ncampion
Super Nomad
Posts: 1238
Registered: 4-15-2006
Location: Loreto
Member Is Offline
Mood: Retired and Loving it
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Transmission problems in Loreto
So several days ago, the “Service Engine Soon” light comes on in my GMC Yukon XL, however it seems to run fine and I know that little light comes on
for a million different trivial reasons, so I pretty much ignore it for about a week. Then one day, I decide to pull out my OBD II code reader and
hook it up to see what it says. It gives the code “P 0753” which translates to “Transmission shift solenoid A”. OK, so what does that mean?? I do a
little Google search and find that this solenoid controls the shifts of first gear and fourth gear. Hummmmm…. Take it out for a spin on the highway
and sure enough it starts off in second gear then shifts to third gear and that’s it. Funny, the engine has so much torque and is so smooth that I
didn’t even notice it was missing the two other gears!! So I start to worry a bit since I’m getting ready to make the trip up the Baja again, with a
trailer in tow to boot! Further search of car forums find that this could be anything from as simple as a loose electrical connector to a faulty
solenoid to a bad engine management computer. What are the chances of a mechanic in Loreto having the equipment to test and diagnose a modern
electronically controlled transmission you might ask??? Me to. Asked around and got the name of a “good” mechanic, went to see him, “No, I don’t
work on “transmission automatico”. But he recommended his father, Ruben who has a shop south of town. So out I go to see Ruben. I’m figuring that I
could probably just drive it home with these two gears, just be careful passing and keep the top speed down a bit. Ruben is this old guy with a
fantastic shop, big, clean and full of equipment including multiple lifts, and all kinds of tools. He even speaks a little English. I tell him the
story, he says “maybe he can fix it, maybe it’s just a loose connector, the roads down here are bad for connectors.” Puts it on the lift and checks
the connector, says go try it out, still only two gears. He says come back tomorrow, bring a pan gasket, filter and 8 liters of fluid and he’ll fix
it, he even has a part (used but good – he says). The local auto parts place actually has the pan gasket and filter so I drop it off in the morning.
He says come back around 2:00. OK,,, Go back at two and the car’s still on the rack. I look under with him and my God! I have never seen the
inside of a modern electronic transmission, but here I see about a dozen wires, harnesses and connectors hanging down all over the place! I’m
thinking – great I’ll need to tow this thing all the way to San Diego now! Ruben says “not to worry” he’s pretty sure it’s the solenoid” after
checking all the wires. He says come back around 4:00. Back to the shop at 4:00, the car is sitting in the parking lot, apparently all back
together. He says, it’s all fixed, everything is normal. WOW, he did it! How much does it cost? (I didn’t manage to ask that before he started
working). “Oh, about $1500 pesos” What a deal. Can’t even get a US dealer to look at a transmission for $120. Now I know a good transmission
mechanic in Loreto and I have my “new, used” Shift Solenoid A in my car. Wonder when Shift Solenoid B will crap out???
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9011
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
Member Is Offline
Mood: Inquisitive
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Sob, sob.................I'm a sucker for an automotive story with a happy ending.
Good info.
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vandy
Senior Nomad
Posts: 538
Registered: 10-10-2003
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Ruben is my favorite mechanic in the Loreto area. He does just about everything for your vehicle, not just transmissions, and he´s honest as they
come.
He, like all mechanics I´ve ever known (including myself) uses a sliding scale for his work rates. Nicer vehicle more dinero per hour. Still nowhere
even close to what a mechanic charges in the states.
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
Member Is Offline
Mood: Full Time Residents
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can you post a map of where in loreto he's located...3
that city is a NIGHTMARE
i was just there looking for boat parts monday
trannys go out all the time and we need a source
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BAJA.DESERT.RAT
Senior Nomad
Posts: 980
Registered: 11-5-2009
Location: BAJA SUR
Member Is Offline
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Hola ncampion, would you be so kind as to post the mechanic's address and phone number or any equivilant so he can be easily found.
i thank you in advance,
BIEN SALUD, DA RAT
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Loretana
Senior Nomad
Posts: 825
Registered: 5-19-2006
Location: Oregon/Loreto
Member Is Offline
Mood: alegre
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Ruben
I just love Ruben. He has fixed a dozen things for me over the years, and always gets it right.
He has a Chevy pick up just like mine, and that is a real blessing. (my "pizza" truck is a '90 3/4 ton)
He has also fixed my Jeep Cherokee for next to nothing when all that is wrong are loose wires from banging around in the dirt on the way out to my
place.
I like hanging out with him, he has a devilish sense of humor, and knows lots of great gossip.
When you are driving south on the highway out of Loreto, he is the large compound with the big wall on the right side just past the Loreto Airport
turnoff. 
his phone # is 613-114-6191
[Edited on 7-3-2010 by Loretana]
"If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration."
-Nikola Tesla
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