In automatic transmissions, which statement about gear ratios and torque multiplication for heavy loads is true?

In automatic transmissions, which statement about gear ratios and torque multiplication for heavy loads is true?

• A. Technician A
• B. Technician B
• C. Both Technician A and Technician B
• D. Neither Technician A nor Technician B

Answer: (C)

Heavy loads need more wheel torque to start moving and climb grades. An automatic transmission provides that torque through two main sources: the gear ratios and the torque converter. The gear train gives mechanical advantage. In the lowest gear, the engine torque is multiplied by the gear reduction, delivering higher torque to the wheels for a given engine speed. This is why starting in a lower gear helps when you’re pulling a heavy load or climbing a steep hill. The torque converter adds another layer of multiplication, especially when engine speed is higher than the output shaft speed (before lock-up). At low speeds or with slipping, the torque converter can increase the torque delivered to the transmission, giving the engine more “pull” to get moving a heavy load. As speed rises and the converter lock-ups, this multiplication diminishes, but the initial boost is valuable during acceleration from a stop or under heavy load. So, statements describing torque multiplication from both the gear ratio (low gears) and the torque converter (especially at low speeds) are true, which is why both aspects contribute to handling heavy loads.

Heavy loads need more wheel torque to start moving and climb grades. An automatic transmission provides that torque through two main sources: the gear ratios and the torque converter.

The gear train gives mechanical advantage. In the lowest gear, the engine torque is multiplied by the gear reduction, delivering higher torque to the wheels for a given engine speed. This is why starting in a lower gear helps when you’re pulling a heavy load or climbing a steep hill.

The torque converter adds another layer of multiplication, especially when engine speed is higher than the output shaft speed (before lock-up). At low speeds or with slipping, the torque converter can increase the torque delivered to the transmission, giving the engine more “pull” to get moving a heavy load. As speed rises and the converter lock-ups, this multiplication diminishes, but the initial boost is valuable during acceleration from a stop or under heavy load.

So, statements describing torque multiplication from both the gear ratio (low gears) and the torque converter (especially at low speeds) are true, which is why both aspects contribute to handling heavy loads.