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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
by Dennis Madden
members.atra.com
T
his issue is GEARS Those points might describe what What’s interesting about that
Magazine’s silver jubilee. It’s you do throughout the day, but they is that it feeds right off of our other
hard to believe it’s been 25 don’t define why you do it. They don’t purpose: create a reader. Those readers
years since we first started publishing provide a “big-picture” idea that people are the industry. By creating a reader,
GEARS. can relate to and remember. So what’s we’re helping attract the industry that
It’s common when someone the purpose of GEARS? advertisers want to reach. So creating a
celebrates an anniversary, whether it’s The purpose of GEARS is to create reader provides access to the industry.
a wedding, a business, or anything else a reader. Perfect!
for that matter, to ask, where did the Notice there’s nothing about Of course, providing access to the
time go? I can’t believe it’s been that sales or advertising, nothing about the industry also demands that we remain
long. It’s the same for ATRA. I started financial part of the magazine that pays focused on circulation, to make sure
working here during ATRA’s 35th the bills. It’s simple: Create a reader. GEARS is reaching our market. Who’s
anniversary; now here we are at 63! Creating a reader means being in receiving the magazine? Is it a good
It’s fun to reminisce, and we’d like touch with what the reader wants. In address?
to share some interesting stories and our case, they want to fix cars and get That means access to the best and
photos from years past. Check out the paid. They want their customers back most accurate mailing list available,
article on page 40. on the road. It’s the test we use with while continually adding new
Something else happens at each article we publish. We ask this subscribers and deleting old addresses
anniversaries, especially wedding throughout the process, and yes, we’ve that no longer exist.
anniversaries: Someone inevitably asks, tossed more than a few articles because But think about this: By maintaining
“What’s the secret for lasting so long?” we didn’t feel they met that goal. our mailing list, we’re making sure we
People want to know how they made it Taking this to the next level, the reach working industry professionals…
through 25 years… even more so when new GEARS Magazine web site now the very professionals we want to reach
it gets to 50 and beyond. tracks the number of “reads” for each to create a reader. The two goals are
So here are some thoughts about article, providing even more feedback symbiotic, each supporting the other,
what we do at GEARS and ATRA about what readers find interesting. working together to make sure we’re
that, I think, keeps us at the top of our It’s no different than you getting meeting our two purpose statements.
game. There’s no big secret, nothing feedback from your customers on social The same is true about operating a
all that special, but it’s important, and media and review sites. It’s what keeps transmission repair shop: By identifying
something you can put to use in your you on track with what your customers your purpose, you’ll be better able to
own business. want and it’s important that you get that serve your customer base, and earn
The first thing you need to do is feedback, good or bad. better reviews and more referrals. The
identify your purpose. We’ve covered In the end, though, GEARS is a purpose isn’t about profits or tasks; it’s
this before, and it’s something I’ll be business and has another group of a big-picture idea. These simple ideas
talking about at this year’s Expo. It’s an customers: its advertisers. For them, have kept GEARS Magazine on track
important part of keeping your company we have another purpose, another “big- for the past 25 years.
focused. picture” idea: I’ll be talking about creating your
Why? Because without a defined Access to the industry. purpose at this year’s Expo. If you’ve
purpose, your employees will wind up Seems simple enough, right? After never thought about it, or aren’t sure
defining your business as a series of all, that’s why advertisers place ads in where to begin, you need to be there:
task-oriented points: “We do this, that, the first place: to reach their potential Reserve your spot at this year’s Expo,
and the other thing.” market. and we’ll see you in Vegas!
2 GEARS September 2017
1frmceo 917.indd 2 8/30/17 10:29 AM

ADS_0917.indd 3 8/30/17 8:29 AM
KEEP THOSE TRANNYS ROLLING
by Pete Huscher
members.atra.com
I
n previous issues of Keep Those enhance driving performance,
Trannys Rolling, we looked at prevent crow-hopping or binding
the Magna Performance MP3010 at low speeds, and improve
transfer case control system and the vehicle stability at higher speeds.
diagnostic routines needed to keep this Now let’s take a look inside
four-wheel drive system rolling down the MP3010 transfer case.
the road.
In this issue, we’re going to look SECURING
inside the transfer case, to see how to TRANSFER CASE
disassemble, repair, and reassemble it. For ease of disassembly and
reassembly, use a transmission/
DESCRIPTION transfer case holding fixture to
The Magna Performance MP3010 secure the transfer case assembly
transfer case is a single-speed, au- to the bench.
tomatic, active transfer case, which
provides three modes of operation: REMOVING
AUTO 4WD, 4HI, and 2HI. EXTERNAL
The Auto 4WD mode provides an COMPONENTS
on-demand torque biasing wet clutch, Begin by draining the transfer
which allows the transfer case control case oil and removing the external
system to adjust the AWD application components.
through variable software calibrations. These components include:
This provides more features, such • Access hole plugs
as flexible adapt ready position and • Fill and drain plugs
variable clutch preload torque levels • Transfer case 2/4 wheel drive
which enhance the performance of the actuator (encoder/motor)
AWD system. assembly
This technology allows for • Gear position sensor
speed-dependent torque transfer to • Vehicle speed sensor (figure 1) Figure 1: Components removed from transfer case.
1pete 917.indd 4 8/30/17 8:07 AM

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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.
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 Figure 8: Actuator levers and bearings assembly.
type puller to remove the output
shaft rear bearing assembly. assembly, the three actuator balls, • Actuator cam spacer
• Remove the output shaft bearing the #1 actuator lever assembly, and • Actuator cam
retaining ring and the speed sensor the actuator lever thrust bearing • Actuator shaft
reluctor wheel. assembly #1 (figure 8). • Actuator shaft gear
• Remove the transfer case oil pump, • Clean and inspect all components The 2/4 range shift components
the drive sprocket retaining ring, the for wear and repair or replace as include a 2/4 shift fork and actuator
drive sprocket rear spacer, and the needed. assembly.
drive sprocket assembly. • Reassemble the rear output shaft Clean and inspect all components,
• Remove the drive sprocket front assembly. and repair or replace as needed.
spacer and the 2/4 wheel drive
clutch snap ring and shim. OIL PUMP ASSEMBLY
• Remove the four-wheel drive clutch Never disassemble the oil pump; it FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
assembly, which includes the clutch is not serviceable. Inspect the oil pump CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
hub, eight friction plates, seven steel for wear or binding and replace as The four-wheel drive clutch assem-
plates, four pressure plate springs, needed. bly includes:
and an apply plate, as a complete • Clutch hub
unit (figure 7). SHIFT COMPONENTS • Eight friction plates
• Remove the actuator lever washer, The high/low shift components • Seven steel plates
the actuator lever thrust bearing include: • Four pressure plate springs
assembly #2, the #2 actuator lever • Actuator cam snap ring • Apply plate
GEARS September 2017 7
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.
Figure 11: Rear transfer case halve installed.
REASSEMBLY
Reassembling the transfer case • Install the oil pump suction pipe and Well, there you have it: an inside
should go pretty quickly once you have the actuator shaft gear. look at the Magna Performance
the individual components repaired • Prepare the rear transfer case half MP3010 transfer case. With a better
and reassembled. for assembly onto the front case understanding of how this transfer
• Secure the front transfer case half to half using a set of snap ring pliers case works, you should have no
your workbench using your holding to release the snap ring through the problem keeping those trannys rolling.
fixture. rear case access holes. With snap
• Install the front output shaft/gear ring released (figure 10), carefully
assembly. install the rear transfer case half
• Install the output shaft assembly, the onto the front transfer case half.
drive chain, and the actuator shaft • Install the 17 Torx bit transfer case
and cam assembly as a complete bolts to secure the two transfer case
assembly. Partially install the halves together (figure 11).
actuator shaft, levers, and output • Install the access hole plugs, the
shaft assembly into the case while drain and fill plugs, the transfer case
installing the drive chain onto the 2/4 wheel drive actuator (encoder/
front output shaft/gear assembly motor) assembly, the gear position
(figure 9). sensor, and the vehicle speed sensor.
1pete 917.indd 8 8/30/17 8:07 AM

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

ADS_0917.indd 15 8/30/17 8:29 AM
Figure 4
For testing the forward engagement

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

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Toledo Trans-Kit , exclusively manufactured and engineered by
® Both OEM and aftermarket manufacturers
Seal Aftermarket Products, is recognized as one of the highest competing for market share release a variety
quality and most comprehensive kits available to transmission of technological advancements at a rapidly
professionals. Inside every TTK bag is best-in-class materials to increasing pace.
meet or exceed OEM specifications, with more critical components,
more OE components, more premium seals and gaskets, design Despite transmission systems becoming even
enhancements, patented components, plus little extras you won’t more complex, most manufacturers have all but
find elsewhere. 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

TTKMAXX is engineered exclusively for high performance,
® closure of the information gap from distributors
heavy duty and towing applications. Inside you will find enhanced to end-users and providing a value that is unique
components such as upgraded sealing rings and reengineered and advantageous to both the customer and the
internal sealing materials, where applicable for better performance. customer’s customer.
The TTKMAXX kit is constantly being upgraded with the latest
innovations for the performance-oriented end user. Take it to the
MAXX!

Workshops
One of the most successful technical outreach
What they are saying: campaigns has been the free, direct, hands-on,
The hands on training by SAP has been by bilingual Seal Aftermarket Products Workshops where
far the best method for training thus far. rebuilders interact one-on-one with presenters and
Thank you Robert Bateman and SAP. work on actual units.
Mario Jauregui These unique Workshops are unscripted and the format
Ralph’s Transmission 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
Now CVTs are no problem to handle when
they come through the door! technicians throughout Central, South and North
America. Workshops are held in conjunction with
Craig Sarokoff SAP distributor partners and scheduled throughout the
AAMCO Transmissions USA and international locations. Contact your local
WIT or NATPRO representative to find the next U.S.
Workshop location closest to you.
Really liked how hands on it was, learned
a lot of valuable info.
This year, Mike and Robert will present a live Workshop
at ATRA’s Powertrain Expo on Thursday, October 19
David Pasek
from 5:20 p.m. - 6:50 p.m. Be sure to stop by Seal
King’s Transmissions
Aftermarket Products Technical Booth #600.
20+ years I have been to training events, During Expo hours, come by and spend some one-on-
never had this type of one-on-one, hands- one time with Mike and Robert. They will share tips
on type of training. It’s not scripted, they and tricks from their real-life experiences and will
take question from audience, in English be there to do live demonstrations and answer any
and Spanish!
questions you may have about SAP products.
Raul Heredia

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.

STREET SMART
O
ne of the first you need to require some very specific driving
know when diagnosing and conditions that you haven’t met.
fixing any transmission is to Today computers look at more
understand how it works. Once you than just TPS and VSS to control the
understand what does what and when transmission’s shifts. Did you know
it’s supposed to do it, you’re more that the wrong type of fuel could affect
likely to know what to check first and how your transmission shifts?
what you don’t need to check at all. For example, if you were to put
It’s never any fun to get the E-85 fuel in a non-flex-fuel vehicle,
transmission on the bench, only to you’ll end up with O2 sensor and
find nothing wrong internally. But if knock sensor codes because the by Mike Brown
you know what the component is and computer can’t adjust the fuel trim members.atra.com
what it’s supposed to do, then you can and timing correctly. You can change
move forward to diagnosing and fixing sensors all day long and not fix
the problem. anything if this happens. help with diagnosis. Codes in the body,
Transmissions in today’s cars If you suspect this might be the electronic brake, and traction control
are more complex and require a problem, ethanol test kits are available computers may affect transmission
more detailed diagnosis before you for testing the type of fuel in the tank. performance. Any engine codes that
remove them. 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
FIRST THINGS FIRST When the computer identifies a improperly.
Always start by determining if problem that could affect the trans- So your first step in diagnosing
there are any codes present in any of mission, it’ll usually raise mainline any transmission problem should
the vehicle’s computers. Check for pressure to protect it. Your scan tool be to check for codes and computer
codes, write them down, clear them, can provide you with information to system issues.
and see whether they come back. help you monitor sensor and computer
Even if a code doesn’t return right commands that could affect how the TSBS AND
away, that doesn’t mean the problem computer alters transmission control. SOFTWARE UPDATES
disappeared. It may take several key Knowing which inputs and output Always check for any factory
cycles before a code returns, or it may are involved with the transmission will TSBs or reflashes before removing the
1brown917 v2.indd 22 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
1brown917 v2.indd 24 8/30/17 8:09 AM

ADS_0917.indd 25 8/30/17 8:29 AM
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
1brown917 v2.indd 26 8/30/17 8:09 AM

ADS_0917.indd 27 8/30/17 8:29 AM
Figure 5
FALLING OUT OF GEAR to fluid temperature changes and opens This maintains the fluid level
AT A STOP or closes a fluid passage. The system to provide adequate fluid for the
The customer brings his car in controls the maximum fluid level by transmission’s hydraulic system. A
because he says the transmission is allowing fluid to overflow from the top damaged or loose thermostatic element
falling out of gear at a stop. A check of the fluid level control valve pipe and could cause fluid foaming or incorrect
reveals code P2723 — pressure control drain into the case sump. fluid level.
solenoid 5 performance: stuck off. At temperatures below 60ºC The fluid temperature must be at
All of the solenoids checked (140ºF), the thermostatic element operating temperature to get a proper
okay, so the technician removed the allows fluid to drain from the control measurement when checking the fluid
transmission for inspection. The valve body cover area into the level. Checking the fluid level with
problem? A crack in the 1-2-2-4 clutch case sump. the fluid temperature below operating
apply piston (figure 5). As the temperature of the trans- temperature will result in the fluid
Check the piston carefully for any mission fluid increases, the thermo- level being too low.
cracks or defects. It may have shrunk static element traps fluid in the control If you’re changing fluid, make
from heat. If so, it won’t create any valve body cover area and the fluid sure the transmission is cold. If you
resistance as you slide it in and out of level rises. remove the drain plug in the bottom of
the housing.
Always replace these bonded
pistons during a rebuild.
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
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 Figure 7
that the fluid be at the correct
temperature or you could over-
or underfill the transmission. • Any service in response to shift • Configurations/Reset Functions
These units are easily overfilled quality • Transmission Adaptive Values
because the synthetic fluid’s expansion Failure to perform the procedure Learn
rate is very sensitive to temperature, after one of these repairs may result in 2. Select the Transmission Adaptive
giving false level readings. As little as poor transmission performance or set a Values Learn procedure. During
half a quart overfull can cause fluid to trouble code. the procedure, the scan tool data
leak from the vent. Before you begin the transmission display will provide operator in-
Always check the fluid level with adaptive values learn procedure, make structions. Follow the instructions
the engine running, fluid temperature sure of these conditions: as required.
85ºC–95ºC (185ºF–205ºF), in park, • Block the drive wheels 3. Once the procedure is complete,
through the plug near the axle seal in • Apply the parking brake shut the engine off and power
the case (figure 7). • Apply the service brake down the TCM. You’ll lose
• Zero percent throttle and no exter- communication to the scan tool.
ADAPTIVE LEARN nal engine RPM control 4. Restart the engine. This will com-
The transmission adaptive values • Transmission fluid temperature plete the transmission adaptive
learn is a procedure for 6-speed (TFT) between 70ºC–100ºC (155ºF– values learn procedure. After the
automatic transmissions in which 215ºF) procedure is completed, the trans-
the TCM “learns” individual clutch • Cycle the transmission gear selector mission may remain in neutral.
characteristics. Once the TCM from park to reverse three times to 5. Turn the ignition off and remove
learns the clutch data, the procedure purge air from the reverse clutches the scan tool.
translates it into the adaptive data If, at any time during the That’s all there is to it. Your rebuild
cells, which the TCM uses for clutch procedure, the required conditions should be ready to be delivered and
control during shifts. aren’t met, the process may abort should perform like new. And that’s not
The scan tool lets you initiate the and you’ll need to start over from the just smart; that’s street smart!
transmission adaptive values learn beginning.
procedure, which you should perform Now you’re ready to begin the
after any of these transmission repairs: transmission adaptive values learn
• Transmission internal service or procedure:
rebuild 1. Use your scan tool to navigate
• Valve body repair or replacement to Transmission Adaptive Values
• Control solenoid valve assembly Learn:
replacement • Module Diagnosis
• TCM software or calibration update • Transmission Control Module
1brown917 v2.indd 29 8/30/17 8:09 AM

IN FRONT OF THE FLYWHEEL
M
any technicians today still I knew of one station in town,
don’t have to deal with but what’s wrong with gasoline? Ap-
ethanol. Others do, but they parently, Illinois state rules required
aren’t usually the ones who get caught flex-fuel-compatible, state-owned ve-
with their pants down when it comes hicles be filled with E85. As a result,
to these problems. our round trip included multiple stops
Some basic knowledge and testing at stations offering E85.
procedures will greatly save diagnostic What kind of problems can
time when that one-in-a-thousand ethanol cause? The most common
ethanol issue rolls in your door ethanol issue is too high an ethanol by Scott Shotton
and sends you spiraling down the content in a non-flex-fuel vehicle. The Driveability Guys
rabbit hole. Because this is such a common issue,
One thing you can be sure of: we’ll start here. This situation can
Every technician will have to deal cause lean diagnostic trouble codes,
with E85 at some point, even if gas positive fuel trim corrections, low isn’t really any different than the
stations in the area don’t offer it. One power, and poor fuel economy. So way you probably already approach
example is the customer who goes on where do you start your diagnosis? diagnostics; but ethanol requires
vacation in a non-flex-fuel vehicle and All of the complaints could be learning a new signature.
accidentally fills the tank with ethanol caused by a variety of problems: For example, a failing fuel
at an unfamiliar station. This is an failing fuel pumps, bad mass airflow pump or a bad mass airflow sensor
easy mistake to make, especially on sensors, restricted catalytic converters, usually yield slightly positive fuel
a road trip, because of how common and cracked air inlet tubes, just to trim correction at idle and total fuel
ethanol is along major highways. name a few. I’ve often been called to trim corrections increase with engine
E85 has to be available along the shops for such complaints, only to be RPM. Vacuum leaks, on the other
interstates for many reasons, one of greeted with, “We already replaced hand, behave the exact opposite: high
which is fleet vehicles. Here’s a perfect those things… what did we miss?” positive fuel trim correction at idle that
example: When I was working with The key to finding the root cause decreases when engine RPM increases.
the Illinois EPA emissions testing of the complaint, in this case ethanol, These fuel trim behaviors are the
program, a colleague picked me up in is to follow a structured and logical different signatures of each individual
a state vehicle to drive five hours to a approach. Much like most of our usual condition. Basically, the vehicle’s fault
seminar. We needed to fill up before driveability diagnostics, this logical dictates how the fuel trim behaves
we left and he asked, “Where do we approach needs to include fuel trim when we change engine-operating
get E85 around here?” correction analysis. The procedure conditions.
1scottshotton917.indd 30 8/30/17 8:10 AM

IDLE 2500 RPM
Total Trim Correction is calculated by

adding the Long Term FT Bank 1 and Short Term FT Bank 1 percentages.
25% Total Trim Correction 24% Total Trim Correction

Figure 1
Just as these faults have their behavior, due to a different injec-

own fuel trim signatures, so does tor flow rate. This possible-but-
high ethanol content. When a vehicle unlikely fault usually occurs
designed to operate on conventional right after a repair, such as an en-
gasoline — with an air/fuel ratio of gine replacement with a salvage
about 14.7 to 1 — has E85 in the fuel yard unit, or even a set of non-
tank — with an air/fuel ratio of about flex-fuel injectors installed on a
10 to 1 — the correction is the same, f lex-fuel application.
regardless of driving conditions. That’s
because the engine is running lean ETHANOL
by the same percentage under every TEST
driving condition. If your fuel trim analysis
The result is positive trim points toward a potential ethanol
corrections that are relatively the problem, your next step is to prove
same across the board. The scan data it. An ethanol test is really easy to
capture (figure 1) is from a vehicle perform. There are a few varia-
with too much ethanol in the tank. tions, but one of the simplest re-
The data on the left has a total fuel quires a fuel sample, a graduated
trim correction of +25% at idle while cylinder, water, and food coloring.
the data on the right is +24% to +25% The test relies on the fact that
at 2500 RPM. oil and water don’t mix; ethanol
When the same vehicle is driven and water do.
under varying conditions, the total You should be able to find a
fuel trim corrections never stray far 100-milliliter graduated cylinder
from the 25% mark. Although these for around ten bucks.
fuel trim numbers are bad, the fact • Fill the graduated cylinder
that they stay within a relatively half way, or 50 milliliters, with
small window is a strong indicator water, and the rest of the way, Figure 2: What you’ll need to check for ethanol in
of ethanol in the tank: ethanol’s fuel 50 more milliliters, with the the gas: A graduated cylinder and food coloring
(optional) or a clear plastic bottle.
trim signature. fuel sample.
There are always exceptions to • You can add food coloring to
this rule. The wrong set of fuel injec- make the test results more obvious • Gently shake the sample and allow
tors could cause the same fuel trim (optional). it to settle for a few minutes.

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.

• 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

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

You can use the numbers and sensor is a 5-volt design, with values and on-board diagnostics. How it
letters associated with the transmission ranging from 0.5V to 4.5V, depending formats and displays the DTC using
designation to identify the series and on the fluid level. Not all applications on-board diagnostics depends on the
sub-series of the transmission, and the or years are equipped with a fluid level transmission generation and the design
vocation or type of service the trans- sensor. If the unit isn’t equipped with of the shifter.
mission was designed for. Let’s look at a fluid level sensor, fluid level won’t Fluid Life/Filter Life — Similar
the 3000 RDS as an example (figure 2). be available. to engine oil life monitoring, the
If you’re dealing with a transit DTCs — The computer can TCM uses a countdown timer to let
bus, it can get even more confusing. display DTCs using scan data you know when the transmission fluid
Transit buses are designated with the
prefix B followed by three additional
digits. So a B 400 represents a unit that RDS = Rugged Duty Series
may be used in a city bus. 3000 RDS PTS = Pupil Transport Series
MHS = Motor Home Series
PROGNOSTICS EVS = Emergency Vehicle Series
Prognostics are features that many
Allison transmission computers use to TRV = Transport Vehicle
monitor their operation. Many Allison HS = Highway Series
computers are equipped with the SP = Specialty Series
prognostics software, which may be IS = International Series
enabled or disabled. In our 3000 series
example, the system was designed to 5 = Heavy Duty Park Pawl
monitor fluid level and DTCs on most 0 = Standard Duty Park Pawl
applications. In 2009, features were
added to the prognostics software, 0 = Close Ratio with Park Pawl
including: 1 = Close Ratio No Park Pawl
• Fluid life 2 = Close Ratio with Park Pawl
• Filter life 3 = Close Ratio No Park Pawl
• Transmission health 5 = Wide Ratio No Park Pawl
You can display prognostics in-
formation via on-board diagnostics 1 = 1000 Series
or your scan tool. When servicing an
2 = 2000 Series
Allison, you’ll need to reset some of
3 = 3000 Series
the prognostics or DTCs may set.
Fluid Level — The system 4 = 4000 Series
monitors fluid level with a fluid level
sensor mounted to the valve body. The Figure 2
1SteveG-917.indd 35 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 use a cable, you can access
reaches 2%, the system displays a prognostics through the shifter
“change transmission fluid” message. display.
The system determines filter life by
monitoring the pressure drop across PUSHBUTTON
the cooler filter circuit. If the filter is SHIFTERS
restricted, the computer will display a You can access pushbutton
“change transmission filter” message. shifter prognostics by pressing
Transmission Health — The both up and down arrow but-
computer monitors the shift adapt tons simultaneously (figure 3).
values to determine transmission Once you’ve accessed diagnos-
clutch health. If the shift adapt values tics, you can choose which
reach 10% of the maximum adaptive prognostics level, depending on
programmed value, the TCM displays how many times you press the
Figure 3
a “transmission health low” message. up/down arrows.
The prognostic system displays the • Oil level: Press the up/down
health of each clutch used. arrows simultaneously once. • Oil level: Press the diagnostics
When the computer recognizes • Oil life: Press the up/down arrows button once.
that prognostics service is required, simultaneously twice. • Oil life: Press the diagnostics button
the wrench icon lights on the shifter • Filter life: Press the up/down arrows twice.
display. Depending on what’s wrong, simultaneously three times. • Filter life: Press the diagnostics
the wrench icon may flash (filter life), • Transmission health: Press the up/ button three times.
remain lit all the time (transmission down arrows simultaneously four • Transmission health: Press the
health), or simply come on for the first times. diagnostics button four times.
two minutes of operation (fluid life). • DTCs: Press the up/down arrows si- • DTCs: Press the diagnostics button
You can retrieve prognostics in- multaneously five times. five times.
formation with a scan tool or through Some displays can be confusing,
on-board diagnostics. The on-board LEVER-TYPE depending on the transmission
diagnostics system can communicate ELECTRONIC SHIFTER generation. Generation 5 units (2013
through the shifter. You can also use lever-type and later) are simple to interpret, as
Several shifter designs and gen- shifters to access prognostics, all of the information is displayed in a
erations have been used, so access provided they aren’t equipped with language format.
to the information will vary slightly. a cable. To open the menu, press the Generation 4 units (2006-2012)
Pushbutton and lever shifter designs diagnostics button (Allison logo) on are slightly more difficult, as the
have been used. If the shifter doesn’t the shifter. displays are segmented. Earlier
1SteveG-917.indd 36 8/30/17 8:20 AM

generations only display oil level and restricted. On GEN 5 units, it’ll be life display, push and hold the Mode
DTCs; you’ll need to access service displayed as “Oil Filter OK.” button on the shifter for 10 seconds.
information to help decipher the Transmission Health: The trans- Another method is to turn the key on,
displays. Oil level and DTC displays mission health status on GEN 4 units engine off, and then move the shifter
will vary, depending on the computer. is displayed as T,OK: T=Transmission, between N-D-N-D-N-R-N.
Oil Level: Early applications will OK indicates the transmission clutches Filter life follows the same basic
require a chart to help you isolate any are still functioning within param- process, with one exception: the shifter
oil level issues. If oil level is correct, it eters; LO indicates clutch-related movement to reset the filter monitor.
will be displayed as OL, OK, or “Oil issues exist. GEN 5 units will display To reset filter life, access the filter life
Level OK.” “Transmission Health Ok” or display. With the key on, engine off,
DTCs: Depending on the display “Transmission Health Lo.” move the shifter between N-R-N-R-N-
design, the DTC will be displayed in As with most built-in diagnostic D-N
sections: D1=1st code, P=powertrain systems, additional information is As you can see, working on a
code, 07=first two digits, 22= last two available through a scan tool. While larger Allison isn’t that difficult. Yes,
digits, 1st DTC set P0722. If additional scan diagnostics is the desired method, there are a few differences, but for the
DTCs set, they’ll follow, or pressing on-board diagnostics can be helpful most part, they’re very much like little
the mode button will access the next when a scan tool isn’t readily available. brothers. Until next time, remember:
code. On later designs, the DTC would Success is where preparation and
simply display as P0722. RESETTING OIL LIFE, opportunity meet.
Oil Life: Oil life will be displayed FILTER LIFE WITH
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units display as “Oil Life 50%.” can use your scan tool, but there are
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F=filter. OK indicates the filter isn’t shifter designs. After accessing the oil
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1SteveG-917.indd 37 8/30/17 8:20 AM

Gary Jennings
who were there seem to support that The Challenges

assessment. Anyone can decide to put out a
The story goes back to the early- magazine. Actually doing it gets a little So ATRA’s
to-mid-80s, when ATRA was partnered tougher, and every step in the process
with MD Publications to put on an comes with its own unique set of Board made
annual trade show: Transmission Expo. challenges. That fell to the shoulders of
ATRA provided the technical programs Steve Gray, ATRA’s executive director a momentous
and supporting materials and MD back then, and Cheryl Nicholson.
Publications handled the logistics and Cheryl was ATRA’s special projects decision… the
management seminars. director. GEARS was a new project, so
It seemed like a good idea, but over she handled the day-to-day production effects of which
time, ATRA began to lose its identity. tasks of the magazine, even though she
“You’d walk onto the show floor, had no real experience in magazine would alter the
and there was nothing to indicate that publishing. As close as she’d ever gotten
ATRA was even part of the program,” was producing ATRA’s newsletters and future of the
says Gary. “We were fighting for our tech bulletins.
survival.” It was Cheryl’s idea to produce Association: They
So ATRA’s Board made a GEARS as a tabloid-sized publication, to
momentous decision… the effects of help set it apart from the existing trade decided to create
which would alter the future of the magazines. And she chose newsprint for
Association: They decided to create the early issues to reduce printing costs. their own show…
their own show… a show that would Of course, publishing a magazine
become ATRA’s annual Powertrain costs money. For that, you need a show that
Expo. advertising. That task fell to Frank
“From there, we needed a way to Pasley, a man with absolutely no would become
market ATRA and its show. That’s when experience in advertising or automatic
GEARS was born.” transmissions. So who better to take the ATRA’s annual
It’s a decision that Gary is very reins for selling ad space in the fledgling
proud of to this day. “In my opinion, GEARS? Powertrain Expo.
GEARS Magazine saved ATRA. It gave Actually, it isn’t quite as crazy as
us a way to publicize our Association.” it sounds: “Selling is selling,” explains “When it came time to sell ads,
And, 25 years later, that decision Frank. “I was selling insurance at I just picked up a copy of other trade
is still going strong, keeping ATRA and the time. Selling insurance is a lot magazines, checked their advertisers’
Powertrain Expo at the forefront of the like selling magazine space: It’s an list, and started calling them, one at a
automatic transmission repair industry. intangible product. time. And I told them, ‘We have a better
deal.’
25yearsgears-jt.indd 39 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.
25yearsgears-jt.indd 40 8/30/17 9:46 AM

GEARS MAGAZINE
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hot topics, events and more.
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shop owners, managers
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© 2017 Gears Magazine
gearstoolbox517.indd 1 8/28/17 3:22 PM

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

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9:12 AM
AM
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: program, with specific subjects leading advantage of those boundaries. And,
That was the year GEARS went from to upcoming programs at Expo. once we reach them, count on the
a tabloid to a standard-sized magazine. No doubt about it: GEARS has come GEARS staff to look for ways to push
While the tabloid set it apart and a long way since its early days. Today them to new heights.
provided larger images, it was difficult GEARS has a fulltime staff, plus a wide “We’ll continue to provide the very
to store and advertisers had to create variety of outside authors and editors, best this industry has to offer when it
two different-sized ads: one for GEARS providing articles on management and comes to technical information and
(tabloid) and one for standard size sales, business development, and of training,” says Rodger. “And we’re
magazines. course, technical issues covering every always on the lookout for fresh faces to
So, in 2002, GEARS switched to aspect of the industry. grace our editorial and business pages.”
a more familiar, more functional size. In addition to its familiar, print When the industry sees new
“We used the magazine specs for ad format, GEARS is also an online challenges, look for GEARS to step
sizes, which were the same for nearly magazine — www.GEARSMagazine. up to the plate and continue to hit it
every automotive trade magazine on com — with a new site that allows you out of the park. “Transmission people
the market,” explains Rodger. “Now, to search for articles by keyword. are the folks who fix the impossible,”
instead of creating two separate ads, But, according to ATRA President says Dennis. “That’s the spirit of this
advertisers can use the same ad in each Jim Rodd, probably the biggest industry. GEARS is here to help make
magazine.” surprise to come out of GEARS was the impossible become possible. That’s
Also in 2002, Rodger began to that it became an unexpected source how it’s been since our first issue, and
submit GEARS articles for consideration of revenue for ATRA. “The additional it’s going to be our goal as we look to
with the IAMA (International income from GEARS has helped us keep the future.”
Automotive Media Award). Since then, membership dues as low as possible,” 25 years of GEARS… for those
GEARS has received over 60 awards for says Jim, “which is a benefit to all of us who’ve helped shape it over the
writing, style, and production. Last year, ATRA Members.” years, that’s an amazing thought. But
GEARS won a gold medal for the cover one thing you can be sure of: We won’t
design of the October/November issue. The Future be resting on our laurels. The next 25
In the early issues, GEARS was The GEARS of today is very years starts tomorrow, and we’ll be
primarily focused on tech. Management different from what it was 25 years ago. working on it with the same fervor
and business subjects were on a catch- And you can be sure that, by the time that we’ve dedicated to the last quarter
as-catch-can basis, with contributors we reach our golden jubilee, there’ll be century.
offering whatever they wanted, usually even more dramatic changes. We’ll be celebrating GEARS’s
having at least something to do with To begin with, we’ve only just silver jubilee at this year’s Expo,
whatever service they were selling. begun to skim the surface of what’s October 19–22 in Las Vegas. Make sure
Today, GEARS consists of two possible on line. Pictures are great, you stop by and say hello to the folks
halves: the technical half and the but an online format allows for video, who’ve made GEARS an invaluable part
management half. And management animation, and maybe even interactive of your business model for the last 25
articles are based on what we’ve presentations. The sky’s the limit, and years. We’ll look for you there!
learned from ATRA’s What’s Working we’re looking forward to taking full

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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 Have you ever had a customer
GEARS Magazine feature in do that? It’s not likely because most
which I share stories, insights, people don’t know how to express
and reflections about real business and their dissatisfaction in a constructive
life challenges. fashion. They aren’t business coaches
This past week, I had a customer and customer service junkies like me.
service experience that I believe de- If you take a few minutes to read
fines the single most essential aspect some online reviews, you’ll find that
of providing outstanding customer most are negative, some are positive,
service. It provides a great example and almost none are anywhere in
of how you can differentiate your between. I addressed this phenomenon by Thom Tschetter
company from the competition. in my October, 2014 GEARS
Before I share this experience article titled Apostles, Terrorists or
with you, let’s talk about what it takes Apathetics. You can guess which ones
to get customers to say nice things write positive and negative reviews, as
about you and your company, and then well as which ones write no reviews take the time to post those invaluable
to take it to the next level by getting at all. That article is still available positive reviews. This is why you
them to write positive reviews about online at issuu.com/gearsmagazine/ and your team should develop the
you and refer their friends and families docs/2014_octn_all. habit of asking for positive reviews
to you. The key point of the article and referrals. You never know when
I seldom post reviews on Google was that people tend to talk about a nudge is all a customer needs say
Maps, Yelp, or other such sites. Unlike extraordinary customer experiences. something nice in a review or to refer
most people who post reviews, when Unfortunately, extraordinary customer a friend.
I do it, it’s when I have something experiences include bad ones as well Alex Goldfayn was a featured
good to say about my experience. as good ones. It’s natural to be more speaker at last year’s Powertrain Expo,
In fact, I can’t recall ever making a emotional about bad experiences, so and he’s returning to speak again this
negative post. we’re more likely to talk with friends year. His session alone is all the reason
But I’m not a typical customer. and post reviews to the world about the you need to plan to be there.
When I’m not happy with the service bad ones. If you’re a follower of Alex’s
I’ve received, I proactively bring it to The good experiences typically weekly Evangelist Marketing Minute
the attention of the owner or manager. have to be truly extraordinary to emails and his 90-second Revenue
By proactively, I mean I don’t just motivate a customer to share them Growth video series, you’ve heard
complain, I calmly and politely point with friends and post reviews. In how important it is to ask for positive
out exactly why I’m dissatisfied and addition to being outstanding, they reviews and referrals.
offer suggestions on what they could need to be interesting. Alex offers proven ideas for
have done to improve my experience But, with a little proactive nudge revenue growth. In fact, he’s written
with their company. At that point, from you or somebody else within the a book titled The Revenue Growth
I leave the “how to fix it” up to them. company, customers are more likely to Habit. He offers the email and video
1tschetter 917 v2.indd 46 8/30/17 8:21 AM

programs at no charge, so why not on review sites. It involves creating lie in a prone position to keep the
subscribe? Here’s Alex’s email alex@ a company culture and marketing weight off my spine during the 22-hour
evangelistmktg.com. strategy that’s built around just one flight home.
We tend to be apathetic or am- word: caring. Here’s a chronology of how
bivalent regarding service experi- I’m big on watching how other “helpful” the various service and
ences that are best described as businesses do business. Yogi Berra is health care providers were until I met
fine, typical, to-be-expected, routine, credited with saying “You can observe the only provider that I’ll include by
so-so, average, and so on. I’ve never a lot by watching.” To his point, name in this article, Doctor Crooks of
seen any real statistics on this, but my I think we can learn a lot by watching Pinnacle Pain and Spine in Scottsdale,
experience tells me that this category what other businesses do, especially Arizona.
probably fits about 80% of all customer if they’re in a different industry Because of the circumstances, the
experiences. than ours. airline waived the $600 change fee for
We just don’t talk about typical Here’s a quick story about what switching from coach to first class.
experiences because they’re not happened to me and how a local How generous, since the fare increased
interesting. For instance, do you company came to my rescue with by $5,404!
talk about the last time you went what I’m confident you’ll agree is The day after we got home,
to McDonald’s or got gas at your extraordinary service that’s worth my primary care physician sent me
local mini-mart? You probably don’t talking about. directly to the hospital for emergency
because these aren’t businesses surgery.
where extraordinarily great or bad The Back Story Later that same day, while the
experiences occur. So why talk While on a five-week vacation in ER was prepping me for surgery, the
about them? Africa, I severely injured my back in surgeon on duty called off the surgery.
This article is about the one thing a boating accident. I lost most of the He wouldn’t perform the surgery
you and your team can do to turn more feeling in my legs and was unable to because he wasn’t in my insurance
of those 80% “just-fine” customer walk without assistance. After nearly company’s network. He said my
experiences into extraordinarily three weeks of rehab and therapy, the condition wouldn’t meet their criteria
good experiences… experiences doctor in Africa released me to fly for an emergency. I’d need to come to
your customers can’t wait to tell their home for back surgery. She required his office on Monday for a pre-surgical
friends and family about and to post me to upgrade to first class so I could consult and get an out-of-network
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Do You Care… Really?
authorization (to make sure he’d get and inflammation to help me tolerate so it’s evident at every customer
paid) before he’d perform the surgery. things better. That sounded great to contact point.
When I got to his office on me in spite of the fact that it wouldn’t To accomplish this, it’s essential
Monday, I was told that I’d have to pay totally resolve my condition. that you care about the members of
for my exam because — news flash! Two hours later, Kristi called your team as well. A caring company
— he’s not in my insurance company’s back and started the conversation by culture begins with ownership caring
network. I was desperate to get the saying, “We’re so sorry that you’re about employees and they, in turn,
surgery scheduled so I paid the $300 experiencing so much discomfort and care about each other. It’s been said
exam fee. I figured I’d get reimbursed that you’ve been unable to obtain any that happy employees make happy
once we got the insurance company’s help. We realize you’ve been suffering customers. Which do you think
authorization. for nearly six weeks. I’ve called your comes first?
After the exam, the surgeon told insurance company and it turns out The next time you’re tempted
me that getting an authorization for that Doctor Crooks isn’t in your to talk about yourself or about your
him to do the surgery was unlikely provider network.” company, instead of talking about your
because there were several surgeons Before I could throw my phone skills, knowledge, expertise, quality,
in the network who were qualified against the wall, she continued. warranties, or other such things, talk
to do what I needed. He suggested “However, Doctor Crooks wants to about how much you care. Make it
that I contact the insurance company take care of you first and, even if clear that you’re a company that cares
for a referral to one of their network the insurance company refuses to about people.
surgeons. authorize his charges, he’s going Zig Ziglar summed it up with this
So now, back at square one to treat you at no charge. Can you statement: “People don’t care how
and out $300, I did as he suggested. keep the appointment for tomorrow much you know until they know how
I got an appointment with one of the so we can begin treating your pain much you care.” If you care… really,
in-network surgeons. right away?” all the rest of the stuff just happens as
A few days later, as requested, I couldn’t believe my ears! Is this a natural consequence of caring.
I delivered 20+ pages of new patient doctor actually willing to help me And, by the way, as a result of
and medical history forms and my without regard to whether he’s going the treatments by Dr. Crooks, I’ve had
MRI to the in-network surgeon’s to get paid? Kristi told me that, in significant pain relief and regained
office. The receptionist took the cases like mine, they’re committed some of the feeling and strength in my
package and told me that the doctor to first take care of the patient, and legs. It appears, at least for now, that
would review everything over the then jump through the hoops to get the surgery will be less extensive than
weekend. She said she’d get back to paid. Sometimes they get paid and was originally contemplated. Thanks
me the following week to schedule my sometimes they don’t, but at least they Dr. Crooks!
pre-surgery appointment. feel they’ve done the right thing.
The following week she contacted She wasn’t the only member of How can you apply
me to tell me that his next available Doctor Crooks’s team that expressed this starting today?
appointment was six weeks out, but that sentiment. Other staff members Earn the right to talk about how
he agreed to put me as number 1 on and Doctor Crooks himself said almost well you fix cars. Start by fixing
his cancellation list. In the meantime, the exact same thing. Doctor Crooks customers. Listen for the customers’
he’d refer me to a pain management added to it, “We’re committed to doing primary frustrations and solve them
specialist who would help me get the right things for the right reasons;” first. Do they need a ride to work? Get
through the next several weeks. to which I added, “even when nobody’s kids to school? Need the car towed to
I don’t think I can express the looking.” safe location? When was the last time
depth of my despair and frustration. you took a call from a customer who
I’d been in severe pain and unable Why is this story was stranded by the road and your first
to walk or feel my legs for over five important to you? thought was to ask, “Are you okay?
weeks. I’d been home from Africa for The fact that Pinnacle Pain and Are you and the car in a safe location?
10 days and I was no closer to getting Spine’s office staff echoed the same What can we do to help?”
the surgery than the day I got home. care-driven message tells me that it’s Stop talking about what you do,
deeply ingrained as a core principle in how much you know and how well you
Enter Pinnacle Pain their company culture. fix cars. Start talking about how much
and Spine As a reader of this column, you’re you care, and address their primary
The next day, I got a call from most likely in the car care business. frustrations.
Kristi at Pinnacle Pain and Spine. She Your reason for being in business It all starts with your answer to
asked a few basic questions and said should also begin with caring. Develop the question, “Do you care… really?”
she’d call back in about two hours to a company culture that promotes and
confirm an appointment for the next nurtures caring. Everyone on your
afternoon at 4:00. They’d perform team must embrace it, and it needs to
epidural injections to relieve pain course through the entire organization

SUCCESS STRATEGIES
by Jim Cathcart
Dr. Spencer Johnson, author of c) Have I thought about the domino among us have occasionally regretted
Who Moved My Cheese? and co-author effect of this decision? In other their choices.
of The One Minute Manager, once words, if I change brands, is there Every day we’re faced with
invited me to collaborate with him a dealer nearby? Is the service as choices; small and large decisions to
on a new book titled Yes or No: The reliable on this new brand? Will make. Most people have never been
Guide to Better Decisions. Over the it do what my family or business trained in decision making, nor do
month or so that we worked together, needs it to do? they take the time to consider all
I observed that he was a master of 3. Then once you’re confident that the personal and practical aspects of
decision making, so I was keen to you’ve made a pretty solid, rational, their decisions.
learn his methods. practical choice, ask yourself a You and I can become the excep-
Here’s my interpretation of his personal question(s): tions to this. Get a copy of Spencer
method in a nutshell: First, isolate a) Am I telling myself the truth? Johnson’s book, Yes or No, The Guide
the problem to find out what you’re Sometimes we do a really good to Better Decisions (it’s a story) and
dealing with. Then ask yourself a job of rationalizing our choice read it aloud with your family or
practical question, one you can an- and telling ourselves and others coworkers. Discuss what you could do
swer with your head. After that, ask why we chose this path, but all better by applying this model.
yourself a personal question, one you’ll the while we know, deep inside, I think you’ll be very glad you
answer with your heart. that this is just icing on a cake did. In fact, I know you will and it
For example: Let’s say you’re that we haven’t baked yet. In worked for me, too. My sister and I
thinking about buying a new car. other words, we haven’t thought read the book aloud to each other and
1. Isolate the problem: Are you replac- it through but we don’t want to came to many new decisions of value.
ing an existing car? Is it because delay any longer. So, am I telling You can even use this on shop
you’re tired of it, concerned about myself the truth? decisions: Should you buy that
the cost of operating it, worried b) Does this decision really feel new equipment? Should you trust
about breakdowns, or, have you right to me? Do a gut check to this person? Should you add a new
fallen in love with a particular new see if your head is overruling employee or not replace a person
car and just want to acquire it? Is your heart. If so, you might who’s leaving? Should you acquire the
this an I-love-you gift to your regret it later. Both head and insurance someone is recommending?
spouse or is it eye-candy for your heart need to be considered. Should you bring more members of
mid-life crisis? c) Do my actions show that I believe your team to Expo this year?
By isolating your problem, you in this decision? Am I honoring You decide.
determine whether this is a trans- myself and buying what’s good
portation decision, a safety decision, for me, or just replacing an older
an impulse buy, or something else. model with a newer one? Should
Let’s assume you just want to replace I consider taking the higher road
an older car with a newer model and being more responsible in Jim Cathcart is a strategic advisor
with updated features. my decision making? to ATRA and a long-time contributor
2. Ask a practical question(s): On second thought, after asking to GEARS Magazine. As the founder of
a) Am I focused on what I need or both the practical and the personal Cathcart.com, he is one of the world’s
just going after what I want? questions, make your choice and leading professional speakers and the
b) Have I explored all my options? then look at your decision. Ask your- author of 18 books. Jim’s web site
Maybe there’s another manu- self, “How do I really feel about offers over 700 pages of free resources
facturer making a very similar this?” Would you like you change on how to grow your business. Contact
car with a lower price or better your decision? You can! After all, him at jim@cathcart.com.
technology. it’s your decision. Even the smartest
1chatcart 917.indd 49 8/30/17 8:23 AM

SMART EXIT
Y
ou get things done. You make an accident or heart attack and can’t
things happen. You figure it finish the job yourself.
out and solve problems every After being the boss for so long,
day and you’ve been amazing people identifying a person with potential —
for years. You diagnose problems, fix such as an employee or a tech looking
transmissions, and much more. You’ve for a job — is like seeing a diamond in
successfully operated a small business. the rough, waiting to be cut and set in
You’ve helped many, many customers. a ring. You have that opportunity.
You’ve managed employees, paid bills In previous issues, we discussed
and taxes, and most of the time had different potential buyers for your
money left over. business. Yes, it takes time to develop by John E. Anderson
Properly preparing and selling a new leader and train them to MS Management
your business is just one more problem become a manager, then a partner smartexit@atra.com
to solve. You know the drill: Evaluate who buys you out over time. But your
the situation. Determine the resources return on investment can make it
you need. Test trial solutions. Use very worthwhile.
specialized tools. Surround yourself There’s a group of transmission
with expert knowledge and research to business owners working together
reduce errors and avoid disaster. every week or so to discuss what’s When you start an enterprise, you can
There are differences. Yes, you’ve working and what’s a struggle as do it part time. You can put the new
fixed cars and then sold them. Selling they attempt to achieve their smart company on hold and resume it later.
a business — not just any business exit. There’s group and private work You can start, fail, and then start again
but your business — is different. This necessary for each business to create until you get it right. Walt Disney and
shop, well, it’s like your favorite jeans. its own strategy and timeframe. many other successful entrepreneurs
It’s like a pair of gloves or your skin Maybe you’re ready to sell now, had several false starts.
itself. Now to prepare it and sell it… but would like to increase your busi- When you’re in the administrative
well, what are you going to do? ness’s value as you prepare to sell, to phase, you can keep business the same,
You have to create a new future, earn more from the sale. grow slowly, cut back, and adjust,
something better to move toward. This The selling-your-business phase depending upon the economy, your
is why you must plan now. Don’t let it of your career is quite different from employees, and your abilities and
crash into the dirt because you’ve had the starting and administrating phases. resources. By comparison, when you
1Anderson 917 v2.indd 50 8/30/17 8:24 AM

sell, there are new risks in addition to walking around, asking questions, Preparing and selling your business
those you’ve already faced. and conducting interviews. You don’t is like remodeling your kitchen, bath,
You can tell too much or too little have employment agreements with and bedroom while trying to live there
to prospects interested in buying your your staff, and a key tech or two ask and have a normal life.
business. If you tell too much, you for bonuses to stay or they’ll move on, Get expert help to assist you in
might discourage them or create a leaving your shop full of unfinished preparing, planning, and researching.
competitor who takes what you’ve said jobs with delivery deadlines. Pay up or Doing this slowly and doing it right is
about your strengths and weaknesses, they’re gone. better than fast and sloppy. It’s a real
and opens a shop down the street. You get a sweetheart offer from challenge to continue operating the
You could tell too little and not an experienced, sophisticated buyer. business, while growing it within your
inspire the shopper with what their You accept the offer, then go through cash flow constraints, and preparing
potential could be purchasing your 3+ months of due diligence from his and then executing a successful sale.
shop. Or maybe they’ll see a too- accountants, who take over your office. Get expert help to make a smart
optimistic picture, buy the business, There’s a clause in their offer that, if exit.
and then not be able to realize the sales you can’t substantiate your income
and profits they believe you promised. estimates for this year, they can reduce
They could sue for a refund because of their offer, based upon their revised
misinformation. sales and profit estimates.
Other risks are them buying, They may offer you the chance
taking over, and failing. They fire or to operate the business for a period of
run off your veteran techs, who they months and, if you can produce the
promised to treat fairly. They botch up sales and profits you’d predicted, then
jobs from customers you worked years they’ll pay the full price. You’re in
to win. You were proud of your shop’s a lose-lose situation: Take the much
good name and worked hard to keep lower price or work for them to earn
untarnished, and you’re embarrassed full price. You accept working for
when customers and community them and it’s much different working John E. Anderson will be speaking at this year’s
colleagues you’ve known for years the shop with their administration, Expo. John is a longtime business coach who helps
have bad experiences and hear the goals, and requirements than when you business owners evaluate their businesses, adjust their
horror stories. owned it. operating practices, build a strategic plan and make a
Worse yet, you agree to carry a Or you get a good offer, all goes Smart Exit™.
loan from the buyer. The new owner smoothly, but this is all new to you In the coming issues, John will discuss some of
depletes your inventory, breaks or and you don’t do all your planning and the strategies he’s developed. He’ll show you how
takes your tools, ruins your reputation, sales work, because, hey, it’s your first to turn your business around, so you can answer the
and leaves you to mount a legal battle time. You forfeit 2/3 of the sale price in three questions, and ultimately, find a smart exit that
to regain control. Or you would, but taxes and transaction fees. works for you.
you can’t find anyone to sue. Now you It’s said that half of all business Post your questions and observations on the ATRA
have to salvage your company and sales have a significant flaw, regardless Forum. A CEO Circle of shop owners is forming to
rebuild its reputation to sell it again. of the size of the business sold, with discuss these topics leading up to the EXPO. Email
Your staff becomes uncomfortable attorneys or with just a buyer and ATRA for further information smartexit@atra.com
with your talk of selling, shoppers seller. Business sales are tricky.
1Anderson 917 v2.indd 51 8/30/17 8:24 AM

SHOP PROFILE Brought to you by:
by Steve Bodofsky
members.atra.com
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 the partners who were left bought the the late ’90s when transmission work
are the owners of KC Martin others' shares. During that time, Kevin was slowing, so he agreed.
Transmissions and KC Martin bought in, and today, he and Erich are They also handle a fair amount of
Automotive, two shops in Lynnwood, the two owners left at KC Martin. wholesale work for other shops in the
Washington. The general repair shop Before joining KC Martin, Erich area. “We have two dealerships, 10 car
is operated by Kevin; Erich runs the had been working at an AAMCO lots, and maybe 10 or 12 other shops
transmission shop. Both are within a center, so he started building their around here that send us transmission
couple miles of each other. presence as a transmission shop. work,” says Erich.
These days it’s no surprise to find “Kirby was originally a transmission “When it comes to wholesale
transmission shops handling general guy, but his shop wasn’t set up work, I generally never see the car
repairs. Many started expanding their properly to handle transmission work,” owner. The shop can bring the car
service models over the last 10 years explains Erich. “Most of the time or just the transmission. Or they can
or so. But Kirby Martin, the original they’d just install a used transmission.” bring the car and let me road test it to
owner, opened KC Martin back in The transmission business grew make sure they’re going in the right
1948 as a full-service auto repair shop. so quickly that the owners decided to direction.
They didn’t open the transmission open the transmission shop in 1986. “If they bring me the vehicle, I sell
shop until about 40 years later. Even though they have two them the transmission at a wholesale
Kirby sold his business to two of separate shops, the transmission shop price. They can charge whatever
his employees in 1970. Erich came to will handle some general repair work. they want. If I do the entire job, I
work there in 1980. These days about 35% to 40% of their warranty the entire job. If I do just the
In 1985, one of the owners retired, work is general repair. transmission and there’s a problem,
and Erich and five other employees “We’d be working on people’s they become part of the program.”
purchased his share of the business. cars, and they’d ask, ‘Can you fix the But maybe the real reason for their
Over time, some of the partners rest of my car? We really like who you success is their business philosophy:
retired — three passed away — and are,’” explains Erich. That was back in “It’s really about the relationships you
1shop profile917.indd 52 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 Erich. “Best thing I ever did… mostly “Now, I see someone come in
could be your employees, your custom- because it made me a better person. the door looking like that, I realize
ers, your vendors… it doesn’t matter. “When you’re a Rotarian, it’s he didn’t get there by accident.
That’s how business is done properly. not about you anymore. It’s about the Something’s happened in his life that
It doesn’t matter if you’re fixing trans- group… what the group does for the made things worse. So I try to learn
missions or selling lollypops.” world and the different community his story… to see where he’s at… and
Sounds like a good way to look programs they support. I’m able to if there’s something I can do. Can I
at business. Not much wonder that do things with the Rotary that I could make this person’s life better?
KC Martin stays so busy all year never do as an individual. It’s very “Sometimes he needs his car
long. (And no, they don’t sell lolly- rewarding and it makes you better than repaired. Then again, maybe he
pops in the slow season.) you were before, because it provides shouldn’t get that car repaired: Maybe
you with a better view of what’s going he needs to stomp on that one and get
COMMUNITY on around you.” a different car. Sometimes I can find
RELATIONSHIPS For example, “A person comes a car through my Rotary friends, put
The value of an active community in the door looking a little shoddy… him in it, and Rotary helps pay for it.
life is one we’ve discussed many times a little beat. You might look at this “It’s amazing the people that
in GEARS. For Erich, it’s become a person and think, ‘This guy doesn’t I’ve looked at like that who turned
way of life. “For the last 14 years, I’ve have any money. He’s not going to fix into my best customers just because
been a member of Rotary,” explains his car.’ I treated them with respect. And I

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

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TECHNICA
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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
Darron, more than an RR. Long term

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

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

by Rodney Hudson-Davies
Co Director, Development and
Marketing Manager
Wholesale Automatic Transmissions
As we reflect on all the modern transmission controllers, there was 8-speed transmissions are covered by
transmissions that we now deal with always a delay as we waited for standalone control systems.
on a daily basis, and look back on the aftermarket technology to catch up. I’ve compiled a short list of what’s
old 2- and 3-speed automatics that A lot has changed over the years, readily available and what’s about to
most of us cut our teeth on, it makes and customers are getting used to be released. Obviously most of the
you think about how things have all these extra gears that they’re older, 4-speed automatics, like the
changed in our lifetimes. seeing in the later-model vehicles. Chevy 4L60E, 4L80E, 4T65E, Ford
While many of us are already Many are starting to ask for ways to AODE, 4R70E, E4OD, 4R100, ZF
working on 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-speed take advantage of those extra gears. 4HP-24, Nissan RE4R01A, RE4R03A,
transmissions, with even more gears to Recently we’ve seen an abrupt change Toyota A340, A341, A343, and A442
come over the next few years, there’s from the 3- and 4-speed to the 5- and are well-represented.
one area that’s been surprisingly slow 6-speed automatic transmissions. Currently we see that the 5-speed
to change: Hot rods, street machines, The mantra today is “more gears Ford 5R110, Nissan RE5R05A, Toyota
and most engine conversions are are better,” or at least that’s what they A750, and Chrysler WA580 / Mercedes
largely restricted to 3- and 4-speed believe. I’ve tried to explain that four NAG1 are also available, but this is
transmissions. gears will do fine, but even I’ve found where it starts to get interesting.
There are a couple reasons for myself wanting the option of more The 6-speed range is just about
this. In the case of the 3-speed and gears if a standalone system was to burst onto the market, with HGM
early hydraulic 4-speed transmis- available for my car. Electronics Compushift Controllers
sions, the reason was clear: Custom- So has the standalone-computer leading the way, beginning with
ers want to keep it simple; they don’t world caught up enough to give us the the Toyota A761 and AB60 system.
want electronics. range we’re looking for? The short This unit is available as a complete,
But even for those that are inter- answer is “yes, for the most part,” and standalone kit, with a full plug-and-
ested in the later, electronic 4-speed the range is growing exponentially. It play wiring harness and out-of-the-box
transmissions requiring standalone won’t be long before most 5-, 6-, and calibrations to suit most applications.
58 Paid Advertorial GEARS September 2017
1HGM 917.indd 58 8/30/17 8:27 AM

The Ultimate
in Automatic
HGM’s 6L80/90E and 6R80E shops that are already rebuilding and
Transmission
Control
control systems are also now well into upgrading them.
the advanced stages of development. So introducing these new con-
Remember, these are all standalone trollers was the next logical step, not
systems that’ll fit a number of different just for them but also for you. If you
engine configurations, from carbureted have a project that involves a Chevy
to CAN bus control systems. 6L80E, 6L90E, Ford 6R80, or a
So it doesn’t matter if you have Toyota A761 or AB60 6-speed auto- SHOP DISCOUNT
a cast-iron block with a carbie V8, a matic transmission, give HGM a call:
late-model EFI aluminum block, an We’ll be happy keep you up to date AVAILABLE
old diesel, or maybe the latest diesel with the progress.
available: All of these are now covered We certainly have some exciting
and the kits are readily available. times ahead and, within the next
What steers the development year, I’m sure we’ll be talking about
of each of these transmissions even more gears. But for now, if you
controllers? Demand. The 6L80/90E need any information about your
and 6R80E are being released later standalone transmission controller
this year because it just makes sense. requirements, then hop on over to
The demand is there: Customers want HGM’s Compushift web page, at
these systems. www.hgmelectronics.com, or feel free
This isn't just because these to contact me directly at rodney@
transmissions have more gears; it’s hgmelectronics.com.
also because they’re either readily
available from wrecking yards as
cutouts or from many transmission
TOLL FREE:
877-744 3887
GEARS September 2017 Paid Advertorial 59
1HGM 917.indd 59 8/30/17 8:27 AM

by Nancy Friedman
President, Telephone Doctor
Customer Service Training
Admittedly I am not very familiar Anatomy of have the name? – again, introduce
with transmissions. In fact, the first a Hostile Call yourself before asking theirs. Like
time I even saw one; was when I spoke this: “My name is BOB I’m the man-
at ATRA in 2015. But that’s OK - There are four basic steps to ager (or whatever title, if you have one)
it’s not my job to be familiar with handling an irate customer. Telephone ….and I’m speaking with….?” It’s
transmissions; it’s YOUR job. My job Doctor calls them our ASAP the “AND” technique. You’re letting
is to be familiar with your customers technique. the caller “fill in the blanks” This tip
and how people, primarily your
customers, like to be treated. And I’m
as good at that as you are working with
A Acknowledge the person’s feel-
ings and immediately apologize
for the inconvenience the customer has
helps to diffuse anger. Names are very
important. Also, a willing attitude
is essential, because if the customer
transmissions. encountered. Late apologies make it senses insincerity or indifference,
Fair enough? worse. Make an effort to be sincere. it will cause them to stay angry. It’s
Occasionally, your job will entail In today’s impersonal society, it’s exasperating to complain to someone
taking calls from unhappy, even irate incredibly rare to hear the words, who obviously doesn’t care.
customers. When that happens, you’ll “I’m very sorry that happened. Let Excuses - Never make an excuse
have your work cut out for you. Your me get the ball rolling to fix it.” You’ll to a complaining customer. No one
employees who deal with customers probably spend about 80 percent of wants to hear “The computer is down”
are also especially vulnerable to your time massaging the customer’s or “I’m the only one here.” Even
outbursts from customers who are feelings and 20 percent solving the worse? “We’re soooo busy” That’s
already going through an emotional, problem. your problem, not the customer’s.
stressful time.
Just like working on a transmis-
sion, handling these types of customers
S Sympathize and empathize with
the customer. If it’s your fault or
even the company’s short phrases like
When you give an excuse, the
customer automatically hears “I’m not
going to help you.”
takes time and training, but it can be “I don’t blame you for being upset” can The ASAP technique works! Try
accomplished effectively. To help you help soothe ruffled feathers. Pretend it and see!
along, here are some of the Telephone you’re the caller. How would you like
Doctor’s best techniques for turning to be treated? Then get busy solving
unhappy customers into satisfied the problem.
customers.
Get Off on the Right Foot -
Realize upset angry customers are not
A Accept 100 percent responsi-
bility for the problem. This is
probably the toughest part. You may
unhappy with you, it’s the situation. have had nothing to do with the prob- Nancy Friedman, The Telephone
Don’t take a customer’s hostility lem. However, it’s your job to take Doctor is back for her 2nd appearance
personally. You are merely the the responsibility and help initiate a at ATRA with more tips, ideas skills
and techniques for you. President of
lightening rod that redirects the violent solution. If you answered the call; you
Telephone Doctor Customer Service
lightening. You can do a great deal own it.
P
Training, Nancy is a featured customer
to diffuse a customer’s anger before repare to help. Begin by re- service speaker at franchise, association,
you ever pick up the phone. How? By introducing yourself. Custom- and corporate meetings around the
smiling before you answer that call. ers don’t usually remember your world. Oprah, The Today Show, CNN,
You can really “hear” a smile over the name. Names are so important. Give FOX News, Good Morning America and
phone. It’s very difficult to be rude to it up early in the conversation. Make CBS This Morning, called on her for her
someone who is warm and friendly sure you let them know you will help. expertise, and so did ATRA.
to you. Know the name? Use the name. Don’t
1TelDr 917.indd 60 8/30/17 8:25 AM

You're Invited...
Transtar and ATRA request the pleasure of your company at the
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Friday, October 20th, 2017
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ADS_0917.indd 61 8/30/17 8:29 AM

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FCA 8 and
8L90 Service, Updates Restoring Functional
9 Speed Automatic
and Repairs Reliability
Transmission Update
Presented by Steve Garrett Presented by Dean Mason
Presented by Alan McAvoy
Using Scopes to
Introducing the 9T50
Streamline Diagnosis:
Transaxle
Pt. 1
Presented by James Rokitski
Presented by Scott Shotton CVT Workshop
Presented by
Using Scopes to Introduction of the Robert Bateman
Streamline Diagnosis: ZF 8HP Hybrid & Mike Souza
Pt. 2 Presented by Dirk Fuchs
Presented by Eric Ziegler
Tips & Tricks from Helping the Rubber
Converter Control
the Builders Bench Presented by Meet the Road
Presented by
Bob Warnke Presented by Keith Clark
John Parmenter
Introducing Blame It On Hydraulics 101

the 845RFE the Tuner Presented by
Presented by Bill Brayton Presented by Pepe Torres Bill Brayton
Toyota, Lexus U881E

& GM AF50 8 Speed
Automatic
Presented by Mike Brown

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

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

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

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

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

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
Other
NAME _______________________________________________________________________________
Other
NAME _______________________________________________________________________________
Other
NAME _______________________________________________________________________________
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 __________________________________________

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

Rostra Now Offers Adapt-A-Case 6R140 sub-packaged for ease of location.
Factory GM MLPS Turbine Input Shaft Precision molded pistons are Viton,
for 2006–2116 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
Rostra Transmission is pleased steel, and lets you Big Shaft System
to release the OE General Motors install the turbine
6T30/40/45/70 MLPS (Rostra P/N input shaft oil
50-1182) for 2008-2016 vehicles. control rings in just
With over 30 different applications 3 easy steps:
covered, this updated design sensor 1. Place the rings
sports a white body with a 6-pin, blue on the expanding
connector. tool to widen.
Visit RostraTransmission.com for 2. Slide the rings to the proper groove.
more information. 3. Slide the resizing tool over the Stop worrying about input shaft
rings. failure when running a Powerglide in
New Vasco 4L80E/85E For more, visit Adapt-A-Case on the most extreme applications. Sonnax
Transmission Main Shafts 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
ATI Performance Products, Inc. standard 1” shafts. Whether you have
proudly introduces an all-new Vasco an existing assembly or start from
main shaft for the 4L80E/4L85E scratch in the gear ratio of your choice,
transmission. These main shafts are it’s the best way to connect huge
100% machined, heat treated, and power to Sonnax 1.58/1.65 planetaries
finished in ATI's Baltimore facility. for great run after run with minimum
• Solid design for center lube downtime.
transmissions only Learn more about the big shaft
• No lube holes help eliminate Precision International has just system at www.sonnax.com.
premature fractures introduced new kits for the K410
• Correct length; no modifications (XA-10LN) transaxle. This unit Alto Releases
required appears in a variety of 2006–2016 M11 Piston Kit
• 75% stronger than 4340 and 20% Asian vehicles that aren’t built for
stronger than 300M the U.S. market, including Daihatsu,
• Zero failures during in-vehicle Subaru, Suzuki, and Toyota.
testing Overhaul
• Proven design derived from our K75900UX-MD w/o piston kit
extreme high HP 400 and PG shafts K75900U-MD with piston kit
• 30 years of input shaft Banner
manufacturing experience K7500UXW/O w/o piston kit
ATI has earned a solid reputation K7500UW/O with piston kit Alto Products Corp now offers
for building the finest and strongest Master molded pistons for the DSI-6 M11
racing transmissions and components K7500UX w/o piston kit (BTR11) 6-speed FWD/AWD
in the business, and with 2000 HP max K7500U w/o piston kit transmission. These pistons are
holding capability (weight limited), Piston Kit K75900U-99 available individually or as a 7-piece
this new shaft is no exception. Ring Kit K75300U kit, Alto P/N 079670.
Part number 705311 is priced at just Friction Module K75900U-1F For more information on the M11
$349.95 and are in stock ready to ship! Steel Module K75900U-1S Piston Kit and other Alto products,
Visit www.atiracing.com for more These kits contain all valve body visit their on-line catalog at www.
information. screens and checkballs, and are altousa.com.
1PINS 917.indd 71 8/30/17 8:26 AM

POWER INDUSTRY NEWS
MicroLab® Oil Analyzers MAHLE Service Solutions Precision Introduces
Enable Auto Repair Shops Offers SAE Certified Unit New Kits for Citroen,
to Check Oil Condition for R134a A/C Service Peugeot, and Renault
Spectro Scientific’s MicroLab ®

oil analyzer provides shops with The ArcticPRO® ACX1180C is the Precision International has just
a comprehensive diagnosis of the OEM heavy duty commercial option introduced new rebuild kits for the
condition of the oil, the engine, and the from MAHLE Service Solutions’ TF-82SC found in Citroen, Peugeot,
transmission in less than 15 minutes. popular ACX1180 series. Easy to and Renaults built between 2013 and
“Oil analysis converts an oil change service and maintain, the ACX1180C 2016.
from a loss leader to a profit maker,” is designed to increase technician Overhaul
said Mike Phillips, owner of Flextune productivity due to its fully-automatic K79900R-MD w/piston,
auto repair shop in Bloomington, program to recover, vacuum, leak test, retainers, or balancer
Indiana. “Even more importantly, it and charge without command for ease K79900RX-MD w/o piston,
enables me to give my customers the of operation. retainers, or balancer
information they need to make the right The ACX1180C also features an Banner
decision on whether to invest money in integrated test function that allows K7900RW/O w/piston,
an older vehicle. So they keep coming the user to capture a before-and-after retainers, or balancer
back and bring their friends and service snapshot to ensure proper A/C K7900RXW/O w/o piston,
family.” system service functionality. High retainers, or balancer
MicroLab integrates three pressure leak detection and liquid Master
laboratory instruments in a single refrigerant flushing are standard high K7900R w/piston,
package to measure key properties performance features essential for retainers, or balancer
for oil chemistry, viscosity, and heavy duty service. K7900RX w/o piston,
concentration of wear metals and In addition to recovering more than retainers, or balancer
sources of contamination in engine 95 percent of heavy duty A/C system Piston Kit K79900R-99
and transmission oils. It translates the refrigerant, the ACX1180C features Ring Kit K79300R
analytical data into a diagnosis and a high capacity 50-lb internal DOT Friction Module K7900R-1F
maintenance recommendations. The oil cylinder to service larger commercial Steel Module K7900R-1S
analyzer is designed so that any service vehicles. Each kit contains:
technician can run the test and interpret The unit also includes a 5 CFM • All necessary pressure tap and cooler
the results. vacuum pump, an integrated printer, line O-rings
For example, one of Flextune’s an ambient humidity sensor, three • Valve body check valves and screens
customers brought in a 2000 Ford temperature sensors, four pressure • Gaskets for bonded valve body
Ranger with 175,000 miles. The truck sensors, a vacuum micron sensor, a separator plates
needed $2,500 worth of work. The factory-installed heater belt, and is • All necessary plastic thrust washers
customer gladly paid $180 for an oil hybrid certified. And the pan gasket is heavy duty
analysis to find out that the engine MAHLE Service Solutions is Farpak paper, which replaces OEM
and trans were in good condition, and currently offering a promotion that silicone.
was elated to keep her favorite truck includes a free unit cover for customers Visit www.transmissionkits.com for
running. who purchase an ACX1180C machine more information
The fast and simple oil analysis between Aug. 7, 2017, and Sept. 30,
provided by MicroLab provides auto 2017. ZF Aftermarket Launches
repair and quick oil change shops The ACX1180C meets stringent Mobile Technical Training
with a new source of revenue while certification requirements including: ZF Aftermarket now offers mobile
increasing shop repair business by SAE J2788, SAE J2099 and UL 1963 technical training for its customers,
giving customers the confidence to and is backed by a two-year parts and shop owners, and technicians in
continue investing in aging vehicles. labor warranty. the aftermarket, allowing certified
Visit www.spectrosci.com/product/ Visit www.servicesolutions.mahle. ZF trainers to travel cross country
microlab-40/ for more information. com for more information. and share educational programming
1PINS 917.indd 72 8/30/17 8:26 AM

covering new technologies and trends Flow Dry Technology Watson Street Works
in the industry. Acquires Assets of Introduces Billet ECU
“The purpose of the mobile Elliott Manufacturing Wire Pass-Through
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 Engineers at Watson’s Street Works
the mobile technical training center we have just introduced a distinctive wire
hope to be more accessible.” pass through that’s going to make life
“This new mobility offers an Flow Dry Technology, an industry much easier for home builders and
additional avenue to directly connect leader in adsorbent solutions, shops alike.
with technicians interested in preparing has acquired the assets of Elliott If you’re working on or have
for the future, providing us with a more Manufacturing Company (EMC) in a completed a late engine conversion,
personal connection to those who work deal that combines the two Brookville, such as an LS or Coyote that uses an
on the products daily.” Ohio-based manufacturers. Founded in ECU, the wire bundle that needs to
The new mobile training is 1973 by Milton Sr. and Anna Elliott, pass through from the cabin into the
in addition to the customer and the family-owned company has been engine compartment is a real eyesore.
technician centric offerings already Flow Dry’s supplier of quality plastic Watson’s Billet ECU Pass Through
in place. ZF Aftermarket has been injection molded parts since 1986. provides a custom high tech appearing
active in the market with on-site “Elliott Manufacturing has been a solution that completely eliminates the
customer evening and weekend trusted partner for more than 30 years,” pass through uglies while adding a high
training, partnered technician training, said Rahul Deshmukh, Flow Dry tech appearance to the engine bay.
and hosted webinars, along with president and CEO. “Their injection The Pass Through cover is
yearly participation at educational molding manufacturing capability and machined from solid billet with a
conferences. expertise perfectly complement our machine ball milled surface and
For more information and vertical integration growth strategy is threaded on the back for easy
upcoming training activities, please and enables us to deliver total solutions installation — template included —
visit www.zf.com/us/trainings. with even greater quality and delivery using the supplied cap screws. The
benefits to our growing base of global unit covers holes up to 3¾” by 1¾”
New Cleaner from customers.” and includes a custom fit, pre-split, 1”
E-ZOIL Grips Glass EMC’s material expertise includes grommet.
Glass Glitz engineering grade thermoplastics, filled The well-engineered design also
from E-ZOIL is a nylons, and molded rubber among allows for easy fitting to completed
new glass cleaner others. The company manufactures a projects. While designed for the ECU
formulated to wide variety of plastic injection molded conversions, this wedge shaped billet
be streak free parts, as well as partial and complete cover is just the ticket for a wide
and able to assemblies for the automotive, variety of other uses where appearance
dissolve films, aerospace, medical, and consumer and quality are a must.
light to heavy products industries on a wide range of For more, visit Watson’s on line at
soil, fingerprints, molding machines ranging from 33 to www.watsons-streetworks.com, or call
bugs, and other 275 ton. direct at (866) 859-0513, (603) 943-
hard-to-remove “Growth through acquisitions 7923 local.
items. is always exciting as we continue
Nicknamed to delight our global customers and
the “Grippy Glass further differentiate ourselves in our
Cleaner,” Glass markets,” added Deshmukh. “This
Glitz has a unique formula that, when acquisition will undoubtedly benefit
shaken, thickens to help the bright our customers, employees, and the
orange solution cling to glass. Brookville community.”
Visit www.ezoil.com for more Visit www.FlowDry.com for more
information or call (716) 213-0106. information.
1PINS 917.indd 73 8/30/17 8:26 AM

TECHNICAL BOOKS
General Motors •Ford • Imports • Chrysler
Drive on in to the bookstore at the

Powertrain EXPO in Las Vegas and save
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

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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
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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.
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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
EXPLORE
our full line of high-precision Why buy foreign,
When you can buy
TORQUE CONVERTER
American Quality
rebuilding equipment. Tools and parts
washers
At an
Unbeatable Price!
Visit our website for more information,
or the links below for our Parts Washers:
www.partscrubber.info • www.partscrubberx.info
www.midipro.info
www.transmissionpartswashers.info
www.SuperFlow.com/gears | 1.888.442.5546
swing tech and a diagnostic technician. with completely upgraded equipment.

A Mon-Fri work week, competitive pay, Ralph’s offers a positive work
ATRA MEMBERS individual and team bonuses, local environment, competitive pay, benefits
RECEIVE 3 FREE! healthcare, and a matching IRA in a fast- and other great employee incentives.
paced, upbeat work environment await We are currently accepting applicants for
805.604.2025 the right technician. E-mail your resume the following positions: R&R Specialist,
www.gearsmagazine.com to bakerstransmission@gmail.com or fax Diagnosticians, Service Advisors (Sales).
to 970-242-8589. We want to hear from Visit: www. RalphsTransmission.com to
GEARS classified advertising cost $95.00 you! ATRA Mbr learn more about Ralph’s Transmission
for up to 50 words for a one time inser-
and employment opportunities. Contact
tion. ATRA members are eligible to receive
up to three (3) FREE classified advertise- HELP WANTED: Ready to work in Mario Jauregui at (209) 526-1909 or
ments in GEARS annually (per 10 issues). paradise? Kailua Kona shop on the Mario@RalphsTransmission.com.
Members wishing to place ads once their Big Island of Hawaii is looking for an
three FREE ads have been placed may do so experienced professional transmission HELP WANTED: NATIONAL
at the cost listed above. Ads exceeding the
rebuilder. See our business and more info EMPLOYMENT HEADQUARTERS
maximum word count will cost $1.50 for each
additional word (not including phone number
on our website: www.transtechhawaii. FOR THE TRANSMISSION INDUSTRY.
and address). com, or call Vic at (808) 331-8310. Fast, Easy and Free service to industry
ATRA Mbr employees! Low cost and an easy way
HELP WANTED: Experienced rebuilder, to recruit nationwide for shop owners!
HELP WANTED: Do you love getting for shop in central Florida, open Monday- Serving the transmission industry
outdoors? Are you an experienced Friday. Excellent salary, 401k, benefits. since 1997. Visit our website at: www.
transmission tech looking for a change? Call Jose for details: (863) 967-0694 transteam.com or call us toll free at:
If you answered yes, then we need to (888) 859-0994.
hear from you! We live and work in HELP WANTED: Looking for an
the beautiful Grand Valley of Western experienced Torque Converter Rebuilder.
Colorado, gateway to the outdoors with Contact Atlas Automotive Inc. Irene
biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, and all or Erika, ibogdan@sbcglobal.net or
kinds of outdoor sports and activities (216) 671-0100.
just minutes from town. We are a
busy transmission and drive train shop HELP WANTED: Ralph’s Transmission HELP WANTED: Are you thinking
looking for experienced techs to join our is a growing shop in Modesto seeking about a change? Check out beautiful
growing team. We are currently hiring qualified and experienced transmission Portland Oregon! PTP Reman a large
an experienced transmission rebuilder/ specialists. We have an excellent facility transmission remanufacturing company
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 available: Parts, Production, Testing, 1-800-640-0970 or cell 530-604-7660
top notch people to join our team of Torque converters, Transmissions, etc. (early evening ok) Check out our website:
professionals. We have the most up to date We have an excellent work environment www.portlandtorque.com ATRA Mbr
modern facility in the industry including with competitive pay, benefits and
testing of the latest transmissions and in bonus plan. For more information
house torque converter remanufacturing. or to apply please send resume to
We currently have great positions 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
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.
listo917.indd 80 8/30/17 11:00 AM

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More critical components, more OE More critical components, High Performance Kits
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extras you won’t find elsewhere. components and all the little applications.
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Hi-Per Blue® pistons are reengineered Accept NO Substitute! The Beast® Largest selection of individual
original equipment design with is reengineered to correct the bushing and kits including
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fit and higher performance. Motors 4L60E/TH700-R4 reaction or in kits. Engineered utilizing
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Technical Questions or Comments? Contact us: (800) 582-2760 (954) 364-2400

sealsap.com technicalsupport@sealsap.com ©2017 Seal Aftermarket Products. All rights reserved.
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SONNAX 48RE

CONVERTED VALVE BODY

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

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Publisher Dennis Madden

ATRA Technical Staff: 4 KEEP THOSE TRANNYS ROLLING:

Director of Event Services Vanessa Velasquez 18 SEAL AFTERMARKET PRODUCTS:

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2 GEARS September 2017

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4 GEARS September 2017

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A GM Supplier of the Year

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

TRANSFER CASE HALVES

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• Check actuator shaft bearing assem-

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

Disassemble, clean, and inspect

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Original standards. Remanufactured.

Contact the Ford Powertrain Assistance Center

See dealer for warranty details.

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U660 Underdrive Planet

6T45E Front Reaction Planet

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

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THE RAP KIT IS ABSOLUTELY FREE!

To register for your FREE RAP Kit and view

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

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For testing the forward engagement

16 GEARS September 2017

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Over the last seven years, Seal Aftermarket Products

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Seal Aftermarket Products is committed to

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER

Seal Aftermarket Products is assisting the

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“THE STRONgER OUR TECHNICIANS,

MEET THE TRAINERS

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full line of tools

September 21, 2017

CVT Press Plate

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24 GEARS September 2017

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26 GEARS September 2017

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28 GEARS September 2017

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the case while the transmission is

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