Schedule

The Automatic Transmission R&R Boot Camp

This course focuses on diagnosing and troubleshooting automatic transmission issues. It covers the entire process, from vehicle intake with a transmission problem to replacing the transmission and test driving the vehicle. Developed by Master ASE Certified Technicians, the course teaches essential skills for working with modern transmissions, including:

• Identifying drivability issues that may seem like internal failures and how to address them.
• Effective diagnostic testing techniques.
• Recommended tools for efficiency.
• Creating a routine for flawless installation.
• Strategies for the smooth operation of modern automatic transmissions.
• Setting clear expectations with vehicle owners for long transmission life.
• Special focus on 6, 8, and 10-speed domestic transmissions.
• Understanding aftermarket improvements.
• Performing a gold-standard test drive and shift adaptation.

The course is designed to enhance the skills needed for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining modern automatic transmissions in today’s complex automotive landscape.

Logical Diagnostic Decisions for Drivability Dilemmas

 This is a critical thinking or logical approach class to address many of the issues that face techs every day; working on systems that are new to them or that they have little or no experience diagnosing. The course is a mix of critical thinking, theory, diagnostic testing methods, tooling and real-world case studies addressing mechanical testing, fuel trim diagnostics, ignition testing and network communication issues. We will also discuss graphing scan data, archiving data and other useful diagnostic software.

There are lots of real-world case studies will be used to illustrate these processes and techniques. You will see how you can diagnose each type of problem with basic and high-tech tools. Learn how to structure your diagnostic process, see what your results should be, and where to go next.  We will also examine the “Flatrater” test drive and how to gather information quickly and efficiently.

Logical Diagnostic Decisions for Drivability Dilemmas

 This is a critical thinking or logical approach class to address many of the issues that face techs every day; working on systems that are new to them or that they have little or no experience diagnosing. The course is a mix of critical thinking, theory, diagnostic testing methods, tooling and real-world case studies addressing mechanical testing, fuel trim diagnostics, ignition testing and network communication issues. We will also discuss graphing scan data, archiving data and other useful diagnostic software.

There are lots of real-world case studies will be used to illustrate these processes and techniques. You will see how you can diagnose each type of problem with basic and high-tech tools. Learn how to structure your diagnostic process, see what your results should be, and where to go next.  We will also examine the “Flatrater” test drive and how to gather information quickly and efficiently.

Down to the Ground

Bad grounds may fool careless or uninformed technicians.  Boost your diagnostic confidence by attending Dan’s class.  Here, he explains time-honored voltage-drop methods that pinpoint bad grounds on everything from sensors, computers and actuators to starters and alternators.  Dan includes common, known-good ground-side values he learned firsthand during diagnosis.

ZF Transmission Diagnostics

This training session will cover all ZF transmission diagnostics including, 6HP, 8HP, 9HP and the latest ZF Gen IV.

As transmission technology continues to evolve, as it did in the case of the ZF 6HP, the diagnostic process must also evolve. During this in-depth training, diagnostic procedures will be covered that will take the guesswork out of the diagnostic and repair process, and will add valuable skills that translate well to repair facilities.

• Explain the diagnostic procedure for the ZF 8HP,6HP, 9HP
• Analyze transmission adaptation values
• Identify the different characteristics of pressure regulators
• Explain adaptation values to assist in the diagnostic procedure
• List most common failures of the ZF transmission

HP Tuning for GM and Ford 6,8, and 10 speeds

Mark Wheeler has a passion for teaching and 30 years in the transmission industry to back it. He will introduce you to methods of programming GM and Ford late model transmissions to improve shift quality and lock up control. Modifications to the shift and lock up strategies improves the drivability of these vehicles while also eliminating customer NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) complaints.

Understanding the 6L80: Diagnostics, Data & Practical Insights

Join Reese for a technical walk-through of one of GM’s most widely used rear-wheel drive transmissions, the 6L80. This session will explore practical diagnostic strategies, key scan tool PIDs, and real-world data interpretation techniques. Whether you’re identifying internal issues or external conditions affecting performance, this class is designed to offer clarity and confidence in assessing and servicing this unit.

Attendees will gain perspective on the process from diagnosis through delivery — with a focus on efficiency, accuracy, and customer communication.

A Deep Dive into 8, 9, and 10-speed Hydraulics: Operation, Circuitry and Failure Prevention

Understanding the hydraulics portion of transmission function and control is essential to finding root-cause failures. Bob Warnke and Jim Dial will take you deep inside the hydraulic operation of these late-model units to help you understand how they really work. This class will cover regulator, Limit, Latch, and select valve operation and how different hydraulic circuits are related. Included in this presentation is the new 10-speed pressure regulation hydraulic circuit operation. They will also cover failures that can occur when these circuits malfunction. Don’t miss this need-to-know information!

Can Bus Operation and Diagnosis

The seminar will look at the construction of the Controller Area Network (CAN) communication bus, the vehicle uses to communicate between various vehicle system control modules as well as your scan tool. We will look at how the CAN system works as well as how do diagnosis the system when a communication problem occurs. In addition, we will focus on the dreaded “U” trouble codes that have become common place in our industry.

Shift Anatomy of Modern Transmissions, Part 2

Gain a new level of understanding of how these units work behind the scenes! Sean takes us inside late-model transmission shift strategy on a level that no OEM has dared. In this class, you will explore solenoid command versus actual clutch pressure response on 6, 8, and 10-speed GM applications. He will also explore torque management related to overall powertrain control to produce the best shift quality and range selection for any driving condition. As a bonus, he will also touch on how tuners affect shift quality, scan data PID monitoring for accurate diagnosing, and more. This class will give you new tools to tackle the complex problems related to these units.

CVTS JF011E/JF015E/JF016E/K112/VT1:

El Desafío del diagnóstico y la reparación en el mundo CVT

La reparación de transmisiones CVT en la actualidad se ha limitado al cambio de partes mas no a la reparación como tal. Comprender su funcionamiento hidráulico, así como las razones de sus fallas son las claves para romper con este mito de la no reconstrucción de las transmisiones CVT. Esta clase cubrirá diagnóstico utilizando herramienta básica, así como equipos, funcionamiento hidráulico, fallas comunes y las soluciones a las mismas. ¡Dejemos de reemplazarlas y logremos repararlas!

Vámonos Recio

Este curso se centra en mejorar la eficiencia en el diagnóstico, armado, montado y realización de una prueba de manejo eficaz y contra garantías. Incluye el análisis de presiones y modificaciones en la transmisión 68RFE, diagnóstico y reparación de la caja de válvulas del 8L90, así como la selección de  turbinas de alto desempeño para motores de gasolina y diésel.

Blame it on the Tuner, Part 7

Pepe brings you tested tips, tricks, and modifications that you need to make transmissions last in the most extreme environments. He will take you on a tour of the most recent heavy-duty units currently on the market including the 10L1000, 10R140, and 6R140. He will also cover 8L90 stock and performance tuning. Be prepared to receive a wealth of information!

Fixes from the Builder’s Bench

The latest solutions from one of the industry’s most renowned transmission specialists!  Take a journey into the complaint, cause and cure process for some of the latest fixes to use in your shop immediately.  Be ready to take notes and ask questions!

Entendiendo la 6L80: Diagnóstico, Datos y Perspectivas Prácticas

Acompaña a Reese en un recorrido técnico por una de las transmisiones más utilizadas de tracción trasera de GM: la 6L80. Esta sesión ofrece un enfoque práctico hacia estrategias de diagnóstico, lectura e interpretación de datos con escáner, y revisión de PIDs clave. Ya sea que el problema esté dentro de la transmisión o relacionado con factores externos, el objetivo es aportar claridad al proceso de evaluación y servicio.

Exploraremos el camino desde el diagnóstico hasta la entrega del vehículo, con énfasis en la eficiencia, la precisión y la confianza al momento de comunicar hallazgos al cliente.

Diagnósticos de Transmisión ZF

Esta capacitación cubrirá todos los diagnósticos de transmisión ZF, incluyendo 6HP, 8HP, 9HP y el último ZF Gen IV.

A medida que la tecnología de transmisión continúa evolucionando, como ocurrió en el caso del ZF 6HP, el proceso de diagnóstico también debe evolucionar. Durante esta formación en profundidad, se cubrirán procedimientos de diagnóstico que eliminarán la conjetura del proceso de diagnóstico y reparación, y añadirán habilidades valiosas que se traducen bien en las instalaciones de reparación.

• Explicar el procedimiento de diagnóstico para el ZF 8HP, 6HP, 9HP
• Analizar los valores de adaptación de la transmisión
• Identificar las diferentes características de los reguladores de presión
• Explicar los valores de adaptación para ayudar en el procedimiento diagnóstico
• Enumerar los fallos más comunes de la transmisión ZF

Time: 8-10 am

Industry Round table discussion

Speakers: Jimmy Taylor and Drake Ohe

Diagnosing and Resolving Automotive Electrical Issues and Their Impact on Transmission Operation

Can a weak battery or a faulty spark plug cause transmission slipping or poor shifting? Find out as ATRA’s Jimmy Taylor and Drake Ohe take you on a deep diagnostic journey into electrical and engine-related issues that can mimic transmission failures. This class will cover drivability concerns, engine-related fault codes, and electrical issues that can mislead your diagnosis. You’ll also learn how to distinguish between true transmission problems and external factors affecting its operation. Expect lively discussions and real-world case studies that will sharpen your diagnostic skills and help you avoid costly misdiagnoses.