Reading the GotTransmissions.com blog with any regularity, you probably know I’m a retired transmission shop owner. I have been a transmission rebuilder since about 1976. I opened my shop in 1981 and sold it right before the economy crashed in February 2006. Just because I transmissions does not mean I am engine illiterate. In fact, to successfully diagnose today’s super modern computerized transmissions you have to be an engine expert, a diagnostic master and an encyclpedia of all aspects of a car.
Not to many people can claim to have the credentials to be a qualified transmission diagnostician on the new cars. Transmissions are the most complicated part of your car, especially the newer computerized units.
Now that I blog for a company that I personally endorse, (I won’t BS to you about a truly worthy company) I read forums and other FAQ’s about car transmissions while I’m looking for information or other auto related information for my posts. The worst, least valuable and possibly most harmfully information comes from the wanna be mechanics that don’t have a clue, but like to give advise.
The forums who have moderators that really take a proactive stand on their forums so consumers don’t waste money just changing parts because a carpet salesman said so, are OK with me. I sure would not have been advising the heart surgeon during open heart surgery, if you know what I mean!
Unattended forums or irresponsible forum moderators are the worst place to get advise. A typical question might be “My car started to rev up and slow down”. Anyone help out there?
A typical answer may be: Change the fluid and transmission computer, then put a new muffler bearing on it and change the air in your tires.
So you go buy a computer, install it, and the transmission problem is still there. The computer cost 550.00 dollars and the dealership won’t take it back now, because it is a used electrical part.
Diagnosis is your best friend. Ever heard of it? Doctors diagnose problems first. Even the plumber has to diagnose how to solve a leak or non water issue. Why are people so resistant to automotive diagnosis? So is the mechanic with the $4500.00 Snap-On diagnostic scan tool and many ongoing hours of training supposed to do it for free? It might be free, if they do the work.
The point is that diagnosing a problem with your car transmission ASAP almost always saves big money. While you are taking advise from a well intentioned laymen the car is not getting fixed, I assure you the problem is getting worse. In the end when you finally go to a repair shop and the problem has worsened to degree that you will probably need a rebuilt transmission by then.
Seek professional help. Search our transmission blog for an answer to your question. If you don’t see the answer, ask me in the comment box. If you need a rebuilt transmission because you listened to an amateur fulfill their desires of being a transmission mechanic by diagnosing yours other peoples cars too on the internet, then you deserve it.
In ending, any answer I give you is proven to work, in fact I have used the procedure so I know it works. Just remember, diagnostics rule, don’t fool yourself. GotTransmissions.com @ 866-320-1182
