July 2004 Archives - Transmission Digest
July 2004 Issue

Issue Summary:

Before or after overhaul, vehicles equipped with the 4L30-E transmission may exhibit a binding sensation on take-off in Drive or on the 2-3 upshift.

Hyundai vehicles equipped with the F4A42/51 transaxle may come in with complaints of erratic and/or harsh shifting, third-gear failsafe and one or more codes for open or shorted solenoid circuits.

After overhaul, Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with F4A40 or F4A50 series transaxles may exhibit shuddering engagements or harsh upshifts.

Before or after overhaul, Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with F4A40 or F4A50 series transaxles may exhibit a flared or harsh upshift into third gear.

A Penalty for Excellence!

The outcome of this trial could influence how states that have regulations on auto-repair practices might dictate by what means work is priced in the future.

‘Sleight of Hand’

Another problem area also can be the throttle-pedal cable. This cable is so long that it eventually stretches (see Figure 1). When you step on the throttle, the TPS responds by lowering the voltage (yes, lower voltage; the TPS ranges from 4.5 to 0.5 volts), at which time the injector-pump lever has not been moved.

No Lockup for No Reason?

Here’s a real-life example of a problem that came into our shop. A 1998 Chevrolet pickup with a 4L60-E was brought in with complaints of no reverse, no 2nd and no 4th gear. We figured this was a routine job. In fact, it’s usually a “gravy” job. We started the job by scanning for codes and found P1870 and P0300.

Orbiting the World of Saturn’s CVT

The VT20/25-E CVT transaxle, otherwise known simply as VTi, is a transmission built in the Fiat GM Powertrain Plant in Hungary and is on the road in the United States in Saturn’s Vue SUV and in the Ion Quad Coupe.

Broken Brakes: Answers to Some Parking-Brake Problems

Bolt-on parking-brake assembly on some ZF manual transmissions requires careful handling.

Ford light-duty trucks have been equipped with ZF five- and six-speed manual transmissions since 1987. The ZF S542, S547, S547M and S650 have been used behind gas and diesel engines and are manufactured in two- and four-wheel-drive versions.