Transmission Destroyed By Python 871xp

... to drop out of legalese.. burden of proof lies with mabuffalo. He has to demonstrate that the miswiring of the unit was what caused the damage to the transmission. Without knowing how it was miswired, I can't really comment on that aspect of it, except to say that I would agree with mabuffalo's assessment that this would be an extremely rare failure mode.. if we apply Bishop Occam's theory to the information as stated (excluding any information not revealed; such as mileage of the van, statement of AAMCO as to cause and extent of damage, statement of indie shop detailing miswire and ramifications of same) then it doesn't seem likely.

It's MY opinion, that THIS is the ONLY hurdle for Mr. Buffalo. And the bar is set REAL high.

Interesting topic and definitely a few more arguable issues have been introduced.

After 15years of installing, my perspective is a bit reserved for the moment. A 2000 e150 is not exactly a challenging install. Truthfully, there really aren't too many vehicles that are much easier if you ignore the room factor and the seat lodging in your side.  I, too, do not favor mass merchants like CC and BB for these installs. Their guys just aren't experienced. The pay structure is not very good.

Electronically controlled or not seems of little concern. It's still a 2000. It's not like you are driving a BMW with a triptronic transmission. And, I agree that test lights, even computer safe test lights do pass current, and are unsafe for testing. However, the likelihood of damage resulting in this situation is minut. If AAMCO.. (another scam outfit) cannot find the cause of the problem, it may very well be just very bad timing for that installer.

I know many installers will frown at the following statement... soldering and taping is NOT the best method. For years this arguement has never been laid to rest. So called gurus and self-proclaimed experts arguing over a connection... very silly. The entire concept this pivots on is that connectors like t-taps cannot carry the current required by remote starters, safely to the circuits. Their claim is there is not enough metal in contact with the wire, therefore, risk of fire, or damage to electronics may exist from resistance. That's like saying talking on your phone while pumping gas will ignite the fumes and you are going by by. As the eminent danger may exist, it's more so for those living in a constant state of paranoia.

In reality, T-taps provide the same connection as other plugs in the vehicle. Manufactures seldom solder wires with their expensive computers. I will agree that improper use of T-Taps, or use of poor quality T-taps has led to many, many installation issues. If you choose to use T-Taps.. 3M is the way to go, and you must have experience. Actually soldering is more dangerouse in new vehicles. Most harnesses do not allow the room to create such connections, not to mention the heat transfer from that connection is actually interpreted as voltage, and just like that probe, it can activate computers.

THAT IS FACT! Electronics 101

Unless the installer left, exposed, wiring that had some tie into your trans.. highly unlikely.. he probably didnt cause your problem. Just because an install is sloppy doesn't mean it's the cause of a malfunction. The worst he could have done is not activate an extra accessory wire and cause your check engine or air bag light to stay on.  Like Kartunman said.. your vehicle is 7 years old.

Curious to see what comes of this.

You are right, many installers will disagree with this.  TTaps are a mechanical connection.  It is no secret that an automobile is a rattle trap.  Excessive vibration, over time, will loosen ANY mechanical connection.  I will agree with you that IF installed correctly, and if it is a quality TTap the customer most likely won't have an issue while they own the car.

How is soldering a wire going to damage a computer?  I've never heard of the heat from solder damaging anything in a car (besides carpet and door panels).  How do you think the headers are connected to the circuit board?  They are SOLDERED, as is EVERY other component on the computer circuit board.  Also, the copper wire you are soldering to will act like a heat sink so unless you are soldering 1" from the connection there is nothing to worry about.

I have NEVER, in my 12+ years of car installs seen an OEM installed TTap.

I have NEVER, in my 12+ years of car installs seen an OEM installed TTap.

Dealer installed "factory options" ARE installed with an item simular to a T-tap....it's called a scotch lock. I iknow you are aware of these little goodies, aren't you? They are used on a regular basis in the "OE" automotive world.

Incorrect.

DEALER options may be installed with Scotch locks, but you will NEVER find a factory installed option installed using Scotch locks.  I'm sure you just used the wrong word, but for the sake of clearity I am pointing it out.

These are used by the dealers that charge $700 for a $60 add on alarm that works with the OEM security system.  I would really trust their judgement in this case.....   :)

I, too, have fixed many installs where Ttaps/scotch locks were installed.  More so then solder joints (I have only ever fixed one solder joint - it was cold). 

For those lacking experience.. corrosion is primarily caused by moisture.. with that arguement posed.. let's assume the radio plug.. the ignition harness.. and every item 'plugged in' will corrode... and they may very well do so.. 80 years from now.. but in about 5 years, your taping job will unravel due to climate conditions.  I challenge anyone here to properly apply the techniques in installing a 3m ttap with a 3m male insulated spade connector..  then try unplugging it without any tools.

if you succeed, you need to learn to use these connectors properly. 

As far as the heat transfer response, i suggest you go to the library and pickup a book on ohms law and kirchoffs voltage divider law.. then come back here and leave your words of infinite wisdom.

I suggest you start your own thread professing your love for mechanical connections as this one is about a transmission failure that has been alledgedly caused by a improper install. You may  want to post your crecentials also otherwise you will be considered another keyboard comando with little or no experience.

If a quality tape is used it will not come off.  I live in Ohio with severe weather changes and I have yet to see Scotch 33+ tape come off.  I have seen TTaps fail.

The speed of corrosion is dependent on many variables, but the biggest factor is the metal used in the actual connector.  If the ttap/scotch lock wasn't designed for outdoor use, then it shouldn't be used in a car.  The connectors in cars are designed to resist moisture.

I have a nice collection of Floyd's finest books collecting dust in my basement, no need to go to a library.  It's one thing to try and apply theories, but practical application is going to be completely different in this case.