Repeat Performance, Not by Popular Demand
You may recall that the 4L80-E made its appearance in 1991. And whether it was in two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive configuration, the output carrier had the exciter ring for the output-shaft-speed (OSS) sensor pressed onto it.
Sharper and Sharper!
For many years trainers, myself included, have been teaching our industry owners and managers to do everything we can to keep the mystery in our trade, and to not freely give away our diagnostic and repair secrets to the motoring public and our competitors. Our education is something for which we paid dearly, and we should be compensated for providing it. As much as we would like to keep that information proprietary it’s getting more difficult every day, which is why our sales skills must become sharper.
December 2006 Issue
In This Issue
Ford/Lincoln/Jaguar: Pressure-Control-Solenoid Performance Codes
Where Did the Differential Go?
Traditionally, all motor-vehicle final-drive elements (differentials, or rear ends) have consisted of a ring and pinion, with the ring gear mounted on a differential carrier. The differential carrier contained a set of side gears splined to the drive axles and a set of pinion gears allowing the side gears to rotate at different speeds.
The differential is necessary because the outside wheel on an axle has to cover more distance in a turn than the inside wheel. This means that the outboard wheels must rotate faster than the inboard wheels; hence, the “differential” in wheel speed.
Operation Multi-Select
The shift strategy of Chrysler’s 45RFE and 545RFE transmission is clever and unique. The computer controls a total of seven solenoids in the transmission to perform all shift-feel, shift-timing, converter-clutch-apply and failsafe strategies.
The Proper Surface Finish for Bonding (an Eye Opener)
Choosing the correct surface finish for bonding can be controversial. Some rebuilders claim you can bond to a surface as smooth as glass, provided the bond-line temperature and the compression pressure are correct. Others claim that a very rough surface finish is needed for a good bond. The finish of a machined surface is rated on a roughness-average (RA) scale.
ZF Tips with a European Flavor
ZF is one of the world’s leading powertrain manufacturers. One of its divisions, in Saarbrücken, Belgium, specializes in producing automatic transmissions for cars.
When you consider working on a ZF automatic, your starting point should be the tag, which leads you to the information and application required for the unit (see Figure 1).
