigned reading on manual transmission power-flow. Complete the assigned end of chapter quiz.
- Using Mitchell or All Data, read the procedure on checking mainshaft end play and demonstrate the procedure to the instructor.
Writing Assignments
- In at least 100 words, write in your workbook the powerflow in a manual 5-speed transmission in reverse gear. Be prepared to discuss in class.
- Fill out a repair order on the front and back using B.A.R. standards and ensure the story has the "3 C's".
Out-of-Class Assignments
- View the videos and animations provided by the instructor related to powerflow, complete the weekly quiz assignment, and submit to the instructor.
- Using Mitchell or Alldata, locate the procedure to service the manual transmisssion on one of our manual powertrain vehicles. Using 100 words, summarize the steps into a narrative. Note any cautions. Be prepared to discuss in class.
Recommended Materials of Instruction
Erjavec, J., et al. (2026). Today's Technician: Manual Transmissions and Transaxles Classroom Manual and Shop Manual. Cengage, 8th. 9780357935286.
Minimum Qualifications
Automotive Technology