The Portland Mechanics Blog
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Did You Know That Repairing A Manual Car Transmission Costs Less
Here Is Why Repairing A Manual Car Transmission Generally Costs Less Money
Because a manual transmission in vehicles are built mechanically simpler, they are more easily manufactured, and have fewer moving parts than an automatic transmission, so generally speaking, they require less maintenance and are easier to repair.
Typically, there are no electrical components, pumps and cooling mechanisms – in the manual transmission – other than an internal switch to activate reversing lighting.
Manual transmissions are far less popular in the United States than in other countries around the world.
The price of a new car with a manual transmission will generally be lower than an identical model car with an automatic transmission.
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Soon a majority of mainstream midsize sedans will have standard automatic transmissions and no manual transmission option.
It’s been a long time coming. The stick shift has stuck around longer on midsize sedans than on other body styles, probably due to the broad appeal of the segment; these cars still make up the most vehicle sales in the U.S. The manual-transmission option also allowed marketing departments to advertise the highest fuel-efficiency figures and the lowest base prices, which were usually found on the manual-equipped models.
But automatic transmissions have become more efficient, and sometimes they deliver better gas mileage than their manual-transmission cousins. The automatic-equipped 2012 Subaru Legacy gets 26 mpg combined while the manual gets 22 mpg, for instance.
Although automatic-equipped cars usually cost about $1,000 more than their manual-transmission counterparts, so few people are opting for the shift thrower that car makers are abandoning the option. The latest to do so was Hyundai. The 2013 Hyundai Sonata is no longer offered with a manual transmission. This has raised the car’s base price by $1,100 and docked 1 mpg from its fuel-economy rating in city driving, but few people were opting for the manual, according to Hyundai. Of the 225,961 Sonatas sold last year, just 1,725 had a manual transmission, said Miles Johnson, Hyundai’s product public relations manager….
More at Manual Transmissions Fading Out of Midsize Sedan Lineups …
Mercedes-Benz’s new cruise control system goes beyond regulating speed and braking. The system, called Predictive Powertrain Control, reduces fuel consumption by using GPS technology to shift a transmission based on the topography ahead. Mercedes says it’s the first system to link GPS and gearbox shifting together.
Currently offered in theMercedes-Benz Actros big-rig truck, Predictive Powertrain Control is said to increase fuel efficiency by three percent, making it an attractive feature for companies looking to reduce their fleet’s average fuel consumption. The system also features an EcoRoll function, which can automatically perform a single or double downshift.
Mercedes first offered a GPS-based cruise control system for its Freightliner trucks back in 2009, but it only regulated speed and not the transmission….
More at GPS-Based Cruise Control by Mercedes-Benz Will Shift Transmission to Improve Fuel Economy
This video shows in a simplified way, what happens when the shift stick is moved and gears are engaged.
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Rest assured, that before we start any work on your transmission, we will be happy to give you an estimate of the costs for any services needed.
If you notice anything at all unusual don’t wait!
The problems will only get worse and more expensive
503.287.3022
Comfort Auto Body And Repair In Portland Oregon
2653 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Portland, OR 97212
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Feel free to give us a call today and schedule A Transmission Inspection For Your Vehicle
Does Your Vehicle Have An Electronic Transmission?
Does An Electronic Transmission Make Your Car Run Better?
Electronic Transmission
Most new cars today depend on an electronic transmission to offer better shifting quality and shifting timing. Even though electronically controlled transmissions function in the same basic way as the hydraulic transmissions did way back when, the computer adds a new level of efficiency.
Electronic transmissions use speed sensors to check on vehicle shifting, as well as what is going on inside the transmission.
When electronic transmission settings do not match up properly, a fault code may be set, this indicates that something may be wrong with the way the transmission is shifting gears.
This may now cause the electronic transmission settings to go into a default mode, which generally turns all of the sensors off and then leaves the transmission stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear, and often not able to shift and move your vehicle at all.
The electronic transmission controls on modern vehicles are impressive. With the advancement of this automotive technology vehicle manufacturers are able to increase fuel economy and provide better performance at the same time.
Through the use of an electronic transmission, they now have better shifting quality and shift timing. Although electronically controlled transmissions function in the same basic way as the hydraulic ones did back in the 60′s the computer adds a new level of efficiency….
More at Using snapshot mode on automotive scanners
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Rest assured, that before we start any work on your transmission, we will be happy to give you an estimate of the costs for any services needed.
If you notice anything at all unusual don’t wait!
The problems will only get worse and more expensive
So feel free to give us a call today and schedule A Transmission Inspection For Your Vehicle
Click Here For A Free Electronic Transmission Inspection Coupon
503.287.3022
Comfort Auto Body And Repair
2653 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Portland, OR 97212
Click Here For Map And Directions
Click Here For Oil Change Special
“The Home of Honest and Friendly Service”
Thank You For Considering Us!
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Comfort Auto Can Help With Any Of Your Electronic Transmission Repairs
Sounds Like Motor Vehicle Troubles
Here Is What To Look Out For When It Sounds Like Motor Vehicle Troubles
Squeaks, squeals, rattles, rumbles, and other sounds provide valuable clues about motor vehicle problems and maintenance needs.
Here are some common noises and what they mean.
Sounds Of Motor Vehicle Troubles
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Squeal — A shrill, sharp noise, usually related to engine speed:
Loose or worn power steering, fan or air conditioning belt.
Click — A slight sharp noise, related to either engine speed or vehicle speed:
Loose wheel cover.
Loose or bent fan blade.
Stuck valve lifter or low engine oil.
Screech — A high-pitched, piercing metallic sound; usually occurs while the vehicle is in motion:
Caused by brake wear indicators to let you know it’s time for maintenance.
Rumble — a low-pitched rhythmic sound.
Defective exhaust pipe, converter or muffler.
Worn universal joint or other drive-line component.
Ping — A high-pitched metallic tapping sound, related to engine speed:
Usually caused by using gas with a lower octane rating than recommended. Check your owner’s manual for the proper octane rating. If the problem persists, engine ignition timing could be at fault.
Heavy Knock — A rhythmic pounding sound:
Worn crankshaft or connecting rod bearings.
Loose transmission torque converter.
Clunk — A random thumping sound:
Loose shock absorber or other suspension component.
Loose exhaust pipe or muffler.
Brake Problems
Brake problems have several symptoms. Schedule diagnosis and repair if:
The vehicle pulls to one side when the brakes are applied.
The brake pedal sinks to the floor when pressure is maintained.
You hear or feel scraping or grinding during braking.
The “brake” light on the instrument panel is lit.
Motor Vehicle Engine Symptoms
The following symptoms indicate engine trouble. Get a diagnosis and schedule the repair.
Difficulty starting the engine.
The “check engine” light on the instrument panel is lit.
Rough idling or stalling.
Poor acceleration.
Poor fuel economy.
Excessive oil use (more than one quart between changes).
Engine continues running after the key is removed.
Motor Vehicle Transmission Problems
Poor transmission performance may come from actual component failure or a simple disconnected hose or plugged filter. Make sure the technician checks the simple items first; transmission repairs normally are expensive. Some of the most common symptoms of transmission problems are:
Abrupt or hard shifts between gears.
Delayed or no response when shifting from neutral to drive or reverse.
Failure to shift during normal acceleration.
Slippage during acceleration. The engine speeds up, but the vehicle does not respond.
Troubleshooting Your Motor Vehicle
Car trouble doesn’t always mean major repairs. Here are some common causes of trouble and techniques to help you and your technician find and fix problems.
Alternator — Loose wiring can make your alternator appear defective. Your technician should check for loose connections and perform an output test before replacing the alternator.
Battery — Corroded or loose battery terminals can make the battery appear dead or defective. Your technician should clean the terminals and test battery function before replacing the battery.
Starter — What appears to be a defective starter actually may be a dead battery or poor connection. Ask your technician to check all connections and test the battery before repairing the starter.
Muffler — a loud rumbling noise under your vehicle indicates a need for a new muffler or exhaust pipe.
Tuneup — The old-fashioned “tuneup” may not be relevant to your vehicle. Fewer parts, other than belts, spark plugs, hoses and filters, need to be replaced on newer vehicles. Follow the recommendations in your owner’s manual.
Stop by or call for to set up a complete Motor Vehicle inspection
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503.287.3022
2653 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Portland Oregon 97212
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