There are many things that can cause torque converter clutch (TCC) cycling on Dodge diesels, from poor grounds to a failed fuel pump or a plugged fuel...
Since the introduction of On-Board Diagnostics, Generation 2, or OBD-II, PCMs have done a pretty good job of monitoring oxygen sensors and setting diagnostic...
When you travel in a rough neighborhood, the way you show or earn respect is an important ritual. As a young adult, I worked in a warehouse on the east side of...
Mercedes Benz technology is usually a little ahead of its time, so, when I heard Mercedes was using a new direct shift gearbox, I thought, “well it’s about...
Introduced in the 2007 model year, the 6L80E (code JMBX) created challenges for rebuilders’ right out of the gate. Such as friction failures, cracked...
The 65RFE was introduced in 2012; it appears in the Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Dodge Ram 1500 with 4.7L and 5.7L engines. The 66RFE was available...
Why Don’t You Ask For Referrals?
I’ve asked thousands of audience members and client staffers that question. Here are the most common...
In the last issue of GEARS, we explored testing techniques for failing digital sensors, and covered a sound diagnostic plan of attack. In this issue, we’ll...
Up Your Business is an exclusive GEARS Magazine feature in which I share stories, insights, and reflections about real business and life challenges.
There’s...
On April 15 and 16, 2016, I’ll be out of the office: I’ll be in Seattle, Washington, attending the Torque Converter Rebuilders Association (TCRA) seminar...
In the last issue of GEARS we looked at oxygen sensor testing, and it brought up some interesting questions about fuel trim. As a result, we’ll spend the...
There’s one problem that nearly every repair shop has found itself facing: finding good help. More and more high-quality employees are reaching retirement...
I was doing some research at a local shop one day while they were working on a late model Toyota Camry equipped with a 2.5L, 4-cylinder engine and a U760E...
During the recent Powertrain Expo, we discussed the idea of reaching out to the next generation of technicians and finding a way to bring them into the...
There are different kinds of buyers for transmission shops: consumers, moms, dads. But, as I learned while speaking at ATRA’s Expo last October, some of you...
Over the years I’ve developed a specific reputation with GEARS readers; you see my byline and you figure I’m going to be talking about tech. Not all that...
Many of you are seeing a lot of radiator issues in a variety of car makes and models. They’re common on Nissans and Mercedes vehicles.
But are you missing...
Lately a substantial number of transmission shops have begun to expand into general repairs. But at Baker’s Transmission Service, LLC in Grand Junction...
“No matter what your age, “Growing old takes no effort. It’s really easy to swim downstream.” (From the song, ReZoom The Boom.)
It takes absolutely no...
The focus of the management track at this year’s Expo was how to help today’s shops attract new technicians. It’s become an increasingly urgent...