Diag

Diagnosing Today’s Transmissions

Though they may be trying their best to do consumers a good service, transmission professional who do quote prices for major repair over the telephone are doing just the opposite.

First, even qualified automotive technicians who specialize in other areas of the car seldom have the ability to observe and then relate all the information necessary to come to an accurate conclusion related to transmissions. Then, there is the ever constant problem of conveying their observations in a manner that is meaningful to the transmission specialist. For example, will ones definition of the terms slip, squeak, grind, squeal and bump he the same as the transmission professional who is trying to interpret those terms? Categorically no!

Next, have all the complicated diagnostic procedures been performed which are necessary to provide a correct and cost efficient repair recommendation? The odds are poor at very best. With today’s sophisticated. electronically controlled transmissions, in many cases accurate diagnosis requires “high tech”. expensive diagnostic lest equipment before even the professional can render a qualified opinion.

Further, when it has been determined which system(s) in the transmission have failed, then the extent of the internal damage must he determined before a meaningful price can he discussed. Short of performing these essential diagnostic procedures, persons who quote prices are either guessing, with virtually thousands of variables or stating a meaningless price which will have to be adjusted when all the diagnostic data is obtained.

We could compare this situation to a patient who calls his dentist, describing oral pain under a given set of circumstances. Is the pain caused by a gum infection, a cavity, the need for a root canal or is the only remedy complete tooth removal? The average consumer would he less than confident if the dentist were to recommend root canal or extraction with such incomplete information

The same is true in transmission diagnosis. Any meaningful diagnosis can only he rendered after a complete inspection is performed.

Should you have questions of any nature, please feel free to contact your local ATRA Member. They will be pleased to assist you.