What are the advantages of the overdrive and lockup torque converter found on Frontier's 4-speed automatic transmissions?

a. They allow the transmissions to continue functioning in case of certain types of failure
b. They prevent shifting from "Park" without first applying the brakes
c. They increase the service life of the transmissions
d. They provide better gas mileage and reduce cabin noise

First of all, I don't know what the "lockup torque converter" is. That might help!

What do you think the answer is?

torque converter
 

according to my Road & Track automotive dictionary:

"lockup torque converter: A torque converter fitted with a lockup clutch that can be engaged to eliminate the slip between the torque converter's input and output, thus improving economy and performance."

That doesn't really answer your question, but at least it's some info.

d. - I know that overdrive is for gas mileage. I think the lockup torque converter also makes for more efficient power delivery. As far as cabin noise, overdrive allows for lower revs at freeway speeds, which should make it quieter.

BTW, did I get the last one right? I searched the net for a minute to find the answer, but I didn't have any luck.

Both C and D..

ZuM

I agree with Zumble. Is it too late to change my answer?

I have no idea! I am taking the test right now, and since I don't work at the dealership anymore, I'm gonna try and do it with out any of the reference material. When a carsalesman takes the test, they allow him to use the actual NPLS books and reference guides that basically go over every aspect of each vehicle, even as far as how many units were sold what year and how many of the competitors units were sold each year. It shows everything that you could think of! They are about 45 pages long each, depending on what car it is. After I take the test, I will get back an answer on what questions I got wrong, and then I will post the tests on here so that everyone can take them!

It can't be both C and D, it has to be one! I think I'm going to go with D, because I don't think Overdrive will increase the service life of the transmission.

O/D will increase the service life of a tranny. Try driving around only using your first 4 gears and then have somebody drive around using all 5. I'm pretty sure there will be less wear on the car using all 5. But I guess for a truck it won't go that fast. So if I really had to pick. It would be D. But I still think C and D. At least for a car.

ZuM

D
 

I say D, but my one book here says, "overdrive gearing improves fuel economy and reduces both engine wear and noise..."

Lock-up clutch is a type of overdrive which gives you a solid mechanical connection through the tranmission, instead of the less efficient connection of sloshing fluid between the two halves of your torque converter.

d)
 

it says it reduces engine wear and noise, not transmission.... It has to be d because they would never say that driving with your overdrive off it worse for the transmission, whether it is or it isn't that's pretty debatable, but a nissan test would never admit that the life of the tranmission with be longer if you keep overdrive on. Personally I think it's c & d ( even though u can only pick one ), but I've never seen any statistical data on how overdrive effects your transmission, just theory.

-nate