Automatic Transmission History

Today’s automatic transmission can follow back to the early horseless carriage gearbox. It was developed in 1904 by the Sturtevant brothers in Boston. In the automatic transmission’s earliest form it had only two forward speeds. The shift between gears was controlled by flyweights that were driven by the engine. When the vehicle went into higher engine speeds the flyweights would pull out and push the vehicle into the higher gear. As the vehicle and engine speed would slow the weights would contract and allow the vehicle to shift back into the low gear. During this time metal science had not come as far and the strength was not durable. This means that many of these transmissions would fail with little to no warning.

Addition Of Reverse & User Control

Ford’s Model T was the next big phase of development of what we now use in our vehicles. The development of a reverse gear plus the user actuated transmission were big advancements in transmission technology. The pedals in the vehicle controlled the transmissions’ friction elements. In this case these were clutches and bands. This type of transmission required user skill to make a smooth start and know when to shift, but in some respects was easier to use than today’s unsynchronized manual transmission.

General Motors and REO developed semi-automatic transmissions in 1934. These were considerably easier to operate than the fully manual transmissions. These vehicles did feature a clutch that the user had to use to engage the motor with the transmission. The General Motors transmission at this time used a power shifting planetary gearbox. This unit was sensitive to road speed, and hydraulically controlled.

Introduction Of Fluid Couplings

During the 1930’s the automotive world also started to try to solve the problem of how to prevent the motor from stalling at a stop while the transmission was in gear. The answer was the fluid coupling. The first mass produced automatic transmission was the Hyrda-Matic transmission that was released by General Motors.

The Hydra-Matic was an available option for purchase on Oldsmobiles and later GM’s Cadillacs. These transmissions had the fluid coupling and hydraulically controlled planetary gearsets. This made it possible to have 4 forward speeds and included a reverse gear. The transmission was sensitive to road speed and throttle position. This meant the vehicle would automatically up and down shift to adjust for operating conditions.

GM started featuring the Hydra-Matic in both the Pontiac and Cadillac lines and started selling the transmission to other auto makers. Some of the biggest names in automotive manufactures began buying and installing these transmission in their vehicle lines. This included Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Hudson, Nash, and Kaiser.

The original Hydra-Matic possessed two of the most sought after features that are incorporated in today’s transmissions. These are the good ratio spread and overdrive. With well designed ratios there was good acceleration and excellent “step-off”. In the higher gears the fluid coupling only handled some of the engine’s torque. This translated to a good degree of efficiency. This made the early version of the automatic transmission similar to today’s lock-up torque converter. 

Automotive Diagnostics

Here at Acclaim Car and Truck, each repair service offered comes with 30 minutes of free diagnostic checks. It is our mission to maintain your safety and the safety of your vehicle by keeping it in superior working condition. We are able to assist you in remaining safe with our free diagnostics program, that way you remain on top of your vehicles maintenance and care routine.

Common sensor malfunctions and engine issues are as follows:

• ·         Loose or faulty fuel cap
• ·         Oxygen sensor
• ·         Mass air flow sensor
• ·         Catalytic converter
• ·         Bad spark plugs or wiring

Auto Diagnostic’s Shop

Acclaim Car and Truck Repair is the place to go for the Scottsdale, AZ area for your auto diagnostic needs. If your vehicle is malfunctioning, it often provides a fault code to the computer, also known as the Electronic Control Unit (ECU).

Troubleshooting Car Issues – Automotive Diagnostics Scottsdale, Arizona

The ECU monitors your car or trucks RPMs, the fuel injection system, among other various processes that keeps the vehicle running. Because of this, the ECU is always working to ensure processes are inline. If your car or truck begins to experience malfunctions or sensors go out, the ECU will detect it instantly and shoot a fault code. This turns on the check engine light, then stores information in the memory until a technician can check it.

If you think the light can simply be turned off and the issue goes away, it won’t. The reason is because the issue does not simply go away, once you drive certain intervals the light will automatically come back on. There are sensors built into certain components of the engine that alert the ECU of certain problems not functioning properly. The fault code for each of these problems gets stored in the ECU, and the only way to detect the code is by using an automotive diagnostics scanner or code reader. This is a feature on all vehicles since 1990.

We have professionals that use auto diagnostic tools that are high tech or checking the car’s computer for any malfunction fault codes to diagnose your auto electrical or mechanical engine issues that are occurring. We are also able to diagnose transmission issues.

We understand the check engine light can be scary, but you shouldn’t worry. Acclaim Car and Truck Repair is ready to service your vehicle with our many years of experience with diagnosing engine malfunctions. We’ll diagnose the issue, give an estimated repair cost, and fix the issue quickly so you can be back on the road, safely.

We take pride in knowing we are able to detect and then repair problems quickly, no matter how weird it may be, while being accurate and affordable. We understand your vehicle is very important for daily living, and it is our goal to ensure you get it repair and back to safe road conditions as quickly as possible while using only high quality methods.

Understanding Dashboard Lights

Wondering why the Check Engine Light came on? Maybe there is a serious issue or is it minor? AutoZone is ready to assist you with the top five causes for the Check Engine Light.

The Oxygen (O2) Sensor needs to be replaced

The oxygen sensor helps to measure the unburned oxygen levels in the exhaust system.

What happens if it’s not replaced?

• ·         You can experience fuel economy loss, up to 40%
• ·         More fuel will be burned by the engine than required
• ·         Additional damage can be caused by faulty sensors, including catalytic converter or spark plug damage

Damaged, lose or missing gas cap

The purpose of a gas cap is because it seals the fuel system and keeping its pressure maintained inside. It also helps prevent gasoline fumes, also known as hydrocarbons, from escaping into the atmosphere during use.

·         What happens if it’s not replaced?

• ·         You may need to refuel more often
• ·         You can lose fuel via evaporation

Catalytic Converter needs to be replaced

The purpose of the catalytic converter is to protect the environment by converting the cabon monoxide and turning it into carbon dioxide. Neglecting maintenance can often lead to damages, which are causes number 1, 4 and 5.

What happens if it’s not replaced?

• ·         You experience poor fuel economy and performance
• ·         The vehicle won’t pass an emissions test
• ·         The car could overheat

Mass Airflow Sensor should be replaced

The mass airflow sensor helps the vehicle measure the air that enters the engine for determining the amount of fuel required to property run the engine.

What if it’s not replaced?

• ·         You will have poor fuel economy and performance
• ·         The faulty sensors could lead to more damage to 02 sensors, catalytic converter or the spark plugs

Plug wires or spark plugs need to be replaced

The spark plugs help it ignite the fuel/air mixture within the combustion chamber of the car or truck. Spark plug wires help to deliver a spark to the spark plugs from the ignition coil.

What happens if it’s not replaced?

• ·         Work plug wires or plugs can lead to the catalytic converter being clogged or the ignition coils as well as O2 sensors can be damaged.
• ·         You will get lower fuel economy and poor performance and power

Call us today at 480-429-1765 with any questions you may have regarding our Scottsdale, Arizona location.

Signs You Need A Classic Car Transmission Rebuild

All types of machinery experience wear and the transmissions in our classic cars are not impervious to this. When they get older, used a lot, or abused they will need to be rebuilt or replaced. Knowing the signs you might need a classic car transmission rebuild helps you keep your pride and joy going strong. Catching problems early also can mean the difference between driving in for a repair, and getting towed in.

Troubled Transmission Signs

Whether you are the original owner or have just bought your classic from a dealer or private owners your car might be telling you a story. Knowing what to listen for and keep track of helps you stop problems when they are smaller and less expensive to repair. Keep an eye out for the following signs that something is amiss with your transmission.

Burning Smells – Unless you are drag racing or have slide to a stop under heavy braking you should not smell any burning rubber smells. The smell of burning rubber can be a clear indication that something is wrong with your transmission. The smell can mean that your transmission fluid is breaking down or worse is allowing damage to your vehicle. The fluids job is to keep the transmission lubricated and cool. It cannot do its job if it has broken down. The smell is a clear sign that something is wrong and it very likely could be the transmission.

Slipping Gears – If you are cruising down the road and your vehicle suddenly pops out of gear, your transmission is having problems. This can be a very dangerous situation when you need to be able to rely on your vehicle for sudden surges of power to avoid collisions. The problem can be as simple as the link that keeps your vehicle in gear. They get worn and could need a replacement. Don’t ignore this issue as it can lead to life threatening situations. You need a transmission you can count on that is as sure as the ground under your feet.

Noisy Neutral Gear – If when you are in neutral and you hear a bump, you might be in luck. This is a sign that you might just need to add some transmission fluid. If that doesn’t fix the problem you can try changing your transmission fluid. This can solve a lot of the issues people have with their transmissions. If you still notice a bump in neutral a part in your transmission is failing and should be looked at by a professional.

Sluggish Shifting – Vehicles shouldn’t need to be convinced to go into gear. Sluggish shifting is a sign that something is wrong with your transmission. When you pull the vehicle from park into drive it should be smooth transition. You might be able to work with your transmission and force the vehicle to go into gear, but this can be a very serious problem. 

Resto-modding & Restoring Classic Cars

An ever increasing number of people from every age group are getting into classic cars. Owning a piece of history is an intoxicating hobby and knowing how to restore these vehicles the way we want them to be is a big part of choosing which car to buy, or how to restore them.

Resto-modding Classic Cars

Resto-modding classic cars differs from restoring in the approach and end goal of how the work is carried out. Resto-modding describes the choosing of modern parts and new technologies that did not exist when the vehicle was first produced. This can make the vehicle more comfortable and safer to drive. Technology has come a long way in the last 40 years to make vehicles safer. The brakes, suspension, steering, and air bags have all been improved and will make the driving of these classics much safer. Even the comfort and navigation technologies have come a long way.

The inclusion of improved modern air conditioning can make the owning and daily driving of classic cars much more enjoyable. With addition of GPS taking your classic out for a road trip can be just as easy as rolling out of your driveway in the current model year. The biggest difference is having the classic car rumble and excitement for driving.

Replacing or increasing the horsepower of the motor is one of the favorite projects of resto-modders. Being able to push more and more horsepower out of these vehicles makes them more fun and more exciting to drive.

Restoring Classic Cars

When people restore classic vehicles the goal is different than resto-modding. The approach is more about staying true to the original design and factory equipment. In fact some replacement parts are still sitting on shelves from the original runs back decades ago. This means the parts are made for your vehicle and have never been used. These are known as “new old stock” parts. They are considered a premium part and do cost more than other replacements but do offer the truly restored, factory original vehicle repair.

The other option is reproduction replacement parts. These will still stay true to the original look and design of the vehicle. These efforts are made to restore a classic to be what it was and be an example of automotive tradition.

Which Restoration Style Is Right?

There is no definitive answer for which way is better as it comes down to personal preference. If the goal is to take the vehicle to auto shows as an example of the perfect factory reflection, restoring classic cars is a better approach. If you plan to use this vehicle as your daily driver and want to commute to work in it, resto-modding might fit better. You won’t be winning any classic car meet up awards for original restoration, but driving to work every day will be safer with modern brakes and safer steering and suspension. Not to mention upgraded air conditioning is not really an option during the intense summer heat. 

My Car Smells Like... | Car Problems By Smell

One of the easiest ways to tell if you car has a problem is by the smell. There are a few car problems that put out noticeable smells. In this article we will list smelly automotive signals to help you find out what's wrong with your car based off the smell.

Smelly Automotive Signals

Burnt Rubber Smell -  If you have a burning rubber smell coming from your automobile, it's very likely that you have a belt or hose problem. One of your belts is worn out or one of your hoses are burnt. Open up your hood and visually inspect your belts and hoses for warps, cracks, etc. Can't tell if your belts or hoses look worn or damaged? Take your car to the nearest automotive repair shop to get a quick diagnostic check.

Sweet Smell - If you are noticing a profound sweet smell coming from your vehicle, its very likely you have a coolant system problem. Engine coolant is known for smelling sweet. The sweet smell is actually produced by an ingredient called ethylene glycol. You may have a coolant leak or your coolant could be burning inside of the engine. If you are noticing a burnt sweet smell, that's a clear sign that your oil may be low or have a malfunctioning water pump or thermostat.

Burnt Carpet Smell - Burnt carpet smells coming from your vehicle usually come from bad brakes. Although, this smell might be natural if you have been driving in a lot of stop and go traffic. If you are noticing this smell, it is usually a sign that your brake pads are lifting once the brake is released or that the brake pads are dragging on the rotor.

Smells Like Rotten Eggs - If your car smells like rotten eggs you most likely have a bad catalytic converter. This is a high cost repair that is necessary to pass emission testing. Most newer vehicle manufacturers will replace this for free under your warranty. Call your dealer to find out if your catalytic converter is still under warranty. Is your car not under warranty anymore? You will have to pay out of pocket to get this repaired. Contact a trustworthy automotive shop near you for a diagnostic check.

Smells Like Burning Oil – Does your car smell like oil is burning? This could mean multiple things, the most common is that you do not have enough oil in your engine or you need an oil change. Although, this could also mean you have a leak from your crankshaft or valve cover. These are very expensive repairs to fix and are not likely if your car is 7 years old or newer. In either case, make sure you get your car inspected by a licensed auto mechanic as soon as possible to avoid bigger problems.