TM

your Drivetrain Connection Since 1961 DECEMBER 2017

CVR-1217_v4.indd 2 11/27/17 8:19 AM

 Thank you for another
amazing year !
Happy Holidays from Sonnax &
Best Wishes for the New Year.

Santa + the Sonnax Tech Van

December ’ 16

Visit www.sonnax.com for details. • 800-843-2600 • 802-463-9722

Sonnax is an Employee-Owned Company

Ads_1217.indd 500 11/27/17 8:15 AM

 GEARS FOR THE TRANSMISSION REBUILDING INDUSTRY

DECEMBER 2017
PHONE (805) 604-2000
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Publisher Dennis Madden

Managing Editor Rodger Bland
Technical Director Lance Wiggins
Advertising Ruben Vera STREET SMART: DELIVERING THE GOODS: ON THE COVER:
A Closer Look At The Toyota/Lexus Exhausting Problems! The crew of Transolution in
Senior Designer Jeanette Troub U880 Valve Body Page 26 Missoula, Montana
Graphic Artist Aurelio Peña Page 4 Page 50

Contributing Authors:
Steve Bodofsky Jim Cathcart
Steve Garret Thom Tschetter
SPECIAL INTEREST & TECHNICAL
ATRA Technical Staff: 4 STREET SMART:
Rolando (Rolly) Alvarez Bill Brayton A Closer Look At The Toyota/Lexus U880 Valve Body
Mike Brown Keith Clark
— by Mike Brown
David Chalker Rob Faucett
Pete Huscher Darwin Upton 12 HEAVY METAL: 6R140 with No Cooler Flow
Shaun Velasquez Jarad Warren — by Rolly Alvarez
Director of Event Services Vanessa Velasquez 18 GFX: Your Drivetrain Connection Since 1961
— by GFX
The views expressed in this publication should not necessarily be interpreted PAID ADVERTORIAL
as the official policy of the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA).
Publication of product information or any advertising does not imply recommenda- 22 A Look at Wiring Diagram Changes
tion by ATRA. — by Steve Garret
GEARS , a publication of ATRA, 2400 Latigo Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030,
is published for the betterment of the transmission industry and is distributed 26 DELIVERING THE GOODS: Exhausting Problems!
ten times per year. No part of this issue may be reproduced without prior written — by Keith Clark
permission of the publisher. GEARS is distributed to members of the transmis-
sion industry in the United States, Canada, ATRA Members in Mexico & Europe, 34 Harsh Shifts Traced to Engine Troubles… Again!
and related automotive industry firms and individually. Send changes of address — by Steve Bodofsky
to GEARS in care of ATRA. Subscriptions are available by contacting GEARS in
care of ATRA. 38 UP YOUR BUSINESS: A Cure For Imperfect Memory
Advertisers and advertising agencies assume full liability for all content of adver- — by Thom Tschetter
tisements printed and also assume full responsibility for any claims arising there-
from against the publisher. The publisher reserves the unqualified right to reject any 42 SUCCESS STRATEGIES:
advertising copy as it deems appropriate, with or without cause.
From Expo to Exponential Improvement
GEARS is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard
to the subject matter covered. It is distributed with the understanding the publisher — by Jim Cathcart
is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional service. If legal
advice or other expert assistance, is required, the services of a competent profes- 44 2017 Expo Golf Tourney Supports Ronald McDonald House Charities
sional person should be sought from a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted
by a Committee of the American Bar Association and Committee of Publishers. 46 Another Amazing Expo In Paris
GEARS also welcomes articles submitted by members of the industry. GEARS
50 SHOP PROFILE: Transolution: A General Repair Shop That Also
considers all articles for publication that contribute positively to the welfare of the
transmission industry, and reserves the right to edit all articles it publishes. If you Offers Transmission Repair
would like to submit an article to GEARS, include background information about — by Steve Bodofsky
the author and a telephone number where he/she may be reached. If you want
submissions returned, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. 54 You're In Full Control
— by Rodney Hudson-Davies
Editorial and Business Offices
2400 Latigo Avenue,

DEPARTMENTS
Oxnard CA 93030
Phone (805) 604-2000
Fax (805) 604-2006
www.gearsmagazine.com
www.atra.com 2 FROM THE CEO:
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to GEARS, P.O. Box 16118, My Greatest Pride
North Hollywood, CA 91615-6118 — by Dennis Madden
Publications Mail Agreement No. 40031403
Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Be sure to read our Feature Story,
Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor, ON N9A 6J5 56 POWERTRAIN INDUSTRY NEWS GFX: Your Drivetrain
Email: gears@atra.com
59 SHOPPERS AND CLASSIFIED Connection Since 1961
Issue #220 Printed in U.S.A. Copyright ATRA 2017 on page 18.
64 LIST OF ADVERTISERS (Paid Advertorial)

1TOC-1217.indd 2 11/27/17 8:02 AM

 FROM THE CEO
E
very year, as we approach
Expo, the enthusiasm at the
ATRA home office rises
to a fever pitch. Folks are busy
putting the finishing touches on
their presentations, or making the
final arrangements so that the coffee
breaks are scheduled on time and the
seminar rooms are organized so the
program goes off without a hitch.
You’d be surprised at just how much
planning goes into making things
look effortless!
But this year we were all more
than a little apprehensive about what
would be waiting for us when we
arrived in Las Vegas. Over the last
few months, the southern states were
hammered with unprecedented storms,
blowing down homes and flooding
major cities to never-before recorded
levels. As I write this, a large part of
Puerto Rico is still without electricity.
In California, fire raged up and
down the state, decimating hundreds
of thousands of acres, destroying
homes and businesses in its path.
Many people were left with only the
clothes on their backs, having to begin
their lives again from scratch.
And then, just two weeks before
Expo, the unthinkable: A crazed
gunman fires into a crowd of concert
goers from the windows of the
Mandalay Bay, just a couple blocks
from the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and
Casino, the host for this year’s Expo.
Which led us all to wonder: Just
how many people would actually
make their way to Vegas and join us
at Expo? Or would we find ourselves
speaking to empty chairs in nearly
vacant rooms?
But all our fears were quickly
laid to rest as we began to pick out
2 GEARS December 2017
1frmceo 1217.indd 2
familiar faces, as attendees lined up
to collect their name tags and support
material. Hundreds of people — many
longtimers, some first-time attendees
— making their way to Expo from
all around the world. They were here
to learn… to share… and to connect
with professionals from every corner
of the globe.
Oh, sure, our numbers were down
a little from the previous year. That
wasn’t too surprising under the cir-
cumstances. If your house washed
away or burned to the ground, or
you were still pumping the water out
of your shop, you’d probably have
thought, “eh, maybe next year.”
But for those who could make
it, the 2017 Expo was an event to
remember, where we could all press
the flesh, share stories, hoist a cold
one, and learn from some of the most
informative experts in their fields.
And no one was prouder than I
was. Proud of our staff, who went the
extra mile to make sure this year’s
Expo would be one for the books.
But even more, proud of you,
the folks who make up the automatic
transmission repair industry. Over
the last 40 years, I’ve had the unique
privilege of working closely with so
many of you. And you’ve made me
proud of the work we’ve done and the
advances we’ve made for our industry.
Too many people spend their
days just earning a paycheck; for me,
ATRA has always been a labor of love.
Sure, there have been tough times over
the years, but every day I’m reminded
of just how lucky I am to be a part of
this business… of this world.
It’s easy to think that we here
at ATRA are the ones making the
difference. But that would overlook
by Dennis Madden
members.atra.com
all the valuable ideas you’ve shared
with us over the years. Our signature
program is called What’s Working.
We know these programs are working
because you’ve been on the front
lines… the trying ground where we get
to prove what works and what doesn’t.
And don’t get any silly thoughts:
We’re not done… not by a long shot.
We have dozens of new programs
in the pipeline, with more on the
way. Each of us is in this for the long
haul. Our job — our greatest joy —
is to help keep this industry strong
and profitable. It’s something we’re
planning to continue for many years
to come.
This is our last issue of GEARS
for 2017. It’s been a trying year for
some; a terrific and profitable year for
others. But through it all, you’ve stood
tall and continued to enhance your
reputations throughout the automotive
world. That’s probably what gives me
the greatest pride of all in our industry.
As we come to the end of the year,
I’d like to wish each of you a joyous
holiday season and a healthy, happy,
and prosperous New Year.
11/27/17 8:04 AM
 Synthetic Fluids.

REAL RESULTS. Bulk sizes

available!

2016

Ads_1217.indd 3 11/27/17 8:15 AM

 STREET SMART

by Mike Brown
members.atra.com

T
he Toyota/Lexus U880E was first
introduced in the 2013 Lexus
RX350 Sport. Since then, it’s
become quite popular: It’s currently
being used by BMW since 2015 under
the designation GA8F22AW; GM
started using it in 2016, calling it the
8F45; and Volvo began using it in 2014,
renaming it the TG-81SC.
These transaxles have been on the
road for about five years now and they’re
getting a lot of miles on them. With all
the different manufacturers using them,
there’s no doubt you’ll soon be seeing
them in your shop.
No matter how careful you are, all
it takes is one distracting phone call or
even a sudden sneeze: a check valve
goes back in the wrong place or a shift
valve gets turned around, and suddenly
you’re in the middle of a nightmare.
What’s the big deal? You open
your shop manual and find the correct
configuration, right?
Only there aren’t any repair manuals
with an exploded view for this valve
body. Or even check valve locations.
So that’s where ATRA’s Technical
Department comes in…
The valve body that we’re going
to look at is from a 2015 Lexus RX350
sport with a 3.5L engine. We’ll identify
bolt locations, check valves, solenoids,
4 GEARS December 2017

1brown1217jt.indd 4 11/27/17 11:41 AM

 Figure 1

Retainer Bolts

Retainer Bolts

Figure 2

valves, and springs, and discuss a few
assembly tips. So let’s get started:
• The valve body has eight bolts of
different lengths holding it to the
case (figure 1).
• With the valve body off, remove
the two bolts holding the pin
retainer plate to the upper valve
body, which holds the S1 and S2
solenoids in place.
• Use a magnet to remove the seven
pins that hold the pressure control
solenoids in place (figure 2) and
remove the solenoids.

GEARS December 2017 5

1brown1217jt.indd 5 11/27/17 11:05 AM

 A Closer Look at the Toyota/Lexus U880 Valve Body

Figure 3 Figure 4

In the lower valve

body, look for two
pressure relief valves
and a cooler bypass
valve.
• With all the solenoids
removed, turn the valve body
over and remove the 21 bolts
of varying lengths (figure 3).
• Turn the valve body back
over (figure 4); the bolts
labeled A will be a big help
later for putting the valve
body back together.
• Hold the separator plate
against the upper valve body
and remove the five bolts.
Then flip the upper valve
body and separator plate
over together; this will keep
the check valve and relief
valves in place.
• In the lower valve body
(figure 5), look for two
pressure relief valves and a
cooler bypass valve. Figure 5

6 GEARS December 2017

1brown1217jt.indd 6 11/27/17 11:05 AM

Ads_1217.indd 7 11/27/17 8:15 AM
 A Closer Look at the Toyota/Lexus U880 Valve Body

Figure 6

Figure 7

• Flip the upper valve body and
remove the separator plate and
upper solenoid body. In the middle
valve body (figure 6) look for four
check valves, five pressure relief
valves and springs, and one line
pressure relief valve and spring.
• Figure 7 is the valve ID and lineup
with spring sizes for the middle
valve body.
• Figure 8 provides the lower valve
body valve ID and lineup with
spring sizes.
8 GEARS December 2017
• Clean the valve bodies thoroughly,
examine them for wear or damage,
and then you’re ready to reassemble
them.
• Assemble the lower valve body and
install the relief valves and springs
(figures 5 and 8). Then set it aside
with the separator plate.
• Assemble the middle valve body
(figures 6 and 7) and set it aside
with the separator plate.
• Install the bolts in the upper valve
body (figures 2 and 4). Place it onto
the middle valve body and set it
aside.
• Place the lower valve body and
separator plate in front of you.
Place the middle and upper valve
body assembly onto the lower
valve body, and hand tighten the
two bolts; that’ll keep the valve
bodies together and make it easy to
finish assembling them.
• Tighten all valve body bolts to 65
lb-in.

1brown1217jt.indd 8 11/27/17 11:05 AM

 S:7”

Original standards. Remanufactured.

Ford is your source for remanufactured gas engines. Each one
is built to original performance specs, including the latest Ford
engineering enhancements. And since every remanufactured
gas engine is built with parts that keep it specific to make,
model, year and emissions calibration, you’ll get the right fit
every time. No guesswork. That’s the power of original.

S:10”

Contact the Ford Powertrain Assistance Center

at 800-392-7946 or visit FordParts.com.

See dealer for warranty details.

Ads_1217.indd 9 11/27/17 8:15 AM

 A Closer Look at the Toyota/Lexus U880 Valve Body
Transaxle Fluid Fill
One of the biggest problems with
this unit occurs when you use the wrong
type of transmission fluid. Improper
fluids can cause all sorts of shift
problems and may affect transmission
life.
This transaxle requires Genuine
ATF WS transmission fluid (figure 9).
Transaxle fill procedure (figure 10):
A. Remove the refill and overflow
plugs.
B. Fill the transaxle through the refill
hole until fluid begins to trickle
out the overflow tube.
C. Temporarily install the overflow
plug.
D. Allow the engine to idle with the
air conditioning off.
E. Move the shift lever through entire
gear range to circulate the fluid.
F1. If you have a Techstream:
a. Connect your Techstream to
the DLC3.
b. Turn the Techstream on.
c. Enter Powertrain / ECT / Data
List.
d. Check A/T Oil Temperature 1.
10 GEARS December 2017
1brown1217jt.indd 10
Figure 8
One of the biggest
problems with this
unit occurs when you
use the wrong type
of transmission fluid.
e. Allow the engine to idle until
the fluid temperature reaches
39ºC (102ºF).
F2. Without Techstream (using D shift
indicator; figure 11):
a. Connect DLC3 terminals CG
(4) and TC (13) using SST
0984318040 (or equivalent).
b. Move the shift lever back
and forth between N and D at
1.5 seconds intervals for six
seconds (four times). Figure 9
c. The D shift indicator on the
combination meter should the fluid temperature is within
come on for two seconds when the appropriate range.
11/27/17 11:05 AM

d. Add fluid until it comes out
the overflow plug; wait
until the overflow slows to a
trickle.
e. Install the
overflow and refill
plugs, using
new gaskets.
GEARS December 2017 11
1brown1217jt.indd 11
Figure 10
Relearn Procedure
You must reset the ECM after
installation, before driving the vehicle.
To do so, you’ll need an OE or approved
scan tool to reset the adapts (reset ECM/
PCM).
Failure to do so can result in
slipping or binding shifts and failure of
the transmission after only a short road
test.
Some remanufacturers will require
that you follow these steps or
they’ll void your warranty:
1. Verify that computer
has latest software
calibrations.
2. Clear codes.
3. Reset Adaptive Learn.
Figure 11
4. Rescan after the road test and
make sure no codes have come
back.
You’ll need the proper equipment
to reset the adaptive learn. If you don’t
have the equipment available, you’ll
need to tow the vehicle to a Toyota/
Lexus dealership or other facility with
OEM-type equipment.
So there you have it: a complete
breakdown of the valve body for a
U880E transmission, along with the
procedures necessary to reset the
computer system and get the unit
running right.
And that’s not just smart: That’s
street smart!
11/27/17 11:05 AM
 HEAVY METAL!

by Rolly Alvarez
members.atra.com

I
t seems every other transmis-
sion problem that comes into
the shop today has its roots
in another part of the vehicle. 3-5-Rev 1-2-3-4
Sometimes it’s the engine; other Clutch Clutch
times it’s the computer system.
In this case, it was the cooling Regulated 4-5-6
system. TCC Apply Clutch
A 2011 Ford F450 with a
6R140 and a 6.7-liter diesel engine
truck showed up at the door. It had
310,000 miles on the clock and the
TCC
fluid was burnt. The unit appeared
Apply
to be overheating, so out it came.
The technician assumed the
unit had been incinerated due to
the smell and color of the fluid.
But once he got it apart, he didn’t TCC
find the damage he was expecting: Release
Some of the clutches were worn
out and some discolored, but there
was no destruction of any hard
parts at all.
He refreshed the unit with
new clutches and steels, gaskets
and seals, and a new torque
converter. He installed the trans-
mission and took the truck for a
road test.
Everything seemed to work
fine, so they delivered the truck.
The customer left happy.
But the next morning, there Pump Out Pump In
was the truck, parked right in
front of the shop. The trans-
mission was overheating after
driving about 10–15 miles, losing Figure 1

12 GEARS December 2017

1rolly 1217.indd 12 11/27/17 8:05 AM

 A GM Supplier of the Year
for 3 consecutive years

14 Todd Court Extension, Yaphank, NY 11980 • Toll Free: 1-800-872-6649

E-mail: sales@transmissionkits.com • www.transmissionkits.com

Ads_1217.indd 13 11/27/17 8:15 AM

717PRE-8.125x10.875_4c-259.indd 1 6/20/17 3:39 PM
 6R140 with No Cooler Flow

high gear and lockup. According to the

customer, the truck ran fine until it got
hot; then started acting up.
First, they put the truck on the
lift and connected the cooler flow
machine. Cooler flow was low — less
than a quarter of what it should have
been. So there’s no question about why
the transmission was overheating. But
that left the question of why cooler
flow was low.
So they pulled the valve body
to check for any sticking valves.
Everything looked perfect. The gaskets
weren’t covering any holes and there
were no internal leaks visible.
Since there were no issues with
the valve body, they pulled the unit
and tore it down again. Nothing
obvious showed up.
After going through the unit with
a fine-tooth comb, the technician
called the ATRA HotLine. We
examined the hydraulic diagrams to
see if we could shine any light on the
problem.
We had the technician backtrack
the hydraulic system to the pump,
air-checking the gullies and
port holes; nothing was amiss
(figure 1). Then we had the
technician take the pump apart
once more. After a thorough
Figure 2
examination, there it was: The
steel sleeve in the pump had
spun and was blocking the
converter-out passage (figures
2 & 3).
The technician replaced
the pump body, reassembled
the unit, and down the road the
truck went. Everything seemed
fine.
Fast forward 7500 miles
and the truck was back with
the same problem: After
driving for 10–15 miles, the
transmission started to overheat
again.
They removed the unit and
inspected it: Sure enough, the
sleeve in the aluminum housing
spun again, and was partially
blocking the converter-out
cooler passage. Figure 3
The sleeve in the pump is
where the sealing rings for the
PTO gear rides. The PTO gear spins
with engine RPM because it’s splined
14 GEARS December 2017

1rolly 1217.indd 14 11/27/17 8:05 AM

Ads_1217.indd 15 11/27/17 8:15 AM
 6R140 with No Cooler Flow
to the torque converter. Non-PTO units
don’t have this sleeve.
Upon further inspection, they
discovered the secondary cooling
system was low on coolant. Secondary
cooling system? Yes, these Ford trucks
have primary and secondary cooling
systems. The primary system is just
for the engine.
The secondary cooling system has
a separate coolant circuit (figure 4). It
cools the exhaust gasses for the EGR
system, the transmission fluid, the fuel,
and the air charge entering the engine.
A secondary, engine-driven cool-
ant pump provides coolant flow, and
a secondary, two-stage radiator is
mounted in front of the primary engine
cooling system radiator. Two ther-
mostats, one mounted on each side of
the secondary radiator, operate inde-
pendently to regulate the temperature
of the coolant flowing to the various
components.
Our original issue was repeated
transmission overheating due to the
16 GEARS December 2017
1rolly 1217.indd 16
Figure 4
sleeve spinning in the aluminum
housing, which occurs only on PTO-
equipped units. The secondary cooling
system ran low because one of the
hoses was leaking, and that caused the
secondary cooling system to overheat.
Because of the different expansion
rates between the steel sleeve and the
aluminum pump body, the sleeve spins
and blocks the converter-out passage.
That shuts down cooler flow and Special thanks to Roger Rodriguez of
causes the transmission to overheat. Payless Transmissions for providing
The repair was simple: the additional information and photos for
technician corrected the leak in the this article.
secondary cooling system. Then he
replaced the pump body again. That
took care of the problem: The truck is
still on the road.
One more instance of the inte-
gration between the transmission and
the rest of the car… or in this case,
truck. These days it isn’t enough to fix
the transmission: You have to be able
to repair the entire vehicle to make
sure your transmission work remains
working right and on the road.
11/27/17 8:05 AM
Ads_1217.indd 17 11/27/17 8:15 AM
STP_STL008_Ad_PRINT.indd 1 11/13/2017 4:36:53 PM
 GFX—Your
Drivetrain
Connection
since 1961.
GFX has been a trusted manufacturer
and supplier of automatic
transmission kits and components for
over 55 years. The name might have
changed, but not the commitment
to quality and immediate access to
thousands of hard-to-find parts.
Based in Miami Florida, the company
employs over 100 people worldwide
and occupies over 100,000 square
feet for engineering, product
GFX Feature.indd 18
development, manufacturing, quickly streamlined operations to
quality control, warehousing and focus on a more robust and vertically
distribution at multiple facilities integrated automatic transmission
in three countries. parts business. At the time, there
GFX President Fanny Hanono,
was skepticism whether the use of
joined her father in 1988
to help run his automotive
business, Carfel Inc., after
attending George Washington
University. At the time, Carfel
carried everything from engine
and timing, standard clutch,
automatic transmission, and
power steering kits and
components for motorcycle,
passenger vehicles, heavy duty
applications and more. Fanny
Fanny Hanono
11/27/17 8:05 AM
 GFX CUSTOMER SERVICE
automatic transmissions would gain
in popularity worldwide.

Fanny was named President of Carfel

and the company’s business exploded
into an industry-leading multi-million
dollar operation.

Carfel’s success attracted the

interest and attention of numerous
corporations and in 2001, SPX
Corporation acquired Carfel and
rolled it into the SPX Filtran
Aftermarket division. “Fanny is one
of the industry’s shrewdest business
negotiators,” says Wendy Ritz,
longtime friend and current GFX
sales and marketing consultant.
“Our commitment to current and
future customers is geared toward
providing immediate access to global
inventories and even quicker new
product development,” says Hanono.
Today, GFX manufactures and
distributes kits and components for
automatic transmissions worldwide,
emphasizing on hard parts. With
offices and manufacturing facilities
in Miami, China and Taiwan, GFX is
GFX SALES TEAM
Left to right: Maritza Graibe, Francis Molina, Elizabeth
Roldan, Michelle Vazquez, Betty Perez
The name might have
changed, but not the
commitment to quality
and immediate access
to thousands of hard-
to-find parts.
Wendy Ritz
preparing to open a new warehouse companies,” Hanono says.
and distribution center in Amsterdam, “One of the biggest personal
Netherlands in early 2018. challenges for me is continuing
to provide growth opportunities,
“I’m very fortunate to have attracted interesting initiatives and the
key people that have been with me freedom to make decisions so
over 20 years and have contributed they feel valued and don’t get
greatly to the success of my bored,” she added.

Nelson Olayon Jose Montalvo Jorge Carta Olga Alabina Sean Ganado

GFX Feature.indd 19 11/27/17 8:05 AM

 A
lot of technicians just aren’t
comfortable with the newer
format that many manufactur-
ers use to display wiring information
on their a schematics. It isn’t surpris-
ing: Schematics and their formats have
changed significantly over the past
few years.
For example, let’s look at the GM
schematics and some common after-
market applications, such as Mitchell
and Alldata. Alldata and Mitchell
receive their information from the
manufacturer, which means the format
and the schematic will be the same as
the OEM’s, for the most part.
The schematic format has slowly
transitioned over the past eight
years to what you see today. Like
most manufacturers, GM currently
develops their schematics for use on
a global scale. They write the service
information once and then translate
it into the language needed for each
individual market.
Since a lot of information is lost in
translation, the OEMs have moved to
simplify and standardize their formats
for worldwide use.
During development of the
service information, modules and
components receive a unique name
and identification code. For example,
GM now provides component codes as
22 GEARS December 2017
1SteveG-1217.indd 22
part of the schematic. They then use
that code as part of the component
identification and diagnostic process
in the rest of the manual.
Understanding the component
codes makes it much easier to use
the diagnostic information and your
scan tool.
MODULES/
COMPUTERS by Steve Garret
The module/computer component members.atra.com
code is a 3-digit descriptor. This
3-digit component code is used for
everything from the schematic to re-
programming a module. Most of the
module/computer codes start with the
letter K.
Here’s a list of some of the common
module/computer component codes:
K17 — Electronic brake
control module
K19 — Suspension control module
K20 — Engine control module
K33 — HVAC control module
K34 — Glow plug control module
K38 — Chassis control module
K44 — Power takeoff control module
K67 — Trailer brake control module
K69 — Transfer case control module
K71 — Transmission control module
K111 — Fuel pump control module
…and there are many, many
others. These designations appear
11/27/17 8:07 AM
 800-940-0197 www.wittrans.com
Company Profile Products
Whatever It Takes (WIT) was founded in 1999 by Kenny Whatever It Takes carries a full line of top quality products
Hester, a 40 plus year veteran in the transmission parts supply from industry leading manufacturers. From Torque Converters,
business. WIT is an employee Rebuild Kits, Hardparts, Filters, Gaskets, Seals, Coolers, Fluids,
owned, customer driven Tools and Accessories, WIT is your one stop for all your
company. There are no Transmission needs. WIT carries New, OE, Used and
stockholders or investors to Remanufactured Automatic and Standard Transmission Parts.
report to. As owners, the WIT WIT also carries Remanufactured
employees’ only job is to Automatic and Standard Transmission
provide the customer with the Units as well as Transfer Cases.
things they need to be the most All units are completely Dyno-Tested
successful. Our goal has always and are backed by a 12 Month/12,000
been to service the transmission mile warranty against parts and
industry. We know what it takes for a transmission shop to be workmanship. Additional warranties
successful in today’s market and we know that our success can also be purchased.
depends on yours. WIT is the complete source for all your transmis-
sion parts needs. We carry New, OE, Used and Remanufactured
parts for Automatic and Standard Transmissions, including
Remanufactured Automatic, Standard and Transfer Case com- Research & Development
plete units. Parts are distributed by 30 branch locations throughout The Research & Development team is always hard at work
the United States, with the main remanufacturing and distribution bringing you the most complete and up to date exploded views of
facility located within 10 minutes of a major UPS air hub. Whatever Foreign and Domestic Transmissions in order to provide our
It Takes is able to quickly ship parts worldwide. customers with award winning catalogs and reference materials. Not
only have they developed Automatic and Standard Catalogs,
Customer Service including a CD Catalog with
point and click technology,
Whatever It Takes is not just our name, it’s our Mission. the vehicle to transmission
Customer Service has helped WIT become a major competitor index guides for the
in the transmission parts business and prides itself on its excellent Automatic and Standard
Service, Experience, Quality Parts, Product Availability, Delivery Transmission as well as
Options, Timely Credits, Research and Development, and a Dedicated Transfer Cases, they have
Customer Service Line. been hard at work to bring you
WIT is able to ship parts overnight, using UPS and FedEx, to a Nissan CVT Catalog. This
most of the United States. With its strategicaly placed stores, it is catalog is complete with
possible for WIT to service most customers in the United States within exploded views of the most
one to two business days. In addition, WIT offers free Night Box common CVT units and listings of the transmission codes. It also
delivery. Builders no longer includes exploded views of the pumps, valve bodies, primary and
have to wait for UPS or FedEx secondary pulleys as well as step by
to arrive, their parts are step instructions and illustrations for
delivered overnight and are tearing down and assembling the rear
waiting for them the next cover and pulley assemblies plus much
morning. more. These catalogs are available for
free when attending one of our FREE
Nissan CVT Workshops that are held
Management across the country. We believe that if
Kenny Hester, President .................................800-940-0197 ext. 1150 we want to be successful, it is crucial
Rodney Peters, VP Sales & Marketing ...........800-633-3431 ext 2134 for our customers to be fully educated
Kelly Hammock, VP Branch Operations .........800-940-0197 ext 3911 and WIT is dedicated to supporting transmission technicians, to help
Kent Houserman, VP Finance ........................800-940-0197 ext 1130 train them and keep them competent in today’s market.
Customer Service ...........................................800-940-0197 ext 8560

Whatever It Takes Has 30 Locations To Serve You

Atlanta, GA Cleveland, OH Evansville, IN Houston, TX Houston, TX San Antonio, TX
Birmingham, AL Cincinatti, OH Florence, AL Indianapolis, IN Indianapolis, IN Scranton, PA
Beltsville, MD Dallas, TX FT. Lauderale, FL Jackson, MS Jackson, MS St. Louis, MO
Charlotte, NC Dayton, OH Ft. Worth, TX Knoxville, TN Knoxville, TN Tampa, FL
Chicago, IL Denver, CO Grand Rapids, MI Louisville, KY Louisville, KY Tulsa, OK

Ads_1217.indd 23 11/27/17 8:15 AM

 24

1SteveG-1217.indd 24
A Look at Wiring Diagram Changes

GM's wiring diagrams now include component

codes to make component identification and
diagnostic process easier.

GEARS December 2017

11/27/17 8:07 AM
 throughout the service information
and, in many cases, the service infor-
mation lists the 3-digit code rather
than the name of the module.
COMPONENTS/
WIRING
The components also have codes
to help identify their functions and
locations. Each type of component
has its own general and specific com-
ponent designator to identify the type
of component.
In the schematics, each component
has a base code followed by an
extension to identify the position and
quantity. For example, the schematic
may display a B5LF to identify a left
front wheel speed sensor, where:
B5 — wheel speed sensor
LF — its location
When running a diagnostic, the
service information may not list the
complete name B5LF; it may just list
its name, such as B5. This is because
the diagnostic process is common
among all wheel speed sensors. The
diagnostic procedure will typically
specify something such as “appropri-
ate part,” which means it’s up to you
to figure out which wheel speed sensor
to diagnose.
Remember, each component will
have a different designation, so a wheel
speed sensor may be B5 while a vehi-
cle speed sensor may be designated as
B14A or B115.
Inputs, such as sensors and
switches, typically use a base ID of
B followed by the component num-
ber and sometimes a position code.
For example:
B12A — Pressure switch manifold
B13 — Transmission
temperature sensor U — Area
B14A — Output speed sensor
B14B — Turbine speed sensor
B14C — Input speed sensor
GEARS December 2017 25
1SteveG-1217.indd 25
B14D — Intermediate speed sensor
B15 — Internal mode switch IMS
B34 — Engine coolant
temperature sensor
B74 — MAP sensor
B107 — Accelerator pedal
position sensor
Outputs typically use a base ID
of Q (Transmission and engine),
T (Ignition coils), E (Lights), F (Air
bag systems), G (Fuel/coolant pumps
and fans) followed by the component
and sometimes a position code. Some
examples include:
Q17A — Injector 1
Q17B — Injector 2
Q23 — Line pressure
control solenoid
Q27 — Most 6-speed applications
Q27A — Pressure control solenoid 1
Q27B — Pressure control solenoid 2
Q27C — Pressure control solenoid 3
Q77 — Most 8-, 9-, and
10-speed applications
Q77A — Pressure control solenoid 1
Q77B — Pressure control solenoid 2
Q38 — Throttle body motor
E1L — Accent lights
F107 — Steering wheel airbag
G10L — Cooling fan left
Example Q17A: Q — Output, 17
— injectors, A — injector 1
POWER
DISTRIBUTION
Many fuse blocks no longer label
the fuse functions within the block.
When looking at a fuse, you may see a
schematic designation such as F12UA:
F — Fuse or circuit breaker
1 — Position/location within
the fuse block
2 — Fuse block where
the fuse is located.
U — Engine compartment
(underhood)
D — IP (Instrument cluster)
P — Passenger compartment; not in
the IP. Could be in the glovebox
or center counsel, as an example.
R — Rear body, such as the rear
quarter panels or truck deck lid.
A — Number of fuse blocks in
the area: A=1, B=2, etc.
So, in example F12UA: F —
Fuse, 12 — within the fuse block, U
— Fuse block located in the engine
compartment, A — only one fuse
block in this area.
Relays are very similar in designa-
tion. A relay will typically start with
a module ID followed by an R and a
relay number. For example, this may
appear as KR75:
K — Module control
R — Relay
75 — Relay number
Fuse boxes or electrical centers
are typically labeled using a base ID of
X, such as X50A:
X — Fuse box
50A — Underhood fuse block
electrical center
Looking at a schematic can be
confusing. Hopefully, the next time
you look at a GM schematic, you’ll
have a clearer understanding of what
the information is trying to present.
In the future, we’ll tackle some other
schematic formats, including your
biggest challenge: VW/Audi.
Until next time, and remember,
Quality isn’t an act; it’s a habit.
11/27/17 8:07 AM
 DELIVERING THE GOODS
W
hen a transmission job comes
into your shop, you probably
begin work immediately to
get everything prepared to diagnose,
repair, and deliver the vehicle in a
timely manner. Everyone in the shop
knows their job, but sometimes the
simplest items can fall through the
cracks or go unnoticed.
Such as the exhaust system:
If you don’t handle the exhaust
system correctly and return it to
proper operation, it can cause major
driveability issues and set codes that
weren’t there before.
Let’s look at some obvious —
as well as some not-so-obvious —
situations that can occur.
INITIAL CONDITIONS
A thorough test drive is important
for verifying the customer’s complaint
and checking vehicle operation…
including the condition of the exhaust
system.
Exhaust problems can cause
hard, late shifts or early, soft shifts, in
addition to poor engine performance
and turning the check engine light on.
Note any noises, exhaust odors, and
check the system visually for condition
and recent work performed.
26 GEARS December 2017
1keith 1217.indd 26
NOISES AND VIBRATIONS
Sound travels better through
a solid than air. That’s why a
screwdriver works so well for
pinpointing noises under the hood.
Unfortunately, the exhaust system
may have many contact points that
can distribute noises and vibrations
through the vehicle.
Pay attention to any odd noises by Keith Clark
during the diagnostic procedure. If members.atra.com
you don’t note them, they may end up
as customer complaints. And make
sure you didn’t create any new noises
during your repairs. Here are a few
areas you should check:
Brackets and heat shields: Never
leave brackets or heat shields off. Physical damage to the exhaust
They’re there for a reason. Missing system: If the vehicle was in an
brackets and improperly secured heat accident, shock can cause internal
shields are prime causes for noise damage to the catalytic converter,
complaints after a transmission job. muffler, resonator, or pipes, restricting
Exhaust leaks: Vehicles in exhaust flow and creating driveability
rustbelt areas often develop leaks issues and codes.
after you remove and reinstall the Make sure all grommets in
exhaust system. Handling rotting the firewall and floorboards are
exhaust components will often create in place: Rustbelt vehicles may see
leaks. Again, assess the exhaust and missing grommets or rusted-through
replace any questionable components, areas that can cause undercar noises
including brackets, gaskets, hangers, and leak exhaust into the passenger
and clamps. compartment.
11/27/17 8:08 AM
Ads_1217.indd 27 11/27/17 8:15 AM
 Exhausting Problems!

Don’t forget to check the

steering column: There’s usually
a boot that acts as an isolator.
It’s possible to dislodge that boot
during transaxle R&R on many
front wheel drive vehicles.

CODES
Few things are more annoying
than when a vehicle passes the
final test drive and lift checks,
only to have a code appear that
wasn’t there before. Improper
exhaust installation may be the
cause. Look for exhaust leaks,
rattling noises, and damaged
exhaust components.
Let’s look at some real issues
that are easy to misdiagnose:
Figure 1: A properly operating pre-catalytic sensor will show frequent switching at idle. Note the
1. Lean running and oxygen amplitude and switching frequency to verify proper sensor operation (figure 1a).
sensor codes:
• P0171 — Fuel trim lean bank 1
• P0174 — Fuel trim lean bank 2
If you didn’t have a lean code
prior to working on the vehicle,
more than likely you caused it
on the exhaust side of the job.
First, look at the oxygen sensor
switching in graphing mode
(figures 1a and 1b) or on a scope.
Once the vehicle is warm and
the computer in closed loop, the
pre-catalytic converter sensors
(sensor 1, bank 1; sensor 1, bank
2) should switch frequently at
idle. The post-catalytic converter
sensors (sensor 2, bank 1; sensor
2, bank 2) should just barely Figure 1b: A post-catalytic oxygen sensor will show much less activity.
switch, or may not switch at all.
DIAGNOSTIC TIP: Only the
pre-cat sensors affect engine
performance. Post-cat sensors mo-
nitor catalytic converter efficiency.
With the oxygen sensors in
good working order, check short-
term fuel trim data. If the fuel
trim numbers are +5 or greater, it
could indicate an exhaust leak on
that bank, either before or just af-
ter the sensor 1 location.
To check for exhaust leaks:
• Plug the exhaust pipe with a
stopper.
• Apply 5 PSI of air to the
exhaust system.
• Spray soapy water onto joints,
sensors, and other exhaust Figure 2: Several OEM procedures recommend using air pressure and soapy water solution.
components. This is a cold test. It is important to use low pressure; no more than 5 psi, regulated. Excessive
pressure can force debris into the engine, and cause engine damage.
Bubbles indicate a leak (figure 2).
28 GEARS December 2017

1keith 1217.indd 28 11/27/17 8:08 AM

 Best Selection of Hard Parts on the Planet

U660 Underdrive Planet

#761993

6T45E Front Reaction Planet

#414991A

H A R D PA R T S | ELECTRONICS | KITS & COMPONENTS

CONNEC T WITH US @

Planets.indd 1 29
Ads_1217.indd 11/27/17
7/18/2017 8:15
6:56:58 PMAM
 Exhausting Problems!
2. Catalytic converter efficiency —
P0420
Code P0420 indicates that the
catalytic converter failed or may be
empty. When monitoring oxygen
sensor activity, the sensor 2 signal will
be similar to the signal from sensor
1 (figure 1). Fuel trim values will be
frozen.
DIESEL EXHAUST SYSTEMS
WITH CATALYST
Late model diesel vehicles must
now comply with more strict emission
requirements. New diesel fuel refining
standards greatly reduced sulfur and
particulates, but the government said
that wasn’t enough. So manufacturers
added emission control devices similar
to those on gas combustion vehicles.
In short, there are two major,
active components: a catalytic con-
verter and a particulate filter. Pre- and
post-catalytic temperature sensors
monitor the element temperatures.
Urea — also known as diesel exhaust
fluid — is added to the filter element to
help trap particulates and convert them
to ash (figure 3).
The system includes a soot-
purging process called regeneration or
regen. The system initializes the regen
process during an extended drive cycle
where the computer allows the filter
bed to reach a specified temperature;
then it initializes a process to burn off
and expel soot from the filter.
Particulate filters on vehicles that
aren’t driven on the highway for at
least a half hour or more regularly may
become restricted, and may need to
return to the dealership for service to
restore the filter’s integrity. In extreme
cases, low diesel exhaust fluid levels
or a restricted particulate filter will
reduce power output until the system is
serviced.
Other faults with system compo-
nents may cause driveability issues.
Being aware of the system functions
will aid in initial diagnosis as well
the as pre-delivery test drive. Be very
careful removing and installing these
components.
Code P1451 — Diesel particulate
filter system performance
Never erase this code! This code
won’t turn the check engine light
on, but will light a warning light in
30 GEARS December 2017
1keith 1217.indd 30
the notification center. This is one
instance where erasing codes during
the verification procedure could cause
a problem later.
With the 2014-and-later Dodge
diesel applications, code P1451 sets
when the particulate filter nears 100%
capacity. The code alerts the driver
and service technician to initialize a
regen process as soon as possible.
The WiTech (OEM) scan tool
needs to see this code active to
initialize a manual desoot regen
process. Erasing this code could keep
the system in low power mode and
require a more expensive visit to the
dealer to restore the particulate filter’s
operation.
DRIVEABILITY ISSUES
WITHOUT CODES
There are a few issues related
to the exhaust system that can cause
problems after installation, but may
not set a code or check engine light.
In most cases, this will initialize low
power mode until you correct the
condition.
Exhaust backpressure, turbo
wastegate, and turbo pressure sensors
are a few components to check first.
Make sure you didn’t damage these
sensors or leave them unplugged. On
some models, faulty oxygen sensors
may also cause low power problems.
EXHAUST SYSTEM LEGAL ISSUES
One important thing to remem-
ber is that the exhaust system has
some serious legal requirements.
And they can affect you, even if
you didn’t change anything.
First, the exhaust must be
comparable to the original. Any
changes, such as a damaged air
injection pipe or a missing catalytic
converter, must be repaired if you
touch the exhaust. And there’s no
point asking the customer to sign
a waiver: If you touch it, it’s your
responsibility.
Second, if you install the cat,
it must have been tested. So, if the
Initializing exhaust components
is becoming more popular with late
model vehicles, such as the Ford
variable geometry turbochargers.
Also, when replacing some late-
model GM-application oxygen sensors,
you’ll need to perform a relearn
process. Skipping this step will cause
a new sensor to fail. Always check the
engine side of your scan data to search
for component reset and initialization.
Refer to information available
through resources such as Allda-
ta, Shopkey, Identifix, Mitchell
OnDemand, or similar databases to
indicate items that require a factory
scan tool for reset or initialization.
Attention to detail, from diagnosis
to delivery, is key to making sure the
exhaust system won’t create an unex-
pected issue, and exhaust problems in
your future!
customer tells you the cat he re-
moved is in the trunk, that’s fine…
as long as you can find someone to
test it before reinstalling it. If not,
you’ll need to replace it with a new
or remanufactured and tested cat.
While the EPA probably doesn’t
have the resources to go checking
every exhaust system you touch,
you need to be aware that you are
risking stiff fines for failure to
abide by the regulations. So be
careful, and make sure that, if you
touch it, it goes back in factory
condition.
11/27/17 8:08 AM
 1 Nitrogen Oxides, Bank 1, Sensor 1 (NOx11)
2 Reductant Injector
3 Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Bank 1, Sensor 3 (EGT13)
4 Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor 1, Bank 1
5 Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor 2, Bank 1
6 Exhaust Gas Temperature Bank 1, Sensor 4 (EGT14)
7 Nitrogen Oxides Bank 1, Sensor 2 (NOx12)
8 Diesel Particulate Filter
9 Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Catalyst
10 Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Bank 1, Sensor 2 (EGT12)
11 Oxidation Catalytic Converter (OC)
12 Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Bank 1, Sensor 1 (EGT11)

SCR System

1 Reductant Injector
2 Reductant Pressure Line
3 Reductant Pump Assembly
4 Reductant Tank
5 Reductant Tank Filler Hose
6 SCR Catalyst

Figure 3: Every diesel exhaust converter system will have these components or something similar. It is important to handle these items
carefully when removing or working around this area of the exhaust system. This diagram outlines components specific to Ford applications.

GEARS December 2017 31

1keith 1217.indd 31 11/27/17 8:08 AM

 REBUILD A VALVE BODY YOURSELF
OR LET SONNAX DO IT FOR YOU.

EITHER WAY, YOU’RE TEAMED

UP WITH THE WORLD’S
TRANSMISSION EXPERTS.

Whether you want to rebuild with quality parts or save time and money
with a premium remanufactured valve body, Sonnax has you covered.

No one is better at diagnosing transmission problems and developing

the parts to fix them. More valve bodies come across the Sonnax bench
in a day than most shops see in a year, and our team never stops working
on ways to help you deliver a TOP-QUALITY rebuild.

FIND PARTS, TOOLS & REMANUFACTURED VALVE BODIES AT

WWW.SONNAX.COM
Ads_1217.indd 32 11/27/17 8:15 AM
 NOBODY KNOWS
TRANSMISSIONS LIKE SONNAX.

800-843-2600 • 802-463-9722 • Sonnax is an Employee-Owned Company

Ads_1217.indd 33 11/27/17 8:15 AM


I t isn’t unusual to have a car come
in with harsh shifts, particularly
a harsh 1-2. Any number of
transmission conditions can set the
transmission computer into a partial
failsafe, locking mainline pressure at
maximum levels.
The result? Harsh shifts,
particularly the 1-2.
But what about a problem that has
nothing to do with the transmission?
A problem with the engine… one
that doesn’t even register as affecting
the transmission? That’s becoming
a common situation as today’s
powertrains become more integrated
than ever before.
Here’s one from Paul Townsend,
owner of Paul’s Transmission and
Repair, Inc., in Baker City, Oregon.
A 2007 Chevy 4x4 with a 4L60E
came into their shop with harsh shifts.
The truck had a lot of miles on it, but
there were no transmission codes in
memory.
The only indicator of a problem
was the traction control light was on.
The information center showed that the
traction control and stability control
were disabled. A code check revealed
34 GEARS December 2017
1paultownsend1217.indd 34
code P0011 — valve timing advanced
too far; bank 1.
They checked the code definition
and its details: nothing about affecting
transmission operation. But, as
it turns out, code P0011 will cause
the transmission computer to lock
transmission pressures at maximum,
causing the harsh shifts that the
customer was complaining about.
This isn’t a unique situation: A
Google search revealed a number of
vehicle owners experiencing similar
problems with their GM trucks. In each
case, one of the first conditions they
noticed was harsh shifts.
Since the code was putting the
transmission into a partial failsafe,
the technicians at Paul’s Transmission
decided to examine the situation
further.
Many of these late model GMs
use variable valve timing to improve
performance and economy. The system
redirects engine oil pressure through a
variable valve actuator, and monitors
the valve timing through the camshaft
sensor.
If the valve timing doesn’t match
what the computer expects to see,
by Steve Bodofsky
members.atra.com
based on the signal it provides to the
actuator, it sets a code and disables
the traction and stability controls. It
also locks transmission mainline
pressure at maximum: something that
doesn’t appear in any of the technical
information available.
“I thought it was odd that the
software would raise line pressure for
this condition, so we decided to go after
it,” explains Paul.
The first thing that the technical
data recommended was to check the
valve timing components: the timing
chain, actuator, and camshaft position
sensor. After opening the front of the
engine, the technicians discovered the
chain guides and actuator were worn
(figure 1).
The actuator is also the camshaft
timing chain gear, so they had to replace
the timing chain and crankshaft gear at
the same time. They also replaced the
oil pump and pulled the engine pan
to check and clean the crankcase oil
pickup screen.
“The pickup was clogged with
debris from the oil filters,” explains
Paul. “There were even fine pieces of
wire stuck in the pickup screen.”
11/27/17 12:49 PM
 GET THE JOB DONE
IN A
FLASH
Time is money. The longer you wait for a mobile programmer
to get to your shop, the less you’re making on the job.
Flash vehicles yourself with Transtar’s Remote Assisted Programming (RAP) Kit!
No additional tools, training, software or expensive subscriptions required.

THE RAP KIT IS ABSOLUTELY FREE!

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS RIGHT IN THE BOX.
PLUG IT IN, MAKE A PHONE CALL AND WE DO THE REST!
EACH PROGRAMMING EVENT IS $125

To register for your FREE RAP Kit and view

a complete list of available applications, visit
Transtar1.com/rap-info.
Powered by:

Ads_1217.indd 35 Orange Car 0717.indd 1 11/27/17 8:15 PM

AM
RAP Kit AD Smokey 7/21/17 4:39
 Harsh Shifts Traced to Engine Troubles… Again!

Turns out the vehicle owner had

been using low-cost, no-name oil
filters, and the quality wasn’t up to the
standards necessary for maintaining the
engine’s integrity. Apparently there’s
really something to the old adage, “You
can pay me now or pay me later.”
After replacing the timing chain
and associated parts — along with
changing the engine oil using the
factory-recommended 5W-30 synthetic
engine oil — the problem seemed to be
gone. They returned the truck to the
customer and they didn’t hear any more
about it… for about 500 miles. Then it
came back with the same problem.
One of the difficulties in pinpointing
this problem is that it only sets if the
valve timing is more than 8º off the
timing command, with the throttle held
steady for a full 20 seconds. Twenty
seconds is a long time to hold a car
under a constant load. If you move the
throttle, even a little, the timer for the
code restarts.
In addition, it’s basically a blind
condition: Setting the code doesn’t turn
the MIL on. So you have to be aware Figure 1

When it comes to your

transmission repair, don’t
be naughty - be nice!
Use trusted parts from
Gearspeed.
Clean Cut Cases - Overhaul Kits - Temp Sensors
Pressure Switches - Low Gears - Sprags - Torque Converters
Drums - Valve Bodies - Custom Parts - & So Much More!

909.476.7252 www.Gearspeed.com
36 GEARS December 2017

1paultownsend1217.indd 36 11/27/17 12:49 PM

 of the conditions necessary to set the
code and have a scan tool connected to
determine when it sets.
Fortunately for Paul, he has a long
hill with about a 7% grade right near his
shop. So, once he narrowed down the
conditions necessary to set the code, “I
could make the problem come and go
at will.”
One thing Paul noticed is that the
code would only set after the engine got
hot: over about 250ºF (about 120ºC).
He also noticed that, when the engine
got hot, the oil pressure dropped. That
was an important point, because the
actuator uses engine oil pressure to
adjust valve timing.
“You have to check the oil pressure
using the scan data,” explains Paul.
“The dash gauge didn’t indicate oil
pressure was low, but it showed up on
the scan tool.”
They’d already replaced the oil
pump and cleaned the oil pickup,
so the low oil pressure indicated
the engine bearings were probably
shot. He even tried shimming the
oil pressure regulator, to no avail.
GEARS December 2017 37
1paultownsend1217.indd 37
“The actuator receives oil pressure
directly from the #2 cam bearing,” says
Paul.
The normal recommendation at
this point would be to replace the
engine bearings. For most shops, that
means replacing the engine. No doubt
that’d correct the pressure drop, but
Paul decided to give something else
a try: He changed the engine oil to a
heavier, 20W-50 synthetic. Then he
drove the truck again. This time the
code wouldn’t set.
After several road tests with a large
trailer connected, he decided to drop
to a more reasonable grade of engine
oil. “With the heavier oil in the engine,
the lifters would rattle on startup,”
he says.
So he changed the oil again, this
time to a 10W-40. After the engine
reached 240ºF (115ºC), the actual valve
timing no longer matched the valve
timing command. So next, he added an
engine oil cooler, to keep the engine oil
temperature lower.
This engine already has a cooler
in the radiator, so adding a cooler was
RostraTRANSMISSION
easy. “We ran the cooler in line after
the radiator cooler, so the engine oil
now goes through the radiator cooler,
then through our cooler, and back to
the engine.”
Since installing the cooler, the
engine oil pressure hasn’t dropped off,
and the code hasn’t set. Paul changed
the oil back to the factory-recommended
5w-30, and the system’s still working
perfectly. The engine starts and runs
fine, and the customer is happy to have
his truck back and running the way he
wants it to.
More and more often, we’re seeing
the results of the integration between
the engine and the transmission. Which
means your job requires you to be more
than just a transmission technician:
You need to know how to fix cars…
whatever that takes.
Paul and his crew have shown
that they’re willing to go the extra
mile. In fact, they enjoy it. As he says,
“Sometimes it’s fun just trying to get
over that hump!”
11/27/17 12:49 PM
 UP YOUR BUSINESS
I
t’s been a while since I’ve written
an article about a customer com-
plaint, a small claims court or
arbitration matter, or an example of
bad customer service. The fact is that
I rely on you folks contacting me with
your own real-life adventures and
misadventures in customer service.
Lately, the well of stories has
gone dry. Maybe it’s because you’re all
getting so good at keeping customers
happy that you aren’t having any
more customer disputes. Wouldn’t
that be great?
This article is my personal story
about a positive customer experience,
but first I need to set the stage.
Many of you know that I recently
experienced a severe back injury that
required surgery. My article in the
September issue tells the whole “back
story” (excuse the pun), but what
I’m going to share with you hadn’t
occurred when I wrote that article.
The Anatomy of a
Customer Dispute
Can we all agree that even the
most customer-centric companies
have an occasional customer dispute?
In over 25 years as an arbitrator and
mediator, I’ve observed that most
customer disputes are due to unmet
expectations. I can trace nearly all
of the disputes to misunderstandings
about one or more of the following:
• What work was needed
• Why it needed to be done
• What the outcome would be
• Guarantee matters
• Confusion over the estimate
38 GEARS December 2017
1tschetter 1217.indd 38
About now you might be asking,
“What else is there?” The truth is,
not much. If you’ve read my column
over the years, you know that I’ve
always said, “The best defense against
lawsuits is to not have them.” Make
sure your customers are happy with
their experience with your company
because happy customers don’t sue
you. And yes, even the most customer-
centric companies do occasionally
have irresolvable disputes.
Good communication is the key
to having happy customers because
they aren’t confused or caught off
guard about what to expect. On the
other hand, when communication is
lacking, expectations are whatever the
customer believes them to be. This
is a recipe for a dispute. You need to
be diligent and impeccable in your
communication with customers.
Routine repair or maintenance
services are more transactional and
aren’t typically problematic. But
explaining expensive, complicated re-
pair estimates requires care. Explain
these kinds of jobs as though you’re
explaining them to a judge or arbitra-
tor, because someday you might have
to. Remember, without understanding,
communication hasn’t occurred.
Don’t assume customers under-
stand or will accurately remember
everything you’ve told them. Many
customers are upset, worried, and
confused over their broken vehicles.
While it’s just another day at the
office for you, an expensive transmis-
sion rebuild is anything but routine
for the customer.
by Thom Tschetter
In addition, the customer often
represents only half of the family unit,
and he or she will have to explain
the situation to the other half later in
the day. The better they understand,
the better job they’ll do with their
explanation.
Notice that nearly all of the
dispute causes I’m describing relate to
things that occur prior to performing
the repairs. That means either the
business failed to explain all the
important details or the customer
authorized the repairs while in a state
of confusion; not a good situation
in either case. This is why so many
disputes come down to the customer’s
story against the shop’s story.
Happy customers feel informed
and confident, not confused and fear-
ful. Happy customers can’t wait to tell
their friends and family about your
company.
I recently went through one of the
most confusing and fearful events of
11/27/17 8:09 AM
 “WITH ATRA, MY
SMALL TRANSMISSION
SHOP IS A BIG DEAL.”

ANDY LUNDSTED
CERTIFIED TRANSMISSION
AND TOTAL CAR CARE

AT ATRA, TRANSMISSIONS ARE ALL WE DO.

ATRA provides our shop with the technical support we need, and lets my little
business swim with the big boys by offering a nationwide warranty. Joining ATRA
was the best decision we ever made for our organization.

– Andy Lundsted, Owner of Certified Transmission and Total Car Care

Stillwater, MN

JOIN TODAY
MEMBERS.ATRA.COM // 1-866-GO-4-ATRA

atra testimonial.indd 2 11/27/17 8:16 AM

 A Cure for Imperfect Memory
my life, but as you’ll see, I’m confident
and happy with both the process and
the outcome. In fact, I can’t wait to
tell you about it as well as what our
industry can learn from it.
My Doctor’s Cure
There’s perhaps no industry that
deals with fear and confusion more
than the medical field. Of course, just
like our industry, there are the routine
things like checkups, or prescriptions
for colds, flu and other minor ailments.
But serious diseases and injuries that
require complex treatment plans or
surgeries need to be fully explained
and understood just like our customers
with their broken cars. While similar
to car repairs, the medical field’s list
of potential communication-related
disputes includes such things as:
• What treatment or surgery is needed
• Why it needs to be done
• What the possible outcomes are,
both good and bad
• Disclosure of possible risks
• Confusion over the price or
insurance coverage
Note that, like our industry, it all
comes down to managing expectations
through good communication.
Doctors share the same goal
with respect to building lasting
relationships with their patients as
you do with your customers. I was
fascinated with a new tool that my
surgeon, Doctor David Fusco, used
during my presurgery consultation
to make sure I’d fully understand and
remember every aspect of the surgery,
including the associated risks and the
likely outcome. It helped calm my
anxiety and manage my expectations.
40 GEARS December 2017
1tschetter 1217.indd 40
Doctor Fusco is associated with
Barrow Brain and Spine, “A World
Class Destination for Neurosurgery”
here in Phoenix. Patients travel from
all over the world to access Barrow
Brain and Spine for their unparalleled
expertise in brain, spine, and neurolog-
ical diseases and injuries.
They’re using existing technology
in a new way to communicate with
patients regarding their surgical plan.
They make a video recording of the
entire consultation and save it for
future reference by both the patient
and the medical practice. Medical
Memory is the company that provides
the secure audio-video service that
leads to a truly memorable experience.
I have to confess that, at first,
I thought it was more for their benefit
than mine, but, as you’ll see, it truly
is mutually beneficial. As I explain
how it works, I think you’ll see how
the idea could also work in your
world-class auto repair business
to provide your customers with a
memorable experience, too.
My Experience
Before we began my presurgical
consultation, my doctor’s assistant
explained, “When Doctor Fusco comes
in, he’s going to discuss a lot of impor-
tant, detailed information about your
surgery. Because there’s a lot of infor-
mation, we always make a video for
our patients. We’ll send the video to
your email so you can review anything
that might get fuzzy and for answers
to questions that may come up later.
Is that okay with you?”
As she was saying all this, she
was setting up the recording device as
though nobody ever objected, and I’m
sure no one ever does.
She was right: The doctor went
over an avalanche of detailed infor-
mation. Combined with the stress of
the upcoming surgery, there’s no way
I could have remembered everything.
The presurgery instructions alone were
daunting enough to justify the video.
By the time my wife and I got
home from the appointment, I’d
already received the email with a link
to view the Medical Memory video.
It required registering with a secure
login and password. Its value became
apparent to Sue and me within a
couple hours, and several more times
leading up to and since the surgery.
For example, when a friend called
to ask us about my operation, we both
had different recollections of what
the doctor said he was going to do.
I remembered laminectomy and fu-
sion of L4-L5, But Sue remembered
laminectomy with no fusion to L2-L3.
We queued up the video and within
minutes we found the answer: It
was laminectomy with no fusion to
L2-L3. Yes, one more time I had to
say, “You’re right, sweetheart.” The
point is, we easily and quickly found
the answer.
It gets even better: The Medical
Memory system is a relationship
builder. It’s a unique, memorable ex-
perience that showed me how much
Doctor Fusco cares about his patients’
wellbeing and peace of mind. It also
provided an efficient communication
link between the office and me.
About a week later, I received
the following email from Medical
Memory. The subject line read: “A
11/27/17 8:09 AM
 few questions to help your doctor and
Medical Memory.”
Hi Thomas,
We hope you were able to easily
set up your Medical Memory account
and found the video of your recent
medical visit at Barrow Brain and
Spine helpful. If you have any ques-
tions about your video and login pro-
cess, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our patients’ opinions are incred-
ibly valuable to us, and we’d love to
hear from you.
Thank you for being a valuable
member of our Medical Memory
community.
Please don’t hesitate to respond
to this email or give us a call with any
questions.
This email contained a link to a
survey. My responses were favorable,
and, a few days later, I received an
invitation to share my experience
online. This email contains some
brief videos and comments from other
happy patients as prompts of things
I might say in my post. Additional
periodic emails have followed, provid-
ing an easy way to communicate any
comments, concerns, or questions, as
well as to share my experience with
friends and family.
It became clear to me that the
Medical Memory system becomes an
automated communication channel
that keeps Doctor Fusco’s name top of
mind and encourages me to share my
experience with others. This steady
stream of communication builds a
strong relationship.
In fact, a friend that had surgery
with Doctor Fusco last year practically
dragged me to the office when he
MAKE ANY SOLVENT WASHER A RECYCLING SYSTEM
• The most economical recycler on the market.
• Clean solvent all day every day.
• Service multiple washers with one StillClean.
• Get rid of expensive service contracts.
• Eliminate hazardous waste, paper work and permit fees.
• Portable - Only 29 lbs.
• Built in the USA.
START SAVING TODAY!
Contact us at StillClean.com -or- 1-800-628-7657
“We were saving money the minute we turned our StillCleans on.” – John Johansson, CSMP, Inc.
GEARS December 2017 41
1tschetter 1217.indd 41
heard about my back injury. Now that’s
a strong referral!
What Could This Mean
for Your Business?
As I said at the beginning,
your goal should be to have happy
customers who can’t wait to tell
their friends and family about your
company. We also know that even the
most careful, customer-centric shops
occasionally have customer disputes.
Since most customer disputes are due
to a breakdown in communication,
what if you could employ a system like
Medical Memory in your shop?
Just think of the possibilities:
The word-of-mouth buzz about the
customer’s unique experience, the
ease of the customer explaining the
repair estimate to a spouse, the ease
of clearing up questions, and the
improved customer relations and
retention through automated periodic
contacts. The arbitrator in me asks,
“How about recalling what was
actually said in the event of a dispute?”
If this sounds like something that
could be useful in your shop, send me
an email or call me. If enough of you
are interested, since they’re based in
Phoenix, about 20 minutes from my
house, I’ll contact Medical Memory
and explore the possibility of creating
an affordable auto repair version.
When you reply, feel free to offer any
suggestions that you feel would make
it better or more applicable to our
industry.
To get your creative juices flow-
ing, check out the short video clips on
YouTube about how Medical Memory
works for the medical field. Just go to
YouTube.com and type The Medical
Memory in the search field. One of the
videos is by Doctor Randall Porter, a
Barrow Brain and Spine surgeon and
the founder of Medical Memory. He
tells his personal story about how and
why he developed the idea.
I’m excited to hear back from
any of you who are open to exploring
the possibility of integrating this
technology into your shop.
Share Your Stories
If you’ve personally experienced a
weird or unusual customer dispute and
wouldn’t mind sharing it to help your
industry, please contact me. You just tell
me the story and I’ll do all the heavy
lifting to write it.
We can make it an article about
you, or you may remain anonymous. The
main thing is we want to share stories
that will help others avoid similar prob-
lems. Call me at 480-773-3131 or email
me at coachthom@gmail.com.
About the Author
Thom Tschetter has served our
industry for nearly four decades as a
management and sales educator. He
owned a chain of award-winning trans-
mission centers in Washington State for
over 30 years.
He calls on over 30 years of
experience as a speaker, writer, business
consultant, and certified arbitrator for
topics for this feature column.
Thom is always eager to help
members of our industry and continues
to be proactive in pursuing ways to
improve your business and your life.
11/27/17 8:09 AM
 SUCCESS STRATEGIES
F
or a lot of people who attend
Expo, it appears that much of
what happens in Vegas stays in
Las Vegas. That may be reassuring for
some folks, but for most of us, there
are still ideas and communications
from our Expo experience that we
need to follow through to completion.
Every year our industry packs
its gear and heads to Expo. At this
exciting event, they meet the best of
the best in our profession and learn
great ideas from experts in other fields
like management, business building,
leadership, and sales.
The feeling at the end of Expo
is one of happy numbness from
information overload and a lot of fun.
At that point, we’re like a field of
acorns: No trees, just the potential to
grow trees.
There’s an important, in fact vital,
extra step needed: reflection. We need
to make time to review our notes,
reflect on our experiences, and discuss
our new learning with others.
You and I sit in meetings, listen
to speakers, watch demos, examine
new tools and products, and talk with
vendors and colleagues. As we do that
we get great ideas, many of which we
fully intend to use.
But if we don’t take time to
process that learning and initiate
action on those ideas, then our ring
binders with all that great information
just go into the office and become
“Shelf Help” programs. That’s right:
They aren’t helping anyone. They’re
just holding up the shelves above them.
In my own company, my staff
will often say, “Oh no! Jim’s gone
to another meeting. Now he’ll come
back and want to change things!” And
they’re right: Every major event that
42 GEARS December 2017
1chatcart 1217.indd 42
I attend fills me with new ideas of
easier, more profitable, or better ways
to do what I’m already trying to do.
Some of those changes are simple
and even save me money. Others
require careful implementation and
some investment. But all of the ideas
that I’ve embraced over the years have
added to my ability to advance the
business, renew the commitment of my
team, and stay vitally engaged in my
company and profession.
All it takes to transform your
shop into a thriving enterprise is the
implementation of one really good
idea. Notice, I didn’t say all it takes is
the idea. Without the implementation,
you’d be filled with potential and
nothing would change. So let’s look at
what you could do next.
What’s your best next step?
Make a plan.
U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower,
regarding when he served as the
Supreme Allied Commander in World
War II, said, “Plans are useless, but
planning is indispensable.”
The very nature of planning is
the anticipation of circumstances and
events that haven’t yet occurred. Even
though situations are seldom exactly
as we projected, the process of plan-
ning forces us to consider alternatives,
isolate priorities, identify resources,
and consider possibilities. That process
makes you more ready and capable
than any other known to man.
Examine your notes and handouts
from a conference and pull out all your
actionable or noteworthy items onto a
separate and much shorter record: one
piece of paper if you can do it. Then
make notes as to whom you should
discuss each item with and which
items everyone needs to hear.
by Jim Cathcart
Next, speak to the people in
person. Don’t send them a note; hand
it to them and discuss it soon. Ask,
“What do you think about this? Is
there something new or different we
could do?”
By having these in-person discus-
sions, you’ll accomplish two important
things:
1. You’ll process the ideas and
generate action.
2. You’ll show that person that you
value his or her input.
Once you’ve given everyone a
chance to learn and consider the
ideas, start an implementation plan.
Determine which actions to take and
in what order. Don’t try too much at
once; you’ll overwhelm your team.
Just pick the best ideas and make
the changes immediately.
The effect of this short process of
reflection, discussion, and implemen-
tation will be the ongoing growth of
your company and your team. We’ll
all be able to sit in the shade of your
forest of oaks that grew from that field
of acorns.
Expo-sure to learning isn’t enough…
what you want is:
Expo-nential improvement!
11/27/17 8:10 AM
 ATRA’S
POWERTRAIN EXPO 2018
OCT. 31ST - NOV. 3RD
hosted by

www.powertrainexpo.com
SeeYouAtExpo_2018 v3.indd 1 11/27/17 8:17 AM
 O
nce again, ATRA kicked off
Expo with its annual golf
tournament, always a big hit
with die-hard enthusiasts who look
forward to traversing the links in the
dry Vegas climate.
This year’s program was spon-
sored by JDS Worldwide, under the
leadership of Joe De Santino. It began
bright and early at 8AM on Thursday
at the Angel Park’s Mountain
Course, a beautiful backdrop for this
early-morning event.
But Joe wanted the tourney
to be more than just a “good walk,
spoilt.” He wanted to take advantage
44 GEARS December 2017
1Golf 1217 v2.indd 44
of the program to make a statement
on behalf of the industry… to help
someone less fortunate. His choice?
The Ronald McDonald House: a
charitable arm of McDonalds that
helps families of children being treated
for serious illnesses.
“As a two-time cancer survivor
myself, I like to lend my support to
anything having to do with helping
people face this terrible disease,”
says Joe.
“I did a Google search for chari-
table organizations in Las Vegas.
Most of the ones that came up were for
gambling or drug addiction. But then
I found the Ronald McDonald House
and there was no question where I
wanted to put our support.”
The event’s $125 signup fee covered
all the expenses, including transpor-
tation to and from the course, greens
fees, prizes, and a tasty lunch at the
golf course club house. That left about
$500 to donate to the Ronald McDon-
ald House.
In addition, the 2nd place team
donated their winnings of $300, and
the “Honest Golfer” team — a politically
correct way of acknowledging the
high scorers for the day! — donated
their $100 prize, for a total of about
11/27/17 8:11 AM
 Event Organizer Joe De Santino presents Stephanie Franks of Ronald McDonald House with a check for $500.
$900 to the cause. A nice cap to an
enjoyable event.
According to Joe, the local group
was very appreciative, and even
provided some volunteers to help
the tournament go smoothly.
The event was held shotgun style:
Each team began play from a different
hole at 8AM, which helps speed things
along. And they played scramble
format: Everyone drives off the tee,
but they play the rest of the hole from
the best drive, once again speeding
play along.
The winning team, with a score
of 59 — 12 strokes under par! — was
a two-person team that included Billy
Lawrence and Manish Batra. They
received a $400 prize. Mike Avila had
the longest drive, and Tracey Hicks
GEARS December 2017 45
1Golf 1217 v2.indd 45
hit the shot that landed closest to the did a terrific job of putting the golf
pin. Both received prizes for their tournament together under difficult
outstanding play. circumstances. And his idea of
But maybe the best part of the coupling it with a charitable donation
event was the opportunity to make was inspired,” says Rodger.
new acquaintances and meet up with Afterwards, everyone got together
longtime friends that players hadn’t in the club house for lunch, then they
seen or spoken with since the previous loaded back into the bus to be carted
year. back to the Paris Hotel and Casino
That camaraderie, more than to join the rest of the Expo crowd. A
anything, is what Expo, and the golf marvelous start to a successful Expo
tournament in particular, is all about. event.
It’s an exercise in friendship and a true
meeting of the minds for the best of
the best in the transmission world.
According to GEARS Managing
Editor Rodger Bland, it was a
wonderful start to the nonstop
event that was the 2017 Expo. “Joe
A Special Thank You
to Our Sponsors
11/27/17 8:12 AM
 T his year Expo came a week
early, on October 19th
through the 22nd. This was
our second year in a row at the
Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino,
at one of the most prime locations
on the world-famous Las Vegas
Strip.
You’ve seen it on TV, with the
Eiffel Tower protruding from its
front lobby. Just across the street
are the Fountains of Bellagio;
Cesars is on the corner, and the
Planet Hollywood Miracle Mile
Shops is right next door.
This was the backdrop
for this year’s Expo, and what
an Expo it was! Transmission
industry professionals from
every corner of the globe
converged at the Paris to work
together to learn… to share…
and to create a more profitable
future for each of us.
How did it go? Well, if the
people who were there were to
be believed, it was a success
of epic proportions.

Thursday
As always, the technical
sessions kicked off early,

46 GEARS December 2017

1ShowWrap 2017-jt-WEB.indd 46 11/21/17 3:06 PM

g

at 7:30 Thursday morning. The management seminars were earlier than in

previous years, but still allowed for management to grab a little extra shuteye
and a nice breakfast. Apparently it is good to be the king!
And the technical seminars were packed. According to ATRA Technical
Director Lance Wiggins, even the Thursday seminars were greeted by a full
house, and they remained full for the entire 32 hours of technical training
sessions. This year, the Thursday seminars went until nearly 7PM, with an
hour-and-a-half break for lunch.
The seminars covered subjects that included introductions to some of the
latest transmissions to hit the streets, tips for restoring functional reliability,
and scope diagnosis.
But one of the big hits of the day was the CVT workshop, and no wonder:
CVTs are becoming commonplace in shops all across the country, and anyone
who isn’t versed in them won’t be working in this business long.
This year, the Thursday management seminar was a little different, with a
daylong program from Alex Goldfayn, called Selling Boldly. His message? If
you want to sell, don’t be shy: be bold and create the sale you’re looking for.
It’s a smart message to improve your shop’s bottom line.
As the seminars came to an end, people met up with friends and co-
workers and headed out to explore the nightlife on the Las Vegas Strip. For
most, it was their first chance to reconnect with old friends and catch up with
people they hadn’t seen since the previous year.

Friday
Friday was another early morning for the tech side of the program,
beginning once again at 7:30. First up? Another, more advanced look at
oscilloscope diagnostic procedures. That was followed by an introduction to
the ZF 8-speed hybrid. We closed out the morning with a look at the latest all
wheel drive systems.
Management seminars began an hour later, with ATRA CEO Dennis
Madden and GEARS Managing Editor Rodger Bland discussing the path
GEARS December 2017 47

1ShowWrap 2017-jt.indd 47 11/21/17 2:02 PM

 Another Amazing Expo in Paris!
to go from mindset to mission. They
were followed by the always-enjoyable
and informative Maylon Newton, who
shared his views on building decision
makers in your shop.
These seminars led into the annual
ATRA luncheon, hosted as always
by Raybestos Powertrain. It was a
sumptuous lunch amid friendly banter
and camaraderie as everyone prepared
for the opening of the trade show.
This year, we switched things up
a bit. Instead of a keynote speaker, we
stepped back a few years, back to the
days when we enjoyed an entertainer at
lunch. And what an entertainer it was!
Murray “the Magician” Sawchuck
performed his magic act to a full house.
You’ve probably seen Murray on the TV
show Pawn Stars, where he provides
technical advice regarding old magic
props, and performing his illusions on
the show Masters of Illusion.
About halfway through his
performance, Murray asked whether
Walt Swanson was on hand (he was).
Turns out Walt had fixed Murray’s
transmission a few years before,
and Walt was the one who connected
Murray with ATRA for the show.
Thanks, Walt!
After lunch was over, those in
attendance moved on to the opening
of the trade show. The trade show floor
bustled with activity, and everyone
seemed pleased with the turnout.
The ATRA The ATRA Chapter
Planning meeting, which also took
place on Friday, was well attended
48 GEARS December 2017
1ShowWrap 2017-jt.indd 48
with representatives from 7 ATRA
Chapters, and ATRA Events Director
Vanessa Velasquez. Ideas for Chapter
involvement, engaging their local
communities and other ways to enhance
the transmission rebuilding industry
were discussed at great length.
Then everyone got together for an
evening of hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and
music at the annual Transtar Cocktail
Reception, where they were treated to
a magnificent band and festivities that
went on until 9pm.
Throughout the reception, Monte
Ahuja made his way around from table
to table, shaking hands and welcoming
people to the event.
Saturday
Saturday’s tech seminars split
into two: the regular seminars and the
return of Transmissions 101, a program
designed to help young people and
recent additions move their way up the
chain. This year’s program included
seminars on R&R 101, Scan Tool 101,
the basics of ATF, and a class on what
you need to know about series electrical
circuits.
While Transmissions 101 was
going on, the regular technical and
management seminars began. Tech
covered rebuilding tips, points about
converter control, an introduction
to the 845RFE, and how to isolate
transmission problems in diesels that
have a tuner installed.
The management seminar brought
in shop owner MaryAnn Croce, who
11/21/17 2:02 PM
 See more EXPO Photos at: www.flickr.com/photos/70397541@N06 (case sensitive)

spoke about the things she’s learned over the years about
letting go to gain control of your business. She was followed
by the return engagement of Nancy Friedman, who’s always
a management favorite, as she presented the seven traits of a
successful leader.
At noon, the trade show floor opened again. Then, at 3pm,
ATRA Longtimers got together for their annual meeting.

Sunday
Sunday morning tech started
at 9 with a Hydraulics 101 seminar,
followed by a closing seminar on the
Toyota and Lexus U881E and GM
AF50 8-speed transmission.
For the management folks, John
Anderson offered his experience in
selling businesses to help attendees
learn the best way to make a smart exit.
For those of you who’ve been
fighting through the tough weather
patterns, fire, or something even more
tragic, we understand why you couldn’t
be here. Our thoughts are with you,
and we hope you get back on your feet
before next year. And we look forward
to seeing you at next year’s Expo.
For 2018, we’re back to opening
for Industry Week — October 31st
through November 3rd. Which means
you can come for Expo, and directly
following is SEMA and AAPEX. And
the program will be hosted right next
door, at Bally’s Las Vegas. It’s sure to
be a magnificent event; we’ll be looking
for you there!

GEARS December 2017 49

1ShowWrap 2017-jt.indd 49 11/21/17 2:02 PM

 SHOP PROFILE
I
f you’re a diehard GEARS read-
er, the name Transolution might
be a familiar one: We visited
Transolution Auto Care Center in
Missoula, Montana, when we were
doing the shop visits on our trips around
the country for ATRA’s regional tech
seminars.
Back then, shop owner Chris
Gerber had just built his new shop, and,
according to GEARS Managing Editor
Rodger Bland, it was a prime example
of just how attractive a repair shop
could be.
But those shop visits were more
of a social call… not much to be
learned from them. So we decided to sit
down with Chris and discover just how
he built his business, and what other
shop owners could take away from his
successes.
Transolution’s History
Transolution operates from a
beautiful shop in a thriving town, but
that isn’t where it began. “I had two
50 GEARS December 2017
1shop profile1217-jt.indd 50
Brought to you by:
by Steve Bodofsky
members.atra.com
other locations before I built this shop
in 2004,” says Chris. In fact, his first
shop wasn’t even called Transolution.
“I was in Hamilton, Montana, for
about 13 years, and I had a shop called
Chris’s Auto Service. Then I moved
to Missoula and started Transolution
in 1989.
“In addition to owning a shop,
I was also a research tech with
Gil Younger. We had a number of
conversations, and I realized that, if
I hoped to continue in the industry,
I’d have to learn electronics and start Chris Gerber, Owner,
moving in that direction.” In retrospect, Transolution Auto Care Center
it was obviously a smart decision.
Missoula was also a larger area I ran into a guy from Chile named
with a much denser population than Luigi who owned a foreign car repair
Hamilton, so it provided Chris with a shop. He needed someone to handle his
better market to support his business tranny work and we became friends.
model. “I made the decision to close “A few years later, Luigi decided
the shop in Hamilton and move to to move back to Chile and he offered
Missoula.” to sell me his three-bay shop. I worked
Chris opened Transolution in a out of that shop for about 13 years, but
small shop he rented. “I was there for I’d always dreamt of having a state-of-
about 13 years,” explains Chris. “Then the-art automotive facility. I found a
11/27/17 3:25 PM
 Transolution Auto Care Center Crew L to R: Katherine LePiane, Kody Pickens, Brian Pickens, Chris Gerber, Shaun Wanner, Norman Naef

property nearby and, after a few years, I

was able to put enough money together
to build the shop we’re in now.”
He started construction in 2000 and
they moved into the new shop in 2004.
Today, Transolution operates in a 5600
square-foot, five-bay, state-of-the-art
auto repair shop.

General Repair
In addition to transmission
repair, Transolution is also a general
repair shop. Big deal, right? Lots of
transmission shops now offer general
repair. It’s become a common business
model over the last few years.
But what sets Transolution apart Shaun Wanner, ASE Certified Technician Champ
from so many other shops is that
Chris started his business as a general
repair shop… a general repair shop
that also offers transmission repairs.
As it turns out, that provides Chris and
the technicians at Transolution with an
interesting advantage over many other
shops today.
A big part of that advantage has to
do with Chris’s background: “I started
out doing general repair — I was doing
trannies too — and I was into the
performance side of the cars,” explains
Chris.
“I was building a lot of transmissions
and I ran into a few problems, so I
started studying the hydraulics and how
they work; that’s when I got involved
with Gil Younger.
“When I moved to Missoula, I
realized they didn’t have any really
good transmission shops there. I loved
building trannies, and I built a lot of Brian Pickens, General Manager

GEARS December 2017 51

1shop profile1217-jt.indd 51 11/27/17 2:46 PM

 Transolution: A General Repair Shop That Also Offers Transmission Repair
Kody Pickens, Technician Apprentice
them. So I started thinking about how I
could go from just general repair into a
transmission shop. That’s when I came
up with the name ‘Transolution’: We
were the solution for their transmission
problems.
“But I had the background
knowledge of how engines worked and
how to deal with driveability issues.
People would come in and say, ‘My
transmission’s acting up,’ but the
problems was an engine misfire; not
the trans.
“I ended up fixing a lot of cars
because other shops claimed they had
a transmission problem when it was
something else entirely. When I realized
that, I decided to remain a full-service
general repair and transmission shop.”
They started really expanding their
general repair service after the turn
of the century. “Transmissions were
lasting longer and working better, so we
needed to expand further into general
repairs to continue to pay the bills,”
explains Chris.
That background in general
repairs has become a real advantage
for Transolution as transmissions have
become more integrated with the rest
of the vehicle.
52 GEARS December 2017
1shop profile1217-jt.indd 52
Norman Naef, Technician Apprentice
“I count my blessings for having
been involved with hotrodding when I
was young,” says Chris. “That’s where
I learned how engines worked. I had
a perfect background for it, so it’s
easier for me to deal with both sides of
driveability issues.”
Of course, as most shop owners
have discovered, providing general
service also allows them to build a
much stronger relationship with their
customers, long before they have to
deal with a transmission problem.
Which means, when that transmission
problem does show up, they no longer
have to build trust with their customer:
that’s already firmly entrenched.
Open to Remans
Currently, Transolution doesn’t use
many remans. But they are open to
them. “I don’t do a lot with remans,”
says Chris. “But I’m at a point in my
life where I can see the benefits of
having them available.
“I know there’s a lot of talk
about remans: People don’t like them:
‘They’re making all the profit and
you’re just becoming an R&R shop.’
“I’m still rebuilding most of my
transmissions in house, because I
Bay 1 thru 5, we have a total of 7 but
two are outside.
enjoy what I do. And, being an ATRA
Member, I can offer a good warranty
and stand behind my work.
“But the remans are here and
they’re going to play an even bigger
role because a lot of shops don’t have
the programming capabilities or they
don’t have the techs. And a lot of the
tooling has changed. So I think there’s
going to be a lot of movement toward
remans.
“I still love rebuilding; it’s what
gives me a reason to get out of bed
every morning. I just love that part of
my life. But the remans are coming.
A lot of shops are going to start using
them for units where they don’t have
the experience or the tools to do the
job properly. Remans will let them stay
focused on what they can do.”
Community Matters
Like most successful shop owners,
Chris makes it a point to take a role
in his community. One program he’s
been involved with is Toys for Tots.
“Customers would bring in a toy for
the program, and I’d give them a free
oil change,” he explains.
He was also part of a highway-
cleaning program with his local
11/27/17 2:46 PM
 Corvette club. “We’d get people to
come out with us to help us clean up
the highway, and for helping out we’d
give them some discounts in the shop.”
Chris has also helped support some
of the programs that the local police
have put on for the school to help
educate kids about drug use and the
like.
All ways to help in their community
while keeping their name in front of
their customer base.
Management Solutions
“Ten, fifteen years ago, one
of the biggest struggles I had was
profitability,” says Chris. “The reason
was that I didn’t understand how
to budget or the true cost of doing
business.”
That’s when Chris got involved
with the 20 Group of automotive
professionals. “It was a three-day event,
four times a year. We’d all sit down in
a classroom and we’d talk about it.
We’d look at the figures, we’d look at
each other, and we’d have webinars
together. We looked at what it cost to
do business.
“We’d discuss what you can
change versus what you can’t change.
You can’t change the rent, the lights,
the heat. But you can change what
you’re charging and the cost of parts.
We had to look at things like that in a
broader view.
“As we started looking at our
business costs, we realized that we
were losing money like crazy. And we
worked out how to change that. We’d
brainstorm together and come up with
ways to change how we were doing
business.
“It was a way for me to tap into
the knowledge from a lot of other shop
owners who were struggling just like I
was, and we worked together to learn
what it really takes to run an automotive
repair business successfully.
“That’s when I started learning
about profitability: How to make
money in this business and what my
true cost of doing business was.
“Up till this point, I’d been a wrench
turner and I built trannies. I built a
business, but I didn’t understand its true
cost. I started looking at that, examining
my numbers, and determining what it
GEARS December 2017 53
1shop profile1217-jt.indd 53
takes to make money in this business.
So many business owners struggle day
in and day out because they don’t
understand what it costs to do business.
“Once I started to learn and
understand that, and charge based
on what it costs to operate my shop,
things started to change. I became more
profitable.
“You have to understand your true
cost of doing business if you want to be
profitable. Otherwise, you’re working
seven days a week, ten hours a day…
“I’ve been caught up in this for
years, while a guy down the street
will do a job at half my price. But he
doesn’t have the overhead… he doesn’t
offer the warranty… he doesn’t need
to consider all the things I offer my
customers. I charge for it, because I
have to be profitable. Without that,
there’s no way to stay in business.
“That’s something a lot of guys
struggle with today. They just don’t
understand what it takes to run a
business, pay the bills, and keep people
employed. It’s something I wish I’d
learned 20 years ago.
“Knowing your bottom line —
knowing what you’ve got to make to
stay alive — and then working toward
that goal is the only way you can do it.”
A Marvelous Journey
It’s been a long ride for Chris
and Transolution, but something he’s
quick to acknowledge is his love for
the industry. “The automotive world
is an amazing place to be,” he says.
“It’s been good to me… it’s been a
marvelous journey, through all the ups
and downs.
“It’s still a terrific field, even
with how quickly the technology is
advancing, it’s still a great career and
there’s still tons to learn.
“I’ve had tough times, but I’ve had
a lot of fun, too.”
What advice would Chris have for
other shop owners? “It’s about making
sure the customer knows that you’re
there for them; not just for the bucks.
If you go out of your way to do the
best you can, it’ll come back to you.”
Somehow that sounds familiar… and
great advice for everyone.
11/27/17 2:46 PM

T
he term “You’re in full control” isn’t
something you hear getting thrown
around a lot when talking automatic
transmissions. But wait! What is now available
is a new smart phone enabled standalone
transmission controller from HGM Automotive
Electronics or “Compushift” as many of
you may know them. There is no doubt that
transmission controllers have come a long way,
but few would have thought that it would now
be possible to control both current and future
transmissions with this new Bluetooth plug and
play transmission controller. To list all of the
technical changes that have gone into the latest
stand-alone system to come out of HGM’s
stable would be impossible, as you could write
a novel on the subject. But what we can do
is concentrate on just a few of the stand out
features that make up the new system.
Most noticeable is the new case design
that is nothing short of elegant. When you
54 Paid Advertorial GEARS December 2017
1HGM 1217.indd 54
first lay eyes on the unit, you’ll love its one
piece billet CNC machined housing, gorgeous
round edges and mounting system that is both
water and dust resistant with a genuine I.P
rating. The system has a very strong lever style
connecting plug that fully locks into place
when inserted. Things get very interesting
when you notice this system has a beautifully
crafted and sealed plastic window, and no it's
not for looking through. What it does is allow
for wireless Bluetooth connection to HGM’s
own app, already available via the Apple App
Store or Google Play. This allows you to pair
the unit to your very own Apple or Android
device for set up, then configure and calibrate
to your heart’s content. This has never been
done before and is a world’s first, designed and
built right here in the United States. You, for
the first time, will be able to run and configure
a larger range of transmissions that has never
been available before, and because “You’re In
by Rodney Hudson-Davies
Co Director, Development
and Marketing Manager
Wholesale Automatic Transmissions
Full Control”, you will no longer be restricted
to engine management systems or outdated
transmission controllers.
If the new controller wasn’t exciting
enough, then we move onto the app that is
available for both the iPhone/iPad and Android.
It is clear to see that a lot of effort has gone into
the package that is both very easy to use and
full of useful information. The app will allow
you to pair with both the Compushift Pro and
Sport so you can pick your transmission of
choice, then set up and configure the controller
to suit your needs. Unlike all the 4 speed
transmissions that are mostly plug and play
straight out of the box with simple set up, the
app allows all available models, including the
5, 6 and 8 speed transmissions to be set up
and calibrated to suit your own shift feel. No
two people have the same vehicle, as there
are always a variation in diff ratios, tire size,
vehicle weight and engine power outputs. So
11/27/17 8:12 AM

Complete-purpose-built, no-fuss, plug-and-play wiring harness provided specifically
for your transmission of choice.
the app has been designed to take all of the
information provided during your set up and
configure the transmission straight out of the
box, leaving just the calibration to complete
at your own leisure. But the best part is that
the app allows for remote technical help with
configuration and calibration if ever required.
Yes, they have thought of everything!
Now, when you remove the controller
from its custom packaging, you will notice
that tucked away underneath is a complete
purpose built wiring harness provided
specifically for your transmission of choice.
This harness is completely plug and play with
all the plugs provided and pre fitted to a fully
covered loom, so it is a no-fuss easy install.
The harness has I.P. rated plugs for both the
transmission and the controller, so you now
have a much broader ability to choose where
you mount the controller, whether it be inside
the vehicle, or under the hood. Each and every
Compushift and wiring harness has been pre-
tested by HGM to give you peace of mind that
the quality of both the controller and harness is
perfect before the install.
HGM Automotive Electronics is a U.S
company founded in 1999, is based in Torrance
California, and is run by a pair of the most
GEARS December 2017 Paid Advertorial 55
1HGM 1217.indd 55
The Ultimate
in Automatic
Transmission
respected names in the industry. Mike Hoy a
Control
former transmission builder and shop owner
is now president of HGM and Guy Cardwell
is one very switched on electronic engineer
and vice president. Behind them are a team SHOP DISCOUNT
that specialize in everything from technical
assistant all the way through to marketing, AVAILABLE
business development and engineering. The
shop consists of transmission dyno facilities,
industrial engineering machinery and more
electronic assembly / testing equipment than I
have ever seen before. The driving force behind
the company is passion: when you love what
you do the results truly do show.
The new system is set to roll out next
month around the middle of January but the
full list of transmissions that the new system is
capable of controlling including those currently
in development is all available on HGM’s
web site. For any information about HGM’s
new Compushift Pro and Compushift Sport
transmission controllers or any of the products
TOLL FREE:
877-744 3887
available from HGM Automotive Electronics,
visit their new web page dedicated to the new
system at WWW.COMPUSHIFT-PRO.COM
11/27/17 8:12 AM
 POWER INDUSTRY NEWS
POWERTRAIN INDUSTRY NEWS
Rostra Introduces
a New LST Linear Solenoid
for Aisin Warner/Toyota
A750E/F
Rostra now has the Aisin Warner/
Toyota A750E/F aftermarket SLT linear
solenoid (Rostra P/N 52-0590). This
SLT solenoid is a direct replacement
for the OE solenoid, P/N 35290-
34010/35290-50010 in the later model
applications, between 2003-2015.
All Rostra products are 100% tested
for proper operation, and ready for
installation. Rostra offers a 12,000 mile
or 12-month warranty.
For more information, visit
RostraTransmission.com.
NEW 6R140
Stator Teflon
Ring Installer from
Adapt-A-Case
The new 6R140 Stator Teflon
Ring Installer And Resizer (Part #
T-307657SAC) from Adapt-A-Case is
made from stainless steel, this tool is
used to install the teflon rings on the
6R140 stator shaft.
It's about 3.5 inches wide, weighs
4.3 pounds and all stainless.
Visit www.adaptacase.com for more
information.
56 GEARS December 2017
1PINS 1217 v2.indd 56
GEARS does not endorse new products but makes this new information available
to readers. If you have a new product, please email the press release information
with applicable digital photo or drawing to apena@atra.com or send by mail to
GEARS, 2400 Latigo Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030.
Sonnax GM Oversized
Pressure Regulator Valve Kit
Wear of the main pressure regulator
bore in GM 6T30 & Gen. 2 6T40/45/50
transmissions allows critical fluid loss,
leading to multiple line pressure and
converter-related problems. Sonnax
oversized pressure regulator valve
kit 144510-12K restores hydraulic
integrity for proper line pressure
control in all ranges, and combats
premature wear for results you can
count on.
Learn more at www.sonnax.com.
OTC Introduces New
Adapter Accessories for
Trans Fluid Changes
OTC now offers new transmission
adapter accessories, now available in
North America. The new accessories
help technicians increase efficiency
when working on transmission fluid
changes and are compatible with most
vehicles. The new transmission adapter
accessories include:
6792 Transmission Fluid Fill/
Extract Kit with Adapters: The kit
comes equipped with a universal
adapter and 14 OE-style adapters to
cover most vehicles. A 6-liter reservoir
bottle, permanently sealed for safety,
extracts or dispenses transmission fluid
with a simple control valve and easy
press-on connection for one-handed
setup. The kit is powered by shop air
and has a PSI safety relief valve.
The new transmission adapter
accessories are now available through
OTC’s distribution partners. For more
information on OTC transmission
adapters, visit www.OTCTools.com.
Dana Builder Axle Program
Fits New Dana® 60 Axles
to Many Applications
Dana Incorporated will be offering
a Builder Axle program to allow the
inclusion of a new Dana® 60 axle, with
numerous upgrades, into a wide range
of applications. The customizable Dana
60 front and rear axles allow different
width and center drop dimensions
for Jeep TJs and XJs, rock crawlers,
bouncers, and other off-road vehicles.
Sourcing older used axles has
numerous drawbacks: They’re usually
rusty, worn, and inferior in several
areas, especially the unit-bearing hubs.
The new Dana Builder Axle program
makes it possible to purchase all new
components with a dead-spindle style
hub assembly incorporated.
“In the past, enthusiasts had to
go to junkyards to source old axles,
especially the Ford kingpin Dana 60
‘snow-fighter,’” said Randall Speir,
senior account manager, motorsports,
for Dana. “Now, Dana is making new
components available, including many
upgrades, like the option of disc brakes
and ball-joint wheel-end kits. And,
we’ll be continuing to add additional
options in the future — like a kingpin
knuckle kit — so off-roaders can build
11/27/17 8:13 AM
 the ‘ultimate snow fighter’ axle.”
The Dana Builder Axle is only
available through authorized Dana
distributors. The Builder Axle consists
of a center housing and tubes, and a
wheel end option. Internal components
are also available.
The Builder Axle comes on a pallet
and the tubes must be cut to individual
specifications. The quandary of
“driver-side drop” versus “passenger-
side drop” is no longer a limiting factor
with the Dana program: Simply cut
the tubes and position the differential
housing to “drop” where desired.
Visit DanaAftermarket.com for
more information.
GHSP Shift-by-Wire
Technology Named 2018
PACE Award Finalist
2017 Ford Fusion Rotary Gear Shift Dial
GHSP has been selected as a finalist
for a 2018 Automotive News PACE
Award for its innovative rotary shift-
by-wire with return-to-park technology.
Developed with Ford for the debut
of the 2017 Fusion, the technology
presents an intuitive option to assist
users in safely achieving park.
Designed to prevent rollaways, the
technology doesn’t rely on the driver
to put the vehicle in park, but senses
the driver’s presence, automatically
returning the vehicle to park and
applying the parking brake if the seat
belt is unfastened, the engine is shut
off, or the door opened.
“GHSP is honored to be named
a PACE Award finalist, recognizing
our brand-promise of delivering
worry-free, innovative mechatronic
system solutions to the industry,” said
President and CEO Jeff Smith. “With
our strong partnership with Ford, we’ve
provided a market-leading product
that delivers an intuitive and safe shift
system performance in an attractive
and convenient design.”  The first rollout was available in
Automotive manufacturers have
GEARS December 2017 57
1PINS 1217 v2.indd 57
increasingly developed transmissions
that shift by electronic signal or
wire, but there has been no industry
standard, leading to consumer
confusion and safety concerns. The
return-to-park function has become the
new benchmark for Consumer Reports,
which now rates vehicles on whether
its shifter has this feature.
The Automotive News PACE
Awards recognize auto supplier
innovation and technological
a d v a n c e m e n t .   Wi n n e r s will
be announced at the 24th
annual Automotive News PACE Award
ceremony on April 9, 2018 in Detroit.
To learn more about the technology,
visit www.ghsp.com.
New Motorcraft Loaded
Struts Offer Fast Install
and Competitive Prices
Motorcraft is launching a second
wave of loaded struts, providing
additional coverage for Ford and
Lincoln vehicles. The new line of struts
will allow even more opportunities
for shops and technicians that service
these vehicles. A big benefit of these
OE loaded struts is that they are offered
at the same or lower price than major
competitors.
The new wave of loaded struts,
made with 98% OE components,
have the spring already in place. This
simplifies installation, while providing
OE-level quality, fit, and performance.
“This summer, we were excited to
offer the first wave of loaded struts,”
said Jana Czopek, Ford North America
underbody product manager. “The
second rollout more than doubles the
number of applications. We’ve heard
from shops and technicians who have
said how much they appreciate the
competitively priced loaded struts.
More applications mean they’re getting
more of what they’ve been asking for.”
August. The second is available now.
These are the only OE-spec loaded
struts available for Ford and Lincoln
vehicles. As with all Motorcraft parts,
these new loaded struts are covered by
the two-year Service Parts Warranty
(SPW), which provides unlimited
mileage coverage for Ford and
Motorcraft parts, including labor and
with no commercial exceptions.
For more, visit www.fordparts.com/
motorcraftloadedstruts.aspx.
Alto Introduces G3
Hi-Performance Kit
with Powerpacks®
Alto Products Corp now offers a
high-performance G3 friction/steel kit
with Powerpacks for the Ford 6R80
and ZF6HP26 transmissions.
Alto part number 183750PWR
is manufactured with its new G3
performance friction material and
features Powerpacks® for the A, B, C,
and E clutch packs. This new kit is
in stock and available for immediate
delivery.
For more information, visit Alto on
line at www.altousa.com.
Icahn Enterprises L.P.
Acquires AAMCO and
Cottman Service Centers
Icahn Enterprises L.P. announced
recently that it has acquired American
Driveline Systems (ADS) from
Transom Capital Group through a
wholly-owned subsidiary. ADS is the
franchisor of AAMCO and Cottman
Transmission & Total Auto Care
service centers, with approximately
680 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
The businesses of IEP and Icahn
Automotive Group today consist of Pep
Boys, Auto Plus, Just Brakes, Precision
Tune Auto Care, and now American
Driveline Systems, the franchisor of
AAMCO and Cottman Transmission &
Total Auto Care service centers.
11/27/17 8:13 AM
 POWER INDUSTRY NEWS
Michael Bennett joins G-Cor
Automotive’s Rebuilders
Sales Team
Stanley Greenblott, President
of G-Cor Automotive, is proud to
announce Michel Bennett’s promotion
to the Rebuilders Sales Team.
“Michael started with G-Cor 7
years ago at an entry level and quickly
moved to a Shop Sales position. As
soon as an opening became available
on the Rebuilders Supply side we
knew Michael would be a perfect fit”,
Greenblott said. “This is a special
young man with a great attitude. Our
customers will be really pleased to
have him serve them”.
G-Cor Automotive is a Full
Line Core Supplier specializing in
supplying Transmission Hard Parts to
Rebuilders, Wholesale, Export, Shops
and Ecommerce.
Paul Conibear Joins E-ZOIL
as Company’s Newest
Regional Sales Manager
the trucking industry provides him
with instant credibility and a deep
knowledge of customer needs.”
Conibear has owned and operated
his own trucking firm, Conibear
Trucking LLC, since 2004. He also
has experience as an outside sales
representative for Boyles Motors, an
International parts and service truck
dealer.
For more information on E-ZOIL,
phone (716) 213-0106 or visit www.
ezoil.com.
New Software
Lets Your Car Tell You
What It Needs
MIT team develops software that
can tell if tires need air, spark plugs are
bad, or air filter needs replacing.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass -- Imagine
hopping into a ride-share car, glancing
at your smartphone, and telling the
driver that the car’s left front tire needs
air, its air filter should be replaced next
week, and its engine needs two new
spark plugs.
Within the next year or two,
people may be able to get that kind of
diagnostic information in just a few
minutes, in their own cars or any car
they happen to be in. They wouldn’t
need to know anything about the car’s
history or to connect to it in any way;
the information would be derived
from analyzing the car’s sounds and
With today’s smartphones, Siegel
explains, “the sensitivity is so high,
you can do a good job [of detecting
the relevant signals] without needing
any special connection.” For some
diagnostics, though, mounting the
phone to a dashboard holder would
improve the level of accuracy.
Already, the accuracy of the results
from the diagnostic systems they have
developed, he says, are “all well in
excess of 90 percent.” And tests for
misfire detection have produced no
false positives where a problem was
incorrectly identified.
A prototype smartphone app that
incorporates all these diagnostic tools
is being developed and should be ready
for field testing in about six months,
Siegel says, and a commercial version
should be available within about a
year after that. The system will be
commercialized by a startup company
Siegel founded called Data Driven.
Happy Holidays
from ATRA's
Mid-West Chapter
and

a Heartfelt Thank You

E-ZOIL,
manufacturer of
performance-
enhancing
fuel additives
and cleaning
solutions, has
announced the
hiring of Paul
Conibear as
the company’s
newest regional sales manager.
Conibear will report to Bill Morgan,
national sales manager for E-ZOIL
and will cover the six states of New
England along with Ohio, Kentucky,
Michigan, Indiana and Illinois.
“Paul has a reputation as a
professional, honest and hard-working
individual with valuable experience in
our industry,” explained Christopher
Miller, vice president of E-ZOIL.
“His on-the-ground experience in
58 GEARS December 2017
vibrations, as measured by the phone’s
microphone and accelerometers.
The MIT research behind this idea
has been reported in a series of papers, to the Suppliers
most recently in the November issue of
the journal Engineering Applications of
Artificial Intelligence. The new paper’s
that Help Make
co-authors include research scientist
Joshua Siegel PhD ’16; Sanjay Sarma, Our Events
the Fred Fort Flowers and Daniel
Fort Flowers Professor of Mechanical
Engineering and vice president of open
Such a Success!
learning at MIT; and two others.
A smartphone app combining the
various diagnostic systems the team
developed could save the average
driver $125 a year and improve
their overall gas mileage by a few
percentage points, Siegel says. For
trucks, the savings could run to $600
a year, not counting the benefits of
avoiding breakdowns that could result
in lost income.

1PINS 1217 v2.indd 58 11/27/17 8:13 AM

 SHOPPER CLASSIFIED ADS
ERIKSSON INDUSTRIES
Division of Wentworth Engineering

1-800-388-4418
Need Hard
Authorized Parts Distributor Parts?
•Reman Trans 6HP - 5HP - 4HP
•BMW - Audi - Jaguar - Range Rover
•Valve Bodies & Torque Converters

•MECHATRONICS - Programmed •
• Hard Parts: NEW / USED / REMANUFACTURED
Just Ask!
Soft Parts / Friction Kits / Steel Kits / Repair Manuals
• Lifetime Fluids / Rebuild Kits / Valvebody Kits

1-800-388-4418
Fax: (860) 395-0047
www.zftranspart.com 1.877.888.5160
146B Elm St., Old Saybrook, CT 06475

COMPUTERS gcor-just-ask-2014-2.25x3-shopper.indd 1 12/1/13 7:18 PM

ECM TCM PCM BCM
Foreign & Domestic

Computer Module Specialist Engine Control Module (ECM)

Off Vehicle Flash Programming Transmission Control Module (TCM)

A/C PARTS
A/C COMPRESSORS A/C Parts Specialist

Accept Major Credit Cards One Year Warranty

AUTOCOMP
Technologies, Inc.
8515 North Freeway, Houston, TX 77037

888-217-4072

CASH for • Transfer Case Assemblies

with Encoder Motors
Solenoid CORES • Reman Transmissions
• New & Reman Engines
Aisin AW 5- & 6-Speed
• 3 yr./100,000 Mile Parts &
Chrysler 45RFE/545RFE/68RFE
Labor Warranty
(early & late) & 62TE
• Nationwide Delivery
*Ford 5R55N/W/S & E4OD/4R100
• Truckload Pricing
Honda 5-Speed Dual Linear
Only at
Visit www.sonnax.com
to start a core return online, or call
(800) 843-2600, Ext. 379 GREEN BAY, WI

*OE & Remanufactured

800-242-2844

GEARS December 2017 59

1shoppers 1217.indd 59 11/28/17 10:39 AM

 SHOPPER CLASSIFIED ADS
GEARS Shopper advertising costs $325.00 for a one time insertion ad, (2 1/4 X 3) 2.25 X 3. Larger ads can be placed
elsewhere in the magazine and are charged at comparable rates. Check or money order must accompany all orders.
For information on Shopper advertising in GEARS, contact GEARS, 2400 Latigo Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030, or call
(805) 604-2000.

BMW Mercedes-Benz Audi

Remanufactured to
Perfection
Hundreds of Transmissions in-stock.
Immediate installation available.
2 year unlimited warranty.
Dyno-tested.
Remanufactured torque converter included.

Toll free 800 - 372 - TRANS

1331 Rollins Road • Burlingame, CA 94010
tel 650 - 348 - 3990 fax 650 - 348 - 3019

FREE* WEBINARS!
The Future of
Training at
Your Fingertips

ATRA Webinars are presented every two

weeks from January to October.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Login at http://members.atra.com and
click on the webinar schedule under
the events menu. Once registered, you
will receive an email confirming your
registration along with the information
you need to join the webinar.

This and other technical webinars *Free for everyone on the

are made possible by; day of the webinar. ATRA
Members have access to all
pre-recorded webinars. See
page 33 for details.

60 GEARS December 2017

1shoppers 1217.indd 60 11/28/17 10:39 AM

 Best!
Expect the
WE HAVE WHAT YOU NEED
FOREIGN & DOMESTIC
Standard Transmissions
Transfer Cases
Quality New & Used Parts
Remanufactured Rebuilt Units
Torque Converters *ONE CALL DOES IT ALL*
Distributorships Available
CALL
BRIAN OR ALBERT
Visit our website:
www.cvcconverters.com 866-571-GEAR
4 3 2 7
800.727.4461

NEED QUALITY
CONVERTERS?

Build them yourself with ATI’s

CW3 Converter Welding and
n Pushes 18,000 lbs up a 5% grade Overhaul System!
n Safe for use on plastic bumpers
n Variable Speed – Soft Touch Control
n Built-in 115V charging system
Call for a free catalog
powerpusher.com | 800-800-9274 877-298-5003
www.cw3welder.com
©2017 Nu-Star, Inc.
6747 Whitestone Road • Baltimore, MD 21207

CORES
We’ve
www.trans-tool.com
1-800-531-5978
Equipment Manufacturing Corp.

Got
Yours! Why buy foreign,
When you can buy
$4,995.00
In Stock
American Quality
With over 150,000 transmission, engine and Tools and parts
internal part cores on the shelf, we have the cores washers
you need _ ready to ship today! At an
Unbeatable Price!

Visit our website for more information,

YOUR SOURCE FOR CORES • RECYCLING • AUTO WRECKING
or the links below for our Parts Washers:
Las Vegas, NV Chicago, Il
800.426.8771 800.826.7403 www.partscrubber.info • www.partscrubberx.info
702.649.7776 773.624.6111

888-833-9000
702.649.6777 FAX 773.624.6660 FAX www.midipro.info
Find vintage cores on “Memory Lane” www.transmissionpartswashers.info

aamidwestcores.com www.equipmentmanufacturing.com

GEARS December 2017 61

1shoppers 1217.indd 61 11/28/17 10:39 AM

 SHOPPER CLASSIFIED
GEARS classified advertising cost $95.00 for up to 50 words for a one time insertion. ATRA members are eligible to receive up to three (3) FREE classified
advertisements in GEARS annually (per 10 issues). Members wishing to place ads once their three FREE ads have been placed may do so at the cost listed
above. Ads exceeding the maximum word count will cost $1.50 for each additional word (not including phone number and address).
EXPLORE
our full line of high-precision
TORQUE CONVERTER
rebuilding equipment.
www.SuperFlow.com/gears | 1.888.442.5546
BUSINESS FOR SALE: Own a piece
of paradise. After 20 years in business I
want to retire. Paradise transmission has
been an ATRA member and an NAPA
autocare shop for 20 years with a great
reputation. Large 27,000 truck lift 3 twin
post lifts and 2 portable lifts, plus lots of
shop equipment. The Florida Keys is the
fishing and diving capital of the world.
Call Bob (305) 495-0461. ATRA Mbr
BUSINESS FOR SALE: Deland, Florida
– Reputable and established transmission
shop, approximately 3800 sq. ft., air
condition office and building room. 3
Lifts, 2 Tranny Jacks, 3 Tranny Benches,
Snap-on diagnostic equipment, to much
to list. Owner looking to retire early,
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Contact Cornell at (386) 873-4848.
ATRA Mbr
HELP WANTED: Richfield Transmission
in south metro is seeking a highly
skilled Technician specializing in
transmission R&R/ diagnostics that also
has interest rebuilding. We do general
repair so competency in that area also
beneficial. We have a fun fast paced
work environment, Monday thru Friday
hours. 3 years Experience Good pay and
benefits Guarantee plus Commission.
62 GEARS December 2017
1classfd-1217.indd 62
December 2017
ATRA MEMBERS
RECEIVE 3 FREE!
805.604.2025
www.gearsmagazine.com
GEARS classified advertising cost $95.00
for up to 50 words for a one time inser-
tion. ATRA members are eligible to receive
up to three (3) FREE classified advertise-
ments in GEARS annually (per 10 issues).
Members wishing to place ads once their
three FREE ads have been placed may do so
at the cost listed above. Ads exceeding the
maximum word count will cost $1.50 for each
additional word (not including phone number
and address).
Give chuck a call to set up an interview .
612-866-0009. ATRA Mbr
HELP WANTED: Looking for an
experienced transmission builder, in
sunny Jacksonville, Florida, Monday
– Friday, 7:00am – 3:30pm. Contact
Pat at: (904) 509-6003 or payers@
americantransmission.com. ATRA Mbr
HELP WANTED: Expanding company in
Winston Salem, North Carolina, looking
for Center Managers, Rebuilders, R&R
Technicians and General Techs. Must be
qualified and experienced. Great positive
work environment with competitive
pay. Monday thur Friday hours only,
NO WEEKENDS! Call Susie (336) 777-
3777 or send resume to: mrtransmatic@
gmail.com.
HELP WANTED: Top rated AAMCO
Transmission shop in sunny West Coast
of Florida, same owner since 1973.
Seeking full time experienced R&R
Tech, Certified Rebuilder and Swingman.
Candidates must have minimum 5 years
experience with foreign and domestic
transmissions. We have an excellent
reputation in the industry and we get to
live and work in beautiful Clearwater,
Florida to enjoy water sports, fishing,
or just a leisure stroll on one of our white
sandy beaches. Email you resume to:
rbmarathon@aol.com or Fax to: (727)
797-3505.
HELP WANTED: Well established
transmission shop in Hunting Beach is
looking for an experienced automotive
technician. Must be a team player and
have their own tools. Tis will be a full time
position Monday-Friday, 8am – 5pm. To
schedule an interview please give us a
call: (714) 901-3777.
HELP WANTED: Globe Transmissions
in Southbridge, MA is seeking full time,
experienced R&R Tech, Rebuilder
and swingman. Candidates must have
minimum 5 years experience with foreign
and domestic transmissions. Valid license,
transportation and tools a must. Send
resumes to Bob at: globetransmissions@
gmail.com. Call us at (508) 764-9400.
ATRA Mbr
HELP WANTED: Ready to work in
paradise? Kailua Kona shop on the
Big Island of Hawaii is looking for an
experienced professional transmission
rebuilder. See our business and more info
on our website: www.transtechhawaii.
com, or call Vic at (808) 331-8310.
ATRA Mbr
HELP WANTED: Experienced rebuilder,
for shop in central Florida, open Monday-
Friday. Excellent salary, 401k, benefits.
Call Jose for details: (863) 967-0694.
ATRA Mbr
HELP WANTED: Ralph’s Transmission
is a growing shop in Modesto seeking
qualified and experienced transmission
specialists. We have an excellent
facility with completely upgraded
equipment. Ralph’s offers a positive work
environment, competitive pay, benefits
and other great employee incentives.
We are currently accepting applicants for
the following positions: R&R Specialist,
Diagnosticians, Service Advisors (Sales).
11/28/17 10:49 AM
 Don't Miss the ATRA SEMINAR Near You!

ATRA TECHNICAL SEMINARS

ATRA Technical Seminar Schedule realeasing soon! 800.428.8489
http://members.atra.com
ATRA'S POWERTRAIN EXPO 2018 • OCT. 31ST - NOV. 3RD MEMBERS.ATRA.COM

Visit: www. RalphsTransmission.com to
learn more about Ralph’s Transmission
and employment opportunities. Contact
Mario Jauregui at (209) 526-1909 or
Mario@RalphsTransmission.com.
HELP WANTED: NATIONAL
EMPLOYMENT HEADQUARTERS FOR
THE TRANSMISSION INDUSTRY.
Fast, Easy and Free service to industry
employees! Low cost and an easy way
to recruit nationwide for shop owners!
Serving the transmission industry since
1997. Visit our website at: www.transteam.
com or call us toll free at: (888) 859-0994.
HELP WANTED: Join the Raybestos®
Powertrain team! Field sales positions
are now open in multiple locations in
the U.S. We’re looking for experienced
and motivated transmission professionals
to promote Raybestos Powertrain
products to distributor branches and
transmission shops. Experience selling
transmission products, training, or
rebuilding transmissions preferred. If
you know the inside of a transmission
and a transmission shop, we want to
talk to you. Send resume to careers@
raybestospowertrain.com.

Subscribe Today! X
Grab Your GEARS Now! I want my very own subscription
to the next 10 issues of GEARS.

Name _____________________________________ Phone _______________________________

Address______________________________ City ________________ State ______ Zip __________
Signature________________________________________________

U.S. $30 ~ Canada $45 ~ Other Areas $65 — Please enclose check or money order in U.S. funds and send to:
GEARS • 2400 LATIGO AVENUE • OXNARD, CALIFORNIA 93030, or call: (805)604-2000

GEARS December 2017 63

1classfd-1217.indd 63 11/28/17 10:57 AM

 ADVERTISERS

NamePage NamePage

Adapt A Case.............................................................. 40 Precision European Inc............................................... 63

adapt-a-case.com www.PEIus.com
ATRA........................................................................... 39 Precision International................................................. 13
members.atra.com www.transmissionkits.com
ATRA Powertrain Expo................................................ 43 Raybestos Powertrain................................................. 27
members.atra.com www.raybestospowertrain.com
ETE Reman................................................................... 7 Rostra Transmission.................................................... 37
www.etereman.com www.rostratransmission.com
EVT Parts.................................................................... 15 Seal Aftermarket Products...................................... OBC
www.evtparts.com www.sealaftermarketproducts.com
Ford Customer Service Division.................................... 9 Sonnax Industries.......................................... IFC, 32, 33
www.fordparts.com www.sonnax.com
GearSpeed.................................................................. 36 StillClean..................................................................... 41
www.gearspeedpartsstore.com www.stillclean.com
GFX, Inc...................................................................... 29 Superior Transmission Parts....................................... 17
www.gfxcorp.com www.superiortransmission.com
H G M Electronics....................................................... 55 Transtar Industries, Inc................................................ 35
www.compushift.com www.transtar1.com
Jasper Engines & Transmissions.............................. IBC Whatever It Takes Transmission
www.jasperengines.com Parts, Inc..................................................................... 23
LUBEGARD®, A Stellar Automotive Group www.wittrans.com
Company............................................................ Insert, 3
www.lubegard.com

ATRA Supplier Members

Reserve your free table top display for the
2017

ATRA 2018 technical seminar series today!

Call (805) 604-2018

See ATRA Seminar

Schedule information at:
members.atra.com
64 GEARS December 2017

listo1217-jt.indd 64 11/21/17 2:01 PM

Ads_1217.indd 502 11/27/17 8:15 AM
 OE OR PRODUCTS WITH
BETTER
INTEGRITY

More critical components, more OE
components, more premium seals and
gaskets, plus design enhancements,
patented components and all the little
extras you won’t find elsewhere.
More critical components,
more OE components, more
premium seals and gaskets, plus
design enhancements, patented
components and all the little
extras you won’t find elsewhere.
High Performance Kits
engineered utilizing best-
in-class materials for racing,
diesel, heavy duty and RV
applications.

Hi-Per Blue® pistons are reengineered
original equipment design with
upgraded AEM material for superior
thermal and chemical resistance, better
fit and higher performance.
Accept NO Substitute! The Beast®
is reengineered to correct the
weakness in the spline area of the
original equipment design General
Motors 4L60E/TH700-R4 reaction
sun gear shell. US Patent No. 6,561,944
Largest selection of individual
bushing and kits including
hard-to-find and most recent
applications available separately
or in kits. Engineered utilizing
best-in-class materials and
machining processes.

Technical Questions or Comments? Contact us: (800) 582-2760 (954) 364-2400

sealsap.com technicalsupport@sealsap.com ©2016 Seal Aftermarket Products. All rights reserved.

Ads_1217.indd 504 11/27/17 8:15 AM