Torque Reduction
Engine torque reduction is a computer strategy that has been used in vehicles for many years now. When the selector lever is used to place the transmission into reverse or drive from either park or neutral, a command is given to reduce engine torque. This assists in providing a smooth engagement into gear. Likewise, torque reduction is commanded to take place during each upshift for smooth shifting. This strategy can also be used in vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control or when traction control becomes activated.
Understand Systems Involved in Diagnosis
A while back we had a customer come into our shop stating, “The vehicle sometimes has a VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) error and won’t go past fourth gear, but today it seems fine.” The vehicle was a 2007 Lexus LS460 with 132,561 miles, and equipped with an AA80E 8-speed transmission and a 4.6L engine. As with routine diagnosis, I started with a road test, a scan of all modules, and an undercar inspection.
Sonnax submits a vacuum-test layout for the 6R140 valve body.
Sonnax submits a vacuum-test layout for the 6R140 valve body.
‘Transmissions are only half of what we do’
Facing technological and economic change, Craig O’Neill, the administrative leader of O’Neill Transmission & Service, aims to keep the third-generation shop profitable with a new business model for an industry he views as past its heyday.
August 2017 Issue
In This Issue
GM 4T65E: TCC solenoid circuit codes stored
Chrysler 62TE: P0733 third gear ratio/neutral condition
Ford 6R140W: Transmission fluid leak
GM AF23/33-5 (AW55-50SN): TCM relocation
You Gotta Be Kiddin’
Many of these vehicles have had defective OE converter-clutch linings causing the slip. Many of these have since been resolved so this issue doesn’t come up as much on ATSG’s technical help as it used to.
But when they do come in, we explain the way to verify a defective converter lining. It is by checking TCC pressure on the transmission’s one-and-only pressure tap.
Seal the Deal: Preventing Comebacks with Non-Valve-Body Vacuum Testing
Vacuum testing is not a new process in the automotive field. After engine builders “lapped” a sealable mating surface between valves and their seats, they would use vacuum to test for any leaks that needed to be addressed. Vacuum testing is relatively new to the transmission rebuilding industry, though.
It’s the Little Things
The phrase, “It’s the little things,” is often times pared with “that count” or “will get you.” Both are true when it comes to a loss of reverse after rebuilding a 4F27E. It is easy to overlook the little things that count and it will be the little thing that gets you.
Blame it on Missing Harness Retaining Clips
The subject vehicle that was fitted with one of our remanufactured transmissions six months prior showed up at one of our repair locations recently, with the customer concern of an intermittent bumpy 1-2 shift, and a low-power lugging sensation along with a CEL on. While performing our initial evaluation, we found a P1860 code stored in history, but not current. During the road test the truck was working well with no clear signs of what set the DTC, but after several minutes of driving it started to act up. The TCC was applying right on top of the 1-2 shift, but according to the scan-tool data, was not being commanded on by the ECU.
How Does the Original Toyota Prius Plug-In Stack up to the New Prius Prime?
The Prius family (Prius Hatchback, Prius C, Prius V and the new Prime) is still popular. When the engineers changed the plug-in model technically, did they make it easier or harder to service and repair? We’ll find out.
ATI: Performance Made Personal
“ATI Performance Products Inc., has been around a long time,” says CEO J.C. Beattie, Jr. “The start was a little transmission and general repair shop in Silver Spring, Md., where my dad (Jim Beattie) was in business with a partner for the first few years. That shop, ATI Transmission, is still in business there today. The business was a small general repair type shop with a large fleet customer, Yellow Cab in D.C. There was a lot of transmission work there, Powerglides at first and later 350s and 400s.
Pushing Boundaries and Pulling in an Earned Media Boost
How can your company incorporate and take advantage of earned media?
Community events and trade shows: Getting out and interacting with the community is a great way for people to learn more about your company, employees, and overall brand. Give them a good experience worth telling someone else about – or posting on social media.
