For the DIYer (do it yourselfer), who has the ability and tools to go through a basic transmission diagnostic procedure, starting at level 1. Using a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest and 10 the best, we always start with test procedure 1. With this in mind.
Remember one thing about electronic problems. The actual root cause of the concern or malfunction is usually located at a very basic level. With this in mind, don’t go looking on the tenth floor for the cause. Instead, start in the lobby with basic tests.
1. Although we are in an era of highly advanced computer electronics, some very basic automotive fundamentals have not changed in over forty years. General Motors, for example, introduced a 12 volt battery in 1955 and an alternator in 1963. In 2009, the bulk of domestic and import automobile manufacturers are still using 12 volt batteries and alternators. True, alternators have evolved to be more powerful to keep pace with all the factory and after market add on accessories and the 12 volt batteries have made some progress with increased cranking and reserve power. The point is that the BASIC automotive electricity is still BASICALLY the same as it was almost forty years ago.
2. In 1980, the automotive industry was introduced to an On-Board computer system. A bright, silver cased box was located under the dash panel. The vehicle was equipped with a feed back carburetor that featured a throttle position sensor and mixture control solenoid. The exhaust system featured an oxygen sensor. This set the stage for a full burst of electronic controls and a lot of misunderstandings that surrounded these systems. Around 1989, the term Powertrain was being widely used throughout the transmission industry. Automatic transmissions were becoming not only fully electronically controlled but also integrated with the engine electronic systems. The throttle position sensor not only controlled fuel mixture and spark timing, the same TPS signal was and still is being used for the transmission to determine shift scheduling, TCC, and pressure rise control.
3. Service technicians have been struggling to keep up with the new technology. It seems that once they learn a system, the system changes during the next model year. A good example of new technology is the Chrysler CCD Multiplex System. Today, service technicians feel overwhelmed with the modern vehicles. Indeed, today’s modern computer controlled vehicle is very advanced however, understanding and applying basic automotive electricity principles to your work will eliminate a lot of unnecessary work, wasted time, and lost profits not to mention customer dissatisfaction.
Understanding And Applying Ohms Law Of Electricity
4. The best electrical diagnosticians have a good understanding of Ohms law of electricity. When the Auto Manufacturers design their vehicles, they must take into account the electrical loads such as lights, blower motors etc., and also the associated wiring to operate these loads. Therefore, Ohms Law, which is actually a formula, is used to determine the load factors to avoid premature failure of the load or device and also avoid a potential fire from overheated wiring circuits. The professional transmission service technician can use Ohms Law to help determine the root cause of a failed device thus avoiding a repeat failure and dissatisfied customer.
What is ohms law? Stay tuned to the GotTransmissions.com Blog and find out The Basics of Ohms Law. Enjoy.
