How Accurate Are Transmission Diagnostics?

Transmission inspections at Ralph’s Transmission consist of three primary steps:

1. Road Test
2. Diagnostic Test
3. Physical Inspection

Our expert transmission technicians go through each of these procedures in order to identify the source of the transmission problem. This way, we can recommend the necessary transmission maintenance or repairs to address the issue at hand. You can read past articles to learn more about road testing (click here) and the differences between external and internal inspections (click here). Today, we want to talk about diagnostic testing and the role it service in our transmission inspection process.

Our Diagnostic Testing Process

At Ralph’s Transmission, we utilize the latest diagnostic testing equipment to connect directly with your vehicle’s computer system. The computer is attached to many different sensors located throughout the vehicle, including sensors relating to transmission system performance. The transmission speed sensor is one of the most important, but all play their part to help monitor the health of the vehicle. Our diagnosticians are looking for fault codes that can come up when the computer tests are run. These fault codes relate directly to different systems, sensors and equipment to help narrow down the problem.

How Accurate Are Transmission Diagnostics?

The more advanced the vehicle and its computer system, the more precise these fault codes can be. Diagnostics are ultimately very helpful in the transmission inspection process. Road testing helps the technicians experience the issues that a driver is describing, which can often tell us quite a lot. Then, the diagnostic testing can help pinpoint the issues to look for when performing the physical inspection. We still look at everything carefully, but any specific fault codes revealed during the diagnostics stage are always very helpful.

Old School & New School

Modern diagnostic testing equipment is very accurate and today’s automotive computer systems are more advanced than ever. Diagnostics aren’t the only answer, but it is a very important part of the transmission inspection process. At Ralph’s Transmission, we utilize this technology to our customers’ advantage, along with old school mechanical techniques that will always be effective. Our thorough, multi-step procedures ensure we find out exactly what’s wrong with your vehicle and can provide the necessary repairs.

If you are experiencing transmission issues in the Central Valley, call Ralph’s Transmission at 209.526.1909 or schedule your service appointment online for a free transmission inspection and diagnostic test.

/Contact Us