why are general mechanics so afraid of automatic transmissions?

Question

i have over 20 years as a professinal mecanic, and i dont understand why general mechanics are afraid to work on them.i have done both and prefer transmissions?

Answer 1

its a matter of preferance.
i know when i was wrenching there were things and jobs that i didnt enjoy, and others that i preferred. i still did those other jobs, but "was more stimulated" by the ones that i preferred.

also the auto tranny is a very complex unit. very easy to misdiagnose. very easy to screw up. and very expensive to replace if you do screw it up. compare that to an alternator or waterpump. and even if the "faulty" waterpump damages the engine its a lot cheaper to rebuild/ replace the engine than to replace an auto tranny.

Answer 2

Then you know the answer to your own question.
For the guy on the line, they take too much time to make money flat-rate. If he is the trans mechanic, then he is faster, and remembers the little quirks of each, AND he has the specialty tools for each.

Answer 3

i don't know if afraid is the right term to use on this. most mechanics i know work on most parts of the car but the tranny has a lot of moving parts and if you have never had the training it can become a nightmare real quick trying to overhaul one. not to mention frustrating if you do nothave the specialty tools to do the job right.

Answer 4

That's like asking, "Why are SUV drivers afraid to drive sub compacts?". It's not about being afraid. It's about having a preference for what you chose to do in life.

Have you thought about those folks who choose only to work on tranmissions, and wouldn't touch another part of the car no matter how much you paid them?

To say they are afraid is unfair. To say they are comfortable in what they choose to do is a much more accurate statement.