CERTIFIED TRANSMISSIONS

THE FIRST TWO THINGS TO CHECK

1.      If you are experiencing transmission problems, the very first thing to do is to check the fluid level and condition. Check the fluid level when your vehicle is fully warmed up and parked on a flat surface. Unlike checking your motor oil, the transmission fluid level is checked with the engine running, unless it's a Honda or Acura. The transmission should be in Park. Many transmission malfunctions and even failures are caused by low fluid level. Transmissions don't "use" fluid. If it's low, you probably have a leak.

The fluid condition is a little harder to determine. The fluid should be red and have a petroleum product smell, much like motor oil. Dark fluid that smells burnt can simply be from lack of service. Just because the fluid is dark and smells burnt does not necessarily mean the transmission is about to fail. This is one of the oldest "wife's tales" in the business. If you haven't changed your fluid and filter in a long time, it':s not unusual for it to be discolored and smell slightly burnt.

2.      When was the last time you had your transmission fluid and filter changed? We recommend every year or 12,000 miles. A restricted filter can cause slipping, delayed engagement when shifting into gear, even noise and no movement conditions. Here in our shop, our experience has been that either low fluid or a restricted filter causes almost half of the transmission problems we see. As a matter of fact, it is not uncommon for us to find the cause of a transmission failure being traceable to what was originally a low fluid or restricted filter condition that went unattended!

The very first major repair bill with almost all vehicles today, will be a transmission failure. As a matter of fact, most vehicles on today's roads will see between 2 and 3 transmissions before that same vehicle needs a new motor. Why is this? The main reason is lack of maintenance and repair. We estimate that over 50% of the major transmission jobs we see are due to either lack of maintenance, or postponing a minor transmission repair, such as a leak, or some other repair, that could have been repaired for much less than a new transmission. Proper maintenance is the key to avoiding costly transmission problems.

In our next section, "Transmission Brain Surgery" we will cover one of the most common minor transmission problems that can easily appear to be a major transmission problem.

TRANSMISSION BRAIN SURGERY

In our previous section, "The First Two Things To Check" we covered the very first two things a consumer can check themselves when experiencing transmission problems. Those two things account for over 50% of the transmission malfunctions seen today. In today's article, we will cover one of the most common minor transmission problems that can easily appear to be a major transmission problem.

An automatic transmission has to have a brain, or it wouldn't be automatic would it? Some shifting problems can be caused by a confused brain. In an automatic transmission, this brain is called a valve body.

If the valve body doesn't know how fast the vehicle is going, or perhaps it thinks you have your foot to the floor all the time, when in fact you don't; late or no upshifts are the results. This is especially true in the higher gears for the complaint we see most often is a late or no 3^rd or 4^th gear condition. In most vehicles, the valve body is accessible without having to remove the transmission from the vehicle.

Most vehicles made in the last decade have computer controlled valve bodies, which are like giving a hydraulic brain (the valve body), a second brain (the vehicle's computer and electrical system). With these vehicles, it's not uncommon to have an electrical problem cause a transmission malfunction! It is very easy to have a "brain problem" mis-diagnosed as a major transmission problem.

No transmission technician likes unintentional diagnostic mistakes, but they do occur. It takes an expert with proper diagnostic equipment and experience to tell the difference. Make sure you deal with a reputable shop that you know and trust is the secret.

HOW LONG SHOULD A TRANSMISSION LAST?

In our last section, "Transmission Brain Surgery", we discussed one of the most common minor transmission problems that can easily appear to be a major transmission problem. In this article, we will discuss the top two reasons automatic transmissions don't last as long as they should.

If you ask around, you will see that it is a common scenario to have a vehicle's first transmission go 80 to 100 thousand miles. But after that, the transmissions don't seem to last very long at all. There are 2 reasons for this:

• The first reason is the root cause of the failure was not diagnosed.

• The second reason is more subtle; it's paying too little.

Let's talk about the first reason a transmission would not last very long.

UNINTENTIONAL TECHNICAL MISTAKES OR JUST INCOMPETENCE?

Technology is exploding and it takes an experienced expert to know what's really wrong with today's transmissions. The transmission technology explosion began about the same time the as the personal computer, the1980s. The 80s flushed out almost all the intentionally dishonest transmission technicians and they shops they work for. However, the scandalous rumors live on. We have found that the biggest risk or threat that consumers are faced with today is INCOMPETENCE. From a consumer's perspective, there isn't any difference between a unintentional technical mistake and incompetence; the end results are the same. You buy something you don't need. Incompetence is most commonly manifested in the transmission shop that performs a major transmission repair or replacement, only to find out the same problem exists. Or, sometimes the problem is temporarily cured until the 2^nd transmission fails for the same un-diagnosed reason the first one did. It is the responsibility of every transmission shop to find out the root cause of a transmission failure and correct it. If not, you're guaranteed to have the same problem later, if not immediately. Cure the cause and not the symptom is the way to go. However, even if the root cause of the failure is diagnosed, and repaired, you're not out of the woods yet. How about the 2^nd reason a transmission doesn't last very long? Read on.

HOW MUCH FOR A TRANSMISSION?

When a transmission fails, it almost always is substantial, unexpected, unplanned sum of money that stresses out most households. In our 35 years in the transmission industry, we have yet to see the first planned breakdown. Naturally, most consumers get on the phone and start calling around asking "How much?" This is the fatal assumption. This is where the problem snowballs and here's why:

• If the consumer gets the best price they can find on the phone, and goes to that shop, guess what? They buy a transmission. Consumers all over the country needlessly purchase many, many transmissions and they never ever know it. Sometimes they had low fluid, restricted filter, or some minor problem that could have been corrected without removing the transmission from the vehicle. Let alone buying a new transmission! But they got what they asked for when they asked "How Much?" ... a transmission whether they needed it or not. In addition, it's never what they tell you over the phone unless they have a crystal ball or X-ray glasses.

• If the consumer truly needs a transmission, there's another problem. It is a perfectly natural reaction to shop around because of the sudden, unexpected expense. This is especially true when the vehicle is already in a transmission shop. You can always get a lower price on the phone when your vehicle is already in a transmission shop. When transmission shops are confronted with the consumer's price objections, most shops naturally react and try to shave corners to lower the price. Maybe a part that was half-bad becomes half-good. Maybe they won't put all the labor into the transmission by not completely disassembling the transmission. Maybe they will buy cheap imported parts, or even used parts cannibalized out of another junkyard transmission. Who knows? This situation is usually characterized by short warranties, or warranties that are only good at that shop. Not much fun if you breakdown out of town on your family vacation.

The buying public has unknowingly created a situation where these types of shops don't have the resources available to invest in the latest diagnostic equipment or hire competent technicians. This only aggravates the chance of misdiagnosis and incompetence. It also increases the chance of another transmission problem after your money and your warranty has evaporated.

Consumers that have some mechanical knowledge sometimes get so frustrated with these types of situations, they give up. they feel compelled to either find a friend to fix the transmission, or fix it themselves. This will be covered in our next section, "I Think I'll Just Do It Myself".

"I THINK I'LL JUST DO IT MYSELF"

In our last section, "How Much For A Transmission?" we discussed reasons that would compel a consumer to either find a friend to fix their transmission problem or fix it themselves. Here's a true story:

We had a customer once that in an effort to save money bought a new transmission and installed it himself. 15 months later (3 months after the warranty expired) the transmission failed again. Over a 3-year period, the customer replaced 3 transmissions because the original cause of failure was not diagnosed. He was out almost $5,000! He was blaming the car for being a lemon. It turned out to be an electrical problem on the vehicle that affected the electronically controlled oil pressure inside the transmission.

So what's a consumer to do? How do you win? The way you win is by choosing the right shop and being involved in the repair. The right shop is competent, professional, and above all, trustworthy. Price, speed, and competence are meaningless if you don't have a feeling of trust. Use your gut instinct. If you don't feel comfortable, there's usually a reason why. You don't have to know a thing about transmissions to have a gut instinct.

If you don't trust your gut instinct, ask for our free report that discusses the specific ways a good shop operates. It covers not only the shop, but the customer's participation in the repair process. More good information is in a free B.B.B. brochure on how to choose a transmission repair facility. This free brochure is available directly from the B.B.B., or you can pick one up at Certified Transmissions, or call and they will mail you one within 24 hours. If you have access to a fax machine we can fax it. We can be contacted at: Certified Transmissions, 12541 Minuteman Dr., Draper (801) 572-3636.

In our next section, "What To Look For", we will cover what a consumer should look for when choosing a transmission repair facility.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

In our last section, "I Think I'll Just Do It Myself", we discussed why consumers are sometimes compelled to either have a friend, or themselves, try to fix their own transmission problem. For those that are not so inclined, we have a list of things to look for when choosing a transmission shop to take care of your transmission problem. Here are some important tips on what to look for and how to do it:

Accurate, Pinpoint Diagnosis - Go on the initial road test with the technician. Do they use any diagnostic equipment? Do they have a diagnostic checklist? Do they write anything down during the road test? How do they convey your problem to other technicians in the shop? Or, do they do a seat-of-the-pants diagnosis on the road test and try to sell you something on the road test? While diagnosis is part of most repairs, be prepared for a nominal shop charge if you choose not to do business with the shop. Most shops charge anywhere from a half hour to an hour labor for the preliminary diagnosis; if you don't authorize the recommendation. However, if you authorize the recommendation, most shops will waive any such charge(s).

Quality - We have yet to meet a transmission shop that does not claim to do good work. Who's going to say "We do a mediocre job that you can get done anywhere else in town." Talking quality is cheap and meaningless. Have them prove it. This will always be reflected in the standard warranty. Not an extended warranty that you pay for; the regular standard warranty the shop offers. If you plan on keeping your car this is important because nobody wants to pay twice for the same repairs. It is equally important if you are selling your car because you don't want a buyer to come back on you claiming you sold them a lemon.

Written Estimates - One thing we have found to be true of EVERY transmission shop on the face of the planet: Phone quotes are never accurate. If you doubt this and have some money to burn, experiment and see what happens. The only accurate (and legal) way is to get a written estimate. If the shop doesn't offer written estimates, buyer beware!

Trust - Go with your gut instinct here. Look for consumer-oriented brochures or other items provided for free. Do they have a current membership with the Better Business Bureau? Just because a business is a member of the B.B.B. does not necessarily mean they haven't had unanswered complaints or have fallen from the Bureau's good graces because of complaints. Some shops have made customers so happy, they will write a note or letter of thanks. Look for those in the customer waiting room. One of the best ways we know is for you to ask others. Ask someone who has recently had a transmission problem. Ask your regular auto repair shop who they use or recommend. Call a local school with an automotive program and ask the automotive instructor. These people are "in the know".

FINALLY - The bottom line

• The best offense is a good defense. Take care of your transmission by having it serviced annually by a transmission specialist.

• Take your vehicle at the first sign of trouble. You know your vehicle better than anybody. If you are suspicious something is not right, chances are you're correct.

• If and when you do experience serious transmission problems, be active in the repair process. Good shops just love customers that take an active roll. However, just like not all consumers want to take an active roll, some shops don't welcome consumer to be an active participant in the diagnosis and repair. It is these last two groups that generate the majority of horror stories and needless fear of the transmission industry.

The Better Business Bureau has published their own brochure about transmission repair. You can read, print, or download a copy from our consumer information page for free. If you drop by, you can pick one up, on the spot.