Computer power eases burden of synchro rings
Since the invention of the motorcar, designers and engineers realized that they needed to make the torque generated by the motor usable and efficient. This led to the creation of the transmission, which made the transfer of torque from the engine usable and smooth.
Six Ways from Sunday: Diagnosing ZF6 & Ford 6R60/80 TC-Related Drivability Concerns
Recently, TV picture troubles caused us to summon a repair technician to our home. The technician (we’ll call him Tech No. 1) snapped on his tool belt and started disassembling components as soon as he arrived. He checked over the satellite dish, then he continued the assault on the house by removing rows of ceiling tile for an in-depth inspection. After hand-checking all the connections, an hour into his service call, he condemned the satellite receiver. A couple days later the suspect receiver was replaced, but the intermittent screen-digitization problem remained.
March 2016 Issue
In This Issue
Dual-clutch transmission – Nissan RWD
Toyota Sequoia with corrosion of electrical connectors
February 2016 Issue
In This Issue
General Motors 6T70 component upgrades
How Easy, or Hard, Is it to Service the Gen III Vehicle?
The Prius family – Prius Hatchback, Prius C, Prius V and the Plug-in – is still wildly popular, and a new Prius is coming soon. So this issue, we’ll compare the second-generation Prius (2004-09) to the current, third-generation Prius (2010-15). The redesign changed a lot, technically, but did the car get easier or harder to service and repair?
Déjà Vu All Over Again: Understanding Ring-and-Pinion Setup
This article will attempt to explain once again the proper procedures to successfully replace a ring-and-pinion set. Although I have addressed this topic more frequently than I want to, ring-and-pinion setup continues to mystify many technicians. Replacing a ring-and-pinion set is one of the simplest and most profitable repairs for a shop. There has always been a mystique involving what should be an easy repair and in the past many shops turned away this work or farmed it out to a specialist. Perhaps there are many new people coming into the business, or shops that are not that experienced are trying to add more services for their customers to increase gross sales, or more customers are looking to improve fuel economy or vehicle performance; whatever, this simple repair generates more tech calls than virtually anything else. Hence, we go over procedures to follow for a simple, cost effective repair.
January 2016 Issue
In This Issue
Nissan Maxima harsh engagement
Dodge 3500 truck develops converter shutter
6L80 no forward condition
Diagnosing A750E/F 2-3 Flare After Overhaul
Diagnosing shift quality concerns can be difficult, especially after rebuilding the transmission. You have just invested parts, your time and expertise into repairing the transmission. You are emotionally invested, which sometimes makes it hard to think clearly. This can be the case when you have a Toyota/Lexus A750E or A750F that has a 2-3 flare after overhaul.
If You See Something that Looks Wrong, it Very Well May Be
The subject of this article is a 2006 Hyundai Sonata that came into our shop with a no-shift complaint. It was likely in limp-in mode, so in order to get down to the cause of the problem I began with a cursory preliminary inspection.
BorgWarner 4417 Transfer Case: 2 for the Price of One
From 2008 to present, Lincoln Navigator, Expedition and Ford F-150 pickup have come with the BorgWarner 4417 transfer case. Seems simple enough but there are two models of the 4417, which can be an issue in diagnostics and obtaining parts or reman units. The Navigator is equipped with a single-speed transfer case, while the Expedition and F-150 are equipped with a 2-speed T-case, although both are 4417 models. The quick and easy way to identify what you see is to look for an electronic shift motor, which will be the 2-speed unit. The single speed unit will only have an electronic connector to operate the electronic clutch and is basically an all-wheel-drive unit that has no low-range mode. Both units are Torque on Demand (TOD), which uses computer control to apply the internal clutch pack to send power to the front wheels as commanded by the computer (Transfer Case Control Module or TCCM).
Hyundai/Kia 6-Speeds: Key Components (One Size Does Not Fit All)
The series of six-speed transmissions Hyundai released in 2009 has three basic levels or sizes that can overlap vehicle models and engine displacements. As a result, technicians must verify the specific model before ordering any replacement components.
DIYs or Bunnies?
With vehicles staying on the roads longer than ever before, we’re seeing more age-related issues with our customers’ cars. With age comes the increasing probability for human intervention in the form of aftermarket alarms, stereos and exterior lighting. A recent multi-hour, hide-and-seek experience with a 1992 Acura Vigor simply underscored this fact.
