Automatic Transmission and Transaxle Technician

Course Description

AER0257 / AER0257C – Automatic Transmission and Transaxle Technician is a Postsecondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) clock-hour course in the Engineering Technology: Automotive Service taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course is offered as Occupational Completion Point (OCP) C within the Florida Department of Education's Automotive Service Technology career and technical program (CIP code 0647060400 / 0647060410). Students develop entry-level skills in the operation, diagnosis, service, repair, and overhaul of automatic transmissions and transaxles, including general transmission/transaxle diagnosis; in-vehicle maintenance and repair; off-vehicle disassembly, repair, and reassembly; hydraulic and electronic control system diagnosis; and continuously variable transmission (CVT) and dual-clutch transmission (DCT) awareness.

AER0257 is offered at 42 Florida public technical colleges, district career centers, and state college workforce programs and transfers as equivalent across the state. The course aligns with the ASE A2 (Automatic Transmission/Transaxle) certification task list. Per Florida Statute 1004.925, all automotive service technology education programs in Florida must be industry certified — most Florida programs hold ASE Education Foundation MAST certification. Automatic transmission service is among the most complex areas of automotive repair due to the integration of hydraulic, mechanical, and sophisticated electronic control systems. Note on transferability: as a clock-hour PSAV course (course prefix 0), AER0257 is not college-level and does not transfer for college credit. Successful completion contributes to the OCP C occupational completion point and the overall Automotive Service Technology certificate (1,800 hours total program).

Learning Outcomes

The following outcomes align with the Florida Department of Education Curriculum Framework for Automotive Service Technology and the ASE Education Foundation A2 (Automatic Transmission/Transaxle) task list. Tasks identified in the FLDOE framework as P-1, P-2, or P-3 are ASE-priority tasks. The course also reinforces the Common Career Technical Core Career Ready Practices.

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Comply with personal and environmental safety practices for transmission service, including proper lifting, supporting heavy components, handling automatic transmission fluid (ATF) and used parts, and proper disposal of used fluid and gaskets per local, state, and federal regulations.
• Explain and apply proficiently the diagnosis, service, repair, and overhaul of automatic transmissions and transaxles.
• Perform general transmission/transaxle diagnosis: verify customer concern; road-test the vehicle; identify abnormal noises, vibrations, harshness, leaks, slippage, and shift quality issues; check fluid level and condition; perform stall test, line pressure test, and shift time/quality assessment.
• Use diagnostic scan tools to retrieve transmission-related diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs); access live data including transmission fluid temperature, gear-state PIDs, and solenoid commands; perform bidirectional control of solenoids and pressure-control commands where supported; perform relearn and adaptation procedures (basic settings) after service.
• Perform in-vehicle transmission/transaxle maintenance and repair: fluid and filter service per OEM specification (including special procedures for sealed transmissions); pan and gasket service; external sensor and switch replacement; external solenoid replacement; valve body removal/installation where in-vehicle service is supported; transmission cooler line and external cooler service; mount inspection and replacement.
• Perform transmission/transaxle removal and installation: support driveline; disconnect linkage, electrical, cooler lines, and torque converter; remove transmission/transaxle safely; reinstall with proper torque converter engagement and alignment; refill with correct fluid type and quantity.
• Perform off-vehicle transmission/transaxle disassembly: clean and inspect transmission case, sub-assemblies, mating surfaces, and thread condition.
• Inspect and measure fluid pump and drive components; determine needed actions or repairs.
• Check bearing preload; inspect, measure, and adjust as needed.
• Check end play; inspect, measure, and adjust as needed.
• Inspect shafts (including shaft splines, lubrication feed holes, bushings, journals); determine needed actions.
• Inspect fluid delivery circuit including seal rings, ring grooves, sealing surface areas, feed pipes, orifices.
• Inspect, test, and repair lubrication system, pumps, coolers, and plumbing.
• Inspect, test, adjust, repair, or replace electrical/electronic components and circuits including control modules, solenoids (shift, pressure-control/line-pressure, torque-converter clutch), sensors (input/output speed, temperature), relays, terminals, connectors, switches, and harnesses; inspect, test, and verify control module inputs, outputs, and data communications.
• Inspect, adjust, lubricate, and replace transmission external shift assemblies, linkages, brackets, cables, switches, and bushings.
• Inspect and replace transmission gaskets, sealants, seals, and fasteners; inspect sealing surfaces.
• Disassemble and clean transmission components; reassemble transmission with correct procedures and specifications.
• Inspect and service internal shift cover and internal shift forks, bushings, bearings, levers, shafts, sleeves, detent mechanisms, interlocks, and springs.
• Demonstrate the Common Career Technical Core Career Ready Practices; maintain accurate work orders, parts records, and warranty documentation appropriate to transmission work (which often involves substantial labor and parts costs).

Optional Outcomes

Depending on shop equipment and instructor specialization, students may also:

• Service continuously variable transmissions (CVT) including pulley and steel-belt/chain inspection, fluid service per OEM specification, and CVT-specific diagnostic procedures.
• Service dual-clutch transmissions (DCT) including dry-clutch and wet-clutch DCT variants, mechatronic unit service, and OEM-specific learning procedures.
• Service hybrid vehicle transmissions including planetary-power-split eCVT (e.g., Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive) with appropriate high-voltage safety procedures.
• Apply vehicle electronic service information systems (Mitchell1, AllData, ATSG, IATN, OEM technical service bulletins) to transmission diagnosis.
• Engage with the Automatic Transmission Service Group (ATSG) training resources and the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA) for advanced rebuild techniques.
• Participate in SkillsUSA career and technical student organization activities, including state and national competitions.
• Engage in on-the-job training (OJT) at a sponsoring employer site, particularly common for transmission specialty shops.

Major Topics

Required Topics (per FLDOE Curriculum Framework)

• Workplace and Transmission-Specific Safety: Lifting and supporting transmissions and transaxles safely; ATF handling; cleanliness for hydraulic components; safe handling of pressurized hydraulic test equipment.
• Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Theory: Planetary gear sets and gear ratios (Lepelletier, Ravigneaux, simple); torque converter operation (impeller, turbine, stator, lockup clutch); hydraulic pressure and flow principles; valve body operation; clutches and bands; one-way clutches/sprags.
• Transmission Hydraulic Systems: Fluid pumps; pressure regulation (line pressure, throttle pressure, governor pressure or modern electronic equivalents); accumulators; valve body operation; servo and clutch apply circuits.
• Electronic Control Systems: Transmission Control Module (TCM) operation; integrated PCM/TCM systems; shift solenoids (on-off and pulse-width-modulated); pressure control solenoids; torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid; speed sensors (input shaft, output shaft); temperature sensors; CAN bus communication; OBD-II transmission DTCs.
• General Diagnosis: Customer concern verification; road test procedures; identifying noises, vibrations, slippage, harsh shifts, no-shift conditions, lockup converter problems; fluid condition assessment (color, smell, debris); pressure testing; stall testing; shift-time analysis.
• Scan Tool Diagnosis: Retrieving and interpreting transmission DTCs; live data analysis (gear state, TCC status, line pressure command, solenoid feedback); bidirectional control; relearn procedures after repair (basic settings, adaptive learning resets).
• In-Vehicle Maintenance and Repair: Fluid and filter service (drain, refill, level check; OEM-specific procedures including special tools for sealed units); pan removal and inspection (clutch material, metal, debris analysis); valve body removal/installation; external sensor, switch, and solenoid replacement; transmission cooler service; mount replacement.
• Transmission Removal and Installation: Procedures for FWD transaxles vs. RWD transmissions; supporting the engine and transmission; disconnecting cooler lines and electrical; safe removal; torque converter engagement and alignment on installation; refill and verification.
• Off-Vehicle Disassembly and Inspection: Clean workspace and component cleanliness; case and sub-assembly inspection; pump inspection and measurement; clutch pack inspection (steel and friction discs, snap rings); band inspection; planetary gear inspection; bearings and bushings; shafts and sealing rings.
• Measurement Procedures: Bearing preload measurement and adjustment; end play measurement and adjustment; clutch pack clearance measurement; pump clearance measurement; thrust washer selection.
• Reassembly: Proper torque sequences; new gaskets, seals, sealing rings, and O-rings; correct lubricant during assembly; verification of clearances; installation of valve body and accumulators; bench-test verification where appropriate.
• Service Information and Diagnostics: OEM service manuals; Mitchell1 ProDemand; AllData; ATSG bulletins; OE-specific scan tools and procedures; reading transmission hydraulic schematics and electrical diagrams.
• Career Ready Practices: Workplace ethics specific to high-cost transmission repairs; honest customer communication (when to recommend rebuild vs. replacement vs. used unit); warranty management; documentation.

Optional Topics

• Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT): Pulley/belt or chain CVT operation; CVT-specific fluid requirements (NS-2, NS-3, etc.); diagnosis of belt/chain wear and pulley issues.
• Dual-Clutch Transmissions (DCT): Dry- and wet-clutch DCT operation; mechatronic unit service; OEM-specific learning and adaptation procedures (e.g., VW DSG, Ford PowerShift, Hyundai/Kia DCT).
• Hybrid Vehicle Transmissions: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive (eCVT planetary power-split); Ford and GM hybrid systems; high-voltage safety during transmission service.
• SkillsUSA Activities: SkillsUSA technical and leadership skills training and competition preparation.
• Heavy-Duty Automatic Transmissions: Allison and similar HD automatic transmissions used in light-medium duty trucks (overview, alignment with ASE Truck T3 for heavy duty).

Resources & Tools

• Required Reference Standards: ASE A2 (Automatic Transmission/Transaxle) task list (current edition, ase.com); ASE Education Foundation MAST Program Standards; FLDOE Automotive Service Technology Curriculum Framework.
• Standard Textbooks: Today's Technician: Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles by Erjavec (Cengage); Automotive Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles by Halderman (Pearson); Modern Automotive Technology by Duffy (Goodheart-Willcox — relevant chapters); Automatic Transmission and Transaxles by Birch (Pearson).
• Specialty Resources: ATSG (Automatic Transmission Service Group, atsgmembers.com — industry-standard rebuild bulletins and seminars); ATRA (Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association, atra.com); IATN; manufacturer-specific training (Toyota T-TEN, Ford ASSET, GM ASEP).
• Service Information Systems: Mitchell1 ProDemand; AllData; ATSG bulletins; OEM repair information.
• Required Equipment: Transmission jack; engine support beam; clutch pack pressure gauge; transmission line pressure gauge set; OBD-II scan tool capable of bidirectional control of transmission solenoids; specialty pullers and presses; cleaning equipment (parts washer); torque wrenches; precision measuring tools (dial indicators, micrometers, feeler gauges); vehicle lift.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety glasses; nitrile gloves for ATF handling; safety shoes; appropriate work clothing.
• Career and Industry Organizations: ASE Education Foundation; National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence; SkillsUSA; ATSG; ATRA; iATN.

Career Pathways

Successful completion of AER0257 supports specialized employment in transmission service:

• OCP C Completion – Automatic Transmission and Transaxle Technician completion within the Automotive Service Technology program.
• ASE A2 Certification Preparation – AER0257 directly prepares students for the ASE A2 (Automatic Transmission/Transaxle) certification exam (50 questions, 75 minutes). The A2 exam covers general transmission/transaxle diagnosis (25 questions), in-vehicle transmission/transaxle maintenance and repair, and off-vehicle transmission/transaxle repair.
• Master Automotive Service Technology Certificate – AER0257 contributes 150 hours toward the 1,800-hour Automotive Service Technology program.
• Career Outcomes:
  • Transmission Specialist Technician – At dedicated transmission shops (AAMCO, Cottman, Mr. Transmission, AAA Transmission, A-1 Transmission Florida locations) where focused expertise commands premium wages.
  • Dealership Drivetrain Technician – Higher-tier technician role at franchised dealerships specializing in transmission diagnosis and repair.
  • Automotive Service Technician – General technician role with transmission as a key competency.
  • Transmission Rebuilder – At dedicated rebuild shops or remanufacturing facilities (e.g., JASPER Engines & Transmissions installer network).
  • Mobile Diagnostic Technician – Specialty diagnostic services contracted to general repair shops.
• Florida Industry Application – Florida's high vehicle population and significant retiree demographic (with their typically older vehicles) drive sustained demand for transmission service. Major employer concentrations include franchised dealerships statewide; specialty transmission chains (AAMCO has dozens of Florida locations); independent transmission shops; and fleet maintenance for state, county, and municipal agencies. Specialty transmission technicians typically earn premium wages above general technician pay.

Special Information

Florida Statute 1004.925 — Industry Certification Required

Per Florida Statute 1004.925, all automotive service technology education programs in Florida must be industry certified. Most Florida programs hold ASE Education Foundation MAST certification.

Course Difficulty

Automatic transmission service is widely regarded as one of the most complex specialty areas in automotive repair. Modern automatic transmissions integrate sophisticated hydraulic systems, complex planetary gear arithmetic, and advanced electronic controls with adaptive learning algorithms. The course typically requires students to develop strong attention to detail, cleanliness habits during disassembly, and patience for complex diagnostic procedures. Successful completion typically requires hands-on practice with multiple transmission types (RWD, FWD transaxles, AWD transfer cases as applicable).

Course Sequencing

Per the FLDOE Curriculum Framework, AER0014 (OCP A) is the recommended prerequisite for all subsequent OCPs. OCP G electrical/electronic competency (AER0360) is particularly valuable preparation for transmission electronic controls and is often sequenced before OCP C in many programs.

Manufacturer-Specific Training

Many transmission types have manufacturer-specific service procedures (OEM-only programming, special tools, proprietary fluids). Florida programs increasingly partner with manufacturer-sponsored training programs:

• Toyota T-TEN (Technician Training Equivalent Network)
• Ford ASSET (Automotive Student Service Educational Training)
• GM ASEP (Automotive Service Educational Program)
• Honda PACT (Professional Automotive Career Training)

Students interested in dealership careers should ask whether their program offers manufacturer-specific specialization tracks.

Course Length and Structure

AER0257 is delivered as 150 clock-hours. Lecture and laboratory instruction are integrated.

Transferability Notice

As a clock-hour PSAV course (course prefix 0), AER0257 is not college-level and does not transfer for college credit. Some Florida State Colleges have established articulation agreements that award college credit toward A.S. degrees in Automotive Service Management Technology or related applied science degrees for students who complete the full Automotive Service Technology PSAV program. At Hillsborough Community College the course carries 5.0 vocational credit value internally.