Diagnosis: Do the Homework
Occasionally in diagnosing transmission problems technicians are faced with challenges that force us to look beyond the transmission control system. As vehicles become increasingly complex, it is crucial that we educate ourselves with all systems pertaining to the vehicle we are diagnosing. Many systems are tied together in one way or another and can directly
Picking Up Bad Vibrations
Quite a lot has been written and many technical classes have been put on regarding the General Motors 8L45/8L90 family of transmissions. We are now seeing opportunities to put that information to use.
Motorists May Know Something They Don’t Know
A critical part of an accurate diagnosis by the technician relies on the initial interaction between the customer and a skilled service adviser. A good adviser knows how to get details about the problem from the customer, including valuable information that the customer might otherwise feel is insignificant or unimportant. Sometimes these details are the clues that lead us to the solution. Sometimes even the best adviser still can’t get all of the details from the customer, or at least up front.
Use TSB’s in Your Diagnostic Routine
When diagnosing today’s complex vehicles, we have a wealth of information at our disposal. How we use that information is crucial in making the correct diagnosis the first time, every time. In some cases the diagnosis may be cut and dry (fluid is burnt, the pump is whining, and the vehicle will not move). In other cases, the diagnosis may not be as easy, or worse; we may “think” or “assume” we already know the problem.
