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.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the function of a heavy-duty automatic transmission.
Describe how the torque converter works.
Analyse planetary gear sets and clutch operation.
Interpret the hydraulic circuit and electronic control.
Apply operating practices that extend transmission life.
Carry out basic maintenance and fluid level and pressure checks.
Solve a basic transmission diagnostic case study.
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.
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)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Engine torque curve and the need for reduction1.2Torque, speed and power1.3Gear ratio and its calculation1.4Types of transmission in heavy machinery1.5What “automatic” means in this context1.6Elements of a complete drivetrain1.7Difference between automatic, powershift and hydrostatic1.8Common terminology and nomenclature1.9Manufacturer documentation1.10Workshop: calculating ratios and speeds
2.1Hydraulic coupling and the converter2.2Pump, turbine and stator2.3Torque multiplication and stall point2.4Characteristic curves and how to read them2.5Lock-up clutch and its function2.6Efficiency and heat generation2.7Converter cooling circuit2.8Fluid and its specification2.9Symptoms of a deteriorated converter2.10Practice: interpreting a converter curve
3.1Elements of a planetary gear set3.2Ratios obtained depending on the fixed element3.3Combining gear sets for several gears3.4Multi-plate clutches and band brakes3.5Hydraulic actuation of the clutches3.6Shift sequence and overlaps3.7Control pressures and modulation3.8Internal lubrication and cooling3.9Tracing power flow for each gear3.10Practice: deducing the ratios of an assembly
4.1Transmission pump and line pressure4.2Valve body and its function4.3Regulator and sequence valves4.4Mechanical control versus electronic control4.5Control unit and basic sensors4.6Shift strategies and maps4.7Protection and limp-home modes4.8Circuit filters and cooler4.9Pressure test points4.10Practice: tracing the circuit on a diagram
5.1Daily checks carried out by the operator5.2Levels and operating temperature5.3Warming up before working from cold5.4Operating habits that shorten service life5.5Prolonged stall and overheating5.6Use of the engine brake and retarder5.7Dragging and towing the machine5.8Recording hours and incidents5.9Reporting symptoms to the workshop5.10Practice: checking routine and good practice
6.1Oil and filter change: procedure6.2Fluid specification and mixing risks6.3Cooler cleaning6.4Periodic workshop checks6.5Basic interpretation of fault codes6.6When to contact technical service6.7Machine documentation6.8Common mistakes made by beginners6.9Subsequent learning pathway6.10Final project: basic manual for a machine's transmission
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.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the function of a heavy-duty automatic transmission.
Describe how the torque converter works.
Analyse planetary gear sets and clutch operation.
Interpret the hydraulic circuit and electronic control.
Apply operating practices that extend transmission life.
Where this takes you
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.
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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