Diagnostics
30
years ago, a transmission diagnostic was very simple because
transmissions were simple. They had one or two mechanical
controls – a cable and/or spinning weight. A technician could
check those parts in 2-3 minutes and know if your transmission
needed internal repairs or it your problem was one of those
controls. All it took was a simple probe and a book.
Today’s transmissions have dozens of electronic sensors of their own and they rely on many other sensors, systems, computers and miles of wiring to properly perform. It takes time, training and a great deal of expensive diagnostic equipment to properly perform a complete transmission diagnostic on a modern car or truck. Anything later than 1992 will have a lot of electronics associated with the transmission – some models go back even earlier. You simply can’t do the job right in only a few minutes.
The result of skipping detailed diagnostics is that minor problems are often mis-diagnosed as major, internal problems. Each and every week, we see cars where another shop has told the owner that the transmission needs to come out where the real problem is nothing more than a sensor or wiring problem. In fact, almost half the cars brought to us where another shop has said the transmission needs to be replaced or rebuilt do not need that level of repair.
You wouldn’t you go to a Doctor who only does quick physical exams, skips the X-Rays and CAT Scans then tells you that it is time for major surgery. Why would you do that with your car and your wallet?
At AAMCO of Lee’s Summit, we perform detailed diagnostics on almost all vehicles and our people get paid to give you honest answers. We are proud about the number of cars we diagnose that do not have major transmission troubles when the owner has been told otherwise.