Shift Pointers: Failures caused by incorrect tire sizes
For years ATSG has produced a wide range of issues related to improper tire sizes on vehicles. Even under-inflated tires have been known to cause issues. Problems such as premature failure with an active 4WD transfer case will occur with incorrect tire sizes. Additional issues include the following: As a result of some of these
Understanding lube flow control valves in Toyota/Lexus UA/UB80 transmissions
The Toyota/Lexus UA80 and UB80 transmissions first came out in 2017 in Highlanders and Siennas. The UA80 is used in V6 applications, and the UB80 is paired with four-cylinder versions. They have been called Toyota New Global Architecture type transmissions, and alternately referred to as the “Direct Shift 8AT” eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission was
How reading through service bulletins can turn a technician into the customer’s hero
Over the last 28 years of being a technician, I have developed the habit of checking for and reading technical service bulletins at the forefront of the diagnostic process, especially when an unfamiliar vehicle exhibiting blatant or straightforward concerns comes into the shop. I have found many valuable nuggets of information while reading over these
Sometimes, you should sweat the small stuff
It’s a common phrase: There may have been a time when you worried about something, and someone who knew what you are going through said, “Hey, don’t sweat the small stuff.” Sometimes, this may be good advice. But other times, it may be wise to handle the small stuff before it becomes bigger “stuff.” Fretting
Shift Pointers: Focused DTCs
On occasions when a vehicle’s computer system detects an error, it can set an array of diagnostic trouble codes. The variety and quantity of them require the ability to diagnose diagnostic codes, so it’s nice when codes set that point directly to the problem. One interesting scenario that just recently came to us on the
Manual clutch repair and diagnostics
Manual gearboxes are relatively trouble-free and long-lived, provided that they are not abused too severely. The clutch, however, is a wear component. With every shift, the clutch must be disengaged and engaged. Stop-and-go driving in heavy traffic is especially hard on a clutch because the driver is always riding the clutch pedal. After millions of
Looking deeper: Telling apart electrical issues and parts issues
We see such a variety of transmission problems these days, and all the electronics involved today certainly have added a whole new crop of potential issues. Even though a significant part of our diagnostic process is geared towards electrical issues, there are still times when the problem is simple and not related to electronics at
Manual transmissions in 2023: Some are still sticking with it
Over the past 25 years, a combination of driver preference and fuel economy requirements have resulted in a marked decrease in the number of vehicles in the U.S. fleet that come equipped with a manual transmission. One can wax nostalgic for the “car guy” discussions from 40 or 50 years ago that included terms like
Inside Toyota’s UA-UB80E/F torque converter
The UB80E/F family of transmissions used in Toyota L4 applications, and the UA80E/F used in V6 engine applications, should not be confused with the AWF8G30 transmission. Although similar, they are significantly different. The converters used in these applications are like other known systems. Within this system, there are two very important sealing rings that need
Manual transmission sourcebook 2023
While no longer the dominant market force they were in the past, there are still enough manual transmissions out there on the road to make up a decent amount of work for transmission shops in certain specialized segments; and still, of course, the need for parts for, and the ability to work on, those manuals.
Shift pointers: High-mileage transmissions and the aches and pains of age
Among the most common four speed-transmissions keeping shops busy today are the Ford 4R70E/W, the GM 4L60-E and the GM 4L80-E. In most cases, this typically equates to working on high-mileage vehicles. Aches and pains come with age and/or high mileage. In fact, when we see a person who looks beat and tattered, some may
Toyota/Lexus UA/UB series: Critical wear areas and vacuum test locations
Sonnax has provided the following guide on critical wear areas and vacuum test locations for the Toyota/Lexus UA and UB lines of transmissions. Technicians working on these models should find this guide helpful. Read more stories from our TASC Force Tips series here.
