ATRA's Powertrain Expo,: San Antonio Convention Center

TM
FOR THE TRANSMISSION REBUILDING INDUSTRY
Come Enjoy San Antonio this September!
ATRA's Powertrain Expo,

San Antonio Convention Center
September 9-12, San Antonio, TX
Flashed or Not Flashed,

That’s the Question
Meet the 68RFE
Acura’s SH-AWD System: AWD
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MAY/JUNE 2010
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GEARS FOR THE TRANSMISSION REBUILDING INDUSTRY
MAY/JUNE 2010
PHONE (805) 604-2000 FAX (805) 604-2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chief Executive Officer Dennis Madden

Managing Editor Rodger Bland
Technical Director Lance Wiggins
Introducing the 6-Speed 6F35 Acura’s SH-AWD System: AWD The NV233 Communication Problems
Advertising Frank Pasley Transmission Performance Leader Page 34
Senior Designer Jeanette Troub Page 40 Page 52
Circulation Richard Hurley
Contributing Editors: Steve Bodofsky

Paul Mathewson
Wayne Russell
Bob Cooper
Thom Tschetter
Dave Skora SPECIAL INTEREST & TECHNICAL

ATRA Technical Staff: Bill Brayton
4 Meet the 68RFE — by The ATRA Technical Department
Mike Brown Steve Garrett
Pete Huscher Randall Schroeder 8 Flashed or Not Flashed, That’s the Question — by Mike Souza
Mike Souza
13 ATRA's Powertrain EXPO 2010

Director of Membership & IT Svc Kelly Hilmer 34 The NV233 Communication Problems: Seriously, Just Talk to Me
Seminars & Convention Manager Vanessa Velasquez
Bookstore Manager Shaun Velasquez — by The ATRA Technical Department
40 Introducing the 6-Speed 6F35 Transmission — by Dave Skora
46 Bridging the Great Divide — by Paul Mathewson
The views expressed in this publication should not necessarily be interpreted
as the official policy of the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA). 50 Don't Wait Till it's too Late! — by Paul Mathewson
Publication of product information or any advertising does not imply recommenda-
52 Keep Those Trannies Rolling: Acura’s SH-AWD System:
tion by ATRA.
GEARS™, a publication of ATRA, 2400 Latigo Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030, is AWD Performance Leader — by Pete Huscher
published for the betterment of the transmission industry and is distributed nine 60 Diagnosing Chrysler PCI Communications — by Wayne Russell
times per year. No part of this issue may be reproduced without prior written
permission of the publisher. Gears is distributed to members of the transmis- 66 MAKING IT WORK: Zack Evans: Zack’s Transmission and 4X4 LLC,
sion industry in the United States, Canada, ATRA Members in Mexico & Europe,
and related automotive industry firms and individually. Send changes of address
Longmont, Colorado — by Rodger Bland
to Gears in care of ATRA. Subscriptions are available by contacting Gears in 68 WHAT'S WORKING: It’s in Your Hands — by Dennis Madden
care of ATRA.
Advertisers and advertising agencies assume full liability for all content of adver-
71 Employees Coming in Late — by Bob Cooper
tisements printed and also assume full responsibility for any claims arising there- 72 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS: ATRA Unveils New Consumer Website!
from against the publisher. The publisher reserves the unqualified right to reject any
advertising copy as it deems appropriate, with or without cause.
Gears is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard
to the subject matter covered. It is distributed with the understanding the publisher
is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional service. If legal

DEPARTMENTS
advice or other expert assistance, is required, the services of a competent profes-
sional person should be sought— from a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted
by a Committee of the American Bar Association and Committee of Publishers.
Gears also welcomes articles submitted by members of the industry. Gears 2 FROM THE CEO: …Start with Your Associations
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 — by Dennis Madden
would like to submit an article to Gears, include background information about 74 ATRA News
the author and a telephone number where he/she may be reached. If you want
submissions returned, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. 77 Powertrain Industry News
82 Shoppers and Classified
Editorial and Business Offices
2400 Latigo Avenue,
88 ATRA Seminars
Oxnard CA 93030 88 List of Advertisers
Phone (805) 604-2000
Fax (805) 604-2006
www.gearsmagazine.com
members.atra.com
Publications Mail Agreement No. 40031403
Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Be sure to check out the
Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor, ON N9A 6J5 ATRA Powertrain Expo event, Page 13..
Email: [email protected]
Presented in San Antonio for 2010!
Issue #148 Printed in U.S.A. Copyright ATRA 2010
FROM THE CEO
Start
with by Dennis Madden
Your
members.atra.com
www.atra.com
Associations
T here is no question that the past
few years have been tenuous, to
say the least. In spite of all the
challenges each of us our facing these
days, many are defying the will of the
time that I’m not the only one – I see
people I know hoping to pick up a new
idea or make a new contact, even at
events outside our industry. And these
are the types of business owners that
Associating with thriving and cre-
ative shop owners is one of the most
sure-fire ways to pull yourself out of
a slump, and that is the goal of the
Expo.
economy and prospering throughout are seeing success. To ensure this Expo brings shop
the country – yes, even shop owners. Yes, the first factor that so quickly owners the inspiration they need to
Wherever we look, there are shops differentiates successful shop owners turn business around, we have added
in real trouble and owners wondering from struggling shop owners is their a special element this year: a panel of
what will happen to their business. attitude – whether they still enjoy the past Expo attendees who applied what
However, in that very same town you business and are excited about their they learned from past What’s Working
can find shop owners making it work work. They associate with others who programs and achieved breakthroughs
and seeing success. What is causing the also approach their business with a with their businesses.
difference? positive attitude, and the fastest way These are the people you have
Last year, ATRA studied shop to find people like that are at business been reading about in GEARS: Mario
demographics to see if regional issues events. Jauregui; the Vess brothers, Gary and
or years in business were defining And nowhere will you find a great- Gerald; and Zach Evans. They have
conditions for success. We discovered er concentration of the most success- been where a lot of shop owners are
that neither factor had any measurable ful people in the transmission repair right now – their businesses were doing
effect on business. industry than at ATRA’s Powertrain okay but not performing to potential.
Yet all too often shop owners point Industry Expo. The shop owners and We will examine their methods and
to these kinds of outside influences to operators who come to the Expo every combine them with other ideas to help
explain their business slowdown. The year are experiencing the same difficult you build a plan that will work for you
city has had a lot of layoffs, or nobody economy you are, but they refuse to let and your shop.
in this town as any money, or the low- it get the better of them. Attending the The key to finding business suc-
baller down the street is getting all the Expo is the first step to turning your cess is not looking for outside forces
work. If you look for it, you can find a business around – who better to talk to blame. Positive thinking and aggres-
lot of outside causes to poor business. to than shop owners in the exact same sive action are the first steps to getting
Of course, these problems do exist situation you are? your shop back on track, and the ATRA
and do affect business, but they are not This is your opportunity to rub Powertrain Industry Expo is the place
the whole story. We have found shops elbows with the best of the best, to meet with industry professionals and
that are staying busy and even expand- and find out how these shop owners set yourself on a path to prosperity.
ing under the exact same conditions. remain optimistic and profitable. One Discover how Mario, Gary, Gerald
This begs the question: How do they of the biggest obstacles to success is and Zach applied what they learned
do it? a poor attitude, and if you surround from What’s Working and turned their
I make an effort to attend as many yourself by negative thinkers, they businesses around. They made it work;
business events as I can, whether or not will only reinforce your bleak business now it’s your turn. Reserve your spot at
they are directly related to transmission outlook. the expo today!
repair. And I discover each and every
2 GEARS April 2010

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Meet the 68RFE
by The ATRA Technical Department
members.atra.com
www.atra.com
I n 2007, Dodge introduced the

68RFE to their truck lines. The
68RFE is a heavy duty transmis-
sion used for such applications. Some
of its features include:
• Real-time, adaptive, closed loop
shift and pressure control.
• Electronic shift and torque con-
verter clutch controls to help pro-
tect the transmission from damage
due to high temperatures, which
can occur under severe operating
conditions.
By altering shift schedules, line
pressure, and converter clutch control,
these controls reduce heat generation
and increase transmission cooling. Figure 1
The 68RFE is somewhat unusual
in its components: To help reduce pres-
sure losses, the transmission includes
a dual-stage transmission fluid pump
with electronic output pressure control.
Under most driving conditions, pump
output greatly exceeds what’s needed
to keep the clutches applied.
The 68RFE pressure control sys-
tem monitors input torque and adjusts
the pressure accordingly. The primary
stage of the pump works continuously;
the second stage is bypassed when
demand is low. The control system also
monitors input and output speeds: If the
computer sees the clutches slipping, it
adjusts the duty cycle to the pressure
control solenoid, increasing pressure in
proportion to demand.
A high-travel torque converter Figure 2
damper assembly allows the torque
converter clutch to engage sooner, to
reduce slip. Needle-type thrust bearings
reduce internal friction. The 68RFE is
packaged in a one-piece die-cast alu-
minum case. To reduce noise and vibra-
tion, the case is very stiff in all direc-
tions. Dual filters protect the pump and
other components.
The main sump filter has a cooler
return filter added to it. Independent Figure 3
4 GEARS May/June 2010

Meet the 68RFE
Figure 4
lubrication and cooler circuits assure using a scan tool to verify actual trans- 2. Add this initial quantity of Mopar®
ample pressure for normal transmission mission temperature (figure 2). ATF +4 to the transmission:
operation even if the cooler is obstruct- To avoid overfilling the transmis- a. If you only changed the fluid
ed or the fluid flow is restricted due to sion, always follow this procedure for and filter, add 5 quarts of ATF
extremely low temperatures. checking the fluid level: +4 to transmission.
The hydraulic control system design 1. Remove dipstick and insert a clean b. If you rebuilt the transmis-
(without electronic assist) provides the funnel in transmission fill tube. sion and replaced or drained
transmission with park, reverse, neu-
tral, and fourth gears, based solely on
driver shift lever selection. This design
allows the vehicle to be driven in
limp-in mode in case of an electronic
control system failure, or a situation the
Transmission Control Module (TCM)
considers potentially damaging to the
transmission.
The 68RFE has a design change
that allows for fulltime 6-speed and
increased torque ratios (figure 1). The
4C on the 45/545RFE held the annulus
as the planet was driven by the sun
gear. On the 68RFE the 4C holds the
sun gear, causing the planetary to drive
the annulus.
* When output speed is greater
than 150 rpm the L/R clutch is released
and the ORC is the holding element
before the 1-2 shift.
** Failsafe is 3rd gear on the
45/545RFE and 4th gear on the 68RFE.
Vehicles that have Electronic Range
Select (ERS) won’t have a manual low
2nd gear while in failsafe.
Fluid Level
The fluid level for this unit depends
on fluid temperature. Proper fill requires Figure 5
GEARS May/June 2010 5

Meet the 68RFE
the torque converter, add 12 dition with the oil pan removed). If the scan tool reading doesn’t match
quarts of ATF +4 to transmis- • Check the shift cable adjustment. the desired line pressure, look for a
sion. • Raise the vehicle, and install the pressure control problem (Figure 7) (oil
The only recommended fluid for pressure gauge and adapter. level, filter, pump regulator valve, PCS
the 68RFE is MOPAR +4 oil. Using • Install a tachometer to monitor solenoid, etc.).
any other blend may cause shift prob- engine RPM. Actual line pressure while in gear
lems that can only be fixed by using the • Check line pressure with the engine will vary, based on minimum learned
proper oil (figure 3). at 1500 RPM, while shifting the line pressure. Minimum line pressure
transmission into park, reverse and starts at 40 PSI and “learns up” to the
Pressure Tests drive. minimum pressure to hold the clutches
To pressure test this transmission, Compare the scan tool line pres- in an applied state.
you must have an accurate tachometer sure reading with the desired line pres- That’s all for now; look for more
and pressure gauge. Test gauges must sure and gauge reading. All three read- as the 68RFE becomes a more common
have a 300 PSI maximum range wher- ings should agree. sight in the transmission bays.
ever pressures exceed 100 PSI. If the gauge reading doesn’t match
The torque converter clutch apply the scan tool reading, you’re dealing
and release ports are located on the with a line pressure sensor problem.
right side of the transmission case.
There are two methods of test-
ing line pressure. The first method
requires using a scan tool and adapter
that allows you to monitor perceived
pressure (scan data) vs actual pressure
(pressure gauge).
The second method (not available
on all applications because of mount-
ing issues) requires a special adapter
oil pan that allows you to tap into each
clutch pressure port located on the
valve body (figure 4).
The scan tool can be used to read
line pressure from the line pressure
sensor. The second method is to install
Line Pressure Adapter 8259 into the
transmission case and then install the
pressure gauge and the original sensor
into the adapter.
This will allow you to compare the
Figure 6
scan tool and gauge readings to deter-
mine the accuracy of the line
pressure sensor. The scan tool
line pressure reading should be
within 10 PSI of the gauge read-
ing.
Another method of testing
hydraulic line pressure involves
removing the valve body pres-
sure test ports and installing the
parts of the valve body pres-
sure tap adapter and one or
more 300 PSI pressure gauges
(Miller Special Tool #8258-A
and #C-3293SP) (figure 5 and
6).
With methods 1 or 2, here’s
how to test the pressure:
• Check the transmission
fluid level and condition
(you can only test the con- Figure 7

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Flashed or Not Flashed,
That’s the Question
by Mike Souza
members.atra.com
www.atra.com
Figure 1
A GM 4 wheel drive vehicle rolls

into your shop with oversized
tires, a turbo diesel engine and a
lift kit (figure 1). You begin to wonder
has this vehicle’s computer software
of aftermarket software upgrades that
will allow the engine to produce more
horsepower. This same software may
not change the ability for the transmis-
sion to handle this added horsepower.
cases the transmission by design can-
not handle any more horsepower than
what has already been provided. This
would mean that this vehicle would
need a more heavy duty transmission
also been modified. So is it “flashed or The transmission in itself is only application. Most aftermarket software
not flashed, that’s the question”, and designed to handle the amount of out- upgrades are designed for “off road
sometimes the customer may not be so put that the engine software was pro- use” whether it is four wheeling in the
willing to admit to it, especially if the grammed to produce from the man- mud or racing down the pavement on
vehicle has a repeat failure. Or maybe ufacturer. The General Motors soft- the street or track.
it just has street tires and no turbo at all ware in some cases is programmed to So what can we do in the shop to
(figure 2). The problem for the techni- detune the engine’s output so it will determine if this GM vehicle’s software
cian in today’s market is the availability not damage the transmission. In some has been modified? When dealing with
The problem for

the technician in
today’s market is
the availability of
aftermarket soft-
ware upgrades
that will allow
the engine to
produce more
horsepower.
Figure 2

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Flashed or Not Flashed, That’s the Question
Figure 3
Figure 4
late model GM vehicles simply go to the GM

website TIS2WEB. To access the website go to
http://tis2web.service.gm.com or search GM ser-
vice and choose GM service and parts operations,
then TIS then vehicle calibration information.
Once you're there you will need to obtain the
Calibration Verification Number (CVN).
To do this, enter the Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) in the box shown in figure 3 and
press GET CAL ID. Or if you already have a cali-
bration number and would like to get a CVN to
check the calibration number place the calibration
number in the CVN box on the website and press
“GET CVN”. The CVN will be displayed for the
calibration number entered if it is a GM calibra-
tion. If the display states “Error” or “Invalid Part
number” an aftermarket calibration is indicated.
On the next screen highlight the controller
you wish to check for calibration (figure 4). It
is important that you click the next button and Figure 5

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Flashed or Not Flashed, That’s the Question
The CVN’s listed on

the website should
match CVN’s on
your scan tool.
If all the CVN’s
match a GM cal
was installed. If any
CVN fails to match,
an aftermarket
calibration was most
likely installed.
not the forward and/or back buttons on
your internet explorer, this will cause
an error message.
At the next screen you will be able
to select the type of calibration infor-
mation you’re looking for. A recom-
mend choice would be to click on the
box marked “complete history”. This
Figure 6
will give you access to all the calibra-
tions for the various modules then click
the next (figure 5).
The website will now display your
calibration ID as a “part number” (fig-
ure 6 & 7). The part number is typically
listed as “CAL ID” on your scan tool.
The part numbers from the website
can then be compared to the CAL ID
number on your scan tool to determine
if your software is current.
The website also includes the CVN
with the part number. On your scan
tool you will typically find the CVN
with the CAL ID information. Many
scanners include both the CVN and
the CAL ID as a part of their data list
parameters. Some scanners do not and
you will need to choose the “OBD
II GENERIC” feature and then select
the “MODE 9” function to access the
information.
The CVN’s listed on the website
should match CVN’s on your scan tool.
If all the CVN’s match a GM cal was
installed. If any CVN fails to match, an
aftermarket calibration was most likely
installed.
Figure 7

14 ATRA’s Powertrain Expo
Without Customers...
Where are you?
ATRA helps you...
Get ‘em in the Door

Nationwide Warranty Program
Certification Designation
Pre-designed Advertisements
& Get ‘em out the Door
Technical Seminars
Technical HotLine
ATRA’s Tech Knowledge Base
Member Directory on www.atra.com Testing & Certification
Commercial Footage ATRA’s Powertrain Expo
Professional Website Design Technical Training
Apply for ATRA Membership Today
(866) GO-4-ATRA • (866) 464-2872

members.atra.com
www.atra.com/join


September 9 - 12, 2010 21


TECHNICAL RESOURCES AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Access to the automotive industry’s master REBUILDERS ASSOCIATION
great
technicians by phone, fax, email, Internet and
live chat! Plus, ATRA Members receive a discount
off the cost of all bookstore sales.
reasons
BUSINESS SUPPORT
Learn the industry’s trends and business success
through the ATRA’s on-going What’s Working
study.
NATIONWIDE WARRANTY
ATRA’s Golden Rule Warranty is an inter-shop
warranty plan that ATRA Rebuilder Members may to join
ATRA
offer the motoring public. Build trust with your
customers by providing a nationwide warranty.
CONSUMER REFERRALS
Consumers sent to your shop through the ATRA
Shop Finder search page online. ATRA’s shop
finder receives more than 5,000 consumer
searches every month.
NETWORKING GROUPS
Have questions about tech? Business
operations? Want to network with successful
industry leaders? ATRA’s forums are available for
discussion topics about management, tech and
industry news.
EVENTS DISCOUNTS
ATRA members receive substantial discounts for
ATRA Technical seminars and conferences.
CERTIFICATION
ATRA encourages technical competency and a
high standard of professionalism with it’s own
certification program, FREE to all members.
BENEFIT PROVIDERS
ATRA partners with a selective group of
respected companies, like Citibank and FedEx to
expand the value of your membership with
valuable discounts on products and services you
already use.
The Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association is your resource for tech support, business support, education,
networking, and more. Join today by logging on at www.atra.com and get connected with your industry!
Call the Membership Department at 805.604.2000 or email [email protected], if you have any questions.
members.atra.com I 805.604.2000
www.atra.com | 805.604.2000

September 9 - 12, 2010 29


September 9 - 12, 2010 31

32 September 9 - 12, 2010

The NV233
Communication Problems:
Seriously, Just Talk to Me by The ATRA
Technical
Department
members.atra.com
www.atra.com
T
he NV233 four-wheel drive • Wait 2½ minutes, then reinstall light system is to ground TCCM termi-
systems are found on Blazer, the fuse. nals C11, C12 and C13 one at a time,
S-10 trucks, and Tahoe appli- • Cycle the ignition 5 times. and see if each 4WD light turns on.
cations. A common unit with an all- The codes should be cleared from If the 4WD lights turn on when
too-common problem: the scan tool the TCCM. you ground the circuit, the circuits are
won’t provide data or allow for code intact. If the TCCM won’t operate the
retrieval. But it is possible to retrieve Checking the 4WD Lights light, suspect a TCCM problem.
codes manually. Refer to the TCCM connector While it’s nice to be able to bypass
views to determine the correct terminal the scan tool and grab codes, not having
Manual Code Retrieval locations for performing these tests. scan data can make it difficult to col-
To retrieve codes manually: When attempting to retrieve codes lect the information you need to repair
• Locate the data link connector from the NVG233 transfer case system, the unit. So let’s take a look at some
(DLC) near the right side of the you may find 4WD lights that aren’t of the more common problems on this
steering column. working. If the 4WD lights won’t light, system.
• Install a jumper wire between the check the 10-amp gauges fuse (fuse 4) IMPORTANT: Before replacing
diagnostic pigtail (orange wire at located in the instrument panel fuse the TCCM, always check the power
DLC terminal 13) and ground. block. If the 10-amp gauges fuse is and ground circuits, and always make
• Key On, Engine Off. good, inspect the 20-amp 4WD fuse sure you don’t have any shorts in the
• Watch the 4WD selector switch (fuse 19), also located in the instrument control circuits. Take care of any of
status lights. panel fuse block. If either fuse is blown, these problems before replacing any
After about 3 seconds, if there’s repair the circuit as needed. control module.
a code in the Transfer Case Control Next, check the TCCM power feed
Module (TCCM) system, the 4WD circuits at terminals C6, C8, D14 and Code 1: TCCM Internal
selector switch lights will start to flash. D15 for 12 volts with the key on, and Fault
The NV233 transfer case only has the ground circuits at terminals C10, Attempt to clear code 1. If the code
four possible codes, and all are single D10, D12 and D13 for a good path to resets:
digit: ground. The ground path should have • Key on, engine off.
Code 1: TCCM Internal Fault less than 0.05 volts. • Check for battery voltage on cir-
Code 2: Encoder Circuit Fault After verifying good power and cuit 1640 (orange wire) at TCCM
Code 3: Motor Circuit Fault ground circuits to the TCCM, turn the terminals D14 and D15. If there’s
Code 4: TCCM RAM/ROM Fault key on, engine off, check for power on no voltage, check and repair circuit
To clear the codes: TCCM terminals C11, C12 and C13. 1640 as needed.
• T series — Remove T/L CTSY (20 You should have 12 volts on these cir- • If you have battery voltage at
amp) fuse cuits if the indicator circuits are intact. TCCM terminals D14 and D15,
• K series — Remove T-CASE fuse A quick and easy test for the 4WD check the TCCM ground circuits

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The NV233 Continued
Figure 1
150 (black wire) at terminals C9, cuit 1554 (black/yellow wire) from nate from positive to nega-
C10, D10, D12 and D13. Check TCCM terminal C9 to the encoder/ tive, check the motor control
and repair the ground circuits if motor connector terminal 3. circuits going back to the
needed. o If the resistance is less than 2 TCCM.
• If the TCCM has good power and ohms, replace the TCCM. o If the motor control circuits are
ground, replace the TCCM and o If resistance is 2 ohms or more, good, suspect a faulty TCCM.
recheck 4WD system operation. repair circuit 1554 as needed
(figures 1 and 2). Code 4: TCCM RAM/ROM
Code 2: Encoder Circuit Fault: Fault
Attempt to clear code 2. If the code Code 3: Motor Circuit Fault Attempt to clear code 4. If the code
resets: Attempt to clear Code 3. If the resets:
• Disconnect the transfer case har- code resets: • Key on, engine off.
ness connector. • Check the 20 amp 4WD fuse (fuse • Check for 12 volts at TCCM termi-
• Key on, engine off. 19), located in the instrument panel nals C6, C8, D14 and D15.
• Check for 5 volts at transfer case fuse block. • Check the TCCM ground circuits
harness connector terminals 1, 2, o If the 4WD fuse is blown, at terminals C10, D10, D12 and
4, and 8 (encoder circuits A, B, C repair the circuit as needed. D13.
and D). o If the 4WD fuse is okay: • If the TCCM power and ground cir-
o If there’s no voltage, suspect a • Key on, engine off. cuits are okay, replace the TCCM.
faulty TCCM. • Move the 4WD selector switch The vehicle used for this exam-
o If the TCCM is providing 5 between 4HI and 4LOW positions, ple was a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer 4.3L
volts to the encoder circuits, and measure the voltage at encod- equipped with a 4L60E transmission
measure the resistance of the er/motor connector terminals 6 and and a NVG233 transfer case system.
internal encoder circuits to the 7. The voltage should alternate Refer to the four-wheel drive system
transfer case ground. from positive 12 volts to negative connector terminal identification chart
• If the resistance to case ground 12 volts each time you move the and specific wiring schematics for your
is less than 5 ohms on any of the selector switch between 4HI and particular vehicle.
internal encoder circuits, replace 4LOW. Some scan tools just can’t under-
the encoder/motor assembly. o If voltage alternates from pos- stand what the TCCM is saying. But
• If the resistance on the internal itive to negative, replace the there are still ways to hear what it’s say-
encoder circuits is greater than 5 encoder/motor assembly. ing… if you know how to listen.
ohms, check the resistance of cir- o If voltage doesn’t alter-
Encoder Motor
Figure 2 Figure 3

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Intro du c ing th e
6-Speed 6F35
Transmission by David Skora
Valvebody Pro
Tech Director
valve body comes

right off.
The case
splits easily.
When pulling the
front case, which
includes the dif-
ferential ring gear
and pump assem-
bly, the differen-
tial, chain assem-
bly, and some of
the drive shells
and planets came
out, too. This was
probably because
the unit was on its
side. If it were ver-
tical, just the front
case assembly half
would have come
off.
One of the
other unusual fea-
tures for this unit
S
Figure 1
is its ability to pro-
tarting in 2009, Ford Escape, • A fill tube with a dipstick. vide lubrication when flat towed behind
Mercury Mariner, and Mazda • No access to the filter unless the another vehicle. When the differential
Tribute will be equipped with a case is split. rotates, the chain picks up fluid and
new 6F35 6-speed transaxle. Externally • A fluid drain plug located at the allows some of the fluid to fall into a
it looks like a cross between a CD4E bottom of the case. trough at the upper part of the case.
and an AF21B. Internally it looks like a There’s a pass-through electrical With the engine off and being flat
little Allison LCT 1000 with three sets connector on the side pan. It has a towed, fluid in the trough can flow past
of planets and five sets of clutches. But line tap, and additional taps for check- the lube checkball and lubricate the rear
the clutches operate the geartrain differ- ing lube pressure, compensator feed, planet assembly (figure 2). If you see
ently than an Allison. 3-5-reverse clutch, and 4-5-6 clutch one of these with a planetary failure,
This unit may be a preproduction (figure 1). make sure the lube checkball is present
or a test unit, since there were no exter- Behind the side pan is a valve body and not stuck.
nal tags or labels to identify it. But each with seven solenoids and electrical con- Inside, the unit looked very clean
internal part was carefully scribed with nectors for the Transmission Range and straightforward. It looks like the
a part number. sensor (TR) and Turbine Speed Sensor only tricky part to assemble would
Some of the general features of this (TSS). After disconnecting the connec- be the Belleville spring under the 2-6
unit include: tors and removing several bolts, the clutch span ring. Other than that, it

We change the parts others only clean
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SolProGearsFP.indd 1 4/15/10 12:12 PM

Introducing the 6-Speed 6F35 Transmission
looks very easy. The pump assembly

is a basic gear pump in an aluminum
housing. The housing also includes
the pressure regulator valve, converter
control valve, and a couple of relief
checkballs (figure 3).
The 6F35 includes a sprag for first
gear operation in drive range (figure 4).
The sprag is a ratchet or diode type and
looks like it can only go in one way.
The clutch names follow gear
apply, so the low and reverse clutch is
applied in L (Manual 1) or R. The 2-6
clutch only holds in 2nd and 6th gears.
The forward clutch holds in 1st through
4th and is called the 1-2-3-4 clutch.
Valve body issues can be a hassle.
Let’s take a good look at some of the
conditions that might affect it. The
valve body assembly includes seven Figure 2
Figure 3

Introducing the 6-Speed 6F35 Transmission
solenoids which are a Bosch design and require an oversized valve or a new compensator valves. I’d also suspect
known to be fairly reliable. pump assembly. both the 2-6 clutch regulator and 3-5-R
The engineers really put some At the moment it’s hard to predict clutch regulator valves to wear, since
thought into simplifying the job of which bushings or hard parts are going each valve has to stoke eight times
troubleshooting this valve body. In this to be weak links inside this unit. I’d shifting up to sixth gear and then back
design, there’s one solenoid and one expect the pump assembly to cause down to first (figure 6).
regulator valve that control each of the pressure and lockup problems. During a rebuild, watch out for
four shifting clutches. Keep in mind that As for the valve body, look for the Teflon seal at the back of the stator
each shift is accomplished by releas- worn Actuator Feed Limit (AFL) and shaft. If it’s cut or nicked, you could
ing one clutch and applying have a converter circuit
another. The one shift that leak.
isn’t a clutch-to-clutch shift Use extra care with
is the downshift from 2nd to the Belleville spring and
1st, because the low sprag is snap ring for the 2-6
holding. clutch at the bottom of
In diagnosing a transmis- the case. Someone could
sion for general slips, flares easily damage the snap
or bangs, you’ll probably be ring seat and ruin the
dealing with an overall pres- case.
sure or computer strategy But in general, it
problem. If you’re dealing looks like a fairly easy
with a shift problem that only transmission to deal
affects one clutch, all you with: So until football
need to focus on is one sole- season starts up again,
noid, one regulator valve, or don’t be afraid to tackle
one clutch. a 6F35.
There is an exception to
this: A compensator piston
is mounted inside the clutch
housing on the 3-5-reverse
and 4-5-6 clutch pistons
(figure 5). The compensator
is there to assist the return
springs of both clutches dur- Figure 4
ing release. So if the compen-
sator piston or circuit fails, the
transmission might develop a
slower or faster clutch action
during some situations.
There’s one on-off shift
solenoid. Its job is to apply the
low-reverse clutch and block
the TCC apply circuit. So if
lockup comes on in low or
reverse and kills the motor,
the problem is most likely
a crossleak in the pump, a
stuck TCC control valve, or a
restricted cooler. Clutch Housing
Hydraulically, we see Including
potential for problems in the Compensator
Piston
pump assembly and valve
body. Any wear in the pump
pocket will have a big effect
on pressure, due to the small
size of the pump gears. And
the pressure regulator valve
doesn’t have a wear sleeve,
so any wear in this bore will Figure 5

561 560
070 519 510 544 528 036 520 179 211 670 879 050 574 334B 337 862 971 051 961 341 336 554 875 980 970 960 877 102 876
037 177 480 334A 880 122 142*
530
378 047
Input Shaft
507 778 Automatic Transmission Parts Standard Transmission Parts
Stator • Rebuilt Kits
777 Pump Hard Parts Input Clutch Hub O.Dr. / Reverse Input Clutch
Retainer
Parts • OE Manufacturer, Aftermarket New, • Bearing Kits with Syncro Rings
Piston
Underdrive Clutch
Front Cover Plate Body • Gasket Sets
Remanufactured, & Used
232 571 220 • Clutch Drums
570 214 576 234 883 482 558
• Gears & Shafts 568
331 121 101 141 863* 332 333 562
861 140 891 110 130 150 892* 884
968
052 • Shafts Rebuilt
330 Transmissions
978 865 962 852 874
• Front Pumps • Standards

• Planets Clutch Parts
• Valve Bodies • Sach’s & Valeo Clutch Kits (New)
• Complete Line of Miscellaneous parts • Forks
ecad e of S e r v i c
Underdrive Hub Torque Converters
O.Dr. Hub Reverse Hub
• Pilot Bushings & Bearings
AD e. • Complete line of CVC Remanufactured • Clutch Alignment Tools 4th Clutch

2nd / 4th Retainer
Reverse Clutch
Converters Transfer Case Parts
644 567
054 596 235* 616 241 586 873 238 584
583 Soft Parts 592 886 888 887 285
• Gasket & Seals Kits
577 654 664 885*
244 612 247 582 251 154 114 893 987 977 967
27* 053 058
• Master Kits • Overhaul Kits 134
• Banner Kits (Less Steels) • Chains
• Overhaul Kits Shop Supplies & Tools
• Paper/Rubber Kits • Additives
• Filters & Kits • Assembly Lubricants
• Frictions • Builders Benches
Low Roller
Reaction Planet Reverse Planet Input Planet • Steels Input Ring • Lifts Clutch
996 • Bushing Gear
• Parts Washer Soap Low/Rev Clutch
800-940-0197
• Modulators • Rough Service Light Bulbs
760
• Washers • R.T.V. Black, Blue, Clear
7 480 690 895 429 897
271 770 • Bearings 781
• Technical Manuals
317
• Gaskets074 • Tools & Equipment
• Bands • Threadlock
[email protected]
• Flex Plates & Flywheels
• Speedo Gears
• Mounts 950
Park • Coolers 926B
or buy online at
everse Gear
sing 761
• TeckPak Conversion Kits
M304317B 926
Case • Superior Shift Correction Packages
Ext. Housing 352 379
493
494
www.wittrans.com
5-2
5-3 995
Parts • Detent Cables 927
• Transgo Reprogramming Kits
347 740
5-1 370 352
438 370 Case 010
wl Assy. 436 • Transgo Shift Kits
342
420
846 300
013 540
746 740 765 371
741
V.B.
Remember that Old-Time Service?

Parts 779
782 Valve Body
sion Parts, Inc. www.wittrans.co
Whatever It Takes Does!!!

Bridging the
Great Divide by Paul Mathewson
members.atra.com
www.atra.com
T
he transmission repair busi- What are the major strengths of the and more but is needed less and less.
ness has historically been franchised concept? The silent partner is often hard to find
divided between two camps: 1. National name recognition because he doesn’t need to visit a busi-
Franchised versus Independent. In the means immediate customer ness that’s doing well on its own.
last two editions of GEARS we com- contact upon opening a new What big name can an aspiring
pared and contrasted these two business shop. independent shop select to instill con-
models. We showed that successful 2. Established business model sumer confidence from day one? Here’s
shops, whether franchised or not, will with initial and ongoing coun- how many general repair shops are
only excel if there are two foundational sel from a visiting operations doing it: The trade name NAPA now
elements in place: representative. appears on high quality general repair
1. Development and manage- 3. Effective sales training. shops everywhere in North America.
ment of the business model 4. Intercenter warranties. NAPA is a big name. The NAPA
2. Technical competence 5. Pooled, professional media Auto Care program qualifies certain
advertising. shops and regulates procedures like
We also showed that independent out-of-town warranty claims. General
shops usually start with aspirations of a What are the major strengths of the repair shops are honored to fly the
talented transmission tech. Franchised independent concept? NAPA flag and gladly pay the asso-
shops usually start with a businessper- 1. Reputation based on technical ciation fees. The NAPA logo acts like a
son buying a business model. talent; the owner is a magnet to increase car counts.
The businessperson soon learns that respected professional in the ATRA needs to become a magnetic
he can’t be completely ignorant about community. name, too. If ATRA remains as a tiny
transmissions if he’s going to direct his 2. The owner chooses target window decal, or if the ATRA logo is
new business, which is immersed in market and range of products one of an assembly of endorsements
technology. Similarly, the transmission and services. like AAA or BBB in the Yellow Pages
tech quickly learns that fixing transmis- 3. Profits accrue only to the ad, it won’t draw customers.
sions is easy compared to the new task owner. The value of ATRA affiliation will
of running a business. 4. The owner can sell business to only blossom when the positive image
anyone he chooses. of a Member shop is linked to that affil-
Is it Either/Or, or 5. Freedom to change or iation. If 2000 Member shops advertise
Both/And? develop the business without their commitment to professionalism,
This article offers an idea I’ve been permission. ethics, and warranty, it enhances each
thinking about for years. You’ve heard shop’s image. Those ads need to link
the expression, “it’s not one or the What’s in a Name? the shops to the “striving for excel-
other, it’s both and.” I’d like to advance Everything! lence” attitude that their ATRA affilia-
a proposal that would be a third way to The national big name of a major tion stands for.
initiate and develop a successful trans- franchisor brings immediate business
mission (or powertrain) repair shop. to the door of a new franchisee. But it Taking Care of
The issue here is that there are comes with a price tag. The franchisee Business
decidedly good characteristics inherent has a silent partner who takes fees Franchisor item 2 is a proven,
in both franchised and non-franchised (often 7-8% of sales), whether the shop workable system for the novice busi-
shops. So how could the best of each be is making money… or not. nessman. Then the franchisor follows
employed in the development of a high As the new franchisee develops his up with shop visits and a critical analy-
class, profitable business? business, the silent partner takes more sis of operational results.

Celebrating 50 years in the
transmission industry!
SUPPLIER
MEMBER
Bridging the Great Divide
When independent transmission Here’s the Bridge!

shop owners are in trouble, they’re all More potential ATRA is the bridge that makes
alone. They may seek help from inde- possible a brilliant business model by
pendent industry training specialists. customers are drawing the best from both the fran-
Can ATRA offer that service? I believe finding repair shops chised and the Independent business
that the ATRA brain pool is the largest models. All the “good things” that a
in our industry. via the internet. franchisor offers for tens of thousands
Independents may of dollars per year are available for
Nationwide free, if you are an ATRA shop. Let’s
Intercenter compete equally consider:
Warranties with the major 1. Business planning is provid-
Franchisors offer an appealing ed by the “What’s Working”
nationwide warranty. That’s an adver- franchises with study and surveys. It’s excel-
tised benefit for sure. But the largest web site design lent; it’s proven; it works.
franchisor in our industry is about half 2. Business counseling is avail-
the size of ATRA’s membership. So and placement. able through the ATRA email
ATRA Members have a competitive forum where you can post
advantage in settling out-of-town war- problems and questions to the
ranty claims. since doing so would forfeit largest group of transmission
What’s more, from my experience independence. But indepen- specialists in the world.
as a former franchisee, the biggest dent shops will gladly fly the 3. Inter-center warranty pro-
feuds between franchisees were those ATRA flag if ATRA becomes cedures are more extensive,
who believed a fellow franchisee was a household name. The ATRA better monitored, better man-
cheating them on warranty claims. With logo needs to be promoted nered, and without overseer
ATRA, a shop belongs to ATRA by by all means possible. Yellow charges.
choice, and seeks to use the Golden Pages advertising for all 4. Equally effective advertising
Rule when settling intercenter warranty ATRA Member shops needs programs are available via
claims. With the ATRA Good Guys, the to include an authorized, uni- ATRA website design and
mood is better. form copy of ATRA informa- linkage.
tion that spells out the benefits 5. ATRA’s online referral service
Competing in of choosing an ATRA Member is “no charge” and currently
Advertising shop. refers 5000 customers per
The pooled, professional advertis- 3. More potential customers are month to member shops!
ing programs of the major franchises finding repair shops via the 6. The annual Powertrain Expo
are effective. Local independent shops internet. Independents may draws together the best brains
can’t afford the production costs for compete equally with the in our industry to prepare us to
these first class TV and radio ads. But major franchises with web site be the best. Plan to come!
here are three factors to consider: design and placement. Clearly, 7. Online tech service and
1. Advertising concepts and ATRA Members need to be ATRA’s R&D activities are
media are always changing. more visible this way. Web unmatched by any franchisor
The proliferation of TV and sites aren’t that hard to estab- (some franchisors offer none).
radio stations from cable and lish and there are lots of agen-
satellite distributors makes cies willing to create and host ATRA has evolved into a muti-
it difficult to target an audi- them. Links from the ATRA faceted support service for our indus-
ence. Yellow Pages are giving web site to individual ATRA try. The tech services and the business
way to Google and the inter- Member sites are available services are excellent and come with a
net 411 service. That’s good now. What are you waiting price tag that is insignificant. And ATRA
news, and there’s even more for? Customers are looking continues to evolve in order to provide
good news: Direct mail allows for honesty, professionalism strong support for us Independents. My
shops to target car owners in and fairness when they run evolution brought me from “General
specific areas consistent with into a transmission problem. Repair”, to “Franchised Transmission”,
their trade regions. Clearly the The link to ATRA enhances to “Successful Independent”. Where
competitive advantage of the that image just as effectively are you in the evolution cycle?
franchisor is slipping because as the clever image of the I always appreciate your thoughts.
the ad media are changing. franchisor. Contact me at: mandmtransmission@
2. It’ll probably never be possi- shaw.ca, or 906 440 4600 (Michigan),
ble to get all ATRA Members or 705 942 2005 (Canada).
to pay into a national ad pro-
gram coordinated by ATRA,

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

Why it's important to have an
operations manual in your shop
by Paul Mathewson
members.atra.com
www.atra.com
T
here is a normal procrastination sideline us for the rest of our lives while franchised shops to write their own
influence that runs through our our loved ones maintain us. None of the Operations Manual – the franchisor
busy lives. I’m talking about above hurries us to purchase insurance; provides one as part of the franchise
putting off the things that we know we we believe that we have lots of time agreement. The goodwill of a fran-
should do because there are things that before death or tragedy visits us. chised shop is perceived to be a func-
we must do. The age-old title for this is Last year I wrote a series about tion of the franchisor’s “good name”.
“The Tyranny of the Urgent”. writing your own shop’s Operations A potential purchaser of an existing
As I write this I feel a need to climb Manual. Such a guide would be invalu- franchisee’s shop is not counting on the
into the confessional box and give a able if: business acumen of the local franchisee
personal story. I am well aware of the 1. You were sidelined by acci- – he is placing his trust in the business
need to have in place a “legal will” dent or sickness and someone plan of the franchisor.
that could be executed by preselected else had to take over your No, it’s the rest of us – the
“executors” in the event of my death responsibilities, or Independents who need to have an
and/or the death of my wife. There is 2. You wanted to sell your busi- Operations Manual in place to explain
in fact a will in place that Ruth and I ness and a potential purchaser “how I run my business”. The ATRA
prepared early in our marriage about the wanted to buy not just a pile “What’s Working/What’s Not” survey
time we started a family. It dictated who of stuff, but wanted a written has shown that successful shops are
would provide for our little children if document to show how you ones that “plan” and ones that “pull the
we were both killed. That will is still in convert that stuff into a strong trigger”. So,
effect even though our “kids” are now cash flow, or
married and have families of their own! 3. You died suddenly and left 1. “Plan”: includes a written
I know we need a new will; I also know your wife with a business to description of how you run
we both will die. What is keeping me run or dispose of, or your shop which will enable
from getting it done? 4. You wanted to back off the your successor to take over
The role of a life insurance sales- daily responsibilities at the from you.
man is to help people to get ready to shop, train someone else, and 2. “Pull the trigger”: means get-
die. Property insurance is preparation focus on something else. ting it done, not putting it off.
for disaster from fire and explosion.
Disability insurance prepares us for the As I pointed out in the Operations Steve and Marj Croyle have worked
most horrid eventualities that might Manual series, it’s not necessary for 25 years together developing Lake City

...it’s the rest of us
– the Independents
who need to have
an Operations
Manual in place to
explain “how I run
my business.”
Transmission in Idaho. Steve is the

only Service Writer; Marj is the busi-
ness manager. The Croyles attended
the last ATRA Expo during which Marj
contracted the H1N1 flu virus. She record deposits, pay taxes (I had no bility to my crew and their families as
became seriously ill which took her concept of how many taxes we pay) well as my own so here I am.
out of the transmission shop along with and my stress level was through the In the true spirit of the ATRA
her caring husband. The Croyles have roof I knew first hand how critical an “good guys”, Steve adds the following:
agreed to let there story be told in order Op Manual was. Of course my crew Paul, I would be honored to be part
for others like them to avoid the stress knows how valuable one for the shop of an article that shares the importance
and complications that follow when the would be. Stupid things like where is of the Operation Manual. If it prods
Operations Manual project is not fin- the paper for the printer... where is the anyone into doing one it would be
ished. Here’s what Steve says: file on your computer to print off the worth sharing our experience. Let me
This whole ordeal with Marj has phone logs... Who do we buy ________ know what I need to do to help.
made an impact on me as to the impor- from? I too would like to help you to
tance of an Operation Manual. I had We have a sign on the wall for all “pull the trigger” and prepare for the
been reading your articles and had to see that says: “Do you want to talk future before the future “pulls the trig-
started working on one and told Marj to the man in charge or the woman ger” on you.
she needed to do the same thing with who knows what is going on”? I have Paul Mathewson
her job, but you know how it goes... always had my hands full doing the m&[email protected]
When I was breaking away from the customers and the crew. I am having a 906 440 4600 (Michigan)
hospital while she was in ICU and tuff [sic] time even wanting to be here 705 942 2005 (Canada)
coming over to the shop trying to figure at the shop. I’m not wanting to do this
out how to do payroll, make deposits, without Marj. I have a huge responsi-
D O YO U WA N T T O G E T I N T H E If you have questions, We have

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Keep Those Trannies Rolling
Acura’s SH-AWD
System: AWD
Performance by Pete Huscher
members.atra.com
www.atra.com
Leader Acura RL SH-AWD
I n previous issues of Keep Those

Trannies Rolling, we introduced
you to some of the all wheel
drive systems offered by Ford, General
Motors and Chrysler. In this issue we’re
looking across the Pacific to introduce
Acura’s SH-AWD system.
The Acura SH-AWD system, short
for “Super Handling-All Wheel Drive,”
is a fulltime, fully automatic, all-wheel
drive, traction and handling control
system.
This system was designed and engi-
neered by Honda Motor Company and
was first introduced in North America
in the second generation 2005 Acura
RL. The SH-AWD system has since
been added to other Acura models such
as the RDX, the MDX, the TL, and for
2010, Acura’s new ZDX.
Honda describes the SH-AWD as
a system that “provides cornering per-
formance that responds to the driver’s Acura MDX SH-AWD
needs and at the same time provides
outstanding vehicle stability.” To the system different from all the rest. torque from the transmission through
regular guy on the street, this means the driveshaft to the rear differential.
power and performance in an all-wheel Components of the • Electronically Controlled
drive vehicle, which is something that SH-AWD System Differential: The electronically con-
had been sadly lacking. The SH-AWD system consists of a trolled rear differential (figure 1) con-
front wheel drive engine and transmis- sists of a conventional hypoid ring and
What Makes Acura’s sion assembly with a torque transfer gearset, an acceleration device (on RL
SH-AWD Different? unit attached to the side of the trans- models only), and a direct, electromag-
What makes Acura’s SH-AWD mission, a driveshaft, an electronically netically controlled clutch system. This
system so different from the rest of the controlled differential, an acceleration clutch system consists of a set of coils,
pack? Acura’s SH-AWD, unlike any device (on RL models only) and a planetary gearsets, and electromagneti-
other AWD system in the world today, SH-AWD control module. Let’s take a cally controlled multiplate clutches.
has the ability to control front-to-rear brief look at each of these components. The electronically controlled differen-
torque distribution and independently • Torque Transfer Unit: The tial is controlled by the SH-AWD con-
control torque distribution to each indi- torque transfer unit or transfer case is trol module, and, unlike any car today,
vidual rear wheel as needed, depending mounted to the side of the transmission. is capable of diverting anywhere from
on driving conditions. This ability to The transfer unit is purely mechanical; 0%–100% of the driving torque to
control the torque to each individual not computer controlled. The purpose either rear wheel.
rear wheel is what makes the SH-AWD of the torque transfer unit is to transfer • Acceleration Device: The

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Acura’s SH-AWD System: AWD Performance Leader
acceleration device (on RL models only)

is bolted to the front of the electronically
controlled differential. It consists of a
control solenoid, a high clutch, a one-
way clutch, a planetary gearset, and an
oil pump. The acceleration device allows
the rear wheels to be variably overdriven
by as much as 5.7% faster than the front
wheels, depending on driving conditions.
• SH-AWD Control Module: The
SH-AWD control module controls the
AWD system. It uses information from
several different systems to control AWD
operation.
How the SH-AWD

System Operates
The SH-AWD system is controlled
by the SH-AWD control module. The
SH-AWD control module receives infor-
mation through the CAN system from
these sources (figure 2):
• Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) Figure 1: Electronically Controlled Differential
• Antilock Brake System (ABS) • Speed Sensors
• Vehicle Stability Assist System (VSA) • Steering Angle Sensor
• Electronic Brake Force Distribution Module • Lateral G-Force Sensor
(EBFD)
• Throttle Control System The SH-AWD control module uses this information to
• Yaw Angle Sensor control the operation of the AWD system. If the SH-AWD
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Figure 2: SH-AWD System Overview
control module detects a problem in the the SH-AWD fault has been corrected. the SH-AWD control module to dis-
system, it turns the SH-AWD indica- The SH-AWD control module uses tribute torque to each wheel based on
tor lamp on and disables the SH-AWD two types of programs to control the the driver’s inputs. It distributes torque
differential. The vehicle defaults to AWD system: to the front and rear wheels based on
front wheel drive only and the PCM 1. Driving Force Control: The the throttle opening and the available
reduces available engine torque until driving force control program allows engine torque. When turning, torque is

Figure 3: Operational Flow Chart

applied to the rear wheels independent- traction conditions, the SH-AWD con- the rear wheels. The SH-AWD con-
ly, based on the lateral G-force input trol module distributes torque to the trol module sends a constantly varying
and the direction of the turn. This helps rears wheels as needed to provide opti- signal to the electronically controlled
steer the vehicle through the turn. mum traction. differential main coils, which engage
2. Feedback Control: The feed- The SH-AWD control module con- the electromagnetic clutches in the rear
back control program uses inputs to trols the AWD system by adjusting differential. By constantly varying the
identify low traction conditions. In low the amount of torque distributed to signal to the electromagnetic clutches,
the SH-AWD module is capable of
controlling the amount of torque being
delivered to each rear wheel (figure 3).
Slauson Transmission Parts…
Diagnosing Acura’s
SH-AWD System
Ca l l now to g e t you r new Diagnosing Acura’s SH-AWD sys-
tem is pretty straightforward. When
2010 S la u so n B oo k the SH-AWD control module detects
a problem, it lights the SH-AWD indi-
cator light, sets a DTC, commands
Use d , N ew & Rebu i l t Har d Par t s , So f t Par t s , the AWD system to front wheel drive
operation only, and informs the PCM
E l e c t r ic al C omp one nt s & Fl y w he e ls to reduce engine torque until the fault
in the SH-AWD system has been cor-
rected.
O r der online at Slauson .c om The SH-AWD control module may
also light the SH-AWD indicator light
O f f e r i n g q u a l i t y p r o d u c t s f r o m t h e s e f i n e ve n d o r s : for non-AWD related issues, including:
Tr a n s t e c • R ay b e s t o s • D y n a x • S o n n a x • Using high-powered wireless
devices in the vehicle (such as CB
S px F i l t r a n • L u b e G u a r d • Tr a n s g o • B o r gWa r n e r
or Ham radio).
S u p e r i o r • R o s t r a • Te c k P a k • H ayd e n • Tr u - C o o l • Slipping or spinning the rear wheels
A u t o c r a f t • AT S G • A l l o m a t i c • A l t o while the vehicle is stuck in sand,
mud or snow.
• System voltage drops below 8 volts
Phone Hours: Open 7:00 am to 5:00 pm/ PST or rises above 16 volts.
Call (800) 421-5580 • Local (310) 768-2099
FAX ( 310) 768-8298 During these situations, the
SH-AWD indicator light will stay on

Diagnostic Trouble Code Chart
SH-AWD SH-AWD
DTC Indicator Code Description DTC Indicator Code Description (continued)
Light Light
12-1 ON Lateral/Longitudinal Acceleration Sensor Malfunction 44-50 ON SH-AWD Control Unit Power Supply Voltage Low
12-2 ON Lateral/Longitudinal Acceleration Sensor Malfunction 46-1 ON SH-AWD Control Unit Internal Power Supply (open/short)
12-3 ON Lateral/Longitudinal Acceleration Sensor Malfunction 52-3 ON Left Clutch Electromagnetic Coil Current Malfunction
14-1 ON Lateral/Longitudinal Acceleration Sensor Neutral Position 53-1 ON Left Clutch Electromagnetic Coil (open)
14-2 ON Lateral/Longitudinal Acceleration Sensor Neutral Position 53-2 ON Left Clutch Electromagnetic Coil (short)
16-1 ON Steering Angle Sensor Signal 53-3 ON Left Clutch Electromagnetic Coil (open)
19-1 ON Steering Angle Sensor Circuit (open) 53-4 ON Left Clutch Electromagnetic Coil (short)
19-2 ON Steering Angle Sensor Circuit (short) 56-3 ON Right Clutch Electromagnetic Coil Current Malfunction
19-3 ON Steering Angle sensor Malfunction 57-1 ON Right Clutch Electromagnetic Coil (open)
19-4 ON Steering Angle Sensor Circuit 57-2 ON Right Clutch Electromagnetic Coil (short)
27-1 ON Hypoid Gear Speed Sensor (open or short) 57-3 ON Right Clutch Electromagnetic Coil (open)
27-2 ON Hypoid Gear Speed Sensor Malfunction 57-4 ON Right Clutch Electromagnetic Coil (short)
33-1 ON YAW Rate Sensor Malfunction 59-1 ON SH-AWD Control Unit Power Supply Monitor Circuit
33-2 ON YAW Rate Sensor Malfunction 61-1 ON Shift solenoid Valve (open)
33-3 ON YAW Rate Sensor Malfunction 61-2 ON Shift Solenoid valve (short)
35-4 ON YAW Rate Sensor Neutral Position 74-1 ON One Way Clutch Malfunction
35-2 ON YAW Rate Sensor Neutral Position 75-1 ON Acceleration Device Malfunction (stuck off)
41-1 ON Loss of Communication with PCM 75-2 ON Acceleration Device Malfunction (stuck on)
41-2 ON Loss of Communication with VSA Control Unit 76-1 ON Rear Differential Fluid Overheats
41-3 ON Loss of Communication with Gauge Assembly 77-1 ON Functional Abnormalities in Emission or Auto Trans Sys.
42-1 ON Differential Oil Temperature Sensor (open) 77-2 ON Functional Abnormalities in VSA System
42-2 ON Differential Oil Temperature Sensor (short) 77-3 ON Functional Abnormalities in Gauge Assembly
43-1 ON Differential Oil Temperature Sensor Circuit 78-XX ON SH-AWD Control Unit Self Diagnostic Malfunction
44-11 ON SH-AWD Control Unit 81-1 ON Left Search Coil Sensor Malfunction
44-12 ON SH-AWD Relay Stuck On 81-2 ON Left Search Coil Sensor (open or short)
44-21 ON SH-AWD Control Unit 81-3 ON Left Search Coil Sensor Magnetic Flux
44-31 ON SH-AWD Relay Stuck Off 82-1 ON Right Search Coil Sensor Malfunction
44-32 ON SH-AWD Control Unit Power Supply Stuck On 82-2 ON Right Search Coil Sensor (open or short)
44-41 ON Power Supply Stuck Off 82-3 ON Right Search Coil Sensor Magnetic Flux
Figure 4: SH-AWD Module Code List
until you turn the ignition key off; no for codes in the PCM, Antilock Brake • Turn the Key on, Engine Off.
DTCs will set for these conditions. System and the VSA system. Codes in • Follow the prompts on the scan
any of these systems must be repaired tool display to access the SH-AWD
Checking for before attempting to diagnose the Control Module.
Diagnostic Codes SH-AWD system. Codes set in these
When the SH-AWD Control systems will interfere with SH-AWD Once you’ve gained access to the
Module detects a problem, the SH-AWD system operation. SH-AWD control module, record and
control module will light the SH-AWD To access the SH-AWD control clear the codes listed, test drive the
indicator light. The MIL (malfunction module: vehicle several times in AWD mode,
indicator lamp), the D5 indicator lamp, • Connect your HDS (Honda Scan and recheck for codes. If an AWD sys-
and the ABS lamp may also light. Tool) or compatible scan tool to tem code resets, diagnose and repair the
Before accessing the SH-AWD the DLC behind the driver’s lower code or codes as needed.
control module to retrieve codes, check dash panel. If no codes return, there may be

an intermittent problem in the AWD steering angle sensor circuit. fluid is overheating.
circuits. Be sure to check all connec- • 27 indicate a problem in the hypoid • 77 indicate a functional error from
tions within the SH-AWD system. After gear speed sensor circuit. the PCM, ABS or VSA systems.
making any repairs it’s always a good • 33 or 35 indicate a problem in the • 78 indicate a control module self-
idea to update the SH-AWD control yaw rate sensor circuit. test failure.
module with the latest programming. • 41 indicate a loss of communica- • 81 indicate a left search coil circuit
After replacing the differential tion with another module. problem.
clutch sets, steering angle sensor, or • 42 or 43 indicate a differential oil • 82 indicate a right search coil cir-
yaw rate sensor, you’ll need to perform temperature sensor circuit prob- cuit problem.
a memorization procedure for each of lem.
these sensors before the SH-AWD sys- • 44 indicate a problem with a power Diagnosing SH-AWD system codes
tem will function properly. or ground circuit to the control is usually pretty straightforward: check
If you replace the SH-AWD con- module. the wiring, connections, and the specif-
trol module, you’ll need to initialize • 46 indicate an internal power source ic component for failure. Once you’ve
the new control module with an HDS failure in the control module. repaired the problem, you’ll have to
or compatible scan tool. • 52 or 53 indicate a left clutch elec- clear the codes from the SH-AWD
tromagnetic coil circuit problem. system with an HDS or compatible
Types of Codes • 56 or 57 indicate a right clutch scan tool.
SH-AWD Control Module codes electromagnetic coil circuit prob- Well, there you have it: an inside
are usually three- or four-digit codes. lem. look at Acura’s Super Handling All-
The SH-AWD control module codes • 59 indicate a control unit power Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. With
are broken up into 19 different catego- supply monitor circuit problem. a better understanding of how AWD
ries (Refer to figure 4 for a complete • 61 indicate a solenoid valve circuit systems operates, you should have no
code list). problem. problem keeping those trannies and
Codes beginning with: • 74 indicate a one-way clutch prob- AWD systems rolling.
• 12 or 14 indicate a problem in the lem.
lateral/longitudinal acceleration • 75 indicate an accelerator device
sensor circuit. problem.
• 16 or 19 indicate a problem in the • 76 indicate the rear differential
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10-0185 Gears Ad.indd 1 4/2/10 4:05 PM
Diagnosing Chrysler
PCI Communications
by Wayne Russell
members.atra.com
www.atra.com
connected to each other through the

Serial Data Communication Interface
(SCI) HI and LO wires, a 2-wire com-
munication protocol still used on our
2002 Caravan.
Next we began to look at the PCI
path. With help from the ATRA 2007
seminar book, we had a good overview
of the system. We found the Diagnostic
Junction Port (DJP), which is where all
PCI wires go and are connected to each
other through the terminals in the cover
Figure 1 (figure 1). From there we checked the
C
continuity of the PCI circuits between
hrysler can use two com- wilderness of computer system diagno- the TCM, PCM and other modules.
munication formats, often in sis, instead of a compass we need a scan We didn’t find any opens or shorts to
the same vehicle. The format tool; instead of a map we need wiring ground.
we’ve become used to seeing since diagrams and system knowledge. Any module on the PCI bus can
1989, Chrysler Collision Detection Like most shops, we use aftermar- bring the system down, so which
(CCD), is a 2-wire system; the sys- ket equipment and information, which one? How would we know what we
tem introduced almost a decade ago is good. But these pose challenges were looking for? ATRA has access
is PCI, which is a single-wire system. when communication is an issue. Some to Chrysler OEM information and we
Of course, we now have the OBD-II of the best diagnostic tools for a 41TE pored over numerous pages to find out.
required CAN BUS. transmission are a TCM/PCM, a sole- What we needed to look for at the
As Randall Schroeder, ATRA noid block, and a battery charger. These Diagnostic Junction Port was “activity
Senior Technician, mentioned in a past three “tools” can help you diagnose the of about 7.5 volts” on the module PCI
ATRA Tech seminar, “It took one com- unit much faster than your scan tool wire (figure 2). For example, when we
puter to put a man on the moon; it takes when you’re faced with no communica- looked at the HVAC module, the scope
three to get a Caravan to shift down the tion. Although the Chrysler DBR scan would be flatlined (0 volts) until we
road.” We need the PCM, TCM and tool would be the best choice, it isn’t pushed a button on the heat control to
BCM to make this system work. always an option. cause the module to do something; then
Here’s a real situation that I recent- We began by substituting a we observed activity. The body module
ly faced in my shop: A 2002 Dodge known-good TCM (from a prior model was active all the time, so you have to
Caravan had the check engine light on Caravan), which wasn’t particularly keep activity in mind while observ-
(code P1698; no TCM communication), helpful: Same code, symptoms and the ing the PCI wire for each respective
no backup lights, and the gear selector Caravan worked fine otherwise. The module.
display was lit up. The vehicle worked transmission and engine both worked One significant obstacle: the Front
fine otherwise. Simple enough. great. How can that be if the control Control Module (FCM), ABS and
What I quickly realized is just how modules aren’t communicating? TCM are tied together in the Intelligent
much I didn’t know and how little good Our scan tool looks at Programm- Control Module (ICM). When we were
information there was to guide me. To able Communication Interface (PCI) checking PCI activity at the Diagnostic
survive in the wilderness we needed a communication through the OBD-II Junction Port, what were we looking
compass and a map. To survive in the connector. The TCM and PCM are at? Chrysler’s DRB-III scan tool can

10088 Seal Parker ADPROOF.pdf 1 5/6/2010 1:22:28 PM
C C
M M
Y Y
CM CM
MY MY
CY CY
MYCMY
K K
www.TTK-Bryco.com DISTRIBUTOR
DISTRIBUT
DISTRIBUTOR
DISTRIBUTOR OR
D IS T R I B U T OR
Diagnosing Chrysler PCI Communications
identify which modules are communi-

cating on the PCI bus where ours can
only report that it isn’t communicat-
ing with the TCM. Not quite the same
thing. Now what?
Why not unplug the ABS? Because
we couldn’t reach the module! We
removed the fuses for the module and
solenoid and still had communication
with the ABS. We checked the wiring
again and it shouldn’t be.
Now we were faced with replacing
a module. Which one first? To choose,
we needed to understand the logic of
which module is doing what. Because
the TCM and ABS are both tied direct-
ly to the Front Control Module, we
decided to start there. We were lucky:
A local salvage yard had one with the
exact label code, so we purchased it,
installed it, and were faced with the
same results.
Disappointed, I reexamined the Figure 2
situation. Does the BCM filter the
TCM info and feed it to the PCM and Knowing the TCM, ABS and Front with your scope and learn what you
Instrument Cluster Panel (ICP) module, Control Module are tied together, I cut should see. That will help when you
or does the Instrument Cluster Panel the PCI wire near the TCM (from pin have a problem like this.
module do the work? The BCM turns 43) and checked for PCI activity with I remember a VSS problem I ran
the backup lights on. The Instrument the scope and found none! What a ter- into a few years ago. At first glance
Cluster Panel module lights up the cho- rific discovery after numerous hours of the signal looked fine. Later, after great
sen gear display, but who’s the traffic anxiety. frustration, I discovered that the voltage
cop? I opted for the Instrument Cluster I went back to previous years’ wir- amplitude was too low (2 volts vs 6+
Panel module. ing diagrams to learn that pin 43 is part volts); moving the sensor deeper into
Again, the local yard had the mod- of the SCI bus and the PCI bus didn’t case corrected the problem.
ule. We installed it, and again, no exist yet. In simple terms, we messed It took a lot of reading to learn
change. Frustrated is an understate- up by using the wrong TCM for this that we were looking for 7.5-volt PCI
ment. We’re not comfortable that the model year. We replaced the TCM with signal on this Caravan. Now we know
BCM would do this, but couldn’t find correct one and all issues resolved. that we needed to verify the PCI signal
any documentation that specified which Why write about a stupid mistake? from the TCM, knowing that the TCM,
module is responsible for the decision SCI, PCI and CAN bus communica- ABS and Front Control Module are tied
making. Perhaps the engineers didn’t tions are now part of our lives. Sooner together.
think it worthwhile to document this or later you’ll be dealing with them. The Instrument Cluster Panel mod-
logic. The BCM isn’t a module to sim- Unfortunately, most of us don’t really ule contains the Front Control Module,
ply swap out. It has learned functions know or understand them. We’re faced fuses, relays and wiring connectors for
and shouldn’t be swapped from another with fixing transmission issues without a good deal of the system. It can easily
vehicle. ever touching the transmission. become corroded and should be a good
This is when I called Randall on Too many shops pass this type of place to begin your diagnosis. We could
the ATRA HotLine. Randall suggested problem off to the dealer. In today’s have cut the PCI wire here as well.
I read some material Cliff McCormick economy, we need to be capable of Typical wiring schematics don’t pro-
wrote for ATRA’s 1995 Technical doing all we can to resolve our custom- vide the connector wiring information,
Seminar Book (pages 61–88) regarding ers’ problems. We need good informa- so you may need ATRA to help here.
networking the CCD bus and how it tion, system knowledge and under- The key to any of these diagnoses
works, along with suggestions for deal- standing, and the right tools. is to learn the system, and use the tools
ing with no communication issues. ATRA has a wealth of knowledge, that are available to you. And maybe
I decided to go back and reconfirm information, and experience. Don’t the most important tool of all is the
my PCI communication from the TCM. wait until you’re desperate to ask for ATRA HotLine.
The TCM is located in front of the inner help. Become familiar with your tools.
fender cover of the driver’s front wheel Take a minute and look at PCI, SCI,
(a great location in our snow belt). and CAN bus communication signals

Making It Work Zach Evans:
Zach’s Transmission
and 4X4 LLC, by Rodger Bland
members.atra.com
Longmont, Colorado www.atra.com
T
here are basically two ways
that people start out in the
transmission repair business:
either they take on a shop as a busi-
ness opportunity, or they start out on
the bench, turning wrenches. Of the
two, the second path is the far more
common.
Zach Evans was one such busi-
ness owner. Zach started out in much
the same way as a lot of technicians.
He loved fixing things, so he took auto
repair courses at a tech school near his
home in Durango, Colorado. After he
graduated, the school helped find Zach
a position at a local shop.
Zach started out at the bottom as
an R&R tech and worked his way up.
And, like most technicians, he moved
around a bit. At one point he worked
for ATRA President Jim Rodd. After 17
years, he’d risen through every posi-
tion available in a transmission repair
shop and was working as a rebuilder/
diagnostician. And he was very well
respected in that capacity.
That’s when he had “the moment.”
Those of you who followed a similar
path know “the moment”: That’s when
you find yourself asking, “Why am
I spending all my time making my
bosses rich? I should open my own
shop and make it for myself!” [Stop
snickering — you know you had “the
moment” too!] So he took the plunge.
Zach started small, working out
of his home garage, doing a few jobs
while still bringing home a paycheck
from his regular gig. Finally he decided
he was ready, so he rented a shop in
Longmont — a small town just north
of Denver — and opened the doors of Zach Evans, Owner

Zach’s Transmission and 4X4 LLC.
And just like most guys walking
that same path, he had no idea how
to run a business. A friend of his sat
down with him and explained that he’d
have to develop a new way of thinking.
“You’ll need to stop worrying so much
about the tech, and more about making
a buck,” his friend explained.
That made sense to Zach. It wasn’t
all that different from what he’d heard
from the operations managers who’d
visited the franchised shop where he
used to work.
So he went to work with one thing
on his mind: the almighty dollar. He
was still just starting out, so he wasn’t The crew at Zach’s Transmissions and 4X4
making much money during those first L-R: Del Trantham, Jay Jurgens, Risa Vandenbos, Zach, Tim Matney
months, but he paid his bills… mostly.
And he squeaked by.
Zach Goes to Expo

As he was struggling along, he
started reading the What’s Working arti-
cles in GEARS Magazine. And some of
what he was reading didn’t quite jive
with what he thought he knew about
running a transmission shop. But he
was open to the possibility that maybe
there was a better way to do things.
That’s when Zach made the deci-
sion to go to Expo. He really couldn’t
afford it, but as the articles in GEARS
pointed out, he “really couldn’t afford
not to go.” So he reserved his spot, took
the time off, and went to Las Vegas.
What he heard at the What’s
Working management seminars really
opened his eyes. According to the Expo
speakers, the real key to success was to
serve your customer, and not to worry
about earning a profit. From what they
were saying, if you address your cus-
tomers’ needs, the profit will take care
of itself.
It was just what Zach needed to
hear. In fact, it was just what he want-
ed to hear; everything they said was
more in line with his nature. He went
home invigorated, with a whole new
game plan. And today, Zach is one of
those guys who’s Making It Work; he’s
become the go-to guy for transmission Zach’s customer waiting area is adorned by framed photographs of mountain
repairs in Longmont. and lakescapes of the Rocky Mountains which Zach took himself on various
backpacking trips to the area.
Zach’s Plan: then he had to put that plan into action. across the country. It was a tightly knit
De-Selling the Remans One of the things Zach recognized community; they depended more on
From what he’d learned at Expo, was that his town was a little different word of mouth than an ad in the Yellow
Zach knew he needed a plan, and from many of the larger cities and towns Pages or a billboard on Main Street.

to do was show those shop owners that
they could make more money and have
an easier time of it if they just called
him for transmission repairs.
So that’s what he did… one shop
at a time. He wasn’t trying to sell the
shops on dumping the remans and using
him; he started out by making himself
available to the shops in case they had a
problem. He didn’t have long to wait.
One of the more respected shops in
the area had a problem with one of the
remans they installed. The shop owner
called the reman company, and they
asked him to perform a few tests
before pulling the transmission.
Zach and technician, Jay Jurgens Those tests were a little beyond
discuss an electrical diagnosis his capabilities, so he called
Zach, who came right by.
Zach performed the tests
for them. He quickly recog-
nized the problem as a sticking
pressure valve, and offered to fix
it for them.
But the reman company had
its own procedures in place. They
insisted on sending out a new reman.
The shop owner had to pay for the sec-
ond transmission, have his technicians
replace the transmission for a second
time, ship the first reman back to the
company… and then wait for the reman
company to credit his account for the
price of the unit.
That got the shop owner thinking:
Maybe installing remans wasn’t the
easiest way to make a buck. Maybe it’d
be smarter to let Zach handle his trans-
mission work. And thus began Zach’s
wholesale trade.
It wasn’t long before that first shop
owner began talking to other repair
shop owners. And they started sending
Zach their transmission work, too.
Today, about 60% of Zach’s work
comes from wholesale and fleet cus-
tomers. Those wholesale customers
come in 3 basic flavors:
1. Bench Jobs — the shop pulls
the transmission and brings it to Zach
One of his first purchases for the new shop was this back-lit neon sign which to be rebuilt.
provides the centerpiece of Zach’s main customer entrance. 2. Whole Car Wholesale — the
So he came up with a plan to ance of wholesale versus retail work, shop takes the car from the customer
address the needs of his communi- the wholesale work would cover his and ships it over to Zach for diagnosis
ty and the nearby repair shops. His expenses and give him a nice cushion. and repair. Then Zach returns the car,
first decision was that he wanted to From there, any retail work he picked and the shop bills the customer.
build his business around wholesale up would be gravy. 3. Referrals — the shop sends
and fleet accounts. His reasoning was But most of the shops in his town the customer to Zach. Zach fixes the
that if he could pick up the right bal- were selling remans. What he needed car, and reciprocates with a commission

for each job sent.
So far it’s working. Zach’s shop
is busy and he’s making good money.
He’s slowly building up his business
model, hiring employees and increasing
his volumes.
The People
Currently Zach’s Transmission and
4X4 is mostly about Zach. He’s the pri-
mary diagnostician, rebuilder and shop
manager. But he’s beginning to grow: According to
Zach has two fulltime R&R techni- Zach, “he was poi-
cians working for him, plus a general soning the shop.” The
technician who steps in to handle most technician knew his
ancillary repairs when necessary. He’s way around a trans-
now starting to train his people to move mission, but his atti-
up through the ranks, and is hoping tude wasn’t right for
to have at least one of the R&R techs the business he was
move into a swing position before building. When the
long. technician wouldn’t
He also recently hired a shop ser- accept Zach’s new
vice writer: Risa Vandenbos, who also vision, he had to let
doubles as his girlfriend (a job she had him go.
first!) Risa attended Expo this past year, When asked
and Zach sent her to Maylon Newton’s about working at
service writer’s school to learn the Zach’s, one of the
trade. technicians, Del Zach with his servicewriter, Risa Vandenbos at the service counter.
The addition of Risa has provided a great boost in the businesses
Having someone else to answer Trantham, had this
bottom line.
the phone and handle the front desk to say: “I’ve worked
frees up Zach to keep working on the other shops where it But instead of a billboard, Zach
bench, which is just what he prefers to seemed like it was ‘us against [the puts his name out there by sponsoring
be doing. And it enables him turn out customer].’ I like the attitude of serv- local teams. His banners appear on the
more rebuild work every day. ing the customer a lot more. It’s a nicer sports fields every season.
environment to work in.” He also has T-shirts and market-
5 Recurring Traits 4. Processes and Systems — ing specialty items on hand, which he
Throughout the What’s Working Most of Zach’s business is centered on gives freely to customers. And he’s big
program, the one thing that’s remained him. And he’s quick to acknowledge on attending car shows, where he hands
constant has been the 5 Recurring that, without clear processes and sys- out his marketing gifts. “They may not
Traits of the most successful shop own- tems in place, it always will be. For need me today,” he says, “but they’ll
ers. And Zach is a prime example of him to grow beyond his present situa- remember me when they do.”
those traits: tion, he has to institute clear processes. And, like most shops, he does have
1. Attitude — Zach loves what Bringing in a service writer was one of a small ad in a few local Yellow Pages
he’s doing, and he’s happy to let every- his first steps toward that goal. books.
one know it. He’s content with where 5. Pull the Trigger — Zach knew Zach is quick to acknowledge the
he is in his life, and he’s thrilled to be where he wanted to be and he knew role that ATRA played in his success.
able to make a living doing what he how he wanted to get there. As he dis- He knows that his view of business was
loves. covered at Expo, he was the one who’d skewed; that the things he learned by
2. Vision, Plan and Goals — have to make it happen. And that’s attending Expo made the difference in
After attending Expo, Zach knew that exactly what he did. his business strategy and its outcome.
he needed to set goals for himself. Success comes in many forms. For
He chose to build his business around Marketing Zach’s some it’s about money; for others it’s
wholesale work, and he went out and Just because Zach has built up a about being happy with what you do,
made it happen. reputation as the go-to transmission each and every day. In the case of Zach
3. People — Before attending guy doesn’t mean he doesn’t have to Evans, it’s about both, because he’s
Expo, Zach had a fellow working for keep himself out in front of the com- discovered how to be profitable doing
him who was a competent and talented munity. what he loves. It’s hard to find fault
technician. Shortly after returning from with that.
Expo, Zach fired him.

What’s Working
It’s in Your
Hands by Dennis Madden
members.atra.com
www.atra.com
S tarting in 2006, ATRA

began studying the
transmission industry
and the voice of consumers
with the goal of discovering
why some shops are more
successful than others. When
asked, a lot of shop owners
can cite all sorts of reasons
for their business slowdown:
• “The plant two
miles away just had
a major layoff.” • Red — Success Metric from 0 to 5
• “The economy in • Orange — Success Metric from 6 to 10
• Blue — Success Metric from 11 to 15
this city is terrible.” • Green — Success Metric from 16 to 20
• “The people in this
town don’t have any Figure 1
money.”
• “This is a small city; the econ-
omy hit us real hard.”
…and so on. These conditions

seem perfectly reasonable until you
realize there’s someone in that very
town doing really well. Not just a lot of
cars in the lot but they’re actually mak-
ing money; the shop is profitable and
the business is growing.
The 2009 What’s Working business
study focused on demographics. We
looked at where shops were located. We
compared the cities and states where
successful and not-so-successful shops
were, to see if location really had any
effect on the success of the business. Figure 2

Here’s how the chart
works: The horizontal
line is the average
Success Metric across
the population scale.
If population had an
impact on the success
metric we’d see the line
at an angle.
We examined things such as popu-
lation, and the median income of the Figure 3
city… and the state. We also looked at
the shop in terms of how long it was
in business. It seemed reasonable that
an established business would be more
profitable than a startup, or one that
was only open a few years.
So the 2009 study focused on
things outside the control of the shop
owner. Was it dumb luck that the shop
happened to be in a great place where
business thrived or was it something
else?
First let’s look at the locations of
the shops that participated in the study.
The map in figure 1 shows a colored
dot for every participant. If you recall
from previous What’s Working articles,
we used a Success Metric to score the
businesses. The Success Metric ranks
Figure 4
a business from zero, the lowest, to 20,
the highest. The colored dots on the that the city population has little role but as you can see there are plenty of
map rank like this: in the success of the business. When shops in the higher Success Metric,
we narrowed it down to smaller cities and just as many in the lower Success
• Red — Success Metric from 0 to 5 (figure 3) it flattened out completely. Metric.
• Orange — Success Metric from 6 to 10 This further supports our conclusion When it came to how long these
• Blue — Success Metric from 11 to 15 that city population isn’t a factor in shops were in business we were really
• Green — Success Metric from 16 to 20 business success. surprised. We looked at the range of
How about the income level of shops that participated and eliminated
Next we looked at the popula- the city? Figure 4 shows a scatter plot those that were close to the average in
tion where these shops were located. of city median income. The income is terms of years in business (figure 5,
Figure 2 shows a scatter plot of the shown at the bottom and the Success shaded in red). This left us with shops
results. Here’s how the chart works: Metric on the left. Just like the popula- having been in business 11 years or
The horizontal line is the average tion chart, the line represents the aver- less, and those having been in business
Success Metric across the population age Success Metric across the income 38 years or more. If years in business
scale. If population had an impact on scale and the angle of the line will were a factor this chart would reveal
the success metric we’d see the line at indicate any change in Success Metric it.
an angle. as the income changes. The more established shop had a
The line is virtually horizontal, Here again, the line is pretty flat. slight edge — the results were more
with maybe a slight downward trend as Most of the shops are in areas with concentrated toward the average —
the population increases, which means a $30,000 to $60,000 income range, but in terms of Success Metric they

It’s in Your Hands
excluded
Figure 5
were virtually identical (figure 6).
Your first reaction to these findings
might be, “So what, it doesn’t tell me how
to improve my business.” But in a way it
does. What it tells us is that the conditions
that many shop owners cite as the reason
for their business difficulties, things that are
outside their control, really don’t have as
much of an impact as they think. In every
instance there are successful shop owners
in a demographic where others are failing,
or just getting by.
Once you accept this, you’re ready to
work on those things you have control over:
the activities that really will have a positive
impact in your business.
That’s the basis of this year’s manage-
ment track at Expo; finding ways to make
significant improvements in your business.
And this year we’ll have a panel of shop
Figure 6
owners who used what they learned from
previous Expos, applied it to their business
and realized major improvements in their
business success. ATRA’s 2009 Consumer and Business Report contains
You can be successful in transmission more information about this subject and it includes
repair, even in today’s economy. Take the the results from the study of one thousand consumers.
plunge… pull the trigger… and find your
way to this year’s Expo. Maybe you’ll be To find it, go to http://members.atra.com
the next big success story highlighted in the and type “2009 Report” in the search field.
pages of GEARS.

Employees
Coming
in Late by Bob Cooper
President of Elite Worldwide, Inc
“Use my Three Strikes

program with any
employee behavior that expect everyone else here at Elite Auto away. The people that won’t be with
needs to change, and Service to be here on time when you’re you very long will typically do one of
you have my promise! not. Now I know old habits are hard to
break, so here’s what I’m going to do.
two things. They either ask you “What
period of time are you talking about”
You will be amazed at the The next time you’re late, I’ll ask you for the three strikes, (which tells us
results!” why, but it really isn’t going to matter they already imagine they’ll be late), or
because that one’s going to be on me. they’ll make a point to show up each
When you start to see a pattern in The second time you’re late, again I’ll day just minutes before the time they’re
behavioral issues; such as a tech, man- ask you why, and that one’s going to be suppose to be at work. Now here’s the
ager or service advisor coming in late, on me as well. But then if you’re late best part! This Three Strikes system
here are the things you need to con- a third time, for whatever reason, it’s takes away all of the excuses and makes
sider: 1) If you don’t nip it in the bud it going to be a difficult day for me, Mike, the employee responsible for his or her
will get worse. 2) Employees need to be because what I’ll do is call you into my own behavior. Just remember, when
responsible for their own behavior. 3) office, and I’m going to give you your you make a promise, you have to keep
They need to know why you have spe- final paycheck. Mike, I want to be clear it, so be ready to hand that employee
cific policies in place. So the next time with you. I think the world of you, and their final paycheck if the behavior
an employee starts to develop a pattern I would love to be able to work with continues.
of bad behavior, such as coming in late, you for the rest of my life. You’re a w w w. E l i t e Wo r l d w i d e S t o r e . c o m
call them into a private environment star, you really are, and I don’t want to (800) 204-3548 from outside the US
and ask them why they were late. When see our relationship end, so please don’t call (858) 756-3102, Copyright 2010 Elite
they have given you their explanation, put me in a position whereas I have to Worldwide, Inc. Employees coming in
late, Bob Cooper is the president of Elite
say something like this... let you go. Do we have an understand-
Worldwide, Inc, an ethics–based company
“Mike, I realize you’ve been late ing, Mike?” that, offers automotive professionals indus-
four times now this month, and let me Now here’s why this is such an try–leading sales, marketing and employee
tell you what my concerns are. First of easy–to–use and powerful way to solve management audio courses available for
all, if you’re not here at 7:30am, the behavior problems. First of all, many instant download; coaching services and a
first thought that goes through my mind employees will think, “Gee, what’s a wide variety of carefully chosen services
is that you or someone in your family few minutes?” They’ll tell themselves from its affiliate companies. Visit the Elite
might be sick or injured, and you might they often work through breaks, stay website for more great tips on auto repair
need my help. My second thought is late, etc., so you can see how easy it is employee management.
that your car may have broken down, for them to think you’re not only nit– Contact: Mike Boden
or you may have been in an accident, picking, but you’re being quite unfair. [email protected]
and I start to wonder if I should send That’s why it’s critically important that Elite Worldwide, Inc.
Larry or Frank out to look for you. To you let them know it’s not the couple 800–204–3548
complicate things even further, when of minutes that you’re concerned about; http://www.eliteworldwidestore.com/
you’re not here on time, and I’m stand- rather, it’s their well–being, your cus- Auto repair employee management–
ing at the service counter, I don’t know tomers and your other employees that http://www.eliteworldwidestore.com/hir-
what to tell customers who ask me you are concerned about. ing–managing–solutions.html
if their car’s going to be ready that I have also discovered over the
day. And then there’s one other thing, years that the keepers will typically
Mike. I just can’t find it in myself to apologize, and the behavior issue goes

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
ATRA Unveils New by ATRA
Consumer Website!
members.atra.com
www.atra.com
Figure 2
Figure 1
Figure 3
T
he long-anticipated ATRA con- by stripping the consumer information course is the Shop Finder tool (figure
sumer web site launched April from the site it made it a bit easier to 2). The consumer types in their loca-
30th. Last summer it became navigate. tion and it reports back the addresses
clear that ATRA needed to focus more The consumer site is also specifi- of ATRA members within a specified
on reaching consumers and driving cally targeted to one audience; consum- distance. It also includes a map of the
them into ATRA members’ shops. The ers. You won’t find industry informa- members from the query (figure 3).
goal was also to serve as an advocate tion or pages related to membership As with most of the features there are
for consumers; a safe place to get infor- services other than pages used to refer multiple links to get to key features;
mation about their car and repairs they consumers to ATRA member shops and in this case there are four. This assures
may be faced with. This meant we’d an industry/member site link that takes that consumers won’t have to fumble
have to split the ATRA into two sites; you to the member site. This new con- around to find it. It works very similar
one for the industry and one for consumer site resides at www.atra.com and to the original Shop Finder, however
sumers (figure 1). takes the place of the former combined this one actually tracks the number of
Last February was phase of the site. It also contains many features of impressions each member shop receives
project; launching the new industry/ the old site as well as new feature and so we can track its effectiveness.
member site. It contains only informa- some enhanced feature. A new feature is where consum-
tion pertaining to members and industry Let’s take a look at some of its ers can contact ATRA for information
professionals. One side benefit was that features: One of the main features, of about their transmission or other auto-

motive concerns. When you go to
this area there’s a tool for entering
your car information. The system
looks up the transmission type and
includes it in the information form
(figure 4) where the consumer asks
their question and submits it to
ATRA. This gives ATRA a way to
set up a report with the customer,
and… depending on the nature
of the question, refer them to an
ATRA member shop nearby.
Of course this new site has
some feature of the previous site
like a consumer information page
(figure 5), the fix it or trade it
calculator (figure 6), and links to
the ATRA FaceBook and Twitter
pages.
This project has been a year in
the making and is a major addition
Figure 4
to the services ATRA provided to
its members. With the successful
completion of this project, ATRA
is ready for the next one.
There are 13 pages in total, all designed to help
consumers and guide them to your shop.
Figure 5
Figure 6

www.atra.com
BEWARE: Towing Scam

*** CAR CARE CLINICS! ***
Over the past serveral months there has been time the operator said the other party had disconnected.
reporting of phone calls to ATRA Member shops Thanks for all the reports I have seen in the past; I knew it
Car Care Month
about a towing scam. was a scam.”
Creates
Many membersNewhave reported that a third party Chris Gerber, Transolution
Opportunities
such as a phone operator for
has been calling to report
“I had it done to me last week.Thanks to the forum I was
ATRA Members
that they have a hearing impaired caller on the phone aware of what was going on.”
that wants to send their vehicle to the shop for repairs. Orville, Razorback Transmission
April
This was Car
sounds Care and
innocent Month,
you and
would like to help
twocaller,
the ATRA asMembers from two
most people different
would like to do for their “You get a call from a supposed relay operator (assisting
states tookcustomers.
potential advantage of the opportunity the deaf) and the caller requests your email address to
to bolster their businesses. communicate with you directly. It happened to me and the
Larry Bloodworth of Certified email address resembled a spammers addy. When I
Why is this a scam?
Transmissions in West Jordan, Utah, Certified Transmissions in West Jordan, Utah
requested ID info, the caller hung up. That was my version.
andThe purpose
ATRA Boardof the phone call
Member Donny is they give you a
There simply are no depths to which this scum will not
credit card number and
Caccamise of DMC Transmissions in ask you to charge a sum of
descend to. Keep your eyes open!”
money
Ventura, California, each put on theircompany.
on their card for the towing
Nationwide Transmission
ownYour
Car shop would then be expected to take your
Care Clinics.
own Car money
Careand sendare
Clinics it to the phony
a terrific way towing company. “What happened with us was a call from a relay operator
of Your
promoting
credityour card shop
processorin thethencom- calls you to inform and the person had an uncle in New York whose vehicle
munity.
you that Shop owners
the credit cardgetyou a chance
charged to from the caller was not working and they wanted to tow it all the way to
meeta with
was stolen potential
card and customers
the chargesfrom allare reversed on our shop in Abilene! He was going to give me a credit
walks of life, and
your merchant account. give them a chance to card to charge $1,000.00 to and then when theCertified
Uncle got
become familiar with the services their here he would take care of the rest. I simplyTransmissions
said we are
You have now sent “good” money to a company
shop has to offer. unable to do that and hung up. They tried a similar thing
and are not consumer
Every able to recover was your funds.
presented
You’ve been scammed! with a florist shop and our BBB sent out warnings to all
with a car care booklet and several local business.”
giveaways, such as a tire gauge, a pen Emi Chavira, Big Country Transmission
andThere
pencil,areandmany
couponsscams that take
for special dis-place daily and
good
countspeople
on common end upservice
at a loss without their hard earned
items. “I got a relay call for "the transmission in my Uncles
money. And the shops performed free Toyota Camry failed and he left it to get fixed. Can you
48-point
ATRAvehicle
Members inspections
have been onaware
con- of this scam charge my card $2500.00 and go to Western Union and
sumers’ vehicles, which included
since early on in its development. The members have send all but $500.00 back so I can pay the towing company
checking
taken the tiresofand
advantage theirtire pressures, benefits to
membership here in NY to tow the car to you in Oregon." I told the relay
brakes, belts, hoses, and much more. operator it was a scam. He said they hung up.”
discuss issues such as these that they face in their
ATRA Board Member Laura Jason Faust, Bradshaw's Transmission Annex
shops
Wilsonon provided
the ATRA Certified
Member What’s Trans- Working
discussion
missions with everything she used for for ATRA
forum, a forum dedicated
Then the member shared an email he had received an hour
Members.
her clinic, which she received from later only to find out that another member received the
Stevie and Nancy LaValle for her exact same email!
Here areCare
Ladies Car some Clinic.of the discussions
relating
“I’d liketoto this
thank topic
Laura forfrom all herATRA
Thanks to the discussions on the forum, ATRA
help making our
Members onclinic
the aWhat’s
success” said Working Forum:
Larry. “We set two Members have been able to avoid this scam in
“I receive a phone callappointments
this morning for from an operator for
today.
the deaf,I they
can’twanted
be sure whether
a car they’ll repair and wanted
transmission their business.
toturn
giveinto
me a anything,
credit cardbut overyou neverfor a thousand
the phone
know.” he said it was for his mother's car. I informed the
dollars, If you would like more information on ATRA
At DMC’s clinic, Donny invit-card number until I Certified Transmissions
operator that I would not take a credit Membership, visit our website at Giveaways
ed the
was ablelocal
to seepolice department,
the vehicle who it properly. At that
and diagnose
brought their K9 unit to meet the public www.atra.com/membership
Certified Transmissions in West Jordan, Utah
74
50 GEARS May/June
GEARS 2010
July 2009
DMC Transmissions in Ventura, California
and discuss their contribution to the town.

ATRA had its own booth there to
promote the ATRA name and improve con-
sumer awareness. The “ATRA blimp” was
in flight overhead to help attract additional
attention and pull in more consumers to
learn what was going on.
Past ATRA tech advisor and longtime
GEARS contributor Glenn Troub — who
now works at DMC — delivered a short
seminar to a local Girl Scout troop that
attended to earn their car care merit badges.
While these girls were too young to own
cars themselves, their parents aren’t, and
it won’t be long before the girls will be
getting their licenses. So this simple
seminar allowed Donny’s shop to inter-
act with two generations of potential
customers at the same time.
We’ve always known that the most
effective form of advertising is word of
mouth, and nothing fosters more refer- DMC Transmissions
rals than being involved in the com-
munity. The What’s Working study proved
that to be valid, time and time again.
And a Car Care Clinic is a terrific way
of getting involved in the community
and getting noticed doing it.
There’s another car care month
coming up in October. Maybe now
would be a good time to start plan-
ning yours.
DMC Transmissions

ATRA NEWS
DMC Transmissions Giveaways DMC Transmissions
Airport Transmission Service sary of Airport Transmission in the mercial corridor.”

Celebrates 28 Years in Business City of Rochester. This store provides ATRA would like to join the
ATRA Member Airport a much-needed service to this neigh- Rochester community in congratulat-
Transmission Service of Rochester, borhood and the surrounding area. We ing Airport Transmissions on 28 years
New York, celebrated 28 years of ser- know that the success of this store of service.
vice to the community with a ribbon will result in attracting more retail and
cutting ceremony this past April 16th. service businesses to this strong com-
Airport Transmissions is owned and
operated by Marvin Swartz and his son
Don Swartz.
Attending the ceremony were New
York State Senator Joseph Robach,
Rochester Commissioner R. Carlos
Carballada, and City Councilmember
Carla Palumbo.
Marvin first opened his business as
a tire store: J & J Tire Sales. He later got
into transmission repair, and changed the
company name to Airport Transmission
Service. He moved Airport into its cur-
rent location in 1999.
Today, Marvin’s son Don continues
to operate the business and maintain the
reputation that his father began 28 years
ago. Airport Transmissions boasts 13
lifts in a 10,000 square-foot shop.
Rochester Commissioner
Carballada had this to say: “We are
pleased to celebrate the 28th anniver- Airport Transmission Service Celebrates 28 Years in Business

GEARS does not endorse new products but makes this new information available
POWERTRAIN INDUSTRY NEWS to readers. If you have a new product, please email the press release information
with applicable digital photo or drawing to [email protected] or send by mail to
GEARS, 2400 Latigo Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030.
New Solenoid Line announce that David Skora has joined Arizona Transmission
from Valve Body PRO its staff in the position of technical direc- Machine Receives
tor. David brings with him a wealth of Innovation Award
knowledge and experience in the trans-
mission industry, including 15 years as
a technical specialist for ATRA.
Bob Sanghera, CEO of Valve Body
PRO, sees a bright future for individu-
als and companies in the transmission
industry willing to take advantage of
the challenges that are taking place.
Adding David to the staff will give
Valve Body PRO now offers indi- Valve Body PRO the means to meet
vidual or master sets of popular Aisin those challenges.
Warner solenoids through its new divi- Visit Valve Body PRO on line at Arizona Transmission Machine
sion, SOLPRO. “These solenoids are www.valvebodypros.com. received an Innovation Award at the 12th
reengineered from the inside out,” said Annual Hotrod and Restoration Trade
David Skora, technical director for Sonnax 4R70W/4R75W Show in Indianapolis, Indiana on March
Valve Body PRO. Valve Body Retainer 11-13, 2010.
SOLPRO has researched the sole- Plate The category was for shop tools and
noid issues that affect the shifting char- equipment and the EZ-DRIVER claimed
acteristics of the valve body and trans- the top prize. Travis Weeks presented the
mission, and determined there’s a better award at the opening breakfast to Mike
way to fix them. Tilley, president of Arizona Transmission
One of the problem areas involves Machine.
excessive friction between the armature For more information about the award
shaft and the bushing. Even after a good or the EZ-DRIVER kit, visit Arizona
cleaning, it can still cause problems. Transmission Machine on line at www.ez-
The other issue happens when the plas- driver.com, or you can call Mike directly
tic terminals break, causing loose con- at 1-602-992-2961.
nections. A SOLPRO solenoid solves
both these problems. Raybestos Unveils
Currently SOLPRO is remanufac- From 2001 on, 4R70W and 4R75W Superior Friction Plate
turing solenoids for the AW55-50SN valve bodies no longer had the small for Honda Transmissions
and the whole family of 09G, 09D, round retainer plate installed on the
TF-80SC, and AF21/81 transmissions. lower corner of the valve body.
For more information, visit www. Without the reinforcement that was
solenoidpro.com or call toll free provided by the plate on earlier units, oil
1-877-611-7767. pressure could push the separator plate
away from the valve body casting, com-
David Skora New monly results in crossleaks and plate
Technical Director cracking. The crossleaks allow forward
for Valve Body PRO and direct oil to drag clutches, causing
forward and direct clutch failures.
Sonnax Valve Body Retainer Plate Raybestos Powertrain has announced
76507F-01K easily bolts into place, the release of its new GPX Friction Plate
clamping the separator plate and gasket for Honda transmissions. The “Global
securely, preventing future leaks. This Performance Extra” is superior to any
kit installs in minutes without any spe- other friction plate for Honda.
cial tools, salvages valve bodies, and “The shifting performance of this
allows you to reuse cracked plates. new Raybestos GPX Friction Plate match-
For more information, visit Sonnax es Honda perfectly,” said Raybestos Vice
at www.sonnax.com. President, Sales and Marketing Al Avila.
Valve Body PRO is pleased to “The GPX is engineered and qualified

POWER INDUSTRY NEWS
to outperform any other OE replacement the plate. The third screen was added to ing are paramount at Revolution Lift. All
friction plate. We’ve combined a high- the same oil circuit (actuator feed limit) Revolution two-post and four-post lifts
energy friction material and a unique as the previous two. The purpose of the wear the “gold label” that demonstrates
groove pattern to achieve smoother shifts, third screen is to recoup some of the fil- they’ve been third-party tested by ETL,
greater durability, and more value for our tering surface area lost due to the new flat and ALI certified to meet ANSI/ALI
customers.” screens (see illustration for locations). ALCTV-2006 safety standards. They’re
The GPX Friction Plate’s durabil- CORTECO is pleased to announce manufactured in an ISO 9001-certified
ity results from a world class friction that all TransTec® brand 2004-up facility owned by Revolution’s parent
material and superior groove design that 4L60/65/70E kits with date code 3/22/10 company, Vehicle Service Group (VSG).
withstands the heat of longer engage- and later contain valve body gaskets to Revolution lifts are backed by more
ments needed to ensure smooth shifts. service units that come with the bonded than 85 years of lift design and manu-
The product has been dynamometer and plates. Part number B36483 is the lower facturing experience, plus an unmatched
field tested to meet or exceed OE stan- gasket; B36484 is the upper gasket. network of factory-trained distributors
dards. Both gaskets will have an orange and installers who provide convenient
Available for a variety of Honda stripe for easy identification. Use of these installation, parts, and service.
transmissions, the GPX Friction Plate is gaskets will require installation of the To learn more about Revolution Lift,
manufactured to the highest tolerances to original snap-in screens. Since the origi- contact your local Rotary Lift distributor,
ensure proper fit. nal snap-in screens supply enough filter- log on to www.revolutionlift.com or call
“This product is made in the USA ing surface area, no screen is necessary at (800) 604-3359.
with Raybestos quality, dependability, the new (third) location.
and performance,” Avila said. “Rebuilders For more information, visit New 42RLE Circlip
will find the GPX to be a superior OE CORTECO and TransTec on line at www. Remover from Adapt-A-
replacement without the OE cost.” TransTec.com. Case Makes Output Shaft
For more information about the Removal Easy
GPX Friction Plate for Honda and other New Revolution® Lift
Raybestos Powertrain product innova- Line Offers Quality and
tions, contact Raybestos Powertrain LLC, Value at the Right Price
800-729-7763 or visit their web site at
www.raybestospowertrain.com.
CORTECO’s New
4L60/65/70E
Bonded Valve Body
Separator Plate Gaskets
Introducing the Revolution® Lift

brand of vehicle lifts, from the world’s
leading lift manufacturer and available
throughout North America from local
Rotary Lift distributors. The Revolution
Lift line offers quality, safety, and overall
value at a competitive price.
“With the many economic challeng-
es facing shops today, it’s more important
than ever to buy the right equipment at
The valve body separator plate and the right price. In the past, shop owners
gaskets for the 4L60E family has been have been willing to sacrifice value for When used in 2003-2009 Chrysler,
a three-piece design since inception in low price when choosing which vehicle Dodge, and Jeep 4WD applications, the
1993. Beginning with some 2006 models, lifts to install,” says John Rylee, director 42RLE’s output shaft is retained to the
General Motors started producing the of marketing. “Now they don’t have to.” rear planet with a squared circlip; similar
valve body separator plate with the gas- The Revolution line includes lift to most front wheel drive axles but much
kets bonded to the plate. models most commonly found in North more permanent.
The new bonded separator plates American independent repair shops: two- To disassemble the unit completely,
have three screens sandwiched between post, four-post, and specialty. Also avail- you must remove the output shaft to gain
the gasket and plate. Two of the screens able are a 6000 lb. mid-rise lift and a access to the large nut holding the rear
are in the same locations as the early motorcycle lift. planet. With the new T-8200 tool from
style plates that use screens that snap into Technician productivity and wellbe- Adapt-A-Case, your slidehammer makes

Backwood
steerinG knu
quick work of this seemingly impossible Backwoods Goop Offers
task. New Resource for
The T-8200 is milled from steel Steering Knuckle Lube
and includes a strong, easily replaceable,
grade-8 cap screw. It’s an economical Backwoods Goop
Backwoods Goop
yet durable answer to another perplexing steerinG knuckle luBe
problem: Be ready for the next 42RLE to
hit your bench.
For more information, visit them on
line at www.Adapt-A-Case.com. steerinG knuckle luBe
TransTec Introduces Kit
for Ford FNR5 and Mazda The proper lubricant for the enclosed knuckle differential.
FS5A-EL Steering knuckle lube for Toyota pickups with

a straight axle and Land Cruisers, Range Rov-
ers, and older domestic 4x4’s. This is the proper
TransTec is pleased to announce the Neil Sethi, President of Transtar’s

lubricant
for the
enclosed
availability of TransTec® overhaul kit Domestic Distribution Group knuckle

differ- Wet, gooey ball.. GOOD
The proper lubricant for the encl

ential.
DP2547, which covers the 5-speed front It’s not
any new
No matter who is the manufacturer,
it’s all off the same blueprint. One gal-
informa-
drive Ford FNR5 and Mazda FS5A-EL Transtar’s Domestic Distribution Group.
tion or product, it’s what the manufacturers origi-
nally used since the 1940’s. Putting regular wheel
lon is more than enough for the com-
plete overhaul. You could use the left-
Steering knuckle lube for Toyota pickups with

overs to occasionally refill if needed.
transmissions. Neil joined Transtar in October 2004

bearing grease in your enclosed knuckle differen-
tial is inferior to this original product. The “dry
$65.00
a straight axle and Land Cruisers, Range Rov-
ball” allows contaminants inside your hub. gallon
The FNR5 is found in the 2006-up as director of business development, and Reply to [email protected]
Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. New Product shortly thereafter assumed responsibility ers, and older domestic 4x4’s. This is the proper
The FS5A-EL is in 2006-up Mazda Announcement
3 for the Cleveland sales team in addition lubricant
for the
and Mazda 6 models, the 2008-up Mazda to his business development role.
enclosed
5, and several other MazdaFS5A-EL models found “In 2007, Neil was promoted to vice
Ford FNR5/Mazda knuckle
internationally. president of corporate development and differ-
We are pleased to announce the availability of TransTec overhaul kit
®
DP2547. Kit DP2547 covers the five speed front drive TransTec
Ford FNR5 ® andwas instrumental in leading the successful ential.
MazdaDescription
FS5A-EL transmissions. The FNR5 is found in the 2006-up Ford
Fusion and Mercury Milan. The FS5A-EL is in 2006-up Number Mazda 3 and
integration of Transtar and Axiom,” said It’s not
Duraprene® Pan Gasket
found internationally. B11559 The proper lubricant for the enclosed knuckle differential.
Mazda 6 models, the 2008-up Mazda 5 and several other Mazda modelsGreg Gyllstrom, president and CEO of
any new
Featured Components
Transtar Holding Company. “Following informa-
Duraprene® Side Cover Gasket ®
TransTec
Steering knuckle
B11558 lube for Toyota
the integration, Neil was pickups with to
promoted tion or product, it’s what the manufacturers origi-
Number a straight axle and Land Cruisers, Range Rov- nally used since the 1940’s. Putting regular wheel
Description
Front Seal B29629 group vice president for the Domestic
Duraprene pan gasket B11559
ers, and older domestic Group.4x4’s. This is the proper bearing grease in your enclosed knuckle differen-
®
Axle Seals, Left and Right

Duraprene
®
side cover gasket B11558B29150 Distribution Under Neil’s guid-
Front seal B29629 ance, the Domestic Distribution lead- lubricant tial is inferior to this original product. The “dry
Sealing RingleftKit
Axle seals, & right B291503534 ership team has successfully navigatedfor the ball” allows contaminants inside your hub.
Sealing ring kit 3534
enclosed
Reply to backwoodsgo
through a major economic recession
knuckle
while launching numerous new branches
differ- Wet, gooey ball.. GOOD
and new product lines to better e n serve
t i a l .our
customers.” It’s not No matter who is the manufacturer,
“We’ve gone through any tremendous
new There’s nothing new under the sun,
it’s all off the same blueprint. One gal-
growth over the past severalinforma- years, yet and the steering knuckle lube for Toyota
lon is more than enough for the com-
tion or product, it’s what theamanufacturers
have maintained origi-con-
sense of personal pickups, Land Cruisers, Range Rovers,
plete overhaul. You could use the left-
nally used nection since thewith
1940’s. ourPutting regularsays
customers,” wheel Neil. and older model domestic
overs to occasionally refill if4x4s hasn’t
needed.
bearing grease “I’d in your
like to enclosed
thank our knuckle
valueddifferen-
customers changed since they first drove off the
tial is inferior to this
and the entireoriginal product.
Transtar The “dry
team, who’ve been assembly line.
ball” allows contaminants inside your
the real reason for our success.” hub. $65.00
The problem has gallon
been about finding
Prior to joining Transtar, Neil served that original lube. Many shops have tried
Kit number DP2547 is in stock and
available for immediate shipment Reply to [email protected]
as a consultant with the Healthcare using the newer, lithium-based lubricants,
Consulting Practice of Pricewaterhouse but they don’t provide adequate lubrica-
For more information, visit TransTec Coopers, LLP. He holds a BA from the tion for these demanding applications.
on line at www.TransTec.com. University of Pennsylvania, an MBA from
A Division of Freudenberg-NOK Backwoods Goop now offers the
GeorgetownNPA 1/21/10University and a Doctorate original, sodium-based lubricant. This
11617 State Route 13 • Milan, Ohio 44846 • T: 419-499-2502 • F: 419-499-2804 • www.TransTec.com
0 Freudenberg-NOK
Transtar Industries, Inc. of Medicine from the University of lubricant has the proper flow capabili-
Appoints Neil Sethi Cincinnati College of Medicine. ties to provide the lubrication qualities
President, Domestic Transtar would like to congratulate to keep these steering knuckles working
Distribution Group Neil on his new appointment and this well right, mile after mile.
Transtar Industries, Inc., the pre- deserved recognition. The new (old?) lubricant is available
mier provider of world-class driveline in gallon jugs for just $65 each; enough
solutions, is pleased to announce the for a complete overhaul, plus a bit left
appointment of Neil Sethi to president of over for topping off. Order yours today

POWER INDUSTRY NEWS
from Backwoods Goop: backwoods- Transtar Industries Wit Mourns The Loss Of A
[email protected]. Celebrates 35 Years Dear Family Member
Transtar Industries, Inc., the pre-
CORTECO Announces mier provider of world-class driveline
New 4T65E “Tap Shift” solutions, is proud to announce its 35th
Valve Body Gaskets anniversary. Founded in 1975, the name
In the 2004 model year, General Transtar is one constant in an industry
Motors started to offer a manual shift that’s seen tremendous change in the past
automatic option on certain models; also several decades.
known as tap shift. This option requires Transtar began with two people in
a different set of valve body gaskets than a small warehouse in a Cleveland sub-
the traditional 4T65E units. urb. Today, with 59 domestic locations,
CORTECO is pleased to announce including four distribution centers, its
the addition of the valve body gaskets global reach includes 70 facilities world-
required for the manual shift automatics wide, selling into more than 70 countries
to all TransTec® brand 4T65E kits with internationally.
date code 3/25/10 and later. “The same philosophy of genuine,
Look for these gaskets in sub kit personal service drives every aspect
4781; they’re the same gaskets used in of Transtar’s operations today,” states
Volvo applications with a 4T65E trans- Transtar CEO Greg Gyllstrom. “I’m still
mission. amazed by the number of employees
For more information, visit who’ve been with the company not just
CORTECO and TransTec on line at www. for years, but for decades. In fact, our first
TransTec.com. employee still works at our home office
just down the hall from me!”
TransTec Announces New “Our sales team is, without a doubt, Robert Lee Thompson,
Peugeot and Citroen the all-stars of our industry,” says Tom April 6, 2010
Axle Seals DeMille, vice president of sales and
branch operations. “Their collective expe- WIT mourns the loss of a dear family
rience totals more than 4500 years. That member: Robert Lee Thompson passed
kind of experience helps our customers away on April 6 in his home in Louisville,
get the parts they need to build the job KY.
once and build it right.” A 31-year veteran to the industry,
Transtar’s comprehensive product Robert exemplified Whatever It Takes in
offering now extends to the full driveline. every aspect of his life. He was the guy
“Each part is chosen by our product man- you could always count on, ready to lend
agement team, sourced from the most a helping hand to all; we’re proud to have
trusted vendors,” reports Jim Berry, vice called him our friend. Our lives were bet-
president of marketing. “Our custom- ter with him in them.
ers can be sure that each part they pur- One in a million, Robert will never
chase from Transtar is the highest quality, be replaced, never be forgotten, and will
as represented by the Transtar Seal of be eternally appreciated for the impact he
Quality.” made on us all.
TransTec is pleased to announce the “At Transtar we’ve made evolution Robert is survived by his loving
availability of axle seals for all models of a continual part of our business philoso- wife, Marvina, daughters Megan, Lisa,
Peugeot and Citroen vehicles that use the phy,” says Neil Sethi, the newly-named and Theresa, brother Clyde, and sisters
six-speed TF80-SC transmission. president of Transtar Industries. “It’s our Doris and Martha, five grandchildren,
The left axle seal is all new and can mission to provide world-class driveline and his WIT family.
be purchased by ordering TransTec® part solutions to our customers, and we take it
number B37143. The right axle seal, very seriously.” TRC Spring Jacket
TransTec® part number B37056, is a For more information visit the Promo Hampered by
carryover from the AW50-40/42LE and Transtar web site, www.Transtar1.com, Faulty Phone Number
AW55-50SN applications. or call (800) 359-3339. In the last issue of GEARS, TRC
These seals won’t be included in announced that TRC was extending their
TransTec® brand kits, but can be pur- jacket promotion to all GEARS subscrib-
chased separately. ers. But there was a problem: The phone
For more information, visit TransTec number was wrong. The correct number
on line at www.TransTec.com. for TRC is 1-800-336-5525.
So once again, for an even more lim-

ited time, GEARS subscribers will receive global transmission guide,” noted Craig
a heavy-duty canvas jacket with every Stark, director of sales, marketing and
third transmission purchase. customer service for Corteco.
TRC has been in business since 1981; The comprehensive reference is also
they ship transmissions (automatic and compact (4.5” x 6.5”) and designed to
standard, foreign and domestic), transfer fit in a pocket or conveniently store in
cases, and differentials nationwide. toolboxes and work areas. Contact any
For more information visit www. authorized TransTec® distributor for cop-
TRCtrans.com, or call toll-free 1-800- ies of the new Transmission Guide.
336-5525 (yes, that’s the right number For additional information, please
this time!). visit www.freudenberg-nok.com.
New, Global Edition Two New Kits François Augnet, CEO of TRW
Transmission Guide from RatioTek Aftermarket Europe
Simplifies Trans ID First kit, number RT-A750E. This
kit fits Toyota & Lexus A761E Augnet receives the award for his and the
2003-2008, 5 Speed Rear Wheel Drive. company's outstanding record within the
This kit provides quick clean shifts and field of automotive remanufacturing.
15% more converter clutch holding "François Augnet has, over a long
power. period, been a dedicated promotor of
automotive remanufacturing and, togeth-
er with his team, made the company's two
main brake reman facilities in Frytlant
in the Czech Republic and Wrexham in
the UK into admirable examples of qual-
ity and innovation in remanufacturing",
said William Schwarck, Editor-in-Chief,
ReMaTecNews, and Chairman of the
Award jury.
TRW Automotive Aftermarket, a
Second kit, number RT-A750E-HD. member of the world-wide TRW group,
This kit fits Toyota & Lexus A761E is a leading provider of high-quality
2003-2008, 5 Speed Rear Wheel Drive. replacement parts, service and technical
This kit provides firm quick shifts support for both Independent Aftermarket
and 35% more converter clutch holding (IAM) and Vehicle Manufacturers Service
power. Also great for TRD blowers and (VMS).
Transmission professionals can iden- NOS. Instituted in 2005, the Remanufacturer
tify automatic transmissions in virtually of the Year award honours an individual
any vehicle in the world with a new, or business that has served the automotive
global edition Transmission Guide now remanufacturing industry with distinc-
available from Corteco, the supplier of tion.
TransTec® brand kits. “As the industry is increasingly
Developed specifically to eliminate focusing on quality and, in many respects,
confusion over look-alike transmissions, innovation, the award is designed to rec-
the spiral-bound reference identifies ognize those who have put in a spe-
transmissions by vehicle make, model, cial effort to promote the concept and
year, and engine. You can select Ford, image of reman”, said William Schwarck,
for example, to determine that a 2008 Editor-in-Chief, ReMaTecNews. “We see
Ford Explorer with V6 4.0L engine has a For distributor or more info 626- it as the magazine’s contribution to rais-
5R55E, 5-speed, rear wheel drive trans- 968-2754. ing quality levels within the industry and
mission. promoting a better understanding of the
The 70-page transmission guide has Remanufacturer of the benefits and values of reman outside it.”
been expanded for global coverage of Year 2010 ReMaTecNews is published by
import and domestic applications through ReMaTecNews, the international RAI Langfords B.V. in association with
the 2011 model year, so you can also news magazine for the automotive reman- Amsterdam RAI, APRA, Automotive
determine that a 2003 Citroen Saxo with ufacturing industry, has announced the Parts Remanufacturers Association,
L4 1.4L engine has a 3-speed front wheel winner of its Remanufacturer of the Year and FIRM, International Association of
drive transmission (model MB3). “We’re Award for 2010: François Augnet, CEO Engine Rebuilders and Remanufacturers.
very proud to offer the first and only of TRW Aftermarket Europe. François

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.
Quality Parts- ERIKSSON INDUSTRIES

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AUTOMATIC-STANDARD 1-800-388-4418
Fax: (860) 395-0047
1946 - 2009
www.erikssonindustries.com
1-800-835-1007 146B Elm St., Old Saybrook, CT 06475
**COMPUTERS**
Transmission Control Module
ECM & TCM
Mitsubishi-Honda-Hyundai-GEO Heated Cooler
Kia-Mazda-Nissan-Suzuki-Toyota Line Flusher
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ONE SOLUTION ONE SOURCE
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tel 650 - 348 - 3990 fax 650 - 348 - 3019 (800) 822-2375
RatioTek™
Valve Body Kits
Easy to Install - Low Cost - Great Results
-- Kits At Part Suppliers Now --
RT-4L60E
Fix Code
1870 Fast
Adjust 1-2
shift firmness
without re-
moving VB.
RT-E4OD/4R
Kit fits
E40D and
4R100
3 High Tech
Regulator Valves.
Adjust shift firmness.
RT-4L60E-HD
RT-700R4
RT-700R4-HD
RT-AX4S
RT-4F50N
RT-A750E
RT-A750E-HD
RT-A761E
RT-A761E-HD
RT-4ATAXLE
RT-4ATAXLE-HD
Also 5th Edition Ratiotek
software now shipping!!
www.ratiotek.com 626-968-2754



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.
WE HAVE WHAT YOU NEED

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AAEQ Gears Ad 1-4 pg 031209:1-17 AAEQ Gears Ad 3/12/09 2:31 PM Page 1
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SHOPPER CLASSIFIED May/June 2010
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 9 issues). Members wishing to place ads once their three FREE ads have 9234
been TRC
placedTDmay3IN ADat the
do so layout 2/25/08
cost listed above. 2:38 PM
Ads exceeding the maximum word count will cost $1.50 for each additional word (not including phone number and address).
smissions Axi-Line dyno-tested

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a 18,000lbs truck lift. Heated and air con- environment with a guarantee of 32 hours Screen Required) ATRA Mbr
ditioned office and waiting room. $975,000 per week if willing to do odd jobs during slow
OBO, call Miguel at (661) 350-0171 or email: times. Hours 8:00 to 5:00, Monday through
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ing, 14 bays, 10 lifts, (9 -7000lbs, 2-9000lbs,
1- 25000lbs). Three air condition offices HELP WANTED:
and air condition building room completely DFW Metroplex, TX
equipped. Located on Route 19 main high- – High quality, well
way address 1201-34 Street South. Same established honest
location, same owner and ATRA member shop looking for a
for 30 years. Low cost transmission only transmission tech-
195K, long term lease or building available. nician and service
Contact George Douglas, (727) 420-8558 or manager. Tech must
[email protected]. Owner retiring due to be experienced and
health. ATRA Mbr have strong diag-
nostic and electri-
BUSINESS FOR SALE: Florida’s West cal skills. Manager
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business with two buildings plus a half acre have good people
Real Estate in popular Beach area. Well skills. Contact:
known & highly respected shop. Can ex- North Texas Trans-
pand or rent 1 unit for income. Extensive mission, Inc. at
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HELP WANTED:
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ADVERTISERS
Name Page Name Page
Arrow Uniform............................................................ 54 Precision European Inc....................................Rider, 84

www.arrowuniform.com www.peius.com
ATRA.................................................................... 19, 25 Precision International.................................................. 3
members.atra.com www.transmissionkits.com
Borg-Warner Automotive............................................ 35 Raybestos Powertrain.................................................. 9
www.borgwarner.com www.raybestospowertrain.com
Certified Transmission.................................................. 7 Seal Aftermarket Products-
www.certifiedtransmissions.com Parker Hannifin Corporation................................... 61
CVC - Consolidated Vehicle Converters.................... 38 www.parker.com
www.cvcconverters.com Slauson Transmission Parts....................................... 56
Dacco Transmission Parts......................................... 63 www.slauson.com
www.daccoinc.com Sonnax Industries..................................................... IFC
ETE Reman................................................................ 43 www.sonnax.com
www.enginetrans.com State Compensation Insurance Fund......................... 58
EVT Parts................................................................... 47 www.statefundca.com
www.evtparts.com Superior Transmission Parts...................................... 59
First National Merchant Solutions.............................. 58 www.superior-transmission.com
www.fnms.com T.C.R.A....................................................................... 39
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www.fordparts.com TCI Automotive........................................................... 54
G-Cor Automotive Corp.............................................. 55 www.tciauto.com
www.transmissionhardparts.com Transmission Specialties............................................ 51
Heffernan Group......................................................... 55 www.transmission-specialties.com
www.heffgroup.com Transtar Industries, Inc............................................... 49
Jasper Engines & Transmissions............................. IBC www.transtar1.com
www.jasperengines.com TransTec By CORTECO............................................. 53
Life Automotive Products Inc...................................... 37 www.transtec.com
www.smartblend.com Valve Body Pro........................................................... 41
LUBEGARD® By International Lubricants, Inc....... OBC www.valvebodypro.com
www.lubegard.com Whatever It Takes Transmission Parts, Inc................ 45
2010
www.wittrans.com
CALENDAR ATRA Technical Seminar Schedule
5/22/10 Des Moines, IA 9/25/10 Chicago, IL

5/22/10 Dallas, TX 10/9/10 Portland, OR
2010
8/7/10 Los Angeles, CA 10/16/10 New York, NY

9/9/10 – 9/12 ATRA's Powertrain Expo, San Antonio, TX

jasper ibc.indd IBC2 1/8/09 9:03:00 AM
MUST HAVE’s for performance applications
Part # 61910 Part # 30901 Part # 95020 Part # 72400

LUBEGARD® Highly Friction LUBEGARD® BIO-TECH Kool-It® Supreme PRO II 9000®
Modified-ATF Supplement Engine Oil Protectant Coolant Treatment Complete Fuel System Cleaner
The #1 tool used by If you like our transmission This is the ONLY product of its Just one treatment cleans air
professionals to adjust the products, you’re gonna LOVE kind. It prevents corrosion, intake deposits, fuel injector
frictional characteristics of an our engine products. We are pitting, overheating, deposits and intake valve
ATF to operate at its optimum. like the little blue engine pill. electrolysis, and pitting. deposits.
LUBEGARD created the This product is field tested Recognized by the largest This is available in a 2-can,
HFM (highly friction and proven to increase radiator manufacturers, or a 3-can kit. The 3-can kit
modified) category! performance and reduce suppliers and distributors! is for professional use and
fuel consumption. requires a tool.
Go to www.Lubegard.com for more information on these and other products.
©2010 ILI. All Rights Reserved.

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TM

FOR THE TRANSMISSION REBUILDING INDUSTRY

Come Enjoy San Antonio this September!

ATRA's Powertrain Expo,

Flashed or Not Flashed,

The valve body is the brains of a transmission.

That transmission isn’t fixed until the valve body is

Nobody knows valve bodies like Sonnax.™

Automatic Drive, P.O. Box 440, Bellows Falls, Vermont 05101-0440

Chief Executive Officer Dennis Madden

Contributing Editors: Steve Bodofsky

2 GEARS April 2010

(Well, almost any)

As the technological leader,

The best advice on the planet

T H I S A D V E R T I S E M E N T P R E PA R E D B Y LoBo & Petrocine

I n 2007, Dodge introduced the

4 GEARS May/June 2010

GEARS May/June 2010 5

6 GEARS May/June 2010

Hey Dad…I got a new

A GM 4 wheel drive vehicle rolls

The problem for

8 GEARS May/June 2010

Features and Benefits

• The industry’s tightest manufacturing specifications • An OE replacement without the OE cost

late model GM vehicles simply go to the GM

10 GEARS May/June 2010

available part numbers.

Including the exact one that you need

Log on to a better way to

ANY FORD PART.

The CVN’s listed on

12 GEARS May/June 2010

Get ‘em in the Door

Apply for ATRA Membership Today

(866) GO-4-ATRA • (866) 464-2872

20 ATRA’s Powertrain Expo

22 ATRA’s Powertrain Expo

30 ATRA’s Powertrain Expo

32 September 9 - 12, 2010

34 GEARS May/June 2010

We’re stable under pressure.

BorgWarner carries a full line of OEM quality

36 GEARS May/June 2010

Host Hotel: Sign up:

May 21 and 22, 2010

Join us for a tour

valve body comes

40 GEARS May/June 2010

Please contact your supplier or SOLPRO directly.

SolProGearsFP.indd 1 4/15/10 12:12 PM

looks very easy. The pump assembly

42 GEARS May/June 2010

44 GEARS May/June 2010

• Front Pumps • Standards

AD e. • Complete line of CVC Remanufactured • Clutch Alignment Tools 4th Clutch

Remember that Old-Time Service?

sion Parts, Inc. www.wittrans.co