SOS Mechanic Automatic Transmission 2026
EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
Section 1: Fundamental Principles & Components (Questions 1-25)
1. What is the primary function of an automatic transmission?
A. To regulate engine speed.
B. To automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves.
C. To control the vehicle's steering.
D. To provide power to the brakes.
2. Which component in a traditional automatic transmission is responsible for connecting and
disconnecting engine power to the transmission?
A. Planetary Gear Set
B. Torque Converter
C. Valve Body
D. Output Shaft
3. The stator inside a torque converter has the primary function of:
A. Multiplying torque during the "coupling" phase.
B. Redirecting fluid to assist the impeller, thereby multiplying torque.
C. Locking the turbine to the impeller.
D. Cooling the transmission fluid.
4. A simple planetary gear set consists of all the following EXCEPT:
A. Sun Gear
B. Ring Gear
C. Planetary Carrier
D. Input Shaft
5. What is the purpose of the "lock-up" clutch inside a modern torque converter?
A. To provide smoother shifts.
B. To eliminate slippage and improve fuel economy by creating a mechanical connection.
C. To increase torque multiplication during acceleration.
D. To disengage the transmission when the vehicle is stopped.
,6. In a planetary gear set, holding the Ring Gear and inputting power to the Sun Gear will
result in:
A. Reverse gear.
B. Direct drive.
C. A reduction gear.
D. Neutral.
7. The hydraulic system's pressure is primarily regulated by the:
A. Governor
B. Shift Solenoids
C. Pressure Regulator Valve
D. Throttle Valve
8. The valve body is best described as the:
A. Brain of the transmission's electronic controls.
B. Hydraulic control center that directs fluid to the appropriate clutches and bands.
C. Mechanical gear system that provides different ratios.
D. Component that converts engine torque.
9. What is the function of a one-way clutch (sprag or roller) in an automatic transmission?
A. To apply a holding force in both directions.
B. To allow rotation in one direction only and lock up in the other.
C. To provide the final drive output.
D. To control transmission fluid temperature.
10. Which type of automatic transmission uses a complex-double planetary gear set
(Ravigneaux) and multiple small clutches?
A. Traditional Hydraulic Transmission
B. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
C. Lepelletier System Transmission
D. Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
11. The primary purpose of transmission fluid is to:
A. Act as a hydraulic medium, lubricate, and cool.
B. Only lubricate the gears.
C. Only transfer power in the torque converter.
D. Clean the internal components.
12. A "kick-down" shift is initiated when:
A. The driver lightly presses the accelerator.
,B. The driver fully depresses the accelerator, forcing a downshift for maximum acceleration.
C. The vehicle is coasting to a stop.
D. The transmission overheats.
13. What does the "Governor" or "Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS)" provide to the transmission
control system?
A. Engine Load Information
B. Throttle Position
C. Vehicle Speed Information
D. Manifold Pressure
14. The Throttle Valve (TV) cable or sensor informs the transmission about:
A. Vehicle speed.
B. Engine load or driver demand.
C. Coolant temperature.
D. Brake application.
15. A "shift solenoid" is an electro-hydraulic valve that:
A. Directly controls line pressure.
B. Directs fluid to apply a specific clutch pack or band for a gear change.
C. Physically moves the planetary gears.
D. Locks the torque converter.
16. TCM stands for:
A. Torque Converter Module
B. Transmission Control Module
C. Thermal Cooling Management
D. Throttle Control Motor
17. Which component is responsible for holding a member of a planetary gear set stationary?
A. Torque Converter
B. Clutch Pack or Band
C. Shift Solenoid
D. Output Shaft
18. A "clutch pack" is engaged by:
A. A mechanical lever.
B. Hydraulic pressure applying a piston to compress friction and steel plates.
C. An electric motor.
D. Centrifugal force.
, 19. What is the primary advantage of a 6, 8, or 10-speed automatic over a 4-speed?
A. Larger physical size for durability.
B. Closer gear ratios for smoother performance and improved fuel economy.
C. Elimination of the torque converter.
D. Reduced need for transmission fluid.
20. The input for a transmission's hydraulic or electronic control system that determines the
best time to shift is a combination of:
A. Vehicle Speed and Engine Load.
B. Brake Pressure and Steering Angle.
C. Ambient Temperature and Altitude.
D. Fuel Level and Oil Pressure.
21. A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) varies gear ratios using:
A. Planetary gearsets.
B. A belt or chain running between two variable-diameter pulleys.
C. Multiple clutch packs.
D. A dual-mass flywheel.
22. What is a common symptom of a failing CVT?
A. Hard, jerky shifts.
B. A "slipping" sensation where engine RPMs flare without a corresponding increase in vehicle
speed.
C. Loud grinding noises in all gears.
D. Inability to select any gear.
23. A Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) operates similarly to:
A. A traditional hydraulic automatic.
B. Two manual transmissions in one housing, working in tandem.
C. A belt-driven CVT.
D. A hydrostatic drive system.
24. The "pump" in an automatic transmission is usually driven by the:
A. Output shaft.
B. Transmission's internal gears.
C. Input from the engine via the torque converter's hub.
D. A separate electric motor.
25. What is the purpose of an accumulator in the hydraulic system?
A. To store electrical energy.
EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
Section 1: Fundamental Principles & Components (Questions 1-25)
1. What is the primary function of an automatic transmission?
A. To regulate engine speed.
B. To automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves.
C. To control the vehicle's steering.
D. To provide power to the brakes.
2. Which component in a traditional automatic transmission is responsible for connecting and
disconnecting engine power to the transmission?
A. Planetary Gear Set
B. Torque Converter
C. Valve Body
D. Output Shaft
3. The stator inside a torque converter has the primary function of:
A. Multiplying torque during the "coupling" phase.
B. Redirecting fluid to assist the impeller, thereby multiplying torque.
C. Locking the turbine to the impeller.
D. Cooling the transmission fluid.
4. A simple planetary gear set consists of all the following EXCEPT:
A. Sun Gear
B. Ring Gear
C. Planetary Carrier
D. Input Shaft
5. What is the purpose of the "lock-up" clutch inside a modern torque converter?
A. To provide smoother shifts.
B. To eliminate slippage and improve fuel economy by creating a mechanical connection.
C. To increase torque multiplication during acceleration.
D. To disengage the transmission when the vehicle is stopped.
,6. In a planetary gear set, holding the Ring Gear and inputting power to the Sun Gear will
result in:
A. Reverse gear.
B. Direct drive.
C. A reduction gear.
D. Neutral.
7. The hydraulic system's pressure is primarily regulated by the:
A. Governor
B. Shift Solenoids
C. Pressure Regulator Valve
D. Throttle Valve
8. The valve body is best described as the:
A. Brain of the transmission's electronic controls.
B. Hydraulic control center that directs fluid to the appropriate clutches and bands.
C. Mechanical gear system that provides different ratios.
D. Component that converts engine torque.
9. What is the function of a one-way clutch (sprag or roller) in an automatic transmission?
A. To apply a holding force in both directions.
B. To allow rotation in one direction only and lock up in the other.
C. To provide the final drive output.
D. To control transmission fluid temperature.
10. Which type of automatic transmission uses a complex-double planetary gear set
(Ravigneaux) and multiple small clutches?
A. Traditional Hydraulic Transmission
B. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
C. Lepelletier System Transmission
D. Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
11. The primary purpose of transmission fluid is to:
A. Act as a hydraulic medium, lubricate, and cool.
B. Only lubricate the gears.
C. Only transfer power in the torque converter.
D. Clean the internal components.
12. A "kick-down" shift is initiated when:
A. The driver lightly presses the accelerator.
,B. The driver fully depresses the accelerator, forcing a downshift for maximum acceleration.
C. The vehicle is coasting to a stop.
D. The transmission overheats.
13. What does the "Governor" or "Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS)" provide to the transmission
control system?
A. Engine Load Information
B. Throttle Position
C. Vehicle Speed Information
D. Manifold Pressure
14. The Throttle Valve (TV) cable or sensor informs the transmission about:
A. Vehicle speed.
B. Engine load or driver demand.
C. Coolant temperature.
D. Brake application.
15. A "shift solenoid" is an electro-hydraulic valve that:
A. Directly controls line pressure.
B. Directs fluid to apply a specific clutch pack or band for a gear change.
C. Physically moves the planetary gears.
D. Locks the torque converter.
16. TCM stands for:
A. Torque Converter Module
B. Transmission Control Module
C. Thermal Cooling Management
D. Throttle Control Motor
17. Which component is responsible for holding a member of a planetary gear set stationary?
A. Torque Converter
B. Clutch Pack or Band
C. Shift Solenoid
D. Output Shaft
18. A "clutch pack" is engaged by:
A. A mechanical lever.
B. Hydraulic pressure applying a piston to compress friction and steel plates.
C. An electric motor.
D. Centrifugal force.
, 19. What is the primary advantage of a 6, 8, or 10-speed automatic over a 4-speed?
A. Larger physical size for durability.
B. Closer gear ratios for smoother performance and improved fuel economy.
C. Elimination of the torque converter.
D. Reduced need for transmission fluid.
20. The input for a transmission's hydraulic or electronic control system that determines the
best time to shift is a combination of:
A. Vehicle Speed and Engine Load.
B. Brake Pressure and Steering Angle.
C. Ambient Temperature and Altitude.
D. Fuel Level and Oil Pressure.
21. A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) varies gear ratios using:
A. Planetary gearsets.
B. A belt or chain running between two variable-diameter pulleys.
C. Multiple clutch packs.
D. A dual-mass flywheel.
22. What is a common symptom of a failing CVT?
A. Hard, jerky shifts.
B. A "slipping" sensation where engine RPMs flare without a corresponding increase in vehicle
speed.
C. Loud grinding noises in all gears.
D. Inability to select any gear.
23. A Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) operates similarly to:
A. A traditional hydraulic automatic.
B. Two manual transmissions in one housing, working in tandem.
C. A belt-driven CVT.
D. A hydrostatic drive system.
24. The "pump" in an automatic transmission is usually driven by the:
A. Output shaft.
B. Transmission's internal gears.
C. Input from the engine via the torque converter's hub.
D. A separate electric motor.
25. What is the purpose of an accumulator in the hydraulic system?
A. To store electrical energy.
