May 2013 Archives - Transmission Digest
Magna Powertrain Transfer Case, RPO Code NQF

We finally had a big-enough snow this year to bring out the people with 4WD problems. This one was a 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD.

It was from a tire distributor that has a number of these particular trucks. Their technicians had been trying to fix the issue of having no 4WD by putting various parts on it. They said that they had replaced the transfer-case motor and buttons.

I started out with the usual road test, scan and lift check to verify the problem. Sure enough, there was no 4WD and the transfer-case control module (TCCM) had every code possible stored. I thought I’d clear the codes and start out fresh.

Saturn VT25-E Ratio Error

A 2005 Saturn Vue experiences erratic ratio control (gear position) and ultimately sets a trouble code P1882. Once the code is cleared, the transmission starts to shift again, for a short time. The code then reappears and the unit returns to a fixed gear position.

After it was determined that the issue was not computer related or valve-body/solenoid related, the transmission was removed and disassembled. Damage was found in the drive variator (pulley), and there also was seal damage.

The New 7-Speed Tremec TR6070 Manual Transmission

This is truly a world-class vehicle. It features new technology, design and manufacturing methods that go way beyond the familiar C5 and C6 Corvettes. These cars have come a long way from the older fiberglass models, using an aluminum space frame and many carbon-fiber body parts. GM has invested a fortune in development and design in a totally new LT1 aluminum-block engine (Figure 3) that produces 450 horsepower and 450 lb.-ft. of torque from the 6.2-liter displacement. Zero-to-60-mph times are in the four-second range, and this is from the stock motor. Higher-performance versions of the new LT1 will be released for the top-of-the-line Corvette models. The most-striking feature of these vehicles is a seven-speed manual transmission, the TR6070 (figures 4 and 5).

Becoming More Mobile, Diagnostically Speaking

I have enjoyed reading the Generationally Speaking column in this very magazine (AutoInc.), and I noticed an interesting trend. It seems there is a thread connecting the Generation Y’ers, Gen X’ers and Baby Boomers: They all seem to be unable to live without their smart phones. I can understand why! A Baby Boomer myself, I have found my foray into the iPad and iPhone world truly exciting, and there are many reasons why I am happy I decided to purchase these two powerful, portable devices.

May 2013 Issue

In This Issue
45RFE/68RFE: A bit of change is good?
4L80-E lockup issue: Trouble codes donʼt convey everything
6F50/55 AWD leak: Know the source
722.6: No upshift – How many contributors are there?

Can a Bad Shift Solenoid Cause No Reverse with OK Upshifts?

Body of Evidence It is not too often that you see a no-reverse concern caused by a bad solenoid or by a valve-body problem that does not affect any forward upshifts. Generally you’ll see this only on valve bodies that have a reverse-inhibit function, such as the 5L40 or JF506. There are always exceptions, though.

The Importance of Proper Testing

We can all agree that testing today’s transmissions can be more complicated then it was 20 years ago. We have to deal with more electronics and hydraulic design, not to mention programming of the transmission control module by the design engineers. Proper testing procedure and testing equipment become a necessity.

Lead Status

A transmission-shop manager will make a minimum of 100 important decisions a week. Let that settle in for a moment. Now, understand that these decisions will determine the shop’s financial success. Every wrong decision he makes has a consequence. Nowadays each mistake can cost upward of $2,000 – makes it hard for a shop owner to sleep at night if you are the worrying type. However, the good news is, there are time-tested policies and procedures that help keep production mistakes to a minimum.

Your Dollars, My Sense

I get emails each week from dedicated readers looking for answers or help about their sales or service situations. Today, I’ve got a little green Q & A that may relate to your business, your sales or your company right now:

Turning the Tables: What kind of customer are you?

Being a better customer can often get you better service. Think about how good you feel when a customer of yours is pleasant and understanding of a situation that might not have gone very well. In my experience it just makes me want to help a whole lot more than when they come on strong and say agitating phrases like, “That’s not acceptable!”
I remember a time when my flight home out of Chicago was canceled after we were on the plane and ready to go. People were freaking out. They went running up to the counter and some even started yelling obscenities at the young lady working there, who had no fault in the matter and was trying to help rebook passengers on other flights. I was about 20th in line and could see her frustration mounting while each passenger in turn gave her a verbal beating. It got to the point where she started telling them all that there was nothing she could do about getting them out that night and that they would have to go to the ticket counter all the way back in the main terminal to make other arrangements.