How did this happen? Part 2: Are we working on the right component?
Many problems in particular noises confound the diagnostic routines. There is an inbred genetic code in all transmission men to instantly wish to pull out the unit. Force yourself to avoid removing any component until all external sources of the complaint have been examined.
July 2015 Issue
In This Issue
Manufacturers of CVT Transmissions
Vacuum Testing: Ford 6F50, 6F55
From the TASC Force we reprint a series of in-depth test instructions for checking the serviceability of valve bodies.
Monologue vs. Dialogue
A two-way conversation in which both parties are giving and receiving information is a dialogue, and it’s what is needed to make successful sales. You may be the sharpest knife in the drawer when it comes to mechanical skills. You might even be great at handling customer situations and problems after the sale, but if you can’t have a successful dialogue with a potential customer over the phone or when they pay a visit to your shop, those wonderful attributes won’t mean a thing because you won’t be making profitable sales.
Bless Their Hearts: Selling the Diagnosis
Words are all we have, but the right words can be a very effective weapon. Look at it this way. If we cannot sell a free diagnosis on the phone, we are not going to sell a transmission repair. Your best bet is to position yourself as the friendly guy at an honest shop that has a free diagnosis that saves the customer $200 off the dealership price for a diagnosis. You won’t get them all, but statistics show that your chances of getting a sale are better than those of the shops giving lowball prices over the phone. It is a percentage bet. So, for you managers out there who think you have a better solution, I just have to say to you, “Good luck with that and bless your heart.”
The Best Choice for Whom?
I think it’s a safe assumption that I’m not the only customer who wants options, whether in terms of buying a new product or a solution to a problem. As a customer, you want to feel you have some say and/or power, a choice in how your business could be handled.
Mazda CX7 Shift Issues with DTC (Component Appearance May Be Deceiving)
A customer arrived at the shop driving a 2007 Mazda CX7 equipped with 2.3L engine and a six-speed automatic. Depending on year, a Mazda CX7 could have several different transmission types from four-speed to six, but this model has an Aisin TF81SC (AW6A-EL).
The customer stated that recently the transmission was acting a bit strange and that the check-engine light would come on as well. The vehicle was taken for a test drive and sure enough a problem existed: erratic shifting. At times though, the unit seemed to work fairly well, which meant at least all of the basics were there.
Magic Boxes and Basic Wiring
However, one thing that has remained fairly constant through the years is the wiring that connects to all of those “magic boxes.” Copper wires in a vinyl sheath; seems simple enough. Where it gets a little complicated is with CAN network protocols, module connectivity and the like. It’s easy to suspect these things when diagnosing a customer issue, and just as easy to forget the basics. The following cases involve the latter: basic wiring issues creating a customer complaint.
