CourseOff-Road, Special Vehicles & Machinery Applications open

Course in Fundamentals of Heavy-Duty Automatic Transmissions

Online 300-hour course in fundamentals of heavy-duty automatic transmissions. 6 modules covering ISO 6336 (load capacity of cylindrical gears), ISO 281 (rating life of rolling bearings) and Allison DOC. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Explain the function of a heavy-duty automatic transmission.

02

Describe how the torque converter works.

03

Analyse planetary gear sets and clutch operation.

04

Interpret the hydraulic circuit and electronic control.

05

Apply operating practices that extend transmission life.

06

Carry out basic maintenance and fluid level and pressure checks.

07

Solve a basic transmission diagnostic case study.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Automatic transmission technician looking to specialise in fundamentals of heavy-duty automatic transmissions.
  • Heavy-duty vehicle mechanic looking to specialise in fundamentals of heavy-duty automatic transmissions.
  • Dealership service technician looking to specialise in fundamentals of heavy-duty automatic transmissions.
  • Powertrain engineer looking to specialise in fundamentals of heavy-duty automatic transmissions.
  • Workshop technical trainer looking to specialise in fundamentals of heavy-duty automatic transmissions.
  • After-sales service advisor looking to specialise in fundamentals of heavy-duty automatic transmissions.
  • Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter construction machinery.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ISO 6336 (load capacity of cylindrical gears)
  • ISO 281 (rating life of rolling bearings)
  • SAE J1939 (heavy-vehicle communication network)
  • Allison TES-295 (automatic transmission fluid)
  • Caterpillar TO-4 (powertrain fluids)
  • ISO 4406 (fluid cleanliness code)
  • ISO 1219-1 (graphical symbols for hydraulics)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Engine torque curve and the need for reduction
  2. 1.2Torque, speed and power
  3. 1.3Gear ratio and its calculation
  4. 1.4Types of transmission in heavy machinery
  5. 1.5What “automatic” means in this context
  6. 1.6Elements of a complete drivetrain
  7. 1.7Difference between automatic, powershift and hydrostatic
  8. 1.8Common terminology and nomenclature
  9. 1.9Manufacturer documentation
  10. 1.10Workshop: calculating ratios and speeds
  1. 2.1Hydraulic coupling and the converter
  2. 2.2Pump, turbine and stator
  3. 2.3Torque multiplication and stall point
  4. 2.4Characteristic curves and how to read them
  5. 2.5Lock-up clutch and its function
  6. 2.6Efficiency and heat generation
  7. 2.7Converter cooling circuit
  8. 2.8Fluid and its specification
  9. 2.9Symptoms of a deteriorated converter
  10. 2.10Practice: interpreting a converter curve
  1. 3.1Elements of a planetary gear set
  2. 3.2Ratios obtained depending on the fixed element
  3. 3.3Combining gear sets for several gears
  4. 3.4Multi-plate clutches and band brakes
  5. 3.5Hydraulic actuation of the clutches
  6. 3.6Shift sequence and overlaps
  7. 3.7Control pressures and modulation
  8. 3.8Internal lubrication and cooling
  9. 3.9Tracing power flow for each gear
  10. 3.10Practice: deducing the ratios of an assembly
  1. 4.1Transmission pump and line pressure
  2. 4.2Valve body and its function
  3. 4.3Regulator and sequence valves
  4. 4.4Mechanical control versus electronic control
  5. 4.5Control unit and basic sensors
  6. 4.6Shift strategies and maps
  7. 4.7Protection and limp-home modes
  8. 4.8Circuit filters and cooler
  9. 4.9Pressure test points
  10. 4.10Practice: tracing the circuit on a diagram
  1. 5.1Daily checks carried out by the operator
  2. 5.2Levels and operating temperature
  3. 5.3Warming up before working from cold
  4. 5.4Operating habits that shorten service life
  5. 5.5Prolonged stall and overheating
  6. 5.6Use of the engine brake and retarder
  7. 5.7Dragging and towing the machine
  8. 5.8Recording hours and incidents
  9. 5.9Reporting symptoms to the workshop
  10. 5.10Practice: checking routine and good practice
  1. 6.1Oil and filter change: procedure
  2. 6.2Fluid specification and mixing risks
  3. 6.3Cooler cleaning
  4. 6.4Periodic workshop checks
  5. 6.5Basic interpretation of fault codes
  6. 6.6When to contact technical service
  7. 6.7Machine documentation
  8. 6.8Common mistakes made by beginners
  9. 6.9Subsequent learning pathway
  10. 6.10Final project: basic manual for a machine's transmission
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Allison DOC, Romax, MATLAB/Simulink, Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for reading hydraulic control diagrams, converter stall tests and inspection of planetary gear sets in the workshop. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with a rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented Master's Thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operating limits.
Industry-led mentoring:lecturers with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible mode(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Oil and filter change: procedure

Explain the function of a heavy-duty automatic transmission.

Fluid specification and mixing risks

Describe how the torque converter works.

Cooler cleaning

Analyse planetary gear sets and clutch operation.

Periodic workshop checks

Interpret the hydraulic circuit and electronic control.

Basic interpretation of fault codes

Apply operating practices that extend transmission life.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Automatic transmission technicianHeavy-duty vehicle mechanicDealership service technicianPowertrain engineerWorkshop technical trainerAfter-sales service advisor
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior qualification required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.

You work with Allison DOC, Romax, MATLAB/Simulink, Excel. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

A SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative final project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Please check the recognition policy when you enrol.

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