Ford Unveils 2021 Bronco with 7-Speed Getrag Manual Transmission
There has been plenty of internet buzz over Ford’s new 2021 Bronco that is a throwback to the original version with its boxy looks and short wheelbase. But what got our attention was the new 7-speed manual transmission that is being offered. Ford calls it a 6+1 transmission because the first gear is actually a
Transmission Tech: Dual Clutch Operation Part 1
In this episode of Transmission Tech, Mike Riley begins a video series on DCT design, diagnostics and repair.
No Shim and a Short
Lorenzo Ortiz from Phillips Transmission had a 2005 Acura TSX with the MCTA five-speed transmission come into his shop for repairs. After it was repaired and installed into the vehicle, it had a new problem. The car would not start. The immobilizer lamp was flashing and the scan tool could not communicate with the engine control module, yet all other modules would communicate.
Take a Moment to Analyze What’s Going on
The service adviser transcribed the customer’s complaint as “stuck in manual mode,” and it was coming from a shop that didn’t want to work on it. After chiseling the Midwest winter ice off the vehicle I was able to go through my initial checkout. I found code P0705 stored in the PCM (Transmission Position Sensor (P R N D L) Malfunction).
A Very Big Clutch Job for a Very Small Car
My article is going to be a little different this time, and geared more toward the R&R technician. It’s about a car that came to us from a large local dealership that has 13 different locations and works on 14 different makes of vehicles. The subject vehicle is a 2014 Mini Cooper Countryman AWD, with a six-speed manual transmission.
The Transmission-Repair Twilight Zone
I have written an awful lot of technical articles over the years, and I thought it might be fun to go over some of the strange events that every transmission-repair shop experiences with customer relations, strange technical issues and the feeling at times that you are in the Twilight Zone. The important issue in handling weird events is to realize you are not alone, that everyone in our business has some similar experiences. It starts with ordinary everyday activity that soon descends into strangeness. Some of these tales are created by the human behavior that we need to deal with every day, whether it involves customers or others who hold themselves out to be professionals.
Entering The Twilight Zone – Strange Problems
Everyday technicians earn their living by solving complex problems. The modern automobile or truck has evolved into a very sophisticated machine in which all parts must function together to perform properly. This means that what used to be a simple three- or four-speed transmission has become entwined with systems that are computer controlled and where an antilock-brake system or suspension system that is not working correctly can have major effects on transmission operations.
NSG370, Jeep’s First 6-Speed Manual Transmission
We have seen many changes in the companies that manufacture automobiles. Chrysler got married to Mercedes, the love affair didn’t last and now Chrysler is part of The Fiat Group. While Chrysler was paired with Mercedes, it chose a German-design six-speed for use in Chrysler vehicles. Thus we saw the NSG350, a six-speed manual transmission fitted to 2005-2008 Jeep Liberty, 2005-to-present Wrangler, 2004-2006 Chrysler Crossfire and the 2006-2008 Dodge Nitro, as well as some Mercedes ML models.
NSG is a German acronym for “new shifting manual transmission,” although you may also say NSG stands for “not so good.” This six-speed manual transmission has an integral bellhousing in the front case and as is common in European design is loaded longitudinally. Fifth gear is 1-1 ratio (direct drive) and sixth is overdriven, so be aware of this when you are diagnosing a problem.
The Numbers Don’t Jibe
For whatever reason, the tech lines get an inordinate number of calls regarding a few specific issues. That such a high volume of calls is generated by just a few problems leads to the belief that we need to revisit and speak about the lack of understanding by the technician that leads to all this wasted time and phone traffic, as well as failure to get the job right the first time. Let’s start out the year by getting to the nitty-gritty of why certain issues seem to confuse so many people.
2008 Honda Civic Clutch Problem
On the initial road test and under normal driving conditions, the car seemed to be working fine. However, when the car was driven a little more aggressively, the customer’s concern became apparent. If you released the clutch pedal quickly, the pressure plate seemed to react slowly. Upon further inspection, we noted that when the vehicle was stationary with the engine off and the clutch pedal was partially depressed, it would take some time for the pedal to rise back up to the pedal stop.
If You Don’t Know How It Works, How Can You Work on It?
Manual transmissions – whether three-speed or 16-speed units, rear- or front-wheel-drive – all work the same way. To be usable, the engine’s torque must be broken down into manageable steps or speeds. The result is a set of gear ratios allowing the vehicle to go from a dead stop to road speeds fuel-efficiently. The first-gear ratio will be high enough numerically to move the vehicle’s weight from stop to go. The next sets of gears will have descending numerical ratios to increase vehicle speeds smoothly while increasing fuel efficiency.
The New Cadillac 6-Speed
In the never-ending competition between automakers for increased sales, there is an endless supply of new models equipped with newly designed components. Cadillac has produced the new ATS model, which is described as a “luxury compact sports sedan.” The ATS early on became the darling of the motor press and received “2013 Car of the Year” and other awards.
