Less Time Spent Diagnosing

Written by Richard Middleton

Recently, we sold a 4L60E to a neighboring shop. They installed it, but then they brought it back to us due to a P0753 shift solenoid A code. It would reoccur consistently and almost immediately when driving. However, the transmission would NOT go to failsafe mode (this is a key point).

Explorer In A Bind

Written by Chris Adams, Lead Diagnostician

We recently had a 2002 Ford Explorer come into our shop with a shifting complaint. The customer had noticed that it slipped or felt bumpy when under a fairly hard acceleration.

Our initial inspection consists of a road test to verify customer concern, computer scan for trouble codes and a visual inspection. On the road test, I felt what the customer was describing; it actually felt kind of like an abrupt engine misfire, something like you would feel with a manual transmission car or a misfire when TCC was applied.

Included in the Quote

Written by Jody Carnahan

Previously, fellow technician Jim Stokes provided some insight on problems that can occur both during and after a transmission installation. In this article, I would like to focus on some install issues that you should be aware of prior to selling a transmission repair. They involve additional work that may need to be done after the transmission has been repaired, and possibly requiring a sublet to another shop, or even taking it to the OE dealer.

As most people in our industry already know, the vehicles that are visiting our shops today are very complex. They are equipped with many computer controls that require multiple control units for each specific system within the vehicle. Prior to quoting or making a sale on an overhaul or a remanufactured transmission, the shop owner and/or service writer needs to know what additional work may be required to complete the job.

Why Should I Pay For Diagnosis?

Written by Randy Peterson - Diagnostician

This month's star is a 2003 Lincoln LS, packing a 3.9L V8 and a 5R55S.

This vehicle came into our shop with a laundry list of codes, no power, and it couldn’t shift. I scanned for codes and found P0715, 717, 718, 731, 732, 733, 734, 745, and P2106. As you can see it, had turbine speed sensor codes, gear ratio codes, pressure control fault and a forced limited power from the TAC.

Top 10 Install Problems - Part 2

Written by Jim Stokes - Warranty Technician

Jim has held many titles in his 12 years at Certified Transmission.  He’s been a service writer, diagnostician, helped run Certified shops, and has now been a part of the warranty team for almost 10 years.

Our company sells hundreds of wholesale carry-out units, as well as performing thousands of in-house installations.  Our talented team of technical advisers provides guidance for both types of installs, and we’ve found a number of common issues that installers face on a daily basis. In Part 2 of this series, we will be exploring the remaining 6 top install problems we encounter.

Top 10 Install Problems - Part 1

Written by Jim Stokes - Warranty Technician

Jim has held many titles in his 12 years at Certified Transmission.  He’s been a service writer, diagnostician, helped run Certified shops, and has now been a part of the warranty team for almost 10 years.

Our company sells hundreds of wholesale carry-out units, as well as performing thousands of in-house installations.  Our talented team of technical advisers provides guidance for both types of installs, and we’ve found a number of common issues that installers face on a daily basis. In this two-part series, we will be exploring the top 10 install problems we encounter.

The Tale of Two Hyundais

Written by Chris Adams, Diagnostician

We recently received a call from one of our wholesale customers that had purchased a carry out transmission for a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. The vehicle had been out for a few months and was returned to the installer with a complaint of slipping shifts. Our customer had driven the vehicle and verified the complaint, removed the transmission and called us to send a replacement. With the transmission already removed, there wasn't much we could check, so we sent out a replacement.

Old Guy, Old Problem…..Young Guy, Old Problem

Written by Dave Miles - Director of Engineering

As the Director of Engineering at Certified Transmission, I seldom get to contribute to a shop related article. Most of the time I'm relegated to calling our store guys and asking them if they have any articles that they want to submit or playing editor to the ones that they send in.

Quit Dimpling Those Converters

Written by Steve Logeman - Technical Director

This all started with me looking at multiple converter failures. They were due to the converter bolts damaging the backs on Toyota A245E/A246E transmissions that attach to the 1.8L engine. Oddly, we also see this in other Toyota applications, maybe more so than other vehicle manufactures.

Once Again, Not the Transmission

Written by Mike Steen - Technical Director

It’s very easy to get steered in the wrong direction when diagnosing a transmission complaint. There are so many sensors and components that can cause transmission-like symptoms that it’s easy to assume you’ve got transmission problems, no questions asked. From a customer’s perspective, they see what they assume to be a huge repair, and they’re convinced it’s going to cost them an arm and a leg. Of course, when it turns out to be something else, you get the opportunity to be a hero and gain a customer for life.

All Plugged Up

Written by Jody Carnahan and Dave Wilkes of Wilkes Transmission

We recently attended the EXPO in Vegas and like all others, you always meet up with other ATRA members wanting to talk shop. On this occasion I had the pleasure of meeting Dave Wilkes of Dave Wilkes Transmissions. We started talking shop (when we were actually supposed to be relaxing at the cocktail reception) but you know that’s never going to happen when one you bring up a problem with a vehicle that they recently had in the shop and like all technicians, I wanted to listen.

In this particular situation, Dave was working on a 2001 BMW 740i with a 5HP24 transmission. The vehicle originally came in with a complaint of leaking out of the front. The unit was very low on fluid, was slipping and the fluid was burnt. They recommended that the transmission be overhauled because of the above conditions and the mileage on the unit. Everything went normal with the rebuild and the customer left with a good working unit.