Auto Parts: 2003 Automatic Dodge Transmission, pep boys, computer issue


Question
My car has approximately 95,000 miles and I had the transmission serviced a couple days ago which included changing the filter and 5 quarts of fluid. I did not have a flush. Once I received my car back from the shop, every time I decelerated, my car would shift hard when it reached 25 mph. I'm not sure which gear that is. I did take my car
back to the shop and they re-checked their work and told me they did everything right and that my transmission fluid was dark to begin with. Basically, they couldn't tell me why my car has this new issue. After looking around on some web sites, I have found some other people who have experienced the same problem after having their transmission serviced and most say it's a computer issue.

Your thoughts?

Answer
    This was, to put it simply, a half-assed service.  Most shops will tell you differently, to cover their butts, but a Chrylsler transmission with this many miles on it should not be serviced, simply left alone.  Everyone I know who has fallen into this trap has ended up with a new transmission.  There is one thing you could try, well two actually.  First, take it to a good mechanic, not the last guy you talked to and not a transmission shop.  Go to the local parts jobber (not Pep Boys or some other chain store) and ask them point blank who they would take their car to if they had this problem; you'll usually get good advice there.  Then let the guy scan the computer and check to see if everything is all right, check for loose wires, etc.  If it seems that everything is all right, then get him to flush the transmission, replacing all of the trans fluid instead of half of it like the first guy did.  If this doesn't do it, you might be on the hook for a replacement transmission.  You can try and get something out of the first guy, but I wouldn't count on it.