62 GEARS March 2002 STAND UP AND BE COUNTED By Paul Morton By one means or another, automo- bile manufacturers have always done what they can to control aftermarket auto repair. I have no doubt that given the ability and opportunity, they would see to it that the independent repair shop would go the way of the dinosaur. I’m sure it’s nothing personal; “it’s just bid-ness.” Supposedly the federal anti-trust laws are designed to break up or deny the formation of such monopolies, but after watching the exchange between the U.S. Government and Microsoft, I’m no longer sure the Justice Department has the ability to really do anything about it. That doesn’t leave a lot of options. The most significant response, particularly from the independent transmission repair shops, has been one of adapt- ability. Learn how to fix the new units, and do it better, faster, and cheaper than they do. It’s the customer who ultimately decides who to use for the needed repair. And it’s the customer that will ultimately decide the fate of the independent shop. A major political effort is now being taken to ensure the customer will have the ability to make a choice of where they want to take their care for repair. The Motor Vehicle Owner’s Right to Repair Act of 2001 (HR 2735) is cur- rently in committee at the House of Representatives, having been intro- duced August 27, 2001, by Representatives Joe Barton (R-TX) and Edolphus Towns (D-NY). In brief, the proposed legislation recognizes that modern automobiles contain sophisticated, technologically advanced systems that often require the use of specialized tools and/or informa- tion for their repair. The proposed legis- lation specifically addresses the issue that without access to the appropriate tools and information, car owners will be forced to patronize car dealerships, leading to artificially inflated prices and the development of a monopoly. What the legislation proposes is to provide the automobile owner the right to choose repair facilities and the replacement parts necessary to make an appropriate repair. This includes the provision that both the customer and independent shops will be allowed access to such parts and information, to include com- puter codes. To protect the automotive manufac- turer, the bill does not encroach upon their right of protecting “intellectual property”, or require them to disclose manufacturing processes or trade secrets. Neither does it impact the deal- er’s right to perform warranty work, or any other service. Recently a national poll on this topic was conducted by the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE); a nation- al organization that represents many automotive aftermarket service providers. Of 803 registered voters queried, 92% said they would support Congressional legislation that would assure the availability of auto repair, parts, and information to any and all involved in the repair of vehicles. Additionally, 72% of the respondents said they would be more likely to vote for a congressional representative who also supported such a measure. So what can we do about it? If you would like to see HR 2735 pass into law, call, fax, e-mail or write your U.S. Congressional Representative, and let him or her know how you feel. A few tips on what you should remember, and what your communication should include: • Brevity and courtesy are impor- tant. • State your specific purpose for writing in the opening para- graph (e.g. “I am writing to request your support of HR 2735, the Motor Vehicle Owner’s Right to Repair Act”). • State why the issue is impor- tant, and how it will impact you and others. • Type your message on compa- ny letterhead when possible. • Address only one issue per let- ter. • Address your letter to The Honorable (first and last name), and use the salutation: Dear Representative (last name): • The address is: United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 • Make sure to include a phone number where you can be con- tacted during business hours. If you are unaware of who your Representative is, check the white pages of your phone book under the heading of “Government – Federal”. Each Representative maintains a local office as well as a Washington office. A quick call to the local number will answer any questions you may have, and make sure you’re on the right track. Being an active part of the demo- cratic process is a right we enjoy as cit- izens of this great nation. Using that right to protect your livelihood and pro- fession is an important expression of that right. ATRA NEWS
Transcript
62 GEARS March 2002
STAND UP AND BE COUNTEDBy Paul Morton
By one means or another, automo-bile manufacturers have always donewhat they can to control aftermarketauto repair. I have no doubt that giventhe ability and opportunity, they wouldsee to it that the independent repairshop would go the way of the dinosaur.I’m sure it’s nothing personal; “it’s justbid-ness.”
Supposedly the federal anti-trustlaws are designed to break up or denythe formation of such monopolies, butafter watching the exchange betweenthe U.S. Government and Microsoft, I’mno longer sure the Justice Departmenthas the ability to really do anythingabout it. That doesn’t leave a lot ofoptions. The most significantresponse, particularly from theindependent transmission repairshops, has been one of adapt-ability. Learn how to fix the newunits, and do it better, faster, andcheaper than they do. It’s thecustomer who ultimately decides who touse for the needed repair. And it’s thecustomer that will ultimately decide thefate of the independent shop.
A major political effort is now beingtaken to ensure the customer will havethe ability to make a choice of wherethey want to take their care for repair.The Motor Vehicle Owner’s Right toRepair Act of 2001 (HR 2735) is cur-rently in committee at the House ofRepresentatives, having been intro-duced August 27, 2001, byRepresentatives Joe Barton (R-TX) andEdolphus Towns (D-NY).
In brief, the proposed legislationrecognizes that modern automobilescontain sophisticated, technologicallyadvanced systems that often require theuse of specialized tools and/or informa-tion for their repair. The proposed legis-lation specifically addresses the issuethat without access to the appropriatetools and information, car owners will beforced to patronize car dealerships,
leading to artificially inflated prices andthe development of a monopoly.
What the legislation proposes is toprovide the automobile owner the rightto choose repair facilities and thereplacement parts necessary to makean appropriate repair. This includes theprovision that both the customer andindependent shops will be allowedaccess to such parts and information, toinclude com-puter codes.
To protect the automotive manufac-turer, the bill does not encroach upontheir right of protecting “intellectualproperty”, or require them to disclosemanufacturing processes or tradesecrets. Neither does it impact the deal-er’s right to perform warranty work, orany other service.
Recently a national poll on thistopic was conducted by the Coalition forAuto Repair Equality (CARE); a nation-al organization that represents manyautomotive aftermarket serviceproviders. Of 803 registered votersqueried, 92% said they would supportCongressional legislation that wouldassure the availability of auto repair,parts, and information to any and allinvolved in the repair of vehicles.Additionally, 72% of the respondentssaid they would be more likely to votefor a congressional representative whoalso supported such a measure.
So what can we do about it? If youwould like to see HR 2735 pass into law,call, fax, e-mail or write your U.S.Congressional Representative, and lethim or her know how you feel. A fewtips on what you should remember, andwhat your communication shouldinclude:
• Brevity and courtesy are impor-tant.
• State your specific purpose forwriting in the opening para-graph (e.g. “I am writing torequest your support of HR2735, the Motor VehicleOwner’s Right to Repair Act”).
• State why the issue is impor-tant, and how it will impact youand others.
• Type your message on compa-ny letterhead when possible.
• Address only one issue per let-ter.
• Address your letter to TheHonorable (first and last name),and use the salutation: DearRepresentative (last name):
• The address is: United StatesHouse of RepresentativesWashington, D.C. 20515
• Make sure to include a phonenumber where you can be con-tacted during business hours.
If you are unaware of who yourRepresentative is, check the whitepages of your phone book under theheading of “Government – Federal”.Each Representative maintains a localoffice as well as a Washington office. Aquick call to the local number willanswer any questions you may have,and make sure you’re on the right track.
Being an active part of the demo-cratic process is a right we enjoy as cit-izens of this great nation. Using thatright to protect your livelihood and pro-fession is an important expression ofthat right.
ATRA NEWS
4L60E, 4L80E, 4L30E- Diagnosis and Operation - by Steve Garrett4L60E, 4L80E, and 4L30E: Diagnosis and Operation will take you through the basic and advanced diagnostics needed to repairthese units. The 4L60E, 4L80E, and 4L30E have been around for sometime now and diagnosing these units can become very frustrating. This isthe reason for spending the time to research the necessary informationneeded to produce a quality book.
Road Testing for Results: A guide for better diagnosis- by Dennis Madden
Road Testing For Results, A guide to better diagnosisDiagnosing a transmission problem has never been more difficult. It’s more important
these days to make sure you know what’s wrong with the transmission before youtake it out of the car. Dennis Madden will go through many of the techniques he’s
used over the years to pin point malfunctions for technicians on the Helpline. Thesetechniques will help you make the right call, the first time; saving you, both time and money.
4L60E, 4L80E, 4L30E
Diagnosis and Operations
By Steve Garrett
4L60E, 4L80E, 4L30E
Diagnosis and Operations
By Steve Garrett
E4ODs - Are They Really That Tough?- by Lance Wiggins
E4ODs; Are They Really That Tough? Book 1: Identification, Diagnosis, andTesting will take you through the basic and advanced diagnostics needed to
repair this unit. Ford electronics have come a long way since the single on/offsolenoid in the A4LD. This is the reason for spending the time to researchthe necessary information needed to produce a quality book. Not only will
this book help the rebuilder it will also benefit the diagnostician.
E4ODs – Are TheyReally That Tough?Book 1: Identification, Diagnosis and Testing
By Lance Wiggins
E4ODs – Are TheyReally That Tough?Book 1: Identification, Diagnosis and Testing
By Lance Wiggins
KM Rebuilding Procedures - by Cliff McCormickYou will not find a photocopied section out of a factory manual betweenthese covers. In fact, you will notice a substantial difference between thebook you are holding and any other books written on the subject. This isbecause,as this book was being written, the author was rebuilding a real KM175step-by step.
Regular Price $29.95
Regular Price $49.95
Regular Price $49.95
Buy all 4 books, (regularly 159.80) Now for only $115!!and receive a FREE ATRA HAT!!
After the show, you can still take advantage of these specials by calling Shaun or Mike at (805) 604-2020,
fax your order to (805) 604-2001 or email [email protected] to order books.
ATRA Members receive an additional 10% discount.Limited time offer!
KM175 Rebuild
Procedures
By Cliff McCormick
KM175 Rebuild
Procedures
By Cliff McCormick
Regular Price $29.95
Introducing 4 Books From the ATRA Technical Team
F r e e AT R A H a t with Purchase of 4 ATRA Books!
echnology has been sneaking upon the transmission industry for
years. Today, high-tech problems aretaking over the streets. But there’s away you can fight back… and win…
his year’s seminar is packedwith over 250 pages of prob-
lems and fixes, with six separatesections of the latest and greatestin diagnosis and repair.
The GM section includes the4T65E, 4T40/45E, Allison, 4T80E,
including updates and interchangesto help you get through that toughday at the bench. Here are a fewof the things we’ll touch on:
• 4T40E Updates and Inter-changes
• 4T65E Erratic Shifts• 4T40E/4T65E/4T80E Ratio
and Application Charts• 4L60E No Cooler Flow
The Ford section provides updatesand repairs for 4F27E, AX4S,AX4N, 4R70W, and 4R44/55E,with the latest part numbers andupdates you won’t find anywhereelse. Here are just some of thesubjects we’ll be covering:
• 4F27E No Reverse• 4R55E/5R55E TCC Diagnosis
and Repair• 4R70W Neutrals from a Stop• AX4S Updates
The Saturn section offers thelatest repairs on the MP6 andMP7, including updates anddiagnoses that provide the key tounlocking this all-to-common unit.For example:
• MP6/MP7 Actuator Problems• Ratcheting Noise in 1st Gear• Code P0741 Diagnosis• Harsh and Erratic Shifts
The Chrysler section has thelatest on the 45RFE, 41TE, 42RE,44RE, 46RE, and 47RE:
• 46/47RE Diesel LockupProblems
• 45RFE Electronic Diagnosis• 45RFE Erratic Shifts• RE Units with Code P1764
Imports this year zeros in on theMitsubishi F4A51 and theVolkswagen 096 and 01M, threetransmissions that have becomevery popular on the ATRA Helpline.Here’s what’s in store for you:
• F4A51 Computer Diagnosis• F4A51 One-Way Clutch
Problems• 096/01M Unit Identification
and Computer Diagnostics
At the ATRA 2002 Technical Semi-nar, you’ll learn more than how tobeat the latest technology: You’lllearn how to make it your friend.Reserve your place today!
Names of those people attending the seminar:
Enter your ATRA Account Number to receive the member or technical subscriber discount: _____________
March 2 St. Louis, MOHoliday Inn South County Center
March 9 Worcester, MACrowne Plaza Worcester
March 16 Charlotte, NC Hilton Charlotte Executive Center
April 6 Salt Lake City, UTHilton Salt Lake City Center
April 13 Minneapolis, MN DoubleTree Minn. Airport / Mall
April 27 Orlando, FLOrlando Airport Marriott
May 4 Denver, CODenver Marriott Southeast Hotel
May 11 San Ramon, N.CASan Ramon Marriott
May 18 Dallas, TXRamada Plaza Hotel Fort Worth
June 1 Mobile, ALAdam’s Mark Hotel
June 8 Sault Ste. Marie, MIKewadin Casino & Conv. Center
June 22 Vancouver, Canada Radisson Hotel Burnaby
August 10 Albuquerque, NMHoliday Inn Mountain View
August 17 Houston, TX Wyndham Greenspoint
August 17 Omaha, NE
Embassy Suites Omaha Downtown
September 14 Billings, MT Sheraton Hotel Billings
September 21 Chicago, ILChicago O’Hare Marriott
November 2 Baltimore, MDMaritime Institute of Technology
November 9 Portland, OR Holiday Inn Portland Conv. Ctr
November 16 Atlanta, GARenaissance Concourse Hotel
*Check the web site www.atra.net forlatest locations and listings.
Seminar Fees
Preregistered and prepaid:•ATRA Members and Technical
Subscribers: $115*•All others: $135*•5th person free
Everyone at the door: $145* Save an additional $10 by registering online
Toll-Free Phone or Mail Registration
Register online and save $10 per paidattendee; stop by the ATRA web site fordetails: www.atra.net
Register by phone, toll-free: (800) 428-8489
Fax your registration form to: (805) 604-2009
Mail your registration form to:
ATRA Seminar Registration2400 Latigo AvenueOxnard, CA 93030
Discount Qualification
To qualify for the preregistration discount, youmust register no later than 2 PM Pacific Time,the Friday before the seminar. Enrollment is ona first-come, first-serve basis, and is limited byroom size. To avoid disappointment, registeras soon as possible, by phone, fax, mail orthrough the internet.
Seminar Schedule and Check-In
Registration check-in is from 8 am until 9 am.
Seminars start promptly at 9 am. Arrive earlyto be sure of good seating, and to meet withinstructors and other seminar attendees. Norecording is permitted. Smoking is limited todesignated areas outside the hall.
Cancellation Policy
If you prepay but can’t attend, you may senda substitute. Full refunds are issued if youcontact ATRA, in writing, no later than 15days before the seminar; there will be a 15%cancellation fee on refunds requested 3 to15 days prior to the seminar. There will be norefunds after 3 days prior to the seminar;from then until 15 days after the seminar youmay request a credit toward a future seminarin lieu of a refund. All returned checks aresubject to a $25 processing fee.
Seminar Location:
Register Online and Save an Extra $10! — www.atra.net or…
Register by Phone: (800) 428-8489 Register by Fax: (805) 604-2009
ATRA MEMBER RECOGNIZED WITHNAPA/ASE AWARD
ATRA member Jim Piraino ofCamarillo Car Care Center has beennamed the NAPA/ASE Technician of theYear for 2002. according to NAPA/ASE,Piraino, owner of the Camarillo serviceand repair shop, was selected for thehonor by demonstrating superior techni-cal skills and business practices, show-ing a commitment to customer serviceand training, supporting the communityin which his business operates, anddemonstrating outstanding service tothe automotive repair and maintenanceindustry.
Presented annually by NAPA AutoParts and the ASE, the Technician ofthe Year award is determined by a judg-ing panel of former winners, automotivetrade media and the president of theASE. Piraino had been a finalist for theaward for the past five years. As aresult of the award, he will receive more
than $30,000 in prizes, including NAPAtools and equipment, additional fully-paid training from the NAPA Institute ofAutomotive Technology, a NAPATRACS computer system for his shop,and a commemorative plaque and ring.
Camarillo Car Care is located inCamarillo, California and has been amember of ATRA since 1992.
ATRA SEMINARSThe ATRA 2002 Technical Seminar
season is off to a great start. Whenyou receivethe brochurew i t h t h einformat ionabout the 20s e m i n a rloca t ionsacross the
country, you willfind there are many bene-
fits for both rebuilders and techniciansto attend. The ATRA TechnicalDepartment has fielded over 50,000calls in 2001 and has taken the mostcommon problems on the Helpline todevelop the strategy needed to defeatthe troubles of today’s technology. Youcannot send your technicians to a betterseminar than those presented by theexperts at ATRA! For more information,see pages 64 and 65 in this issue ofGEARS.
REGISTER ONLINE AND SAVE $10.00,PER PAID ATTENDEE…
Registering to attend an ATRA2002 Technical Seminar just got easierwith the availability of ATRA OnlineRegistration…go to www.atra.net andfollow the simple instructions to register& save!
If you have not received abrochure, please call 805-604-2000 andwe will get one sent out to you, or youcan photocopy the second page of theseminar ad in this issue of GEARS andfax it to 1-805-604-2009. Don’t forgetthat every 5th person registered fromthe same shop is FREE! You can alsoregister by phone at 800-428-8489.
66 GEARS March 2002
ATRA NEWS
The following FIRMS have been accepted into membership of ATRA. Please add their names to your directory. If you know of any valid reason these firms should not be members of ATRA, please contact
the ATRA International Business Office, 805-604-2000.
Members Directory Updates
A+ TRANSMISSION GERALD CASHIOLA 7740 KIRBY DR HOUSTON TX 77030 713 661 7779AMERICAN TRANSM CENTER MICHAEL MANNING/JAMES MANNING RTE 61 S SCHUYLKILL HAVEN PA 17961 570 366 4900CAMEROTA TRUCK PARTS FRANK CAMEROTA 245 SHAKER RD ENFIELD CT 06082 860 763 0896CASA DE ORO TRANSMISSION RUSSELL BOWDEN 10012 CASA DE ORO BLVD SPRING VALLEY CA 91977 619 670 9955DIABLO TRANSMISSION RAY WARNER 1410 C CONCORD AVE CONCORD CA 94520 925 685 3575ECONOMY TRANSM & AUTO RPR EARL LUCKETT III 6949 US 19 N PINELLAS PARK FL 33781 727 528 4321KBL TRANSMISSION DON NICKOL 15092 ADAMS ST MIDWAY CITY CA 92655 714 698 1466KENNEDY TRANSM-FOREST LAKE M EKSTROM/B BIDON/S HENDRICKSON 1079 BROADWAY AVE W #1 FOREST LAKE MN 55025 651 466 2111MISTER TRANSMISSION KARL AUERBACH 1525 DILWORTH DR UNIT 5 KELOWNA BC V1Y 9N5 250 860 3341NAPA VALLEY TRANSMISSION MARTY LA PRELLE 536 SOSCOL AVE APT 3 NAPA CA 94559 707 224 5898NATIONWIDE TRANSMISSION BLAKE & LAUREN LUNSFORD 2619 HOPE MILLS RD FAYETTEVILLE NC 28306 910 426 8899PACIFIC COAST TRANSMISSIONS HOWARD R MCJUNKIN 126 NE 11TH ST NEWPORT OR 97365 541 265 9567POYNTER’S TRANSMISSION TIM & CINDY POYNTER 1248 VERSAILLES RD LEXINGTON KY 40508 859 281 6600RAND AUTOMOTIVE GERALD RAND 450 BETA ST VICTORIA BC V8Z 1B1 250 381 5455TRANS-O-MEX MARIO PINA 5000 W CERMAK RD CICERO IL 60804 708 222 1616TRANSMISSION SPECIALTIES ALLEN GESSNER 116 6TH AVE EAU CLAIRE WI 54730 715 834 2125TRANSMISSION WORKS CHASE HUBBARD 360 SOUTH AVE SYCAMORE IL 60178 815 895 4777WRIGHT-WAY BRANDON WRIGHT/BRAD EGGLESTON 3612 S 5100 W HOOPER UT 84315 801 686 5042
www.atra.net
Jim Piraino
AT R A E X P ONow is the time to start making
your plans to attend the PowertrainIndustry Expo TRANSMISSIONS 2002!This year’s expo will be held October11-13, 2002 at the Riviera Hotel &Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
You can be assured that ATRA willbe presenting the industry’s best speak-ers with the latest information you needto increase profits. The Technical andManagement seminar sessions are pre-sented simultaneously, making it impos-sible to attend both. Some shops bringadditional staff to attend a differentseminar, and later compare their noteswith the complete binder of speakerhandouts (received by all full regis-trants), allowing them to benefit fromeach seminar.
TRANSMISSIONS 2002 — The onlyexpo exclusively serving the transmis-sion rebuilding industry, brings you theleading suppliers, their reps and techni-cal experts, PLUS the industry’s bestspeakers all under one roof! Take thetime to network with industry peers anddiscuss industry issues, new programsand products with the people who aretruly in-the-know!
Take advantage of the ATRA spe-cial show rate of $109.00 per night (upto two people. Additional persons$20.00 each). Reserve your room atthe Riviera Hotel & Casino today by vis-iting their website at www.theriveria.comor call 1-800-634-6753 in theContinental U.S. or direct at 702-794-9412. Be sure to tell them that you are
with the Automatic TransmissionRebuilders Association to receive yourspecial show rate!
Las Vegas, the EntertainmentCapital of the World, is a very popularplace to visit, so don’t wait to make yourtravel arrangements. If you need assis-tance with flights or reserving a car, callMike Burroughs at Classic Travel tollfree — at 1-800-869-6903 or by email [email protected], the officialtravel agent for TRANSMISSIONS2002.
Look for the TRANSMISSIONS2002 full color brochure in the Mayissue of GEARS for full details and welook forward to seeing you in October.
GEARS March 2002 67
Join us in
Las Vegas, Nevadafor
TRANSMISSIONS 2002 Expo!October 11-13, 2002
Enjoy the excitement of Las Vegaswhile you attend the Only ExpoExclusively Serving the TransmissionRebuilding Industry.
SEMINARS • EXHIBITS • SHOW SPECIALS • INDUSTRY EVENTS
(805) 604-2000
Las Vegas, Nevada • Oct 11-13, 2002
68 GEARS March 2002
MIKE VAN DYKE NAMED ATRA TECHNICAL ADVISOR OFTHE YEAR
ATRA Technical Director, LanceWiggins recently announced the recipi-ent of this year’s Top Technical Advisorto Mike Van Dyke.
Last year ATRA handled over fiftythousand HelpLine calls. Mike Van Dykeanswered 8,119 of those calls. In addi-tion to his phone duties, Mike hasauthored GEARS articles, technical bul-letins and plans to present at least oneseminar this year.
Mike has been in the industry forover eight years and has obtained hisASE masters in all categories. “Mike’suncanny ability to help the members getthe right answers they’re looking for in atimely manner has catapulted him to theTop Technical Advisor of the Year. This
was the first time in ATRA history thata new technician became topTechnical Advisor in his first year.” saidWiggins. Mike didn’t have it easy, lastyears defending technician Dave Skoragave Mike a run for the goal. Davefielded 8,105 calls to finish in a closesecond.
Mike and the rest of the ATRAtechnical team, work hard to help mem-bers with troublesome transmissionseach and every day.
For information on how to becomean ATRA member, contact the businessoffice at (805) 604-2000 or visit ourwebsite: www.atra-gears.com
HERE WE GO AGAIN! GET YOURHOT ROD FEATURED IN GEARS!
ATTENTION ATRA Members:Have you, or an employee at your
shop been working on a hot rod, classiccar or any other interesting and/or excit-ing car? If so, how would you like it tobe featured in an upcoming issue ofGEARS Magazine? For the May-JunePerformance issue, GEARS Magazinewould like to show it off for you. All youhave to do is complete the form on theopposite page and send good colorphotographs of the car or truck (beforeand after shots if possible).
The form and pictures must bereturned to GEARS Magazine no laterthan April 1, 2002 (no, were not fooling)in order for your car to appear in theMagazine.
Thank you!
Mail to:GEARS Magazine2400 Latigo AvenueOxnard, CA 93030
Phone (805) 604-2000Fax (805) 604-2006For questions, you can e-mail:[email protected]
To see the last Great Cars GoodGuys article, you can browse backissues online from our website.
www.atra-gears.comJuly 2001 was the last GEARS Performance Issue.
