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 GEARS FOR THE TRANSMISSION REBUILDING INDUSTRY

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

Publisher Dennis Madden

Managing Editor Rodger Bland
Technical Director Lance Wiggins
Advertising Ruben Vera KEEP THOSE TRANNYS ROLLING: STREET SMART: SHOP PROFILE:
Senior Designer Jeanette Troub A Look Inside the MP3010 6T40/45 Diagnosis and Fixes KC Martin Automotive and
Transfer Case Page 22 Transmission in Lynnwood, WA
Graphic Artist Aurelio Peña Page 4 Page 52

Contributing Authors:
John E. Anderson Steve Bodofsky
Jim Cathcart Steve Garret SPECIAL INTEREST & TECHNICAL
Scott Shotton Thom Tschetter

ATRA Technical Staff: 4 KEEP THOSE TRANNYS ROLLING:

Rolando (Rolly) Alvarez Bill Brayton A Look Inside the MP3010 Transfer Case
— by Pete Huscher
Mike Brown Keith Clark
David Chalker Rob Faucett 10 BACK ON THE BENCH: Understanding The System Makes
Pete Huscher Darwin Upton Short Work of Repairing A Delayed Forward Engagement
Shaun Velasquez Jarad Warren — by Rob Faucett

Director of Event Services Vanessa Velasquez 18 SEAL AFTERMARKET PRODUCTS:

The Company Behind The Innovations
— by Seal Aftermarket Products
The views expressed in this publication should not necessarily be interpreted PAID ADVERTORIAL
as the official policy of the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA).
Publication of product information or any advertising does not imply recommenda- 22 STREET SMART: 6T40/45 Diagnosis and Fixes
tion by ATRA. — by Mike Brown
GEARS , a publication of ATRA, 2400 Latigo Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030, 30 IN FRONT OF THE FLYWHEEL: How Much Alcohol Is Too Much?
is published for the betterment of the transmission industry and is distributed — by Scott Shotton
ten 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- 34 IT CAN MAKE FOR A BAD DAY:
sion industry in the United States, Canada, ATRA Members in Mexico & Europe, Looking for Information; Allison Prognostics
and related automotive industry firms and individually. Send changes of address — by Steve Garret
to GEARS in care of ATRA. Subscriptions are available by contacting GEARS in
care of ATRA. 38 25 Years of Gears
Advertisers and advertising agencies assume full liability for all content of adver- — by Steve Bodofsky
tisements printed and also assume full responsibility for any claims arising there-
from against the publisher. The publisher reserves the unqualified right to reject any
46 UP YOUR BUSINESS: Do You Care… Really?
advertising copy as it deems appropriate, with or without cause.
— by Thom Tschetter
GEARS is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard 49 SUCCESS STRATEGIES: Decision Making: Yes or No?
to the subject matter covered. It is distributed with the understanding the publisher — by Jim Cathcart
is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional service. If legal
advice or other expert assistance, is required, the services of a competent profes- 50 SMART EXIT: You Can Make It Happen Create Your Smart Exit
sional person should be sought from a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted — by John E. Anderson
by a Committee of the American Bar Association and Committee of Publishers.
52 SHOP PROFILE: KC Martin Automotive and Transmission:
GEARS also welcomes articles submitted by members of the industry. GEARS Community Service and Growing Their Own
considers all articles for publication that contribute positively to the welfare of the
— by Steve Bodofsky
transmission industry, and reserves the right to edit all articles it publishes. If you
would like to submit an article to GEARS, include background information about 58 Introducing Standalone Controllers
the author and a telephone number where he/she may be reached. If you want for 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-Speed Transmissions
submissions returned, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. — by Rodney Hudson-Davies
60 Handling The Irate Customer
Editorial and Business Offices — by Nancy Friedman
2400 Latigo Avenue,
Oxnard CA 93030
Phone (805) 604-2000
Fax (805) 604-2006
www.gearsmagazine.com
www.atra.com
DEPARTMENTS
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to GEARS, P.O. Box 16118, 2 FROM THE CEO:
North Hollywood, CA 91615-6118 Has It Been That Long?
Publications Mail Agreement No. 40031403 — by Dennis Madden
Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Be sure to read our Feature Story,
Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor, ON N9A 6J5 70 POWERTRAIN INDUSTRY NEWS Seal Aftermarket Products:
Email: gears@atra.com The Company Behind The Innovations
75 SHOPPERS AND CLASSIFIED on page 18.
Issue #218 Printed in U.S.A. Copyright ATRA 2017
80 LIST OF ADVERTISERS (Paid Advertorial)

1TOC-917.indd 2 8/30/17 12:26 PM

 FROM THE CEO
T
his issue is GEARS
Magazine’s silver jubilee. It’s
hard to believe it’s been 25
years since we first started publishing
GEARS.
It’s common when someone
celebrates an anniversary, whether it’s
a wedding, a business, or anything else
for that matter, to ask, where did the
time go? I can’t believe it’s been that
long. It’s the same for ATRA. I started
working here during ATRA’s 35th
anniversary; now here we are at 63!
It’s fun to reminisce, and we’d like
to share some interesting stories and
photos from years past. Check out the
article on page 40.
Something else happens at
anniversaries, especially wedding
anniversaries: Someone inevitably asks,
“What’s the secret for lasting so long?”
People want to know how they made it
through 25 years… even more so when
it gets to 50 and beyond.
So here are some thoughts about
what we do at GEARS and ATRA
that, I think, keeps us at the top of our
game. There’s no big secret, nothing
all that special, but it’s important, and
something you can put to use in your
own business.
The first thing you need to do is
identify your purpose. We’ve covered
this before, and it’s something I’ll be
talking about at this year’s Expo. It’s an
important part of keeping your company
focused.
Why? Because without a defined
purpose, your employees will wind up
defining your business as a series of
task-oriented points: “We do this, that,
and the other thing.”
2 GEARS September 2017
1frmceo 917.indd 2
Those points might describe what
you do throughout the day, but they
don’t define why you do it. They don’t
provide a “big-picture” idea that people
can relate to and remember. So what’s
the purpose of GEARS?
The purpose of GEARS is to create
a reader.
Notice there’s nothing about
sales or advertising, nothing about the
financial part of the magazine that pays
the bills. It’s simple: Create a reader.
Creating a reader means being in
touch with what the reader wants. In
our case, they want to fix cars and get
paid. They want their customers back
on the road. It’s the test we use with
each article we publish. We ask this
throughout the process, and yes, we’ve
tossed more than a few articles because
we didn’t feel they met that goal.
Taking this to the next level, the
new GEARS Magazine web site now
tracks the number of “reads” for each
article, providing even more feedback
about what readers find interesting.
It’s no different than you getting
feedback from your customers on social
media and review sites. It’s what keeps
you on track with what your customers
want and it’s important that you get that
feedback, good or bad.
In the end, though, GEARS is a
business and has another group of
customers: its advertisers. For them,
we have another purpose, another “big-
picture” idea:
Access to the industry.
Seems simple enough, right? After
all, that’s why advertisers place ads in
the first place: to reach their potential
market.
by Dennis Madden
members.atra.com
What’s interesting about that
is that it feeds right off of our other
purpose: create a reader. Those readers
are the industry. By creating a reader,
we’re helping attract the industry that
advertisers want to reach. So creating a
reader provides access to the industry.
Perfect!
Of course, providing access to the
industry also demands that we remain
focused on circulation, to make sure
GEARS is reaching our market. Who’s
receiving the magazine? Is it a good
address?
That means access to the best and
most accurate mailing list available,
while continually adding new
subscribers and deleting old addresses
that no longer exist.
But think about this: By maintaining
our mailing list, we’re making sure we
reach working industry professionals…
the very professionals we want to reach
to create a reader. The two goals are
symbiotic, each supporting the other,
working together to make sure we’re
meeting our two purpose statements.
The same is true about operating a
transmission repair shop: By identifying
your purpose, you’ll be better able to
serve your customer base, and earn
better reviews and more referrals. The
purpose isn’t about profits or tasks; it’s
a big-picture idea. These simple ideas
have kept GEARS Magazine on track
for the past 25 years.
I’ll be talking about creating your
purpose at this year’s Expo. If you’ve
never thought about it, or aren’t sure
where to begin, you need to be there:
Reserve your spot at this year’s Expo,
and we’ll see you in Vegas!
8/30/17 10:29 AM
ADS_0917.indd 3 8/30/17 8:29 AM
 KEEP THOSE TRANNYS ROLLING
I
n previous issues of Keep Those
Trannys Rolling, we looked at
the Magna Performance MP3010
transfer case control system and the
diagnostic routines needed to keep this
four-wheel drive system rolling down
the road.
In this issue, we’re going to look
inside the transfer case, to see how to
disassemble, repair, and reassemble it.
DESCRIPTION
The Magna Performance MP3010
transfer case is a single-speed, au-
tomatic, active transfer case, which
provides three modes of operation:
AUTO 4WD, 4HI, and 2HI.
The Auto 4WD mode provides an
on-demand torque biasing wet clutch,
which allows the transfer case control
system to adjust the AWD application
through variable software calibrations.
This provides more features, such
as flexible adapt ready position and
variable clutch preload torque levels
which enhance the performance of the
AWD system.
This technology allows for
speed-dependent torque transfer to
4 GEARS September 2017
1pete 917.indd 4
by Pete Huscher
members.atra.com
enhance driving performance,
prevent crow-hopping or binding
at low speeds, and improve
vehicle stability at higher speeds.
Now let’s take a look inside
the MP3010 transfer case.
SECURING
TRANSFER CASE
For ease of disassembly and
reassembly, use a transmission/
transfer case holding fixture to
secure the transfer case assembly
to the bench.
REMOVING
EXTERNAL
COMPONENTS
Begin by draining the transfer
case oil and removing the external
components.
These components include:
• Access hole plugs
• Fill and drain plugs
• Transfer case 2/4 wheel drive
actuator (encoder/motor)
assembly
• Gear position sensor
• Vehicle speed sensor (figure 1) Figure 1: Components removed from transfer case.
8/30/17 8:07 AM
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25 years of publishing from Precision International

A GM Supplier of the Year

for 3 consecutive years

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 A Look Inside the MP3010 Transfer Case

Figure 2: Remove transfer case bolts. Figure 3: Releasing internal snap ring.

DISASSEMBLY
• Remove the 17 Torx bit transfer case
bolts securing the two transfer case
halves together (figure 2).
• Release the transfer case rear output
shaft outer retaining snap ring
from the transfer case rear output
shaft rear bearing assembly before
splitting the transfer case halves
apart. Use a set of snap ring pliers
to release the snap ring through the
rear case access holes (figure 3).
Once you’ve released the snap ring,
you can pry the transfer case halves
apart using opposing pry bars along
the case bosses.
Figure 4: Internal Components. Now you should be able to see
the front output shaft/gear assembly,
the actuator shaft and cam assembly,
the drive chain, the oil pump, and the
output shaft assembly (figure 4).
• Remove the oil pump suction
pipe and the actuator shaft gear
assembly.
• Remove the output shaft assembly,
the drive chain, and the actuator
shaft and cam assembly as a
complete unit.
• Remove the front output shaft/gear
assembly.
• Clean and inspect individual
components.

TRANSFER CASE HALVES

• Clean the transfer case halves.
• Inspect the transfer case halves for
signs of wear, damage, cracks, or
Figure 5: Check case bearings. warpage. Repair or replace as needed.
6 GEARS September 2017

1pete 917.indd 6 8/30/17 8:07 AM

 Figure 6: Secure output shaft assembly. Figure 7: Four wheel drive clutch assembly.

• Check actuator shaft bearing assem-

blies located in both case halves
(figure 5) and replace as needed.
• Inspect case bearings and seals and
replace as needed.

REAR OUTPUT
SHAFT ASSEMBLY
To make it easier to disassemble
and reassemble the output shaft
assembly, secure the output shaft as-
sembly in a holding fixture (vise) or
place the assembly through a hole in
your workbench (figure 6).
• Remove the output shaft rear bear-
ing snap ring.
• Use an arbor press or extended jaw
type puller to remove the output
shaft rear bearing assembly.
• Remove the output shaft bearing
retaining ring and the speed sensor
reluctor wheel.
• Remove the transfer case oil pump,
the drive sprocket retaining ring, the
drive sprocket rear spacer, and the
drive sprocket assembly.
• Remove the drive sprocket front
spacer and the 2/4 wheel drive
clutch snap ring and shim.
• Remove the four-wheel drive clutch
assembly, which includes the clutch
hub, eight friction plates, seven steel
plates, four pressure plate springs,
and an apply plate, as a complete
unit (figure 7).
• Remove the actuator lever washer,
the actuator lever thrust bearing
assembly #2, the #2 actuator lever
GEARS September 2017 7
Figure 8: Actuator levers and bearings assembly.
assembly, the three actuator balls, • Actuator cam spacer
the #1 actuator lever assembly, and • Actuator cam
the actuator lever thrust bearing • Actuator shaft
assembly #1 (figure 8). • Actuator shaft gear
• Clean and inspect all components The 2/4 range shift components
for wear and repair or replace as include a 2/4 shift fork and actuator
needed. assembly.
• Reassemble the rear output shaft Clean and inspect all components,
assembly. and repair or replace as needed.
OIL PUMP ASSEMBLY
Never disassemble the oil pump; it FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
is not serviceable. Inspect the oil pump CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
for wear or binding and replace as The four-wheel drive clutch assem-
needed. bly includes:
• Clutch hub
SHIFT COMPONENTS • Eight friction plates
The high/low shift components • Seven steel plates
include: • Four pressure plate springs
• Actuator cam snap ring • Apply plate

1pete 917.indd 7 8/30/17 8:07 AM

 A Look Inside the MP3010 Transfer Case

Figure 9: Installing internal components. Figure 10: Snap ring released.

Disassemble, clean, and inspect

the four-wheel drive clutch assembly,
and repair or replace worn components
as needed.

FRONT OUTPUT
SHAFT/GEAR ASSEMBLY
• Clean and inspect the front output
shaft/gear assembly.
• Check gear teeth for damage and
splines for wear and repair or
replace as needed.

DRIVE CHAIN
The drive chain is not serviceable.
Inspect the drive chain for being
kinked, stretched, or any sign of
damage and replace as needed.
REASSEMBLY
Reassembling the transfer case
should go pretty quickly once you have
the individual components repaired
and reassembled.
• Secure the front transfer case half to
your workbench using your holding
fixture.
• Install the front output shaft/gear
assembly.
• Install the output shaft assembly, the
drive chain, and the actuator shaft
and cam assembly as a complete
assembly. Partially install the
actuator shaft, levers, and output
shaft assembly into the case while
installing the drive chain onto the
front output shaft/gear assembly
(figure 9).
8 GEARS September 2017
Figure 11: Rear transfer case halve installed.
• Install the oil pump suction pipe and Well, there you have it: an inside
the actuator shaft gear. look at the Magna Performance
• Prepare the rear transfer case half MP3010 transfer case. With a better
for assembly onto the front case understanding of how this transfer
half using a set of snap ring pliers case works, you should have no
to release the snap ring through the problem keeping those trannys rolling.
rear case access holes. With snap
ring released (figure 10), carefully
install the rear transfer case half
onto the front transfer case half.
• Install the 17 Torx bit transfer case
bolts to secure the two transfer case
halves together (figure 11).
• Install the access hole plugs, the
drain and fill plugs, the transfer case
2/4 wheel drive actuator (encoder/
motor) assembly, the gear position
sensor, and the vehicle speed sensor.

1pete 917.indd 8 8/30/17 8:07 AM

 S:7”

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 Going Nowhere Fast...5R55W Delayed Forward Engagement

Once enough
pressure
builds up,
the forward
engagement
control valve
moves away
from the
spring and
then opens
mainline
pressure to
Figure 1
the forward
clutch.
Before considering the valve body,
it’s important to understand how Ford
operates forward engagement for this
transmission. When you shift into drive,
the manual lever position sensor signals
the PCM that the lever is in drive.
At the same time, the manual
valve opens a path to several valves.
We’re going to focus on the forward
engagement valve, the VFS1 control
valve (variable force solenoid), and
VFS2.
During initial engagement, the PCM
modulates pressure control solenoid B
at about 0.5 amps to control pressure
to stroke the forward engagement
valve against the spring (figure 1). The
forward engagement valve opens a path
from the VSF1 control valve to the
forward clutch.
The PCM modulates pressure
control solenoid A to operate VFS1, Figure 2
which controls flow from mainline
pressure to the forward clutch, through engagement valve and the forward valve (figure 2).
the forward engagement control valve. clutch. As the pressure increases, it Once enough pressure builds up,
Then the PCM begins reducing acts on the spring side of the forward the forward engagement control valve
current to pressure control solenoid engagement control valve, against moves away from the spring and then
A, which increases the pressure from the pressure from pressure control opens mainline pressure to the forward
the VFS1 control valve to the forward solenoid B through an orifice in the clutch.
12 GEARS September 2017

1Rob 917.indd 12 8/30/17 10:05 AM

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 Going Nowhere Fast...5R55W Delayed Forward Engagement

Figure 3

A leak in the VFS2 circuit (PCSB) • leaking forward engagement

... the next should cause the forward clutches
to engage faster and harsher. A line
control valve or its end plug
• damaged spring for the forward
step was to pressure leak before the VSF1 control
valve should cause problems with other
engagement control valve
There were no sticking valves or
vacuum test clutches as well. So the valve body
issues that could be causing a delayed
damaged springs, so the next step was to
vacuum test the valves. Vacuum testing
the valves ... engagement are:
• sticking VFS1 control valve
the VFS1 and VFS2 control valves is
pretty straightforward; much the same
• leak in the VFS1 end plug as most over valves (figure 3).
14 GEARS September 2017

1Rob 917.indd 14 8/30/17 10:05 AM

ADS_0917.indd 15 8/30/17 8:29 AM
 Going Nowhere Fast...5R55W Delayed Forward Engagement
Figure 4
For testing the forward engagement
valve, I recommend using Scotch tape
around the area of the valve with the
orifice (figure 4). Use an endplug clip to
hold it in place while testing (figure 5).
The vacuum test revealed a leak
between the end plug and the valve
body. Fortunately, there are o-ringed
end plugs for this valve body. After
replacing the end plug, another vacuum
test verified the fix.
With the test complete, it’s time to
try to get the tape off the valve, which
is sometimes easier said than done.
From there it was time to build the
transmission.
16 GEARS September 2017
1Rob 917.indd 16
After installation, the technician
took the vehicle on a 30-mile test drive.
Forward engagements were clean and
smooth, even after the transmission
warmed up. He returned the vehicle to
the owner, and, when he came back for
his 10-day checkup, he acknowledged
that the trans was working perfectly. And that’s something you can
A problem like this could count on, no matter what type of
have been tough to pinpoint. But a transmission or problem you’re
thorough understanding of how the facing.
system operates made short work of
isolating and repairing the problem.
Figure 5
8/30/17 10:05 AM
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 THE COMPANY

BEHIND THE
INNOVATIONS
INVESTING IN THE INDUSTRY
allowing immediate access to current part designs and
Since the beginning of its journey, Seal Aftermarket
technologies. The breadth of the product line was
Products has collectively held one unified vision –
expanded with reengineered components, proprietary
to provide superior kits and components with the
design enhancements, patented components and in
rebuilder in mind and in turn, focus the vast majority
many cases, upgraded materials.
of its resources, competences and investments over the
past several years toward technology and people. This
Pistons
unified vision evolved into not only designing superior
One of the more prominent solutions available
kits and components with the rebuilder in mind but
exclusively through Seal Aftermarket Products and
also providing multiple tiered technical educational
its distributors has been OEM reengineered Hi-Per
initiatives with the rebuilder in mind. This allowed
Blue® pistons and piston kits. Hi-Per Blue pistons are
Seal Aftermarket Products to give back to the core of
an innovative engineered solution utilizing AEM, a
the industry, the rebuilder.
high-performance material used in applications where
superior thermal and wear resistance is required. Hi-Per
Extending this technical umbrella to the industry
Blue pistons offer superior compressive stress relaxation,
rebuilder requires the company to invest much more on
dynamic fatigue resistance and vibration dampening,
educational initiatives rather than traditional marketing.
resulting in better fit with higher performance for the
By carefully setting its technical foundation into stone.
rebuilder.
Seal Aftermarket Products slowly recruited and hired
a highly qualified team of skilled and like-minded
individuals, laser-focused on offering the highest
quality parts and providing direct and indirect technical-
oriented solutions to support end-users, distributors,
associations as well as other industry partners.

Over the last seven years, Seal Aftermarket Products

has become a market leader with innovative engineered
solutions. Largely due to the OEM heritage, Seal
Aftermarket Products has cultivated robust strategic
partnership networks with OEM manufacturers

SAP September2017.indd 18 8/30/17 12:08 PM


Toledo Trans-Kit , exclusively manufactured and engineered by
® Both OEM and aftermarket manufacturers
Seal Aftermarket Products, is recognized as one of the highest
quality and most comprehensive kits available to transmission
professionals. Inside every TTK bag is best-in-class materials to
meet or exceed OEM specifications, with more critical components,
more OE components, more premium seals and gaskets, design
enhancements, patented components, plus little extras you won’t
find elsewhere.
TTKMAXX is engineered exclusively for high performance,
® closure of the information gap from distributors
heavy duty and towing applications. Inside you will find enhanced
components such as upgraded sealing rings and reengineered
internal sealing materials, where applicable for better performance.
The TTKMAXX kit is constantly being upgraded with the latest
innovations for the performance-oriented end user. Take it to the
MAXX!
SAP September2017.indd 19
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
competing for market share release a variety
of technological advancements at a rapidly
increasing pace.
Despite transmission systems becoming even
more complex, most manufacturers have all but
abandoned technical training to the industry,
creating a large knowledge gap between
manufacturers and technicians. This lack of
knowledge and training leads to lost business
opportunities, shrinkage and threatens the
industry as a whole.
Seal Aftermarket Products is committed to
bridging this technical-gap by creating a team
of high end educators for the industry. The
proof of this can be seen in its actions.
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER
THAN WORDS
As one of the most committed supporters of
industry technical associations and earliest
champions of ATRA online webinars, Seal
Aftermarket Products has been using a multi-
tiered approach to supplement and complement
these industry educational and training
initiatives.
Seal Aftermarket Products is assisting the
to end-users and providing a value that is unique
and advantageous to both the customer and the
customer’s customer.
8/30/17 12:08 PM

What they are saying:
The hands on training by SAP has been by
far the best method for training thus far.
Thank you Robert Bateman and SAP.
Mario Jauregui
Ralph’s Transmission
Now CVTs are no problem to handle when
they come through the door!
Craig Sarokoff
AAMCO Transmissions
Really liked how hands on it was, learned
a lot of valuable info.
David Pasek
King’s Transmissions
20+ years I have been to training events,
never had this type of one-on-one, hands-
on type of training. It’s not scripted, they
take question from audience, in English
and Spanish!
Raul Heredia
SAP September2017.indd 20
Workshops
One of the most successful technical outreach
campaigns has been the free, direct, hands-on,
bilingual Seal Aftermarket Products Workshops where
rebuilders interact one-on-one with presenters and
work on actual units.
These unique Workshops are unscripted and the format
depends entirely on the audience. In the last year, Mike
Souza and Robert Bateman, technical advisors for Seal
Aftermarket Products, have trained over a thousand
technicians throughout Central, South and North
America. Workshops are held in conjunction with
SAP distributor partners and scheduled throughout the
USA and international locations. Contact your local
WIT or NATPRO representative to find the next U.S.
Workshop location closest to you.
This year, Mike and Robert will present a live Workshop
at ATRA’s Powertrain Expo on Thursday, October 19
from 5:20 p.m. - 6:50 p.m. Be sure to stop by Seal
Aftermarket Products Technical Booth #600.
During Expo hours, come by and spend some one-on-
one time with Mike and Robert. They will share tips
and tricks from their real-life experiences and will
be there to do live demonstrations and answer any
questions you may have about SAP products.
8/30/17 12:08 PM
 CONTACT YOUR
WIT OR NATPRO
DISTRIBUTOR

“THE STRONgER OUR TECHNICIANS,

THE STRONgER OUR INDUSTRy.”

MEET THE TRAINERS

Robert Bateman
Robert Bateman has been in the industry for over 45 years. A
graduate from Motech Technical College of the Chrysler Corporation
and former rebuilder, Robert started doing Spanish translations for
ATSG in Mexico in 2005. In 2008, Robert began translating and
presenting ATRA seminars throughout Central, South and North
America. In 2014, Robert joined Seal Aftermarket Products as a
technical advisor doing research and development of new products
along with writing bulletins, live workshops in the U.S. and doing
seminars in Latin America.

Mike Souza
Before joining Seal Aftermarket Products, Mike was a senior
technical advisor for ATRA handling tech calls, writing bulletins
and articles for GEARS magazine as well as presenting worldwide
seminars. Prior to ATRA, Mike worked for ATSG, handling technical
hotline calls and writing articles for Transmission Digest. Mike has
been presenting worldwide technical seminars for over 15 years.

CONTINUED INVESTMENT
The technical investment continues with the addition of a brand new
Technical Center, located in South Florida, where the R&D team
SEE SEAL AFTERMARKET will focus on future innovative engineered solutions, the education
PRODUCTS IN team will develop hands on training programs, and the technical
BOOTHS # 504 & 600 support team will provide real-time support for all SAP products.
AT THE ATRA EXPO Grand opening scheduled for the first quarter of 2018.

SAP September2017.indd 21 8/30/17 12:08 PM

 STREET SMART
O
ne of the first you need to
know when diagnosing and
fixing any transmission is to
understand how it works. Once you
understand what does what and when
it’s supposed to do it, you’re more
likely to know what to check first and
what you don’t need to check at all.
It’s never any fun to get the
transmission on the bench, only to
find nothing wrong internally. But if
you know what the component is and
what it’s supposed to do, then you can
move forward to diagnosing and fixing
the problem.
Transmissions in today’s cars
are more complex and require a
more detailed diagnosis before you
remove them.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Always start by determining if
there are any codes present in any of
the vehicle’s computers. Check for
codes, write them down, clear them,
and see whether they come back.
Even if a code doesn’t return right
away, that doesn’t mean the problem
disappeared. It may take several key
cycles before a code returns, or it may
22 GEARS September 2017
1brown917 v2.indd 22
require some very specific driving
conditions that you haven’t met.
Today computers look at more
than just TPS and VSS to control the
transmission’s shifts. Did you know
that the wrong type of fuel could affect
how your transmission shifts?
For example, if you were to put
E-85 fuel in a non-flex-fuel vehicle,
you’ll end up with O2 sensor and
knock sensor codes because the by Mike Brown
computer can’t adjust the fuel trim members.atra.com
and timing correctly. You can change
sensors all day long and not fix
anything if this happens. help with diagnosis. Codes in the body,
If you suspect this might be the electronic brake, and traction control
problem, ethanol test kits are available computers may affect transmission
for testing the type of fuel in the tank. performance. Any engine codes that
This quick test could save you a lot of have a direct effect on engine load will
time and trouble. also cause the transmission to function
When the computer identifies a improperly.
problem that could affect the trans- So your first step in diagnosing
mission, it’ll usually raise mainline any transmission problem should
pressure to protect it. Your scan tool be to check for codes and computer
can provide you with information to system issues.
help you monitor sensor and computer
commands that could affect how the TSBS AND
computer alters transmission control. SOFTWARE UPDATES
Knowing which inputs and output Always check for any factory
are involved with the transmission will TSBs or reflashes before removing the
8/30/17 8:09 AM
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 6T40/45 Diagnosis and Fixes

transmission from the vehicle. Some rotates past the sensor, the sensors harness routed inside to the TECHM.
shops have removed a transmission to produce a digital signal. The TCM It generates a signal as the 3-5-R
find nothing wrong internally. Later, monitors the frequency of the signal to clutch assembly rotates past it. The
after they get it together and back in determine the input or output speed. computer uses the ISS signal to
the car, they discover the problem The TECHM provides voltage for calculate gear ratio and slip rates.
simply required a software update. the sensor operation. The output speed sensor (OSS)
The input speed sensor (ISS) is is located underneath the valve body
INTERNAL ELECTRONIC located on the rear cover, with the (figure 2). It generates a signal as the
COMPONENT TESTING
The electronic components
connect internally to the TEHCM.
Because of this internal connec-
tion, there isn’t much external
testing possible. You still need to
make sure you have power and
ground to the TECHM, and that
the computer is receiving a brake
light and P/N signal. Finally,
you need to make sure there’s
serial data going to and from the
TECHM.
Scan data is the only way to
examine solenoid commands,
input speed sensor (ISS), output
speed sensor (OSS), and internal Figure 1
mode switch (IMS) function.
Here’s an example of the har-
ness connector pin identification
for a 2010 Chevrolet Cruze with a
1.4L turbo engine (figure 1).
1 Battery
2 Ground
3 Park/Neutral Signal
4 Not Used
5 Not Used Output Speed
6 High Speed GMLAN Sensor (OSS)
Serial Data (+)
7 High Speed GMLAN
Input Speed
Serial Data (+) Sensor (ISS)
8 High Speed GMLAN
Serial Data (–)
9 Not Used
10 Not Used
11 Not Used
12 Ignition
13 Serial Data
14 High Speed GMLAN Be Careful Not To Pinch This
Serial Data (–)
Pin ID and location may vary
Wire Under The Valve Body
with year and model, so always
verify with factory information.
The speed sensors are 2-wire
sensors that create a digital signal.
As the transmission component Figure 2

24 GEARS September 2017

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ADS_0917.indd 25 8/30/17 8:29 AM
 6T40/45 Diagnosis and Fixes

Kent Moore
Solenoid Diagnostic
Test Plate Tool kit
DT47825

Figure 3

park gear rotates past it. The computer • Apply regulated shop air (90–100 There may be times when a
uses the OSS signal to indicate vehicle PSI) to the tool. solenoid performance code is caused
speed for shift pattern control and ratio • Connect your scan tool to the by a problem with the pressure
calculations. control solenoid assembly using switches in GEN I models. There
cable DT48616-10. are repair kits available from the
SOLENOID • Command the solenoid on and off. aftermarket for the GEN I pressure
FUNCTION TEST Air pressure should be present on switches.
One important test while diagnos- the gauge and it should exhaust as These switches were eliminated
ing a 6T40 with solenoid functional you cycle the solenoid. If the sole- in 2012 because of high failure rate.
codes present is to check the solenoids noid or valve isn’t operating proper- One issue is that the pressure switch
functionally; not just electrically. ly, the gauge pressure won’t change retaining rivets become loose. When
These systems have an automated as you cycle the solenoid. In that repairing existing pressure switches,
process available to help clean debris case, replace the complete control always check for loose rivets (figure 4).
from the solenoid assembly. solenoid assembly. Any solenoid performance code
A capable scan tool will instruct • If the solenoid checks out okay, found on any transmission could
the TCM (TEHCM) to cycle the install the gauge on another solenoid indicate a pressure leak in the clutch
solenoids while the system’s port and repeat the process. circuit controlled by the solenoid.
pressurized to clean the
solenoids. You don’t need to
disassemble the transmission to
perform the cleaning process.
Simply follow the instructions
on the scan tool to activate
the cleaning program. Always
perform this cleaning process
before attempting to diagnose the
transmission.
If the cleaning process is
unsuccessful, you’ll need to di-
agnose the problem with a Kent
Moore DT47825 tool kit (figure 3).
This is a must-have tool!
• Remove the control solenoid as-
sembly from the transmission.
• Install tool DT 48616 onto the
control solenoid assembly
(5 Nm / 44 lb-in). Figure 4

26 GEARS September 2017

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ADS_0917.indd 27 8/30/17 8:29 AM
 6T40/45 Diagnosis and Fixes

Figure 5

FALLING OUT OF GEAR
AT A STOP
The customer brings his car in
because he says the transmission is
falling out of gear at a stop. A check
reveals code P2723 — pressure control
solenoid 5 performance: stuck off.
All of the solenoids checked
okay, so the technician removed the
transmission for inspection. The
problem? A crack in the 1-2-2-4 clutch
apply piston (figure 5).
Check the piston carefully for any
cracks or defects. It may have shrunk
from heat. If so, it won’t create any
resistance as you slide it in and out of
the housing.
Always replace these bonded
pistons during a rebuild.
to fluid temperature changes and opens
or closes a fluid passage. The system
controls the maximum fluid level by
allowing fluid to overflow from the top
of the fluid level control valve pipe and
drain into the case sump.
At temperatures below 60ºC
(140ºF), the thermostatic element
allows fluid to drain from the control
valve body cover area into the
case sump.
As the temperature of the trans-
mission fluid increases, the thermo-
static element traps fluid in the control
valve body cover area and the fluid
level rises.
This maintains the fluid level
to provide adequate fluid for the
transmission’s hydraulic system. A
damaged or loose thermostatic element
could cause fluid foaming or incorrect
fluid level.
The fluid temperature must be at
operating temperature to get a proper
measurement when checking the fluid
level. Checking the fluid level with
the fluid temperature below operating
temperature will result in the fluid
level being too low.
If you’re changing fluid, make
sure the transmission is cold. If you
remove the drain plug in the bottom of

OVERFILLING
SETS CODE P0218
OVERHEATS THE
TRANSMISSION
Overfilling will cause the
transmission to overheat and set
code P0218 — transmission fluid
over temperature. The 6T40/45
uses a thermal element to control
the oil level in the unit, similar to
other GM units.
Known as a fluid level control
valve (figure 6), the unit is
basically a thermally controlled
standpipe. The fluid level control
valve is attached to the transmis-
sion case, next to the control valve
body assembly, and is designed
to control the fluid level in the
control valve body cover.
The fluid level control valve
contains a bimetal strip that reacts Figure 6

28 GEARS September 2017

1brown917 v2.indd 28 8/30/17 8:09 AM

 As little as
half a quart
overfull can
cause fluid
to leak
from the vent.
the case while the transmission is
still warm, only about 50% of the
fluid will drain.
You can check the f luid
temperature from the driver in-
formation center on some models,
or with a scan tool. It’s critical
that the fluid be at the correct
temperature or you could over-
or underfill the transmission.
These units are easily overfilled
because the synthetic fluid’s expansion
rate is very sensitive to temperature,
giving false level readings. As little as
half a quart overfull can cause fluid to
leak from the vent.
Always check the fluid level with
the engine running, fluid temperature
85ºC–95ºC (185ºF–205ºF), in park,
through the plug near the axle seal in
the case (figure 7).
ADAPTIVE LEARN
The transmission adaptive values
learn is a procedure for 6-speed
automatic transmissions in which
the TCM “learns” individual clutch
characteristics. Once the TCM
learns the clutch data, the procedure
translates it into the adaptive data
cells, which the TCM uses for clutch
control during shifts.
The scan tool lets you initiate the
transmission adaptive values learn
procedure, which you should perform
after any of these transmission repairs:
• Transmission internal service or
rebuild
• Valve body repair or replacement
• Control solenoid valve assembly
replacement
• TCM software or calibration update
GEARS September 2017 29
1brown917 v2.indd 29
Figure 7
• Any service in response to shift
quality
Failure to perform the procedure
after one of these repairs may result in
poor transmission performance or set a
trouble code.
Before you begin the transmission
adaptive values learn procedure, make
sure of these conditions:
• Block the drive wheels
• Apply the parking brake
• Apply the service brake
• Zero percent throttle and no exter-
nal engine RPM control
• Transmission fluid temperature
(TFT) between 70ºC–100ºC (155ºF–
215ºF)
• Cycle the transmission gear selector
from park to reverse three times to
purge air from the reverse clutches
If, at any time during the
procedure, the required conditions
aren’t met, the process may abort
and you’ll need to start over from the
beginning.
Now you’re ready to begin the
transmission adaptive values learn
procedure:
1. Use your scan tool to navigate
to Transmission Adaptive Values
Learn:
• Module Diagnosis
• Transmission Control Module
• Configurations/Reset Functions
• Transmission Adaptive Values
Learn
2. Select the Transmission Adaptive
Values Learn procedure. During
the procedure, the scan tool data
display will provide operator in-
structions. Follow the instructions
as required.
3. Once the procedure is complete,
shut the engine off and power
down the TCM. You’ll lose
communication to the scan tool.
4. Restart the engine. This will com-
plete the transmission adaptive
values learn procedure. After the
procedure is completed, the trans-
mission may remain in neutral.
5. Turn the ignition off and remove
the scan tool.
That’s all there is to it. Your rebuild
should be ready to be delivered and
should perform like new. And that’s not
just smart; that’s street smart!
8/30/17 8:09 AM
 IN FRONT OF THE FLYWHEEL
M
any technicians today still
don’t have to deal with
ethanol. Others do, but they
aren’t usually the ones who get caught
with their pants down when it comes
to these problems.
Some basic knowledge and testing
procedures will greatly save diagnostic
time when that one-in-a-thousand
ethanol issue rolls in your door
and sends you spiraling down the
rabbit hole.
One thing you can be sure of:
Every technician will have to deal
with E85 at some point, even if gas
stations in the area don’t offer it. One
example is the customer who goes on
vacation in a non-flex-fuel vehicle and
accidentally fills the tank with ethanol
at an unfamiliar station. This is an
easy mistake to make, especially on
a road trip, because of how common
ethanol is along major highways.
E85 has to be available along the
interstates for many reasons, one of
which is fleet vehicles. Here’s a perfect
example: When I was working with
the Illinois EPA emissions testing
program, a colleague picked me up in
a state vehicle to drive five hours to a
seminar. We needed to fill up before
we left and he asked, “Where do we
get E85 around here?”
30 GEARS September 2017
1scottshotton917.indd 30
I knew of one station in town,
but what’s wrong with gasoline? Ap-
parently, Illinois state rules required
flex-fuel-compatible, state-owned ve-
hicles be filled with E85. As a result,
our round trip included multiple stops
at stations offering E85.
What kind of problems can
ethanol cause? The most common
ethanol issue is too high an ethanol
content in a non-flex-fuel vehicle.
Because this is such a common issue,
we’ll start here. This situation can
cause lean diagnostic trouble codes,
positive fuel trim corrections, low
power, and poor fuel economy. So
where do you start your diagnosis?
All of the complaints could be
caused by a variety of problems:
failing fuel pumps, bad mass airflow
sensors, restricted catalytic converters,
and cracked air inlet tubes, just to
name a few. I’ve often been called to
shops for such complaints, only to be
greeted with, “We already replaced
those things… what did we miss?”
The key to finding the root cause
of the complaint, in this case ethanol,
is to follow a structured and logical
approach. Much like most of our usual
driveability diagnostics, this logical
approach needs to include fuel trim
correction analysis. The procedure
by Scott Shotton
The Driveability Guys
isn’t really any different than the
way you probably already approach
diagnostics; but ethanol requires
learning a new signature.
For example, a failing fuel
pump or a bad mass airflow sensor
usually yield slightly positive fuel
trim correction at idle and total fuel
trim corrections increase with engine
RPM. Vacuum leaks, on the other
hand, behave the exact opposite: high
positive fuel trim correction at idle that
decreases when engine RPM increases.
These fuel trim behaviors are the
different signatures of each individual
condition. Basically, the vehicle’s fault
dictates how the fuel trim behaves
when we change engine-operating
conditions.
8/30/17 8:10 AM
 IDLE
Total Trim Correction is calculated by
adding the Long Term FT Bank 1 and Short Term FT Bank 1 percentages.
25% Total Trim Correction
Just as these faults have their
own fuel trim signatures, so does
high ethanol content. When a vehicle
designed to operate on conventional
gasoline — with an air/fuel ratio of
about 14.7 to 1 — has E85 in the fuel
tank — with an air/fuel ratio of about
10 to 1 — the correction is the same,
regardless of driving conditions. That’s
because the engine is running lean
by the same percentage under every
driving condition.
The result is positive trim
corrections that are relatively the
same across the board. The scan data
capture (figure 1) is from a vehicle
with too much ethanol in the tank.
The data on the left has a total fuel
trim correction of +25% at idle while
the data on the right is +24% to +25%
at 2500 RPM.
When the same vehicle is driven
under varying conditions, the total
fuel trim corrections never stray far
from the 25% mark. Although these
fuel trim numbers are bad, the fact
that they stay within a relatively
small window is a strong indicator
of ethanol in the tank: ethanol’s fuel
trim signature.
There are always exceptions to
this rule. The wrong set of fuel injec-
tors could cause the same fuel trim
GEARS September 2017 31
1scottshotton917.indd 31
2500 RPM
24% Total Trim Correction
Figure 1
behavior, due to a different injec-
tor flow rate. This possible-but-
unlikely fault usually occurs
right after a repair, such as an en-
gine replacement with a salvage
yard unit, or even a set of non-
flex-fuel injectors installed on a
f lex-fuel application.
ETHANOL
TEST
If your fuel trim analysis
points toward a potential ethanol
problem, your next step is to prove
it. An ethanol test is really easy to
perform. There are a few varia-
tions, but one of the simplest re-
quires a fuel sample, a graduated
cylinder, water, and food coloring.
The test relies on the fact that
oil and water don’t mix; ethanol
and water do.
You should be able to find a
100-milliliter graduated cylinder
for around ten bucks.
• Fill the graduated cylinder
half way, or 50 milliliters, with
water, and the rest of the way, Figure 2: What you’ll need to check for ethanol in
50 more milliliters, with the the gas: A graduated cylinder and food coloring
(optional) or a clear plastic bottle.
fuel sample.
• You can add food coloring to
make the test results more obvious • Gently shake the sample and allow
(optional). it to settle for a few minutes.
8/30/17 8:10 AM
 How Much Alcohol Is Too Much?

Gasoline will float on top of

the water while the ethanol mixes
with the water. So the dividing
line of the two liquids will rise as
the water and ethanol combine.
Once the liquids have sepa-
rated, count the increase in water
over the original separation of 50
milliliters, and then multiply the
difference by two to estimate the
ethanol content.
For example, the graduated
cylinder on the left has a clear
division at the 53-milliliter mark
(figure 3). That’s an increase
of three milliliters. When we
multiply 3 times 2 we get 6, or 6%
ethanol. This is a very reasonable
result for oxygenated gas that
often has labels on the pumps that Figure 3: The sample on the left is 6% ethanol while the sample on the right is 32% ethanol.
say: “May have up to 10% ethanol
added.” In most cases, around 4% to low power and lean diagnostic trouble in the mail, use a plastic bottle. The
8% is normal. codes. Just what you’d expect if the results won’t be as accurate, but you
The graduated cylinder on the owner filled the tank with E85 instead should still be able to detect ethanol.
right has an increase of 16 milliliters, of regular gas. • Take an empty bottle and pour a cup
or 32% ethanol. This sample came If you don’t want to spend any of water into it. Use a permanent
from the fuel tank of a vehicle that had money or wait for a cylinder to arrive marker to mark the level.

32 GEARS September 2017

1scottshotton917.indd 32 8/30/17 8:10 AM

 • Add a second cup of water and mark Rich, lean, and performance
new level. Now the bottle is divided issues can all be caused by many
into two equal quantities. different faults, including fuel
• Dump out the water. pressure and volume, but don’t
• Add water to the first line and fuel forget to check the fuel itself.
to the second. Engine or electrical diagnostic
• Cap and shake the sample and wait. issues you’d like to see addressed?
Notice the difference between Let Scott know. Send him an email
the marks and the fuel sample using at scott@driveabilityguys.com and
the plastic bottle method (figure 4). you just may have your question
The dividing line between the two covered in GEARS Magazine.
liquids is still obvious, even without
adding food coloring. You may not be
able to determine the exact ethanol
percentage, but the substantial increase
is obviously too much for a non-flex-
fuel application.
High concentrations of ethanol
can cause issues when used in non-
flex-fuel vehicles. Finding and testing
for excessive ethanol is simple:
First, observe the fuel trim
numbers under different operating
conditions. If the fuel trims are high
but relatively flat, suspect ethanol.
Second, take a fuel sample and Figure 4: A failed fuel sample using the plastic
bottle method.
test it to prove your theory.

RostraTRANSMISSION
RostraTransmission.com rostratweets RostraPC

GEARS September 2017 33

1scottshotton917.indd 33 8/30/17 8:10 AM

 IT CAN MAKE FOR A BAD DAY

by Steve Garret
members.atra.com

W
e’re all looking for information may be minor or could be substantial. number, so you may have to check
to help repair the vehicles In addition, the unit may be one of the serial number to determine which
we face. Often the key to a five generations within that sub-series. model it is.
successful repair is simply a mat- Some of the generational updates may The first two digits will help you
ter of experiencing the symptoms the be interchangeable; others aren’t. ID the unit:
vehicle is exhibiting or understanding Some of the features can also vary 63XXXXXXXX = 1000/2000 Series
the theory of operation of the system from year to year as well as model 65XXXXXXXX = 3000 Series
you’re dealing with. to model, so it’s critical to identify 66XXXXXXXX = 4000 Series
Allison transmissions are avail- the unit accurately. Like other units, Another way to identify the unit
able in several speed configurations Allison applications have a tag that is with your scan tool. The scan tool
including 5-, 6-, 7-, and now a provides the serial number and model will typically list the Transmission
10-speed unit known as the TC10. Many number on early applications. Later Vocation Model, such as 3000 RDS,
shops hesitate to tackle some of the model units may not include the model 2500 PTS (figure 1).
larger units, such as the Allison 3000
or 4000 series. While these transmis-
sions share much of their design with TCM INFORMATION VALUE
CAL ID C16100084B30C
their smaller brothers, the 1000 and
2000 series units are a little different TCM ASSEMBLY NUMBER
in some areas. SOFTWARE LEVEL W16BCD_PC_5J6996
One thing to keep in mind with SERIAL NUMBER BK6883A260880010
Allisons is that they come in several PART NUMBER 29556883
versions. Which one your vehicle is TCM DATE 3-28-2016
equipped with is usually based on the HCN/CCN 52/W16BCD_PC_5J6996
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) and
PROGRAMED VIN 1M2LR04C4HM001XXXX
engine horsepower and torque.
ENGINE VIN 1M2LR04C4HM001XXXX
While most technicians are
comfortable with the 1000, 2000, THIS TOOL S/N 156132
3000, 4000, and B-series terminology, LAST TOOL S/N VCP2_1
it isn’t quite that simple. Allison also VOCATIONAL MODEL 3000 RDS
has sub-series numbers. CALIBRATION GROUP ACTIVE 183
A good example is the 2000-series TRANSLATOR DEVICE DLA+2.0 WIRELESS USB
units. Within the 2000 series there are COMMUNICATION PROTOCAL CAN 250K
a wide variety of sub-series units, such TOOL VERSION NUMBER VERSION 14.0.1
as the 2000, 2100, 2200, 2350, 2400,
CURRENT PACKAGE C0B-B30.PKG
2500, and 2550 just to name a few. The
differences between these sub-series Figure 1

34 GEARS September 2017

1SteveG-917.indd 34 8/30/17 8:20 AM

 You can use the numbers and
letters associated with the transmission
designation to identify the series and
sub-series of the transmission, and the
vocation or type of service the trans-
mission was designed for. Let’s look at
the 3000 RDS as an example (figure 2).
If you’re dealing with a transit
bus, it can get even more confusing.
Transit buses are designated with the
prefix B followed by three additional
digits. So a B 400 represents a unit that
may be used in a city bus.
PROGNOSTICS
Prognostics are features that many
Allison transmission com­puters use to
monitor their operation. Many Allison
computers are equipped with the
prognostics software, which may be
enabled or disabled. In our 3000 series
example, the system was designed to
monitor fluid level and DTCs on most
applications. In 2009, features were
added to the prognostics software,
including:
• Fluid life
• Filter life
• Transmission health
You can display prognostics in-
formation via on-board diagnostics
or your scan tool. When servicing an
Allison, you’ll need to reset some of
the prognostics or DTCs may set.
Fluid Level — The system
monitors fluid level with a fluid level
sensor mounted to the valve body. The
GEARS September 2017 35
1SteveG-917.indd 35
sensor is a 5-volt design, with values and on-board diagnostics. How it
ranging from 0.5V to 4.5V, depending formats and displays the DTC using
on the fluid level. Not all applications on-board diagnostics depends on the
or years are equipped with a fluid level transmission generation and the design
sensor. If the unit isn’t equipped with of the shifter.
a fluid level sensor, fluid level won’t Fluid Life/Filter Life — Similar
be available. to engine oil life monitoring, the
DTCs — The computer can TCM uses a countdown timer to let
display DTCs using scan data you know when the transmission fluid
RDS = Rugged Duty Series
3000 RDS PTS = Pupil Transport Series
MHS = Motor Home Series
EVS = Emergency Vehicle Series
TRV = Transport Vehicle
HS = Highway Series
SP = Specialty Series
IS = International Series
5 = Heavy Duty Park Pawl
0 = Standard Duty Park Pawl
0 = Close Ratio with Park Pawl
1 = Close Ratio No Park Pawl
2 = Close Ratio with Park Pawl
3 = Close Ratio No Park Pawl
5 = Wide Ratio No Park Pawl
1 = 1000 Series
2 = 2000 Series
3 = 3000 Series
4 = 4000 Series
Figure 2
8/30/17 12:57 PM
 Looking for Information; Allison Prognostics
Some displays can be confusing,
depending on the transmission
generation.
should be changed. When the timer
reaches 2%, the system displays a
“change transmission fluid” message.
The system determines filter life by
monitoring the pressure drop across
the cooler filter circuit. If the filter is
restricted, the computer will display a
“change transmission filter” message.
Transmission Health — The
computer monitors the shift adapt
values to determine transmission
clutch health. If the shift adapt values
reach 10% of the maximum adaptive
programmed value, the TCM displays
a “transmission health low” message.
The prognostic system displays the
health of each clutch used.
When the computer recognizes
that prognostics service is required,
the wrench icon lights on the shifter
display. Depending on what’s wrong,
the wrench icon may flash (filter life),
remain lit all the time (transmission
health), or simply come on for the first
two minutes of operation (fluid life).
You can retrieve prognostics in-
formation with a scan tool or through
on-board diagnostics. The on-board
diagnostics system can communicate
through the shifter.
Several shifter designs and gen-
erations have been used, so access
to the information will vary slightly.
Pushbutton and lever shifter designs
have been used. If the shifter doesn’t
36 GEARS September 2017
1SteveG-917.indd 36
use a cable, you can access
prognostics through the shifter
display.
PUSHBUTTON
SHIFTERS
You can access pushbutton
shifter prognostics by pressing
both up and down arrow but-
tons simultaneously (figure 3).
Once you’ve accessed diagnos-
tics, you can choose which
prognostics level, depending on
how many times you press the
Figure 3
up/down arrows.
• Oil level: Press the up/down
arrows simultaneously once. • Oil level: Press the diagnostics
• Oil life: Press the up/down arrows button once.
simultaneously twice. • Oil life: Press the diagnostics button
• Filter life: Press the up/down arrows twice.
simultaneously three times. • Filter life: Press the diagnostics
• Transmission health: Press the up/ button three times.
down arrows simultaneously four • Transmission health: Press the
times. diagnostics button four times.
• DTCs: Press the up/down arrows si- • DTCs: Press the diagnostics button
multaneously five times. five times.
Some displays can be confusing,
LEVER-TYPE depending on the transmission
ELECTRONIC SHIFTER generation. Generation 5 units (2013
You can also use lever-type and later) are simple to interpret, as
shifters to access prognostics, all of the information is displayed in a
provided they aren’t equipped with language format.
a cable. To open the menu, press the Generation 4 units (2006-2012)
diagnostics button (Allison logo) on are slightly more difficult, as the
the shifter. displays are segmented. Earlier
8/30/17 8:20 AM
 generations only display oil level and
DTCs; you’ll need to access service
information to help decipher the
displays. Oil level and DTC displays
will vary, depending on the computer.
Oil Level: Early applications will
require a chart to help you isolate any
oil level issues. If oil level is correct, it
will be displayed as OL, OK, or “Oil
Level OK.”
DTCs: Depending on the display
design, the DTC will be displayed in
sections: D1=1st code, P=powertrain
code, 07=first two digits, 22= last two
digits, 1st DTC set P0722. If additional
DTCs set, they’ll follow, or pressing
the mode button will access the next
code. On later designs, the DTC would
simply display as P0722.
Oil Life: Oil life will be displayed
in a percentage, such as O, 50 O= for
oil life 50% (GEN 4); Generation 5
units display as “Oil Life 50%.”
Filter Life: The filter status on
GEN 4 units is displayed as F, OK,
F=filter. OK indicates the filter isn’t
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Just Got Better!
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GEARS September 2017 37
1SteveG-917.indd 37
restricted. On GEN 5 units, it’ll be
displayed as “Oil Filter OK.”
Transmission Health: The trans-
mission health status on GEN 4 units
is displayed as T,OK: T=Transmission,
OK indicates the transmission clutches
are still functioning within param-
eters; LO indicates clutch-related
issues exist. GEN 5 units will display
“Transmission Health Ok” or
“Transmission Health Lo.”
As with most built-in diagnostic
systems, additional information is
available through a scan tool. While
scan diagnostics is the desired method,
on-board diagnostics can be helpful
when a scan tool isn’t readily available.
RESETTING OIL LIFE,
FILTER LIFE WITH
ON-BOARD DISPLAY
To reset the oil and filter life, you
can use your scan tool, but there are
other methods. One way to reset oil
life involves the Mode button on some
shifter designs. After accessing the oil
life display, push and hold the Mode
button on the shifter for 10 seconds.
Another method is to turn the key on,
engine off, and then move the shifter
between N-D-N-D-N-R-N.
Filter life follows the same basic
process, with one exception: the shifter
movement to reset the filter monitor.
To reset filter life, access the filter life
display. With the key on, engine off,
move the shifter between N-R-N-R-N-
D-N
As you can see, working on a
larger Allison isn’t that difficult. Yes,
there are a few differences, but for the
most part, they’re very much like little
brothers. Until next time, remember:
Success is where preparation and
opportunity meet.
TM
www.Gearspeed.com
8/30/17 8:20 AM

who were there seem to support that
assessment.
The story goes back to the early-
to-mid-80s, when ATRA was partnered
with MD Publications to put on an
annual trade show: Transmission Expo.
ATRA provided the technical programs
and supporting materials and MD
Publications handled the logistics and
management seminars.
It seemed like a good idea, but over
time, ATRA began to lose its identity.
“You’d walk onto the show floor,
and there was nothing to indicate that
ATRA was even part of the program,”
says Gary. “We were fighting for our
survival.”
So ATRA’s Board made a
momentous decision… the effects of
which would alter the future of the
Association: They decided to create
their own show… a show that would
become ATRA’s annual Powertrain
Expo.
“From there, we needed a way to
market ATRA and its show. That’s when
GEARS was born.”
It’s a decision that Gary is very
proud of to this day. “In my opinion,
GEARS Magazine saved ATRA. It gave
us a way to publicize our Association.”
And, 25 years later, that decision
is still going strong, keeping ATRA and
Powertrain Expo at the forefront of the
automatic transmission repair industry.
GEARS September 2017 39
25yearsgears-jt.indd 39
Gary Jennings
The Challenges
Anyone can decide to put out a
magazine. Actually doing it gets a little So ATRA’s
tougher, and every step in the process
comes with its own unique set of Board made
challenges. That fell to the shoulders of
Steve Gray, ATRA’s executive director a momentous
back then, and Cheryl Nicholson.
Cheryl was ATRA’s special projects decision… the
director. GEARS was a new project, so
she handled the day-to-day production effects of which
tasks of the magazine, even though she
had no real experience in magazine would alter the
publishing. As close as she’d ever gotten
was producing ATRA’s newsletters and future of the
tech bulletins.
It was Cheryl’s idea to produce Association: They
GEARS as a tabloid-sized publication, to
help set it apart from the existing trade decided to create
magazines. And she chose newsprint for
the early issues to reduce printing costs. their own show…
Of course, publishing a magazine
costs money. For that, you need a show that
advertising. That task fell to Frank
Pasley, a man with absolutely no would become
experience in advertising or automatic
transmissions. So who better to take the ATRA’s annual
reins for selling ad space in the fledgling
GEARS? Powertrain Expo.
Actually, it isn’t quite as crazy as
it sounds: “Selling is selling,” explains “When it came time to sell ads,
Frank. “I was selling insurance at I just picked up a copy of other trade
the time. Selling insurance is a lot magazines, checked their advertisers’
like selling magazine space: It’s an list, and started calling them, one at a
intangible product. time. And I told them, ‘We have a better
deal.’
8/30/17 1:40 PM
 25 Years of GEARS

“One of the advantages of running a

tabloid-sized magazine is that someone
buying a quarter-page ad would get an
ad that was nearly the size of a half
page in other magazines. And we were
offering it for less.”
Of course, you can’t have a
magazine without articles… something
to fill the space between the ads. That
first issue included an introduction
from Steve and an article on pollution
insurance from Frank. And, quite
appropriately for a first issue, there was
an article on the importance of creating
a strong business plan from Thom
Tschetter.
“I’d just put on my first manage-
ment seminar for ATRA,” says Thom.
“Steve told me that ATRA was planning
its own trade show and publishing a new
magazine, and asked if I’d be interested So naturally, any magazine from
in writing management articles.” It was ATRA would have to have a powerful
the beginning of what’s proved to be a technical presence. Through all the
long and beneficial relationship. changes and upheavals, that’s the one
But, from the very beginning, thing that hasn’t changed… and it’s
ATRA was and always will be about the one thing that never will.
providing terrific tech: “By technicians That first issue had a technical
for technicians,” as GEARS Managing insert called Techstop. It began with
Editor Rodger Bland so eloquently puts an introduction from then-Technical
it. Director Rick Rickett. From there,
Frank Pasley agrees: “The the tech department stepped in,
one thing that always sold GEARS creating a series of columns that
Magazine — and it’s still its best selling would grace the pages of GEARS for
feature today — is ATRA’s tech. No one years to come: Electronically Speaking, Yaklin, and of course,
else comes close to the articles from Ask the Experts, Shop Talk, and more. Dennis Madden, now ATRA’s CEO.
ATRA’s technical department. They’ve Back then, ATRA’s technical These were the guys who stepped up
always stood head-and-shoulders above department consisted of such luminaries when the order came down for a new
everyone else.” as Glenn Troub, Cliff McCormick, Paul magazine.
40 GEARS September 2017

25yearsgears-jt.indd 40 8/30/17 9:46 AM

 GEARS MAGAZINE



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online at your fingertips.

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shop owners, managers
and certified professionals.

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gearstoolbox517.indd 1 8/28/17 3:22 PM

 25 Years of GEARS
Dennis’s first article for GEARS
was Surviving the Ford 4EAT/Mazda
G4A-EL, under his Shop Talk column
heading. You might think he’d have
found his new responsibility as a
magazine writer intimidating. You’d be
wrong.
“I was excited about it,” says
Dennis. “Back then, I was deep in
tech: I was writing things left and
right, discovering new information for
the guys in the field. I’d been writing
articles for other magazines so, I saw
this as a challenge and I was thrilled to
face it.”
That level of excitement and
responsibility hasn’t diminished over
the years, an attitude he now shares
with Technical Director Lance Wiggins.
Today, you can see their influence
throughout the pages of GEARS. Both
Dennis and Lance regularly write their
own columns and constantly oversee
other articles in the magazine, to make
certain they live up to the standards that
were set 25 years ago.
“We might have gotten a little silly
with the names of some of our columns,”
says Dennis. “Ask the Experts, Tech
Check, Parts Counter… we chose each
column to have a specific focus. Parts
Counter was about parts updates; Tech
42 GEARS September 2017
25yearsgears-jt.indd 42
Check was where we corrected old
wives’ tales that kept popping up in the
shop; Ask the Experts was where we
presented answers to calls that came
into the tech line.
“We were trying to be innovative;
it was about making the information
interesting. And it gave us the chance to
reach out to the entire industry, instead
of just speaking with one technician at
a time.”
Once they had all the articles and
ads together, Frank would step in to
help get the magazine assembled. “I’d
get a stack of insertion orders, and I’d
match them up with the ads. Cheryl
would give me the articles, and I’d stack
everything in my car and take it to the
layout artists.
“I’d tell them, ‘I want this ad there,’
and ‘Put that one here,’ and they’d lay
it out. They’d ship it off to the printer,
who’d send us a blueline to evaluate and
approve. Once we approved it, they’d
go ahead and print it.”
In 1995, Rodger Bland came
on board as the GEARS production
director. He took over many of the
day-to-day operations that Frank was
handling, leaving him free to focus on
ad sales. Rodger became managing
editor in 2001.
In 1997, ATRA hired Jeanette
Troub away from a layout and design
company, and she began laying out
GEARS in house. That job became more
than one person can handle, so a few
years ago, Aurelio Peña came on board
as a fulltime artist and designer.
No doubt about it: Today’s GEARS
is a far cry from those early issues. But
the one thing that hasn’t changed…
the one thing that will always be our
priority… is that GEARS is, and will
always be, the magazine you can
depend on for the latest, most accurate
information for your business.
The Outcome
In 1992, there were only two
issues of GEARS: summer and fall.
The first issue included several articles
introducing the fledgling magazine to
the industry and announcing the new
trade show.
In its second year, GEARS became
a quarterly, with winter, spring, summer,
and fall issues. The following two years
it increased to six issues a year. From
1996 through 2013, it jumped to nine,
and for the last four years, GEARS has
shown up in your mailbox 10 times a
year.
8/30/17 9:46 AM
 DON’T MISS THE INDUSTRY EVENT OF THE YEAR

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 25 Years of GEARS
Original group pictured on the first cover of GEARS; Front Row: Paul Yaklin, Cliff McCormick, Dennis Madden, Glenn Troub,
LaRae Richards. Back Row: Rick Rickett, Cheryl Nicholson, Bob Warnke, Steve Gray
The biggest change came in 2002:
That was the year GEARS went from
a tabloid to a standard-sized magazine.
While the tabloid set it apart and
provided larger images, it was difficult
to store and advertisers had to create
two different-sized ads: one for GEARS
(tabloid) and one for standard size
magazines.
So, in 2002, GEARS switched to
a more familiar, more functional size.
“We used the magazine specs for ad
sizes, which were the same for nearly
every automotive trade magazine on
the market,” explains Rodger. “Now,
instead of creating two separate ads,
advertisers can use the same ad in each
magazine.”
Also in 2002, Rodger began to
submit GEARS articles for consideration
with the IAMA (International
Automotive Media Award). Since then,
GEARS has received over 60 awards for
writing, style, and production. Last year,
GEARS won a gold medal for the cover
design of the October/November issue.
In the early issues, GEARS was
primarily focused on tech. Management
and business subjects were on a catch-
as-catch-can basis, with contributors
offering whatever they wanted, usually
having at least something to do with
whatever service they were selling.
Today, GEARS consists of two
halves: the technical half and the
management half. And management
articles are based on what we’ve
learned from ATRA’s What’s Working
44 GEARS September 2017
25yearsgears-jt.indd 44
program, with specific subjects leading
to upcoming programs at Expo.
No doubt about it: GEARS has come
a long way since its early days. Today
GEARS has a fulltime staff, plus a wide
variety of outside authors and editors,
providing articles on management and
sales, business development, and of
course, technical issues covering every
aspect of the industry.
In addition to its familiar, print
format, GEARS is also an online
magazine — www.GEARSMagazine.
com — with a new site that allows you
to search for articles by keyword.
But, according to ATRA President
Jim Rodd, probably the biggest
surprise to come out of GEARS was
that it became an unexpected source
of revenue for ATRA. “The additional
income from GEARS has helped us keep
membership dues as low as possible,”
says Jim, “which is a benefit to all
ATRA Members.”
The Future
The GEARS of today is very
different from what it was 25 years ago.
And you can be sure that, by the time
we reach our golden jubilee, there’ll be
even more dramatic changes.
To begin with, we’ve only just
begun to skim the surface of what’s
possible on line. Pictures are great,
but an online format allows for video,
animation, and maybe even interactive
presentations. The sky’s the limit, and
we’re looking forward to taking full
advantage of those boundaries. And,
once we reach them, count on the
GEARS staff to look for ways to push
them to new heights.
“We’ll continue to provide the very
best this industry has to offer when it
comes to technical information and
training,” says Rodger. “And we’re
always on the lookout for fresh faces to
grace our editorial and business pages.”
When the industry sees new
challenges, look for GEARS to step
up to the plate and continue to hit it
out of the park. “Transmission people
are the folks who fix the impossible,”
says Dennis. “That’s the spirit of this
industry. GEARS is here to help make
the impossible become possible. That’s
how it’s been since our first issue, and
it’s going to be our goal as we look to
the future.”
25 years of GEARS… for those
of us who’ve helped shape it over the
years, that’s an amazing thought. But
one thing you can be sure of: We won’t
be resting on our laurels. The next 25
years starts tomorrow, and we’ll be
working on it with the same fervor
that we’ve dedicated to the last quarter
century.
We’ll be celebrating GEARS’s
silver jubilee at this year’s Expo,
October 19–22 in Las Vegas. Make sure
you stop by and say hello to the folks
who’ve made GEARS an invaluable part
of your business model for the last 25
years. We’ll look for you there!
8/30/17 9:46 AM
 SIGN UP TODAY
SEPTEMBER 19 & 20
6R80 Updates

OCTOBER 3 & 4
RE0F11A CVT - Internal

This and other technical webinars

are made possible by:

ATRA Webinars are presented every two weeks

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

*Free for everyone on the day of the webinar. ATRA Members have
access to all pre-recorded webinars.

ATRA_Webinars September2017.indd 34 8/30/17 8:31 AM

 UP YOUR BUSINESS
U
p Your Business is an exclusive
GEARS Magazine feature in
which I share stories, insights,
and reflections about real business and
life challenges.
This past week, I had a customer
service experience that I believe de-
fines the single most essential aspect
of providing outstanding customer
service. It provides a great example
of how you can differentiate your
company from the competition.
Before I share this experience
with you, let’s talk about what it takes
to get customers to say nice things
about you and your company, and then
to take it to the next level by getting
them to write positive reviews about
you and refer their friends and families
to you.
I seldom post reviews on Google
Maps, Yelp, or other such sites. Unlike
most people who post reviews, when
I do it, it’s when I have something
good to say about my experience.
In fact, I can’t recall ever making a
negative post.
But I’m not a typical customer.
When I’m not happy with the service
I’ve received, I proactively bring it to
the attention of the owner or manager.
By proactively, I mean I don’t just
complain, I calmly and politely point
out exactly why I’m dissatisfied and
offer suggestions on what they could
have done to improve my experience
with their company. At that point,
I leave the “how to fix it” up to them.
46 GEARS September 2017
1tschetter 917 v2.indd 46
Have you ever had a customer
do that? It’s not likely because most
people don’t know how to express
their dissatisfaction in a constructive
fashion. They aren’t business coaches
and customer service junkies like me.
If you take a few minutes to read
some online reviews, you’ll find that
most are negative, some are positive,
and almost none are anywhere in
between. I addressed this phenomenon
in my October, 2014 GEARS
article titled Apostles, Terrorists or
Apathetics. You can guess which ones
write positive and negative reviews, as
well as which ones write no reviews
at all. That article is still available
online at issuu.com/gearsmagazine/
docs/2014_octn_all.
The key point of the article
was that people tend to talk about
extraordinary customer experiences.
Unfortunately, extraordinary customer
experiences include bad ones as well
as good ones. It’s natural to be more
emotional about bad experiences, so
we’re more likely to talk with friends
and post reviews to the world about the
bad ones.
The good experiences typically
have to be truly extraordinary to
motivate a customer to share them
with friends and post reviews. In
addition to being outstanding, they
need to be interesting.
But, with a little proactive nudge
from you or somebody else within the
company, customers are more likely to
by Thom Tschetter
take the time to post those invaluable
positive reviews. This is why you
and your team should develop the
habit of asking for positive reviews
and referrals. You never know when
a nudge is all a customer needs say
something nice in a review or to refer
a friend.
Alex Goldfayn was a featured
speaker at last year’s Powertrain Expo,
and he’s returning to speak again this
year. His session alone is all the reason
you need to plan to be there.
If you’re a follower of Alex’s
weekly Evangelist Marketing Minute
emails and his 90-second Revenue
Growth video series, you’ve heard
how important it is to ask for positive
reviews and referrals.
Alex offers proven ideas for
revenue growth. In fact, he’s written
a book titled The Revenue Growth
Habit. He offers the email and video
8/30/17 8:21 AM
 programs at no charge, so why not
subscribe? Here’s Alex’s email alex@
evangelistmktg.com.
We tend to be apathetic or am-
bivalent regarding service experi-
ences that are best described as
fine, typical, to-be-expected, routine,
so-so, average, and so on. I’ve never
seen any real statistics on this, but my
experience tells me that this category
probably fits about 80% of all customer
experiences.
We just don’t talk about typical
experiences because they’re not
interesting. For instance, do you
talk about the last time you went
to McDonald’s or got gas at your
local mini-mart? You probably don’t
because these aren’t businesses
where extraordinarily great or bad
experiences occur. So why talk
about them?
This article is about the one thing
you and your team can do to turn more
of those 80% “just-fine” customer
experiences into extraordinarily
good experiences… experiences
your customers can’t wait to tell their
friends and family about and to post
on review sites. It involves creating
a company culture and marketing
strategy that’s built around just one
word: caring.
I’m big on watching how other
businesses do business. Yogi Berra is
credited with saying “You can observe
a lot by watching.” To his point,
I think we can learn a lot by watching
what other businesses do, especially
if they’re in a different industry
than ours.
Here’s a quick story about what
happened to me and how a local
company came to my rescue with
what I’m confident you’ll agree is
extraordinary service that’s worth
talking about.
The Back Story
While on a five-week vacation in
Africa, I severely injured my back in
a boating accident. I lost most of the
feeling in my legs and was unable to
walk without assistance. After nearly
three weeks of rehab and therapy, the
doctor in Africa released me to fly
home for back surgery. She required
me to upgrade to first class so I could
lie in a prone position to keep the
weight off my spine during the 22-hour
flight home.
Here’s a chronology of how
“helpful” the various service and
health care providers were until I met
the only provider that I’ll include by
name in this article, Doctor Crooks of
Pinnacle Pain and Spine in Scottsdale,
Arizona.
Because of the circumstances, the
airline waived the $600 change fee for
switching from coach to first class.
How generous, since the fare increased
by $5,404!
The day after we got home,
my primary care physician sent me
directly to the hospital for emergency
surgery.
Later that same day, while the
ER was prepping me for surgery, the
surgeon on duty called off the surgery.
He wouldn’t perform the surgery
because he wasn’t in my insurance
company’s network. He said my
condition wouldn’t meet their criteria
for an emergency. I’d need to come to
his office on Monday for a pre-surgical
consult and get an out-of-network

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1tschetter 917 v2.indd 47 8/30/17 8:21 AM

 Do You Care… Really?
authorization (to make sure he’d get
paid) before he’d perform the surgery.
When I got to his office on
Monday, I was told that I’d have to pay
for my exam because — news flash!
— he’s not in my insurance company’s
network. I was desperate to get the
surgery scheduled so I paid the $300
exam fee. I figured I’d get reimbursed
once we got the insurance company’s
authorization.
After the exam, the surgeon told
me that getting an authorization for
him to do the surgery was unlikely
because there were several surgeons
in the network who were qualified
to do what I needed. He suggested
that I contact the insurance company
for a referral to one of their network
surgeons.
So now, back at square one
and out $300, I did as he suggested.
I got an appointment with one of the
in-network surgeons.
A few days later, as requested,
I delivered 20+ pages of new patient
and medical history forms and my
MRI to the in-network surgeon’s
office. The receptionist took the
package and told me that the doctor
would review everything over the
weekend. She said she’d get back to
me the following week to schedule my
pre-surgery appointment.
The following week she contacted
me to tell me that his next available
appointment was six weeks out, but
he agreed to put me as number 1 on
his cancellation list. In the meantime,
he’d refer me to a pain management
specialist who would help me get
through the next several weeks.
I don’t think I can express the
depth of my despair and frustration.
I’d been in severe pain and unable
to walk or feel my legs for over five
weeks. I’d been home from Africa for
10 days and I was no closer to getting
the surgery than the day I got home.
Enter Pinnacle Pain
and Spine
The next day, I got a call from
Kristi at Pinnacle Pain and Spine. She
asked a few basic questions and said
she’d call back in about two hours to
confirm an appointment for the next
afternoon at 4:00. They’d perform
epidural injections to relieve pain
48 GEARS September 2017
1tschetter 917 v2.indd 48
and inflammation to help me tolerate
things better. That sounded great to
me in spite of the fact that it wouldn’t
totally resolve my condition.
Two hours later, Kristi called
back and started the conversation by
saying, “We’re so sorry that you’re
experiencing so much discomfort and
that you’ve been unable to obtain any
help. We realize you’ve been suffering
for nearly six weeks. I’ve called your
insurance company and it turns out
that Doctor Crooks isn’t in your
provider network.”
Before I could throw my phone
against the wall, she continued.
“However, Doctor Crooks wants to
take care of you first and, even if
the insurance company refuses to
authorize his charges, he’s going
to treat you at no charge. Can you
keep the appointment for tomorrow
so we can begin treating your pain
right away?”
I couldn’t believe my ears! Is this
doctor actually willing to help me
without regard to whether he’s going
to get paid? Kristi told me that, in
cases like mine, they’re committed
to first take care of the patient, and
then jump through the hoops to get
paid. Sometimes they get paid and
sometimes they don’t, but at least they
feel they’ve done the right thing.
She wasn’t the only member of
Doctor Crooks’s team that expressed
that sentiment. Other staff members
and Doctor Crooks himself said almost
the exact same thing. Doctor Crooks
added to it, “We’re committed to doing
the right things for the right reasons;”
to which I added, “even when nobody’s
looking.”
Why is this story
important to you?
The fact that Pinnacle Pain and
Spine’s office staff echoed the same
care-driven message tells me that it’s
deeply ingrained as a core principle in
their company culture.
As a reader of this column, you’re
most likely in the car care business.
Your reason for being in business
should also begin with caring. Develop
a company culture that promotes and
nurtures caring. Everyone on your
team must embrace it, and it needs to
course through the entire organization
so it’s evident at every customer
contact point.
To accomplish this, it’s essential
that you care about the members of
your team as well. A caring company
culture begins with ownership caring
about employees and they, in turn,
care about each other. It’s been said
that happy employees make happy
customers. Which do you think
comes first?
The next time you’re tempted
to talk about yourself or about your
company, instead of talking about your
skills, knowledge, expertise, quality,
warranties, or other such things, talk
about how much you care. Make it
clear that you’re a company that cares
about people.
Zig Ziglar summed it up with this
statement: “People don’t care how
much you know until they know how
much you care.” If you care… really,
all the rest of the stuff just happens as
a natural consequence of caring.
And, by the way, as a result of
the treatments by Dr. Crooks, I’ve had
significant pain relief and regained
some of the feeling and strength in my
legs. It appears, at least for now, that
the surgery will be less extensive than
was originally contemplated. Thanks
Dr. Crooks!
How can you apply
this starting today?
Earn the right to talk about how
well you fix cars. Start by fixing
customers. Listen for the customers’
primary frustrations and solve them
first. Do they need a ride to work? Get
kids to school? Need the car towed to
safe location? When was the last time
you took a call from a customer who
was stranded by the road and your first
thought was to ask, “Are you okay?
Are you and the car in a safe location?
What can we do to help?”
Stop talking about what you do,
how much you know and how well you
fix cars. Start talking about how much
you care, and address their primary
frustrations.
It all starts with your answer to
the question, “Do you care… really?”
8/30/17 8:21 AM
 SUCCESS STRATEGIES
Dr. Spencer Johnson, author of
Who Moved My Cheese? and co-author
of The One Minute Manager, once
invited me to collaborate with him
on a new book titled Yes or No: The
Guide to Better Decisions. Over the
month or so that we worked together,
I observed that he was a master of
decision making, so I was keen to
learn his methods.
Here’s my interpretation of his
method in a nutshell: First, isolate
the problem to find out what you’re
dealing with. Then ask yourself a
practical question, one you can an-
swer with your head. After that, ask
yourself a personal question, one you’ll
answer with your heart.
For example: Let’s say you’re
thinking about buying a new car.
1. Isolate the problem: Are you replac-
ing an existing car? Is it because
you’re tired of it, concerned about
the cost of operating it, worried
about breakdowns, or, have you
fallen in love with a particular new
car and just want to acquire it? Is
this an I-love-you gift to your
spouse or is it eye-candy for your
mid-life crisis?
By isolating your problem, you
determine whether this is a trans-
portation decision, a safety decision,
an impulse buy, or something else.
Let’s assume you just want to replace
an older car with a newer model
with updated features.
2. Ask a practical question(s):
a) Am I focused on what I need or
just going after what I want?
b) Have I explored all my options?
Maybe there’s another manu-
facturer making a very similar
car with a lower price or better
technology.
GEARS September 2017 49
1chatcart 917.indd 49
c) Have I thought about the domino
effect of this decision? In other
words, if I change brands, is there
a dealer nearby? Is the service as
reliable on this new brand? Will
it do what my family or business
needs it to do?
3. Then once you’re confident that
you’ve made a pretty solid, rational,
practical choice, ask yourself a
personal question(s):
a) Am I telling myself the truth?
Sometimes we do a really good
job of rationalizing our choice
and telling ourselves and others
why we chose this path, but all
the while we know, deep inside,
that this is just icing on a cake
that we haven’t baked yet. In
other words, we haven’t thought
it through but we don’t want to
delay any longer. So, am I telling
myself the truth?
b) Does this decision really feel
right to me? Do a gut check to
see if your head is overruling
your heart. If so, you might
regret it later. Both head and
heart need to be considered.
c) Do my actions show that I believe
in this decision? Am I honoring
myself and buying what’s good
for me, or just replacing an older
model with a newer one? Should
I consider taking the higher road
and being more responsible in
my decision making?
On second thought, after asking
both the practical and the personal
questions, make your choice and
then look at your decision. Ask your-
self, “How do I really feel about
this?” Would you like you change
your decision? You can! After all,
it’s your decision. Even the smartest
by Jim Cathcart
among us have occasionally regretted
their choices.
Every day we’re faced with
choices; small and large decisions to
make. Most people have never been
trained in decision making, nor do
they take the time to consider all
the personal and practical aspects of
their decisions.
You and I can become the excep-
tions to this. Get a copy of Spencer
Johnson’s book, Yes or No, The Guide
to Better Decisions (it’s a story) and
read it aloud with your family or
coworkers. Discuss what you could do
better by applying this model.
I think you’ll be very glad you
did. In fact, I know you will and it
worked for me, too. My sister and I
read the book aloud to each other and
came to many new decisions of value.
You can even use this on shop
decisions: Should you buy that
new equipment? Should you trust
this person? Should you add a new
employee or not replace a person
who’s leaving? Should you acquire the
insurance someone is recommending?
Should you bring more members of
your team to Expo this year?
You decide.
Jim Cathcart is a strategic advisor
to ATRA and a long-time contributor
to GEARS Magazine. As the founder of
Cathcart.com, he is one of the world’s
leading professional speakers and the
author of 18 books. Jim’s web site
offers over 700 pages of free resources
on how to grow your business. Contact
him at jim@cathcart.com.
8/30/17 8:23 AM
 SMART EXIT
Y
ou get things done. You make
things happen. You figure it
out and solve problems every
day and you’ve been amazing people
for years. You diagnose problems, fix
transmissions, and much more. You’ve
successfully operated a small business.
You’ve helped many, many customers.
You’ve managed employees, paid bills
and taxes, and most of the time had
money left over.
Properly preparing and selling
your business is just one more problem
to solve. You know the drill: Evaluate
the situation. Determine the resources
you need. Test trial solutions. Use
specialized tools. Surround yourself
with expert knowledge and research to
reduce errors and avoid disaster.
There are differences. Yes, you’ve
fixed cars and then sold them. Selling
a business — not just any business
but your business — is different. This
shop, well, it’s like your favorite jeans.
It’s like a pair of gloves or your skin
itself. Now to prepare it and sell it…
well, what are you going to do?
You have to create a new future,
something better to move toward. This
is why you must plan now. Don’t let it
crash into the dirt because you’ve had
50 GEARS September 2017
1Anderson 917 v2.indd 50
an accident or heart attack and can’t
finish the job yourself.
After being the boss for so long,
identifying a person with potential —
such as an employee or a tech looking
for a job — is like seeing a diamond in
the rough, waiting to be cut and set in
a ring. You have that opportunity.
In previous issues, we discussed
different potential buyers for your
business. Yes, it takes time to develop by John E. Anderson
a new leader and train them to MS Management
become a manager, then a partner smartexit@atra.com
who buys you out over time. But your
return on investment can make it
very worthwhile.
There’s a group of transmission
business owners working together
every week or so to discuss what’s When you start an enterprise, you can
working and what’s a struggle as do it part time. You can put the new
they attempt to achieve their smart company on hold and resume it later.
exit. There’s group and private work You can start, fail, and then start again
necessary for each business to create until you get it right. Walt Disney and
its own strategy and timeframe. many other successful entrepreneurs
Maybe you’re ready to sell now, had several false starts.
but would like to increase your busi- When you’re in the administrative
ness’s value as you prepare to sell, to phase, you can keep business the same,
earn more from the sale. grow slowly, cut back, and adjust,
The selling-your-business phase depending upon the economy, your
of your career is quite different from employees, and your abilities and
the starting and administrating phases. resources. By comparison, when you
8/30/17 8:24 AM
 sell, there are new risks in addition to
those you’ve already faced.
You can tell too much or too little
to prospects interested in buying your
business. If you tell too much, you
might discourage them or create a
competitor who takes what you’ve said
about your strengths and weaknesses,
and opens a shop down the street.
You could tell too little and not
inspire the shopper with what their
potential could be purchasing your
shop. Or maybe they’ll see a too-
optimistic picture, buy the business,
and then not be able to realize the sales
and profits they believe you promised.
They could sue for a refund because of
misinformation.
Other risks are them buying,
taking over, and failing. They fire or
run off your veteran techs, who they
promised to treat fairly. They botch up
jobs from customers you worked years
to win. You were proud of your shop’s
good name and worked hard to keep
untarnished, and you’re embarrassed
when customers and community
colleagues you’ve known for years
have bad experiences and hear the
horror stories.
Worse yet, you agree to carry a
loan from the buyer. The new owner
depletes your inventory, breaks or
takes your tools, ruins your reputation,
and leaves you to mount a legal battle
to regain control. Or you would, but
you can’t find anyone to sue. Now you
have to salvage your company and
rebuild its reputation to sell it again.
Your staff becomes uncomfortable
with your talk of selling, shoppers
GEARS September 2017 51
1Anderson 917 v2.indd 51
walking around, asking questions,
and conducting interviews. You don’t
have employment agreements with
your staff, and a key tech or two ask
for bonuses to stay or they’ll move on,
leaving your shop full of unfinished
jobs with delivery deadlines. Pay up or
they’re gone.
You get a sweetheart offer from
an experienced, sophisticated buyer.
You accept the offer, then go through
3+ months of due diligence from his
accountants, who take over your office.
There’s a clause in their offer that, if
you can’t substantiate your income
estimates for this year, they can reduce
their offer, based upon their revised
sales and profit estimates.
They may offer you the chance
to operate the business for a period of
months and, if you can produce the
sales and profits you’d predicted, then
they’ll pay the full price. You’re in
a lose-lose situation: Take the much
lower price or work for them to earn
full price. You accept working for
them and it’s much different working
the shop with their administration,
goals, and requirements than when you
owned it.
Or you get a good offer, all goes
smoothly, but this is all new to you
and you don’t do all your planning and
sales work, because, hey, it’s your first
time. You forfeit 2/3 of the sale price in
taxes and transaction fees.
It’s said that half of all business
sales have a significant flaw, regardless
of the size of the business sold, with
attorneys or with just a buyer and
seller. Business sales are tricky.
Preparing and selling your business
is like remodeling your kitchen, bath,
and bedroom while trying to live there
and have a normal life.
Get expert help to assist you in
preparing, planning, and researching.
Doing this slowly and doing it right is
better than fast and sloppy. It’s a real
challenge to continue operating the
business, while growing it within your
cash flow constraints, and preparing
and then executing a successful sale.
Get expert help to make a smart
exit.
John E. Anderson will be speaking at this year’s
Expo. John is a longtime business coach who helps
business owners evaluate their businesses, adjust their
operating practices, build a strategic plan and make a
Smart Exit™.
In the coming issues, John will discuss some of
the strategies he’s developed. He’ll show you how
to turn your business around, so you can answer the
three questions, and ultimately, find a smart exit that
works for you.
Post your questions and observations on the ATRA
Forum. A CEO Circle of shop owners is forming to
discuss these topics leading up to the EXPO. Email
ATRA for further information smartexit@atra.com
8/30/17 8:24 AM
 SHOP PROFILE
Transmission Shop Team
Left to Right: Yoshi Hauge, Andy Fader, Eric Konen, Erich Bockelie, Tony Holmes, Darron Eddington, Steve Gomes, Joel Hepworth
KC Martin Automotive and Transmission:
COMMUNITY SERVICE
AND GROWING THEIR OWN
E
rich Bockelie and Kevin Owens
are the owners of KC Martin
Transmissions and KC Martin
Automotive, two shops in Lynnwood,
Washington. The general repair shop
is operated by Kevin; Erich runs the
transmission shop. Both are within a
couple miles of each other.
These days it’s no surprise to find
transmission shops handling general
repairs. Many started expanding their
service models over the last 10 years
or so. But Kirby Martin, the original
owner, opened KC Martin back in
1948 as a full-service auto repair shop.
They didn’t open the transmission
shop until about 40 years later.
Kirby sold his business to two of
his employees in 1970. Erich came to
work there in 1980.
In 1985, one of the owners retired,
and Erich and five other employees
purchased his share of the business.
Over time, some of the partners
retired — three passed away — and
52 GEARS September 2017
1shop profile917.indd 52
Brought to you by:
by Steve Bodofsky
members.atra.com
the partners who were left bought the
others' shares. During that time, Kevin
bought in, and today, he and Erich are
the two owners left at KC Martin.
Before joining KC Martin, Erich
had been working at an AAMCO
center, so he started building their
presence as a transmission shop.
“Kirby was originally a transmission
guy, but his shop wasn’t set up
properly to handle transmission work,”
explains Erich. “Most of the time
they’d just install a used transmission.”
The transmission business grew
so quickly that the owners decided to
open the transmission shop in 1986.
Even though they have two
separate shops, the transmission shop
will handle some general repair work.
These days about 35% to 40% of their
work is general repair.
“We’d be working on people’s
cars, and they’d ask, ‘Can you fix the
rest of my car? We really like who you
are,’” explains Erich. That was back in
the late ’90s when transmission work
was slowing, so he agreed.
They also handle a fair amount of
wholesale work for other shops in the
area. “We have two dealerships, 10 car
lots, and maybe 10 or 12 other shops
around here that send us transmission
work,” says Erich.
“When it comes to wholesale
work, I generally never see the car
owner. The shop can bring the car
or just the transmission. Or they can
bring the car and let me road test it to
make sure they’re going in the right
direction.
“If they bring me the vehicle, I sell
them the transmission at a wholesale
price. They can charge whatever
they want. If I do the entire job, I
warranty the entire job. If I do just the
transmission and there’s a problem,
they become part of the program.”
But maybe the real reason for their
success is their business philosophy:
“It’s really about the relationships you
8/30/17 8:22 AM
 196 Shop Team, where it all started.
Left to Right: Maressa Kciuk, Danny Brann, Lori Dearth, John Furlong, Joe Biggs, Ryan Owens, Pat Kellett, Pat Kelly, Ken Perry,
Michiel Debruyn, Terry Cubbin, Tonya Stannert, Steve Schillreff, Harry Harter, Xuong Ma

2nd location dedicated to transmissions, opened in 1986. 196 Shop, where it all started.

build. It doesn’t matter who it’s with; it
could be your employees, your custom-
ers, your vendors… it doesn’t matter.
That’s how business is done properly.
It doesn’t matter if you’re fixing trans-
missions or selling lollypops.”
Sounds like a good way to look
at business. Not much wonder that
KC Martin stays so busy all year
long. (And no, they don’t sell lolly-
pops in the slow season.)
COMMUNITY
RELATIONSHIPS
The value of an active community
life is one we’ve discussed many times
in GEARS. For Erich, it’s become a
way of life. “For the last 14 years, I’ve
been a member of Rotary,” explains
GEARS September 2017 53
Erich. “Best thing I ever did… mostly
because it made me a better person.
“When you’re a Rotarian, it’s
not about you anymore. It’s about the
group… what the group does for the
world and the different community
programs they support. I’m able to
do things with the Rotary that I could
never do as an individual. It’s very
rewarding and it makes you better than
you were before, because it provides
you with a better view of what’s going
on around you.”
For example, “A person comes
in the door looking a little shoddy…
a little beat. You might look at this
person and think, ‘This guy doesn’t
have any money. He’s not going to fix
his car.’
“Now, I see someone come in
the door looking like that, I realize
he didn’t get there by accident.
Something’s happened in his life that
made things worse. So I try to learn
his story… to see where he’s at… and
if there’s something I can do. Can I
make this person’s life better?
“Sometimes he needs his car
repaired. Then again, maybe he
shouldn’t get that car repaired: Maybe
he needs to stomp on that one and get
a different car. Sometimes I can find
a car through my Rotary friends, put
him in it, and Rotary helps pay for it.
“It’s amazing the people that
I’ve looked at like that who turned
into my best customers just because
I treated them with respect. And I

1shop profile917.indd 53 8/30/17 8:22 AM

 KC Martin Automotive and Transmission: Community Service and Growing Their Own

might not have been able to pick that

up without the experiences I’ve had
through Rotary.
“It’s really about involving
yourself in people and in the
community, and realizing that you
aren’t there just to make a buck. If you
do it right, the dollars just come in…
it’s just not that hard.”
So what kind of things are they
doing for the community? “We have
a program coming up on August 21
where we’re taking 41 students, from
two different elementary schools,
who are below the poverty line. We’re
taking them to JCPenney to buy them
a wardrobe for the year.” In addition to
helping out, KC Martin donated some Andy Fader, Service Writer & Erich Bockelie, Owner - always smiling.
of the money to finance this program.
“I’ll also be taking part in
Washington Kids in Transition, where
we’ll be packing lunches for homeless
kids who often have a very long bus
ride to and from school.”
Notice that these are both
programs to help support children;
hardly potential customers, at least not
in the near future. But, as Erich points
out, this isn’t about building business:
It’s about doing what’s right.
If that improves his image in the
community, great, but that isn’t why
he does it. On the other hand, maybe
that’s part of the reason that so many
people bring their cars to KC Martin.

GROWING
THEIR OWN…
One of the biggest difficulties
many shops face today is finding
new technicians. The dearth of new
technicians has become so critical
that’s it’s been a focus for ATRA’s
What’s Working program. But Erich
may have cracked the code when it
comes to finding a stream of good,
potential technicians to join KC
Martin.
“I’m on the advisory committee
for the Lake Washington Institute
of Technology and the Shoreline
Community College,” says Erich. “I
bring students from Shoreline here to
my shop; they have to have a job to get
through the program.
“So, currently, we have two
students here: one at the general repair
shop and one at the trans shop. And, as
they’re going through their programs,
54 GEARS September 2017
Yoshi attended Shoreline Community College 8 yrs. ago. Snagged him from a dealership.
I make sure they get a hands-on
approach to what they’re learning in
school.”
Not everyone who comes through
the school programs is a good fit. “I’ve
gone through some guys who just
don’t have it,” says Erich. But working
with the school gives him a chance to
interact with the students, to weed out
the ones who wouldn’t fit in his shop’s
culture.
Then again, many of them do
work well at KC Martin. “Three of the
guys working here came through the
Shoreline program. The third one isn’t
a fulltime employee yet because he’s
still going to school. But he will be
once he graduates; he’s awesome.”
So, while other shops are
struggling to find qualified help,
Erich has an ongoing flow of
strong candidates lining up for the
opportunity to work at KC Martin.
According to Erich, it’s a business
strategy that makes good sense.
“My guys are aging out; they’re
getting up there, like I am. You need to
have someone to fill in. And the easiest
way to do that is to get involved with
the school system.
“The best thing is to get in on the
advisory council because you get to
meet everybody. When the NATEF
certification comes along, I go over
and I take my time… I meet everyone.
And I go over and teach classes once

1shop profile917.indd 54 8/30/17 8:22 AM

 LEARN More...EARN More!

2017
TECHNICA
SEMINAR
L

LOCATIONS
August 5 • San Antonio, TX
August 12 • Atlanta, GA
August 19 • Anaheim, CA
SCHEDULE
Registration ......7am-8am
Seminar......................8am*
Lunch .............12pm-1pm
*Vancouver Seminar
Begins at 9am
FEES
All Pricing in US Funds
ATRA Members ..........$165
Non-Members ............$210
Every 4th person........FREE
On-site registration.....$240

August 26 • Portland, OR
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September 9 • Billings, MT
September 16 • Newark, NJ
September 23 • Chicago, IL
November 4 • Baltimore, MD
HOW TO REGISTER
Phone toll-free: (800) 428-8489
Fax your payment &
registration information to:
(805) 988-6761
Online: http:// members.atra.com
Mail your payment to:
ATRA Seminar Registration
2400 Latigo Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030

053seminar717ad.indd 1 7/27/17 2:36 PM

 KC Martin Automotive and Transmission: Community Service and Growing Their Own
KC Transmissions Team at work:
Left to Right:
Yoshi - General Automotive & RR Tech
Joel - Interesting sort, does it all.
Tony - Rebuilder Technician
Steve - Apprentice, attending Shoreline College.
in a while. Or I’ll bring a class here
when they’re learning transmissions or
differentials. It’s kind of a no-brainer.”
It’s obviously working well for
Erich, because he has a good staff
who’ve helped him maintain a sterling
reputation in their community.
…AND KEEPING THEM
The importance of a working
channel for new technicians can’t be
overstated, but it’s really only half the
equation. The other half is keeping
employees, and for that, Erich could
easily write a book.
“We have about 29 employees
working in the two shops,” says Erich.
“They’ve been with us for an average
of about 12 years.” A long time in
any business.
56 GEARS September 2017
1shop profile917.indd 56
Joel, no-limits technician, does it all.
“I’ve got the cleanup kid from
back in the ’90s,” says Erich. “He’s 42
now. In fact, the oldest employee here
at KC Martin started as a cleanup kid.
That’s Terry, at the general repair shop.
I think he’s 56. He started when he was
16; this is the only job he’s ever had.”
One of the reasons Erich and
Kevin are so successful at keeping
employees is that they pay a fair wage.
“The average wage here is enough
to buy a house in the Seattle area —
which… good luck!” Erich laughs.
“Most of them are older, so they were
able to do that a while ago.
“We offer a 401k, we have
healthcare — I didn’t need Obamacare;
we had coverage before that came out.”
At KC Martin, all of the
employees are paid hourly, not
Darron, more than an RR. Long term
employee of 31 yrs. Started with KC
Transmissions at 18 yrs old.
piecemeal. Some shop owners would
disagree; they prefer to pay by the job
to help create an incentive. But Erich
takes a different approach.
“If you aren’t making me any
money, I’ll know. You’ll just won’t get
a raise unless you pick up your game.
But if you’re doing a good job, you’re
always getting paid, even if it’s Febru-
ary, when it’s supposed to be slow —
although it hasn’t been for a few years
now — but you still get paid properly.
“The other thing it allows — and
this is something most people don’t
realize — is that everyone can work
as a team. When something comes up
and you have to brainstorm, everyone
wants to help. They all want to be
part of the team, because they want
everyone else to be better, too.
8/30/17 8:23 AM
 Retirement? Not just yet. Owner, Erich Bockelie, gets some transmission parts cleeaned.

“Because your job doesn’t just up on the cover of the Washington

depend on the car you’re working on State tourism magazine this summer,”
getting done: It depends on us, as a says Erich. “It’s where I hope to retire
group, getting everything done. It’s a one day.”
better way of doing things. Everyone Not too soon, we hope. But when
gets along better.” that day comes, we wish Erich a long
Of course, it helps that Erich is and sweet-smelling retirement.
there, working with his employees
every day. He sets the attitude and
the work ethic for his shop, and
his employees are happy to follow
his lead.
Lately, Erich has noticed that time
is moving on, as it does for all of us.
He’s already planning for the day when
he’s ready to retire. He and his wife,
Jeanette, bought Kitty B Lavender
Farm, an operating farm about 50
miles from the shop, where they grow
lavender plants. “It’ll probably show
GEARS September 2017 57

1shop profile917.indd 57 8/30/17 8:23 AM


As we reflect on all the modern
transmissions that we now deal with
on a daily basis, and look back on the
old 2- and 3-speed automatics that
most of us cut our teeth on, it makes
you think about how things have
changed in our lifetimes.
While many of us are already
working on 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-speed
transmissions, with even more gears to
come over the next few years, there’s
one area that’s been surprisingly slow
to change: Hot rods, street machines,
and most engine conversions are
largely restricted to 3- and 4-speed
transmissions.
There are a couple reasons for
this. In the case of the 3-speed and
early hydraulic 4-speed transmis-
sions, the reason was clear: Custom-
ers want to keep it simple; they don’t
want electronics.
But even for those that are inter-
ested in the later, electronic 4-speed
transmissions requiring standalone
58 Paid Advertorial GEARS September 2017
1HGM 917.indd 58
transmission controllers, there was
always a delay as we waited for
aftermarket technology to catch up.
A lot has changed over the years,
and customers are getting used to
all these extra gears that they’re
seeing in the later-model vehicles.
Many are starting to ask for ways to
take advantage of those extra gears.
Recently we’ve seen an abrupt change
from the 3- and 4-speed to the 5- and
6-speed automatic transmissions.
The mantra today is “more gears
are better,” or at least that’s what they
believe. I’ve tried to explain that four
gears will do fine, but even I’ve found
myself wanting the option of more
gears if a standalone system was
available for my car.
So has the standalone-computer
world caught up enough to give us the
range we’re looking for? The short
answer is “yes, for the most part,” and
the range is growing exponentially. It
won’t be long before most 5-, 6-, and
by Rodney Hudson-Davies
Co Director, Development and
Marketing Manager
Wholesale Automatic Transmissions
8-speed transmissions are covered by
standalone control systems.
I’ve compiled a short list of what’s
readily available and what’s about to
be released. Obviously most of the
older, 4-speed automatics, like the
Chevy 4L60E, 4L80E, 4T65E, Ford
AODE, 4R70E, E4OD, 4R100, ZF
4HP-24, Nissan RE4R01A, RE4R03A,
Toyota A340, A341, A343, and A442
are well-represented.
Currently we see that the 5-speed
Ford 5R110, Nissan RE5R05A, Toyota
A750, and Chrysler WA580 / Mercedes
NAG1 are also available, but this is
where it starts to get interesting.
The 6-speed range is just about
to burst onto the market, with HGM
Electronics Compushift Controllers
leading the way, beginning with
the Toyota A761 and AB60 system.
This unit is available as a complete,
standalone kit, with a full plug-and-
play wiring harness and out-of-the-box
calibrations to suit most applications. 
8/30/17 8:27 AM

HGM’s 6L80/90E and 6R80E
control systems are also now well into
the advanced stages of development.
Remember, these are all standalone
systems that’ll fit a number of different
engine configurations, from carbureted
to CAN bus control systems.
So it doesn’t matter if you have
a cast-iron block with a carbie V8, a
late-model EFI aluminum block, an
old diesel, or maybe the latest diesel
available: All of these are now covered
and the kits are readily available.
What steers the development
of each of these transmissions
controllers? Demand. The 6L80/90E
and 6R80E are being released later
this year because it just makes sense.
The demand is there: Customers want
these systems.
This isn't just because these
transmissions have more gears; it’s
also because they’re either readily
available from wrecking yards as
cutouts or from many transmission
GEARS September 2017 Paid Advertorial 59
1HGM 917.indd 59
The Ultimate
in Automatic
shops that are already rebuilding and
Transmission
Control
upgrading them.
So introducing these new con-
trollers was the next logical step, not
just for them but also for you. If you
have a project that involves a Chevy
6L80E, 6L90E, Ford 6R80, or a
Toyota A761 or AB60 6-speed auto- SHOP DISCOUNT
matic transmission, give HGM a call:
We’ll be happy keep you up to date AVAILABLE
with the progress.  
We certainly have some exciting
times ahead and, within the next
year, I’m sure we’ll be talking about
even more gears. But for now, if you
need any information about your
standalone transmission controller
requirements, then hop on over to
HGM’s Compushift web page, at
www.hgmelectronics.com, or feel free
to contact me directly at rodney@
hgmelectronics.com.
TOLL FREE:
877-744 3887
8/30/17 8:27 AM

Admittedly I am not very familiar
with transmissions. In fact, the first
time I even saw one; was when I spoke
at ATRA in 2015. But that’s OK -
it’s not my job to be familiar with
transmissions; it’s YOUR job. My job
is to be familiar with your customers
and how people, primarily your
customers, like to be treated. And I’m
as good at that as you are working with
transmissions.
Fair enough?
Occasionally, your job will entail
taking calls from unhappy, even irate
customers. When that happens, you’ll
have your work cut out for you. Your
employees who deal with customers
are also especially vulnerable to
outbursts from customers who are
already going through an emotional,
stressful time.
Just like working on a transmis-
sion, handling these types of customers
takes time and training, but it can be
accomplished effectively. To help you
along, here are some of the Telephone
Doctor’s best techniques for turning
unhappy customers into satisfied
customers.
Get Off on the Right Foot -
Realize upset angry customers are not
unhappy with you, it’s the situation.
Don’t take a customer’s hostility
personally. You are merely the
lightening rod that redirects the violent
lightening. You can do a great deal
to diffuse a customer’s anger before
you ever pick up the phone. How? By
smiling before you answer that call.
You can really “hear” a smile over the
phone. It’s very difficult to be rude to
someone who is warm and friendly
to you.
60 GEARS September 2017
1TelDr 917.indd 60
Anatomy of
a Hostile Call
There are four basic steps to
handling an irate customer. Telephone
Doctor calls them our ASAP
technique.
A Acknowledge the person’s feel-
ings and immediately apologize
for the inconvenience the customer has
encountered. Late apologies make it
worse. Make an effort to be sincere.
In today’s impersonal society, it’s
incredibly rare to hear the words,
“I’m very sorry that happened. Let
me get the ball rolling to fix it.” You’ll
probably spend about 80 percent of
your time massaging the customer’s
feelings and 20 percent solving the
problem.
S Sympathize and empathize with
the customer. If it’s your fault or
even the company’s short phrases like
“I don’t blame you for being upset” can
help soothe ruffled feathers. Pretend
you’re the caller. How would you like
to be treated? Then get busy solving
the problem.
A Accept 100 percent responsi-
bility for the problem. This is
probably the toughest part. You may
have had nothing to do with the prob-
lem. However, it’s your job to take
the responsibility and help initiate a
solution. If you answered the call; you
own it.
P
repare to help. Begin by re-
introducing yourself. Custom-
ers don’t usually remember your
name. Names are so important. Give
it up early in the conversation. Make
sure you let them know you will help.
Know the name? Use the name. Don’t
by Nancy Friedman
President, Telephone Doctor
Customer Service Training
have the name? – again, introduce
yourself before asking theirs. Like
this: “My name is BOB I’m the man-
ager (or whatever title, if you have one)
….and I’m speaking with….?” It’s
the “AND” technique. You’re letting
the caller “fill in the blanks” This tip
helps to diffuse anger. Names are very
important. Also, a willing attitude
is essential, because if the customer
senses insincerity or indifference,
it will cause them to stay angry. It’s
exasperating to complain to someone
who obviously doesn’t care.
Excuses - Never make an excuse
to a complaining customer. No one
wants to hear “The computer is down”
or “I’m the only one here.” Even
worse? “We’re soooo busy” That’s
your problem, not the customer’s.
When you give an excuse, the
customer automatically hears “I’m not
going to help you.”
The ASAP technique works! Try
it and see!
Nancy Friedman, The Telephone
Doctor is back for her 2nd appearance
at ATRA with more tips, ideas skills
and techniques for you. President of
Telephone Doctor Customer Service
Training, Nancy is a featured customer
service speaker at franchise, association,
and corporate meetings around the
world. Oprah, The Today Show, CNN,
FOX News, Good Morning America and
CBS This Morning, called on her for her
expertise, and so did ATRA.
8/30/17 8:25 AM
 You're Invited...
Transtar and ATRA request the pleasure of your company at the
2017 ATRA Powertrain Expo Opening Night Reception.

Paris, Las Vegas • Concorde Ballroom

Friday, October 20th, 2017
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

9
Join us for an evening of celebration. You’ll enjoy good food,
drinks, music, and dancing, and meet up with lifelong friends.

ADS_0917.indd 61 8/30/17 8:29 AM

PARIS LAS VEGAS OCTOBER 19 - 22
ister
Reg w !
No

hosted by

hosted by

www.powertrainexpo.com
Expo-Sept17pages.indd 1 8/25/17 10:43 AM
 IMPROVE YOUR SHOP’S COMPETITIVENESS!
World’s largest
event devoted
exclusively to the
transmission
repair industry!

Over 40 hours
of Management
& Technical
training!

Over 200
Network with
Exhibitor
industry
Booths on the
colleagues!
Show Floor!

Cordially Invite You To...

Special Events As
only for Expo Seen On

Attendees!

3645 S Las Vegas Blvd

3655 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109
Las Vegas, NV 89109 (877) 603-4389
(877) 603-4389 Room Rate: $119*
Room Rate: $179* Cut-off Date: 9/25/2017
Cut-off Date: 9/25/2017 *A Daily Resort fee of $29 will
*A Daily Resort fee of $29 will be charged.
be charged.

Expo-Sept17pages.indd 1 8/25/17 10:44 AM


8L90 Service, Updates
and Repairs
Presented by Steve Garrett
Introducing the 9T50
Transaxle
Presented by James Rokitski
Using Scopes to
Streamline Diagnosis:
Pt. 2
Presented by Eric Ziegler
Tips & Tricks from
the Builders Bench
Presented by
John Parmenter
Introducing
the 845RFE
Presented by Bill Brayton
Expo-Sept17pages.indd 1
FCA 8 and
Restoring Functional
9 Speed Automatic
Reliability
Transmission Update
Presented by Dean Mason
Presented by Alan McAvoy
Using Scopes to
Streamline Diagnosis:
Pt. 1
Presented by Scott Shotton CVT Workshop
Presented by
Introduction of the Robert Bateman
ZF 8HP Hybrid & Mike Souza
Presented by Dirk Fuchs
Helping the Rubber
Converter Control
Presented by Meet the Road
Bob Warnke Presented by Keith Clark
Blame It On Hydraulics 101
the Tuner Presented by
Presented by Pepe Torres Bill Brayton
Toyota, Lexus U881E
& GM AF50 8 Speed
Automatic
Presented by Mike Brown
8/25/17 10:45 AM
 Back by popular demand!

TRANSMISSIONS
Back
to B a s
g by
i c s” 101
“ a i n in eran TRANSMISSIONS 101
Tr Vet
st r y
Indu peakers!
S

L A S VE G A S, N V

onal
8:30am - 10:00am
ason Scan Tool 101
Presented by Jarad Warren
Discover the ins and outs of performing a
voltage drop test as part of computer system
diagnosis. You’ll learn how to interpret
scan data to help you diagnose and repair
problems on the latest vehicles coming in to
your shop.
10:10am - 11:40am
ATF Today; Surviving in an
er OE Driven Market
Presented by Pat Burrow
With no industry-wide ATF standards (only
individual OEM-required lubricants), it isn’t
easy to know what you’re doing when it
comes to selecting transmission fluids. In this seminar,
you’ll learn how to separate the three types of automatic
transmissions (CVT, DCT, and step automatic) by fluid type
and function, paying special attention to the “equivalency”
requirement when you aren’t using the OE fluid.
2:10pm - 3:40pm
Series Circuit Essentials You
Should Know
Presented by Dan Marinucci
The series circuit is the essential, basic building
block of the entire electrical system, so it’s
important to master fast, accurate methods for
testing any series circuit. Discover the vital voltage checks
— including the proper voltage drop procedure — for
testing a circuit confidently. Even experienced technicians
will benefit from this seminar.
3:50pm - 5:20pm
R&R 101
Presented by John Parmenter
A comprehensive class covering everything
today’s R&R techs must know, from shop safety
to key steps for removing the transmission
efficiently and safely. This is an introductory
course, designed specifically for beginners,
students, and new employees.

Expo-Sept17pages.indd 1 8/25/17 10:45 AM

 Manage Your Shop the Right Way!
Marketing Gain Control of
Your Business by Team
& Sales Letting Go Development From
Selling
Workshop Boldly
presented by Mindset to
MaryAnn Croce Mission
presented by
Alex Goldfayn presented by
Dennis Madden &
Rodger Bland

Leadership

Smart
Vision
Exit
7 Traits of a
Building Successful Leader Smart Exit
Decision-Makers! presented by Workshop
presented by Nancy Friedman presented by
Alex Goldfayn John Anderson

Expo-Sept17pages.indd 1 8/25/17 10:47 AM

 PRODUCED BY:

CALL OR EMAIL TO SIGN UP NOW

Jarema Yero or Joe Desantino
(305) 470-1800
marketing@jdsworldwide.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017

Angel Park's Mountain Course, Las Vegas
8:00 SHOTGUN START
Scramble Format
• TRANSPORTATION FROM THE PARIS HOTEL
• HOLE IN 1 CONTEST
• LUNCH
• TEE PRIZES
A GOOD TIME!
$
125 SIGNUP

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

ATRA Expo Golf September 2017.indd 64 8/30/17 8:33 AM

 Schedule At A Glance
7am - 5pm Attendee Registration
OCTOBER 19
THURSDAY

7:30am - 9am 8L90 Service, Updates and Repairs - Steve Garrett

9:10am - 10:40am FCA 8 and 9 Speed Automatic Transmission Update - Alan McAvoy
10:50am - 12:20pm Restoring Functional Reliability - Dean Mason
1:50pm - 3:20pm Introducting the 9T50 Transaxle - James Rokitski
3:40pm - 5:10pm Using Scopes to Streamline Diagnosis: Part 1 - Scott Shotton
5:20pm - 6:50pm CVT Workshop - Robert Bateman & Mike Souza
9am - 4pm Selling Boldly - Alex Goldfayn

7am - 5pm Attendee Registration

OCTOBER 20

7:30am - 9am Using Scopes to Streamline Diagnosis: Part 2 - Eric Ziegler

9:10am - 10:30am Introducing the ZF 8HP Hybrid - Dirk Fuchs
FRIDAY

10:30am - 11:50am Helping the Rubber Meet the Road - Keith Clark
8:30am - 10am From Mindset to Mission - Dennis Madden & Rodger Bland
10:15am - 11:45am Building Decision-Makers! - Maylan Newton
12pm - 2pm ATRA Luncheon - sponsored by Raybestos
2pm - 7pm Trade Show
4pm - 6pm ATRA Chapter President’s Meeting
7pm - 9pm Transtar Cocktail Reception

8am - 5pm Attendee Registration

8:30am - 10am Tips and Tricks from the Builders Bench - John Parmenter
10:10am - 11:40am Converter Control - Bob Warnke
OCTOBER 21

2:10pm - 3:40pm Introducing the 845RFE - Bill Brayton

SATURDAY

3:50pm - 5:20pm Blame It On the Tuner - Pepe Torres

8:30am - 10am Transmissions 101: Scan Tool 101 - Jarad Warren
10:10am - 11:40am Transmissions 101: ATF Today; Surviving in an OE Drive Market - Pat Burrow
2:10pm - 3:40pm Transmissions 101: Series Circuit Essentials You Should Know - Dan Marinucci
3:50pm - 5:20pm Transmissions 101: R&R 101 - John Parmenter
9am - 10:30am Gain Control of Your Business by Letting Go - MaryAnn Croce
10:45am - 12:15pm 7 Traits of a Successful Leader - Nancy Friedman

12pm - 5pm Trade Show

3pm - 4pm ATRA Longtimer’s Meeting
OCTOBER 22

9am - 10:30am Hydraulics 101 - Bill Brayton

SUNDAY

10:40am - 12:10pm Toyota, Lexus U881E and GM AF50 8 Speed Automatic - Mike Brown

9am - 12pm Smart Exit Workshop- John Anderson

Expo-Sept17pages.indd 1 8/25/17 10:49 AM

 Registration Form
October 19 - 22, 2017 • Las Vegas, NV
Company Name ATRA Account Number

Contact Person: (will receive all correspondence)

Address

City State Zip

Country Email Address

Area Code Phone No. Fax No.

( ) ( )
TO REGISTER: Call toll free 1-800-428-8489 or FAX this completed form to 805-988-6761
Badges will be issued from this list. Use a separate sheet for additional registrations. * CONFERENCES ADDITIONAL
(Includes Luncheon & Trade Show)
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY TICKETS
TITLE: Owner Manager Complete Trade Show Lunch &
Conference Technical Management Only Trade Show
Rebuilder Diagnostician
Other
NAME _______________________________________________________________________________
TITLE: Owner Manager
Rebuilder Diagnostician
Other
NAME _______________________________________________________________________________
TITLE: Owner Manager
Rebuilder Diagnostician
Other
NAME _______________________________________________________________________________
TITLE: Owner Manager
Rebuilder Diagnostician
Other
NAME _______________________________________________________________________________
TITLE: Owner Manager
Rebuilder Diagnostician
Other
NAME _______________________________________________________________________________

Discount for current ATRA Members only. Every 5th Conference attendee is free!
Join or renew today and enjoy the member discount right away! Call ATRA for details
Advanced Purchase Standard Pricing
Before Aug. 19th Aug. 19th - Oct. 7th ALL
REGISTRATION FEES Qty Member Non Mem Member Non Mem ON-SITE SUBTOTAL

Complete Conference Registrant* _____ $ 395 $ 495 $ 495 $ 595 $ 695 $____________
Technical or Management Conference* _____ 345 445 445 545 645 $____________
Trade Show Only _____ 20 20 20 20 30 $____________
Extra Luncheon Ticket - Includes Trade Show Pass _____ 50 50 50 50 65 $____________
(Included with Complete, Tech & Management Conferences)

*Conference Registrants may receive Trade Show Passes for spouse and/or TOTAL $____________
children by contacting ATRA Registration at 1-800-428-8489.
All cancellation requests made
after 10/1/2017 are subject to a
I do not wish to receive any advertising or promotional material from Exhibitors. $50 cancellation fee.

PAYMENT INFORMATION
* Check enclosed payable and mail to: ATRA, 2400 Latigo Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030 Check # ______________
Charge to: * MasterCard * Visa * AMEX * Discover

Card Number___________________________________________________ Expiration Date Security Code

Print Name on Card__________________________________________________________ Signature __________________________________________

Expo-Sept17pages.indd 1 8/25/17 10:49 AM

 POWER INDUSTRY NEWS
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 apena@atra.com or send by mail to
GEARS, 2400 Latigo Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030.

TRI COMPONENT
50 YEARS SERVING THE INDUSTRY:
How It All Started
Not many companies can say ago; an entire career of loyalty and
they've been around for 50 years dependability. And Mike's kids,
and still remain under the same Merrily and Nathaniel, remain
management and maintain the same active in the business, while
corporate culture as the day they daughter Suzy continues as a
opened their doors. consultant.
It all started when Mike Ratner What Tri Component may
was working for a hard-parts lack in style and panache, it more
operation and became familiar with than makes up for in service and
the transmission industry. The pay innovation within the industry. The
was meager and inconsistent. One company catalog includes thousands
day, Molly, Mike's wife, said, “You of items required by rebuilders, and
can do better for yourself. Why not many parts are custom designed by
strike out on your own?” Mike, often for limited runs.
Continue on his own he did, but While this business model
strike out? Not by a long shot. would make any savvy entrepreneur
Located just five minutes from shudder, this type of problem-
Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, solving for the individual rebuilder
New York, in a 150-year-old is what makes Mike tick, and what
former brewery, Mike and Molly makes Tri Component an invaluable
established Tri Component Products asset to the industry.
Corporation, a ff e c t i o n a t e l y Mike is a strong advocate of
known as “Tri” by employees and free higher education, from which
customers alike. he greatly benefited and to which
Back then the torque he attributes all his knowledge. His
converter was considered to be credentials include City College
“un-rebuildable,” although several of New York, State University
shops were trying. Having made at Farmingdale, New York and
contact with transmission industry General Motors School — all
rebuilders, Mike sensed there was a tuition free.
need for converter parts. He believes that crime, unem-
Using his prior experience and Mike Ratner from the early days, when ployment, and poverty can be dealt
love for manufacturing, Mike began Tri Component was first established. with by providing students with
by supplying a single ring gear for means of gainful employment,
a Jaguar. Satisfied customers came to with his longtime crew, is as proud as particularly for lower-income fami-
Tri for all their requirements, which, any business owner could be. lies. Education is more cost effective
over the years, came to thousands of This milestone marks a number than government welfare programs,
part numbers. of important achievements, including claims Mike.
Mike quickly formed a work over a dozen employees who’ve been Other companies have tried to take
environment. The rules were simple yet with the company for decades, in on Tri Component, but no one can
steadfast: Supply innovative products; itself a badge of honor: Alan Feldman, duplicate the company’s core strength:
take good care of the employees; pay VP Sales; Charles Parker, VP; Elena Its willingness and ability to listen
on time, every time; and treat every Golubev, Engineering; Alan Gold, to the customer and work together to
person who crosses the threshold like an Accounting; Azi Adut, Plant Manager; create something newer and better.
old friend. to name a few.
Customers, suppliers — even local Mike's first employee, Packing
Congressmen — always receive the and Shipping Manager Orlando
factory tour from Mike himself, who, Santiesteban, was with the company
having designed much of the technology for 40 years until he retired a few years
70 GEARS September 2017

1PINS 917.indd 70 8/30/17 8:26 AM

 Rostra Now Offers
Factory GM MLPS
for 2006–2116
Rostra Transmission is pleased
to release the OE General Motors
6T30/40/45/70 MLPS (Rostra P/N
50-1182) for 2008-2016 vehicles.
With over 30 different applications
covered, this updated design sensor
sports a white body with a 6-pin, blue
connector.
Visit RostraTransmission.com for
more information.
New Vasco 4L80E/85E
Transmission Main Shafts
ATI Performance Products, Inc.
proudly introduces an all-new Vasco
main shaft for the 4L80E/4L85E
transmission. These main shafts are
100% machined, heat treated, and
finished in ATI's Baltimore facility.
• Solid design for center lube
transmissions only
• No lube holes help eliminate
premature fractures
• Correct length; no modifications
required
• 75% stronger than 4340 and 20%
stronger than 300M
• Zero failures during in-vehicle
testing
• Proven design derived from our
extreme high HP 400 and PG shafts
• 30 years of input shaft
manufacturing experience
ATI has earned a solid reputation
for building the finest and strongest
racing transmissions and components
in the business, and with 2000 HP max
holding capability (weight limited),
this new shaft is no exception.
Part number 705311 is priced at just
$349.95 and are in stock ready to ship!
Visit www.atiracing.com for more
information.
GEARS September 2017 71
1PINS 917.indd 71
Adapt-A-Case 6R140 sub-packaged for ease of location.
Turbine Input Shaft Precision molded pistons are Viton,
Ring Installer which offers superior durability to the
Adapt-A-Case OEM Buna pistons.
has just introduced The kit also includes a separate
a new turbine input valve body gasket instead of the OEM
shaft ring installer bonded plate.
and resizer for the Visit www.transmissionkits.com for
6R140 transmission. more information.
P/N T-307653SAC is
made from stainless Sonnax Powerglide
steel, and lets you Big Shaft System
install the turbine
input shaft oil
control rings in just
3 easy steps:
1. Place the rings
on the expanding
tool to widen.
2. Slide the rings to the proper groove.
3. Slide the resizing tool over the Stop worrying about input shaft
rings. failure when running a Powerglide in
For more, visit Adapt-A-Case on the most extreme applications. Sonnax
line at www.adaptacase.com offers the only big shaft upgrade with
custom components designed to work
Precision Introduces together for reliable performance.
New Kits for K410 The core of this system is the big
input shaft kit 353532-01K, which
delivers 35% more strength than
standard 1” shafts. Whether you have
an existing assembly or start from
scratch in the gear ratio of your choice,
it’s the best way to connect huge
power to Sonnax 1.58/1.65 planetaries
for great run after run with minimum
downtime.
Learn more about the big shaft
Precision International has just system at www.sonnax.com.
introduced new kits for the K410
(XA-10LN) transaxle. This unit Alto Releases
appears in a variety of 2006–2016 M11 Piston Kit
Asian vehicles that aren’t built for
the U.S. market, including Daihatsu,
Subaru, Suzuki, and Toyota.
Overhaul
K75900UX-MD w/o piston kit
K75900U-MD with piston kit
Banner
K7500UXW/O w/o piston kit
K7500UW/O with piston kit Alto Products Corp now offers
Master molded pistons for the DSI-6 M11
K7500UX w/o piston kit (BTR11) 6-speed FWD/AWD
K7500U w/o piston kit transmission. These pistons are
Piston Kit K75900U-99 available individually or as a 7-piece
Ring Kit K75300U kit, Alto P/N 079670.
Friction Module K75900U-1F For more information on the M11
Steel Module K75900U-1S Piston Kit and other Alto products,
These kits contain all valve body visit their on-line catalog at www.
screens and checkballs, and are altousa.com.
8/30/17 8:26 AM
 POWER INDUSTRY NEWS
MicroLab® Oil Analyzers
Enable Auto Repair Shops
to Check Oil Condition
Spectro Scientific’s MicroLab ®
oil analyzer provides shops with
a comprehensive diagnosis of the
condition of the oil, the engine, and the
transmission in less than 15 minutes.
“Oil analysis converts an oil change
from a loss leader to a profit maker,”
said Mike Phillips, owner of Flextune
auto repair shop in Bloomington,
Indiana. “Even more importantly, it
enables me to give my customers the
information they need to make the right
decision on whether to invest money in
an older vehicle. So they keep coming
back and bring their friends and
family.”
MicroLab integrates three
laboratory instruments in a single
package to measure key properties
for oil chemistry, viscosity, and
concentration of wear metals and
sources of contamination in engine
and transmission oils. It translates the
analytical data into a diagnosis and
maintenance recommendations. The oil
analyzer is designed so that any service
technician can run the test and interpret
the results.
For example, one of Flextune’s
customers brought in a 2000 Ford
Ranger with 175,000 miles. The truck
needed $2,500 worth of work. The
customer gladly paid $180 for an oil
analysis to find out that the engine
and trans were in good condition, and
was elated to keep her favorite truck
running.
The fast and simple oil analysis
provided by MicroLab provides auto
repair and quick oil change shops
with a new source of revenue while
increasing shop repair business by
giving customers the confidence to
continue investing in aging vehicles.
Visit www.spectrosci.com/product/
microlab-40/ for more information.
72 GEARS September 2017
1PINS 917.indd 72
MAHLE Service Solutions
Offers SAE Certified Unit
for R134a A/C Service
The ArcticPRO® ACX1180C is the
OEM heavy duty commercial option
from MAHLE Service Solutions’
popular ACX1180 series. Easy to
service and maintain, the ACX1180C
is designed to increase technician
productivity due to its fully-automatic
program to recover, vacuum, leak test,
and charge without command for ease
of operation.
The ACX1180C also features an
integrated test function that allows
the user to capture a before-and-after
service snapshot to ensure proper A/C
system service functionality. High
pressure leak detection and liquid
refrigerant flushing are standard high
performance features essential for
heavy duty service.
In addition to recovering more than
95 percent of heavy duty A/C system
refrigerant, the ACX1180C features
a high capacity 50-lb internal DOT
cylinder to service larger commercial
vehicles.
The unit also includes a 5 CFM
vacuum pump, an integrated printer,
an ambient humidity sensor, three
temperature sensors, four pressure
sensors, a vacuum micron sensor, a
factory-installed heater belt, and is
hybrid certified.
MAHLE Service Solutions is
currently offering a promotion that
includes a free unit cover for customers
who purchase an ACX1180C machine
between Aug. 7, 2017, and Sept. 30,
2017.
The ACX1180C meets stringent
certification requirements including:
SAE J2788, SAE J2099 and UL 1963
and is backed by a two-year parts and
labor warranty.
Visit www.servicesolutions.mahle.
com for more information.
Precision Introduces
New Kits for Citroen,
Peugeot, and Renault
Precision International has just
introduced new rebuild kits for the
TF-82SC found in Citroen, Peugeot,
and Renaults built between 2013 and
2016.
Overhaul
K79900R-MD w/piston,
retainers, or balancer
K79900RX-MD w/o piston,
retainers, or balancer
Banner
K7900RW/O w/piston,
retainers, or balancer
K7900RXW/O w/o piston,
retainers, or balancer
Master
K7900R w/piston,
retainers, or balancer
K7900RX w/o piston,
retainers, or balancer
Piston Kit K79900R-99
Ring Kit K79300R
Friction Module K7900R-1F
Steel Module K7900R-1S
Each kit contains:
• All necessary pressure tap and cooler
line O-rings
• Valve body check valves and screens
• Gaskets for bonded valve body
separator plates
• All necessary plastic thrust washers
And the pan gasket is heavy duty
Farpak paper, which replaces OEM
silicone.
Visit www.transmissionkits.com for
more information
ZF Aftermarket Launches
Mobile Technical Training
ZF Aftermarket now offers mobile
technical training for its customers,
shop owners, and technicians in
the aftermarket, allowing certified
ZF trainers to travel cross country
and share educational programming
8/30/17 8:26 AM
 covering new technologies and trends
in the industry.
“The purpose of the mobile
technical training unit is to provide
local technicians across the country
with on-site, hands-on technical
training, as well as sharing the quality
and name of ZF and its brands with
those unfamiliar,” explained Francisco
Moreno, ZF technical trainer.
“Across the automobile industry,
ZF Aftermarket strives to provide
training and educational programming
to independent aftermarkets in an
accessible way,” said Moreno. “With
the mobile technical training center we
hope to be more accessible.”
“This new mobility offers an
additional avenue to directly connect
with technicians interested in preparing
for the future, providing us with a more
personal connection to those who work
on the products daily.”
The new mobile training is
in addition to the customer and
technician centric offerings already
in place. ZF Aftermarket has been
active in the market with on-site
customer evening and weekend
training, partnered technician training,
and hosted webinars, along with
yearly participation at educational
conferences.
For more information and
upcoming training activities, please
visit www.zf.com/us/trainings.
New Cleaner from
E-ZOIL Grips Glass
Glass Glitz
from E-ZOIL is a
new glass cleaner
formulated to
be streak free
and able to
dissolve films,
light to heavy
soil, fingerprints,
bugs, and other
hard-to-remove
items.
Nicknamed
the “Grippy Glass
Cleaner,” Glass
Glitz has a unique formula that, when
shaken, thickens to help the bright
orange solution cling to glass.
Visit www.ezoil.com for more
information or call (716) 213-0106.
GEARS September 2017 73
1PINS 917.indd 73
Flow Dry Technology
Acquires Assets of
Elliott Manufacturing
Flow Dry Technology, an industry
leader in adsorbent solutions,
has acquired the assets of Elliott
Manufacturing Company (EMC) in a
deal that combines the two Brookville,
Ohio-based manufacturers. Founded in
1973 by Milton Sr. and Anna Elliott,
the family-owned company has been
Flow Dry’s supplier of quality plastic
injection molded parts since 1986.
“Elliott Manufacturing has been a
trusted partner for more than 30 years,”
said Rahul Deshmukh, Flow Dry
president and CEO. “Their injection
molding manufacturing capability and
expertise perfectly complement our
vertical integration growth strategy
and enables us to deliver total solutions
with even greater quality and delivery
benefits to our growing base of global
customers.”
EMC’s material expertise includes
engineering grade thermoplastics, filled
nylons, and molded rubber among
others. The company manufactures a
wide variety of plastic injection molded
parts, as well as partial and complete
assemblies for the automotive,
aerospace, medical, and consumer
products industries on a wide range of
molding machines ranging from 33 to
275 ton.
“Growth through acquisitions
is always exciting as we continue
to delight our global customers and
further differentiate ourselves in our
markets,” added Deshmukh. “This
acquisition will undoubtedly benefit
our customers, employees, and the
Brookville community.”
Visit www.FlowDry.com for more
information.
Watson Street Works
Introduces Billet ECU
Wire Pass-Through
Engineers at Watson’s Street Works
have just introduced a distinctive wire
pass through that’s going to make life
much easier for home builders and
shops alike.
If you’re working on or have
completed a late engine conversion,
such as an LS or Coyote that uses an
ECU, the wire bundle that needs to
pass through from the cabin into the
engine compartment is a real eyesore.
Watson’s Billet ECU Pass Through
provides a custom high tech appearing
solution that completely eliminates the
pass through uglies while adding a high
tech appearance to the engine bay.
The Pass Through cover is
machined from solid billet with a
machine ball milled surface and
is threaded on the back for easy
installation — template included —
using the supplied cap screws. The
unit covers holes up to 3¾” by 1¾”
and includes a custom fit, pre-split, 1”
grommet.
The well-engineered design also
allows for easy fitting to completed
projects. While designed for the ECU
conversions, this wedge shaped billet
cover is just the ticket for a wide
variety of other uses where appearance
and quality are a must.
For more, visit Watson’s on line at
www.watsons-streetworks.com, or call
direct at (866) 859-0513, (603) 943-
7923 local.
8/30/17 8:26 AM
 TECHNICAL BOOKS
General Motors •Ford • Imports • Chrysler

Drive on in to the bookstore at the

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Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association

2400 Latigo Avenue • Oxnard, CA 93030 • Toll Free (866) 464-2872 • (805) 604-2000 • Fax (805) 604-2003
members.atra.com • www.atra.com • www.gearsmagazine.com

2017-Gears-bookstore-AD for Vegas.indd 1 8/30/17 8:32 AM

 SHOPPER CLASSIFIED ADS
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GEARS September 2017 75

1shoppers 917.indd 75 8/30/17 10:47 AM

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

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Toll free 800 - 372 - TRANS

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

Chrysler 948TE "When you understand how

Rebuild Procedures the 948TE works and what
By Bill Brayton the TCM is using to control

Chrysler 948TE Rebuild Procedures

the shifts, the easier it’ll be
to diagnose it. And when our
Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Assocation
2400 Latigo Avenue
jobs are easier, we all have
Fun With Transmissions!"
Oxnard, CA 93030
805-604-2000
members.atra.com

– Bill Brayton
© 2015 ATRA. All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA.
ATM-948TE

*Pick up the Chrysler 948TE

Rebuild Procedures from our
Bookstore today!
(866) 464-2872 • (805) 604-2000
members.atra.com

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76 GEARS September 2017

1shoppers 917.indd 76 8/30/17 10:50 AM

 Best!
Expect the
WE HAVE WHAT YOU NEED
FOREIGN & DOMESTIC
Standard Transmissions
Transfer Cases
Quality New & Used Parts
Remanufactured Rebuilt Units
Torque Converters *ONE CALL DOES IT ALL*
Distributorships Available
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Visit our website:
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WE HAVE OVER 500,000 PARTS IN STOCK
CALL 602-971-0477
WEBINAR DATES TRANSMISSION 877-298-5003
www.atiracing.com
SEP 5&6 68RFE - Diagnostics 6747 Whitestone Road • Baltimore, MD 21207
SEP 19 6R80 Updates
OCT 3 RE0F11A CVT Internal
Equipment Manufacturing Corp.
ATRA Webinars are presented every two
weeks from January to October.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Login at http://members.atra.com and
click on the webinar schedule under $4,995.00
the events menu. Once registered, you In Stock
will receive an email confirming your
registration along with the information
you need to join the webinar.
This and other technical webinars *Free for everyone on the
are made possible by; day of the webinar. ATRA
Members have access to all
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WE SHIP UPS DAILY www.equipmentmanufacturing.com

GEARS September 2017 77

1shoppers 917.indd 77 8/30/17 10:50 AM

 SHOPPER CLASSIFIED September 2017
GEARS classified advertising cost $95.00 for up to 50 words for a one time insertion. ATRA members are eligible to receive up to three (3) FREE classified
advertisements in GEARS annually (per 10 issues). Members wishing to place ads once their three FREE ads have been placed may do so at the cost listed
above. Ads exceeding the maximum word count will cost $1.50 for each additional word (not including phone number and address).

www.trans-tool.com
1-800-531-5978

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washers
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Visit our website for more information,

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www.midipro.info

www.transmissionpartswashers.info
www.SuperFlow.com/gears | 1.888.442.5546

swing tech and a diagnostic technician.  with completely upgraded equipment.

ATRA MEMBERS
RECEIVE 3 FREE!
805.604.2025
www.gearsmagazine.com
GEARS classified advertising cost $95.00
for up to 50 words for a one time inser-
tion. ATRA members are eligible to receive
up to three (3) FREE classified advertise-
ments in GEARS annually (per 10 issues).
Members wishing to place ads once their
three FREE ads have been placed may do so
at the cost listed above. Ads exceeding the
maximum word count will cost $1.50 for each
additional word (not including phone number
and address).
HELP WANTED: Do you love getting
outdoors? Are you an experienced
transmission tech looking for a change?  Call Jose for details: (863) 967-0694
If you answered yes, then we need to
hear from you!  We live and work in
the beautiful Grand Valley of Western
Colorado, gateway to the outdoors with
biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, and all
kinds of outdoor sports and activities
just minutes from town.  We are a
busy transmission and drive train shop
looking for experienced techs to join our
growing team.  We are currently hiring
an experienced transmission rebuilder/
A Mon-Fri work week, competitive pay,
individual and team bonuses, local
healthcare, and a matching IRA in a fast-
paced, upbeat work environment await
the right technician.  E-mail your resume
to bakerstransmission@gmail.com or fax
to 970-242-8589.  We want to hear from
you! ATRA Mbr
HELP WANTED: Ready to work in
paradise? Kailua Kona shop on the
Big Island of Hawaii is looking for an
experienced professional transmission
rebuilder. See our business and more info
on our website: www.transtechhawaii.
com, or call Vic at (808) 331-8310.
ATRA Mbr
HELP WANTED: Experienced rebuilder,
for shop in central Florida, open Monday-
Friday. Excellent salary, 401k, benefits.
HELP WANTED: Looking for an
experienced Torque Converter Rebuilder.
Contact Atlas Automotive Inc. Irene
or Erika, ibogdan@sbcglobal.net or
(216) 671-0100.
HELP WANTED: Ralph’s Transmission
is a growing shop in Modesto seeking
qualified and experienced transmission
specialists. We have an excellent facility
Ralph’s offers a positive work
environment, competitive pay, benefits
and other great employee incentives.
We are currently accepting applicants for
the following positions: R&R Specialist,
Diagnosticians, Service Advisors (Sales).
Visit: www. RalphsTransmission.com to
learn more about Ralph’s Transmission
and employment opportunities. Contact
Mario Jauregui at (209) 526-1909 or
Mario@RalphsTransmission.com.
HELP WANTED: NATIONAL
EMPLOYMENT HEADQUARTERS
FOR THE TRANSMISSION INDUSTRY.
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Serving the transmission industry
since 1997. Visit our website at: www.
transteam.com or call us toll free at:
(888) 859-0994.
HELP WANTED: Are you thinking
about a change? Check out beautiful
Portland Oregon! PTP Reman a large
transmission remanufacturing company

78 GEARS September 2017

1classfd-917.indd 78 8/30/17 10:58 AM

 Don't Miss the ATRA SEMINAR Near You!

2017 ATRA TECHNICAL SEMINARS

9/9 - Billings, MT 9/16 - Newark, NJ 9/23 - Chicago, IL 800.428.8489

http://members.atra.com
11/4 - Baltimore, MD
MEMBERS.ATRA.COM
ATRA'S POWERTRAIN EXPO 2017 • October 19 - 22

is growing. We are looking for a few
top notch people to join our team of
professionals. We have the most up to date
modern facility in the industry including
testing of the latest transmissions and in
house torque converter remanufacturing.
We currently have great positions
available: Parts, Production, Testing, 1-800-640-0970 or cell 530-604-7660
Torque converters, Transmissions, etc. (early evening ok) Check out our website:
We have an excellent work environment www.portlandtorque.com ATRA Mbr
with competitive pay, benefits and
bonus plan. For more information
or to apply please send resume to
dave@portlandtorque.com or call

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

Name _____________________________________ Phone _______________________________

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

GEARS September 2017 79

1classfd-917.indd 79 8/30/17 10:58 AM

 ADVERTISERS
Name Page Name Page

Adapt A Case.........................................................................51 Precision European, Inc.........................................................79

adapt-a-case.com www.PEIus.com
ATRA Powertrain Expo......................................................62-69 Precision International........................................................5, 27
www.powertrainexpo.com www.transmissionkits.com
ATRA Seminars......................................................................55
Raybestos Powertrain............................................................15
members.atra.com
www.raybestospowertrain.com
ATRA Webinars......................................................................45
members.atra.com Rostra Transmission...............................................................33
www.rostratransmission.com
ETE Reman............................................................................25
www.etereman.com Seal Aftermarket Products.................................................OBC
www.sealaftermarketproducts.com
EVT Parts...............................................................................32
www.evtparts.com SEMA.....................................................................................43
Ford Customer Service Division...............................................9 www.sema.org
www.fordparts.com Sonnax Industries.................................................................IFC
GearSpeed.............................................................................37 www.sonnax.com
www.gearspeedpartsstore.com
Superior Transmission Parts..................................................17
GFX, Inc................................................................................. 11 www.superior-transmission.com
www.gfxcorp.com
Sussex Auto Parts, Ltd...........................................................47
H G M Electronics..................................................................59
www.sussexautos.co.uk
www.compushift.com
Transmission Specialties........................................................35
Jasper Engines & Transmissions.........................................IBC
www.jasperengines.com www.tsirace.com

LUBEGARD®, A Stellar Automotive Group Company..............3 Transtar Industries, Inc.....................................................13, 61

www.lubegard.com www.transtar1.com
Power Pusher Division of Nu-Star, Inc...................................47 Whatever It Takes Transmission Parts, Inc............................23
www.powerpusher.com www.wittrans.com

ATRA Supplier Members

Reserve your free table top display for the
ATRA 2017 technical seminar series today!
2017

Call (805) 604-2018

See ATRA Seminar

Schedule information at:
members.atra.com
Also see page 55.

80 GEARS September 2017

listo917.indd 80 8/30/17 11:00 AM

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