Shift Pointers Archives - Page 3 of 18 - Transmission Digest
Common problems with uncommon solutions: 6L45 no-move or slipping forward

A 2010 3.0L Cadillac AWD CTS using a 6L45 transmission comes into the shop with a no-forward complaint. This particular vehicle is known for having the output shaft suffer from fretting, in which the output shaft to transfer case input shaft spline will strip and cause a no-move (figures 1 and 2). Sometimes, due to

Shift-Pointers-April-Figure-3
No forced throttle downshifts

Twenty-five years ago, Chrysler introduced a 0.187-in. (4.77mm) steel, #10 check ball (figure 1, above) in the 42RE valve body which continued to be used throughout the entire RE series of transmissions (42, 44, 46, 47 and 48RE) as they were launched. This small check ball is quite active, having several functions during the course

Shift-Pointers-March-Figure-1-1400
Fixing JF011E primary pulley pressure sensor issues

A 2.4L Dodge Caliper using a JF011E CVT2 transmission developed a problem with the Primary Pulley Pressure sensor. A low circuit error code P0842 was pulled from the TCM. The sensor ground and 5-volt wiring circuits were checked and verified as good. The signal wire was then inspected and was also verified as good. There

62TE overheat discoloring: A brand new issue

Just when you might think you’ve seen everything that can happen to a transmission, Bob Perry from Fischer Transmissions uncovered what might be a brand-new issue. In this case, the car was a 2015 Pro Master with a 62TE transmission that was in failsafe with Code P0883 for TCM Power Input High. This means the

Jan-Shift-Pointers-Figure-3-1400
Dealing with GM 6L series rebuild issues

During a rebuild of a GM 6L80 transmission, while the valve body was being serviced, an incorrect spacer plate was accidentally used. This blocked supply pressure to the 3-5-R regulator valve which prevented the 3-5-R clutch from applying. One of the more significant changes made to the valve body for 6L80 series transmission is related

Shift pointers: 6T40 neutral drop

A 2011 1.8L Chevy Cruze showed up to the shop with a slipping generation one 6T40 transmission. Engagements were good, but on a quick initial road test it would flare to neutral when the 1-2 shift was commanded. Then it might drop in and hold second gear or shift to third gear and seem okay. 

Shift-Pointers-Cruze-Figure-1-600
2016 Nissan Altima: What to do with a defective TCM

Nissan vehicles that produce Judder codes DTC P17F0 and/or DTC P17F1 in many cases will be a defective TCM. One sure way to know is to document and clear all codes. Then, keep the ignition on for a bit without the engine running. If the code returns, a defective TCM has been confirmed requiring a

Nissan-Altima-CVT-Figure-1
A 6T70 IMS Invalid Range Signal

There are four inputs to the TCM from the position switch assembly, that indicate which transmission gear range has been selected.

The Manifold Pipeway

The Honda six-speed transmission has been on the bench of many specialty shops for one reason or another (figure 1). But, for those of you who have yet to lay your hands on one, mounted on the upper side of the unit is one of the largest, if not the largest solenoid and pressure switch

4L60E Harsh 1-2 Shift

The 4L60E transmission platform has been in service from 1993-2015; that’s 22 years. It amazes me when a transmission that has been around for this long can throw a new twist on a common problem and blindside you. Let us have a look at the systems and potential problems in a 4L60E that can cause

Shift Pointers: Mazda Sensitive to Pressure

A Mazda with the “SKYACTIVE” FW6A-EL transmission uses pressure switches to monitor the clutch application. When engagement pressure is supplied to the applicable clutch and brake, the oil pressure switch contact point closes. The TCM detects that clutch engagement pressure is supplied to the clutch/brake by opening/closing the oil pressure switch contact point. There have

The Long and Winding Road Test

The tale of a hot RE5R05A