Hindsight Is 20/20
When we installed the new battery we checked the charging system again (the lazy way mentioned previously), and since we saw 13.8 volts we released the vehicle. A few days later she came back complaining of the same problem. This time when we checked the charging system (same old lazy way) we noticed that the generator was not charging, so we recommended replacing the generator, because this type of generator uses a one-way clutch on the pulley and is known to go bad, so we figured (assumed) that that was why we had seen the system charge at some times and not others.
Identifying Aisin Manual Transmissions and Transfer Cases
One of the major problems associated with buying and selling units and parts in our industry is the need to properly identify the unit you are working on. This article is devoted to identifying current-production models of manual transmissions and transfer cases produced by Aisin AI, with the hope of making it easier for you to obtain parts in the aftermarket. Past production is not listed but includes the familiar AX5, AX15 and R151 Toyota transmissions.
‘Petites Pièces, Gros Problèmes’ (little pieces, big problems)
The story goes something like this: The customer came in to the shop complaining of no overdrive in a 4R70W. There are no codes or obvious external causes, but the complaint is verified on the road test. The unit will not go into overdrive.
Extra Diagnostic Steps Prevent Mistaken Assumption
A 2000 Dodge Caravan with a 604 transmission was brought into one of our Certified Transmission locations with the customer concern of no shifts and no power. Our initial diagnostic checks confirmed that:
• The transmission was in limp mode
• The speedometer was inoperative
• The PRNDL lights were illuminated.
A Tale of the Blue Catera
We just finished a Cadillac Catera for a customer of another shop that took the car to still another shop that brought it to me to put on a timing belt. We were told that the first shop had replaced most of the parts because the technician found a Web site that addressed the problem this car was having. The different fixes, the Web site suggested, were to replace most of the parts – none of which seemed to fix his problem. I’m sorry if anyone gets offended out there, but it just seems that there is something inherently wrong with an auto shop that fixes cars by popular opinion on an Internet Web site. As I’ve heard Mark Warren say, “A monkey with a dart board would have a better chance at guessing right.”
Are You Guilty of Slippin’ and Slidin’?
There are many facets of business that must be managed regularly to maintain the proper levels of sales and productivity. The first step is to stop assuming that the right things are being done just because they were set in motion at some point. Without continual supervision they can rapidly deteriorate and the best ideas and systems can disappear only to be replaced by the most-convenient ones, regardless of whether those make money – and they usually don’t.
June 2009 Issue
Issue Summary:
A 1995-2000 Hummer H1 enters the shop with an unexplained transmission-fluid loss, venting from the transfer case or transmission fluid contaminating the air filter.
1999-and-up Ford vehicles with the AX4S transaxle may exhibit a short delay followed by a bang when engaging any forward range.
Ford vehicles equipped with the AX4N/4F50N transaxle may exhibit a short delay followed by a bang when engaging any forward range.
After overhaul, Ford vehicles equipped with the AX4S, AX4N or 4F50N may exhibit a complaint of no third gear.
The Vanishing Strawberry Milkshake!
You get a vehicle in the shop with common shifting concerns and/or a shudder – no different from any other day. You pull the unit out and find failed frictions. No big deal, right? No hard-part damage; it just needs clutches and reassembled. Since the manager/owner wants to save a nickel, he says: “We can run the original converter, right? The hub looks good, and the unit didn’t have any metal in it.”
Opening a Second Location in Times like These – Unbelievable!
As tough as it is to turn a profit from a transmission- and/or auto-repair business, you would figure that it is even more difficult in times of great economic hardship such as we now face. Therefore, most owners would be hard pressed to consider opening an additional location until the economy stabilizes and shows signs of growth. The problem is that for the economy to grow, owners of small and medium-size businesses have to take the risk of expansion.
Ford Mustang: Does Ford Really Have a Better Idea?
This year, we continue our series on redesigned cars, trucks, vans and SUVs. Ford will now go under the technician microscope as I compare the 2004 3.8-liter Mustang to the 2009 4.0 to see if it is easier to service or a step back in time.
Making the Car Disappear
A 1997 Audi A4 Quattro 1.8L turbo (ZF 5HP19) with a complaint that the transmission lost reverse once it was warmed up.
This transmission has a history of chronic reverse problems. The vehicle was scanned with a MODIS and presented the following codes: 00652, 18010 and P1602.
V-8 Toyota Tundra
I am sure by now that most shops out there have run into the pesky P0770 “Solenoid E Fault,” on some type of Toyota or Lexus vehicle, that has given you the runaround. ATSG senior technical consultant Jim Dial and I have spoken about this on numerous occasions, since it is a very common problem on our tech line. Jim did a bit of investigating, and this is what he discovered.
