2017 Archives - Page 3 of 10 - Transmission Digest
Transtar: Reforming Relationships

Transtar, the aftermarket’s largest distributor of transmission and related parts, was recently re-acquired by a group led by its founder, Monte Ahuja. The Transtar management team contains faces familiar to the industry who tell Transmission Digest that the company’s philosophy will return to what made it successful: Building relationships. Ahuja says that an evolving and increasingly complex industry creates new and different customer needs that are calling for what he calls “game changing” innovations.

October 2017 Issue

In This Issue
Audi 01J: DTC 17114 gear ration monitoring: incorrect gear ratio
ZF5HP-19/FL/FLA: Firm engagement into D harsh cost-downshifts
AW55-50/51SN: Harsh reverse engagement

Solenoid Differences: Ford 6F35 Gen 1 vs. 2

Looking back on the history of the Ford 6T40, the cousin to the 6F35, we recall a second generation of this transmission coming out in 2012. There were many control-valve changes to this valve body as the pressure switches were eliminated and the top cover of the valve body had damper and spring assemblies added to it to provide miniature shock absorbers to each of the solenoid output circuits.

Verify What the Scan Tool is Telling You

The subject vehicle is a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe. It came to us on a wrecker, as the customer was not comfortable driving it to us. The concern was stated as harsh shifts and a check engine light on. The vehicle was brought into the shop and the fluid level and condition were checked. The fluid level was full but the fluid had a strong burnt odor and was discolored. A quick scan of the computer revealed code P1870, “transmission component slipping.”

Lubricants: Understanding the Mysteries

Lubricating oils or lubricants have been around since the invention of the wheel, and every class or type of machinery uses and needs them. But, how much do we really understand about these products and about the amazing amount of engineering that is found in a can?

CVT’s 3-Second-Rule Delay

Jatco’s CVT2, CVT7 and CVT8 have their own unique way of controlling garage shifts into gear. Although each of these transmissions utilize a torque converter, great lengths went into designing a strategy that would prevent harsh drive or reverse engagements to prevent damage to the variator (primary and secondary pulley assembly).

Aftermarket Answers: Rockland Standard Gear

Time has passed quickly for Rockland Standard Gear partners Brian Johnston and Mike Weinberg. Forty years ago, Weinberg was offered the opportunity to purchase a transmission shop. He found a couple of partners in Johnston and his late brother Eugene opening All Transmission in Rockland County, New York

Deciding Your Role in the Business

Ever tried fixing a car with not enough tools or the wrong ones? It’s hard, if not impossible, to do it right. The same goes for managing a business. If you aren’t properly equipped you probably won’t do a very good job. In management the tools are quite different. There are no wrenches or hammers. The tools consist of what you’ve learned and how you apply that knowledge.

Remembering Your ‘A’ Game

A 2003 Saturn L300 came in with CAN BUS communication problems producing codes U1000 and a U2105 (Figure 1). U1000 is a Class II Data Link code. One explanation given for this code by GM is that should this code be set in history with other DTCs set in “current or history,” to diagnose these codes or code first. This means DTC U2105 could be the cause of code U1000 and will need to be diagnosed and resolved first. It is learned that code U2105 will set if the BCM or TCM lost CAN communications with the ECM.

Tires Vastly Improved, but Check the Specs

The advancement of technology in the automotive field is rapid and unrelenting. Forces that shape the marketplace, state and federal regulations, the need to attract new customers, and the need to be different and at the same time profitable are driving the car makers to develop technology at a pace never seen before.

You Don’t Have to Sell Something to Gain a Customer

Recently I went to my local big box hardware store in search of oil to fix a squeaky door hinge. I have always had mediocre service at this place—nothing great, nothing bad. It’s usually a high-schooler walking around who doesn’t know much of anything but will give a half effort at pointing you in the right direction. They have decent prices, and almost always have the parts I need in stock, so I return again and again.

September 2017 Issue

In This Issue
GM 6L80/90: Multiple solenoid performance codes
Chevrolet/GMC trucks with Allison 1000 units: erratic transmission operation
Chrysler 62TE: engine stall in ‘D’ or during coast-down