QuestionWell the garage came back saying the TCM and 2 wiring harnesses need replaced. They want $788 to fix it. If I drive it off the premises withouth them fixing it my transmission rebuilt warranty is void due to possibly burning up the transmission. I can't believe sinking another $800 into this van! I just paid them $1600 to rebuild the dang transmission. Could they be liable for this? I didn't have probs. with the shifting gears before I took it there. Just leaking. I feel like I am in a money trap!
My question is, SHould we have our friend, a mechanic buy the parts and put it together? OR will he have problems since he doesn't have the diagnostic machine to reset the computer?
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Followup To
Question -
Hi Roland,
Thank you for your time. I am trying to figure out what is wrong with our van. It has been leaking trans. fluid for a couple of years but just a little so we didn't worry about it. Lately it has gotten worse. We went on a drive and it was all over the back of the van and used 1 qt for a 2 hour drive.
We took it to a garage and they said there was a crack in the pump and would replace that and rebuild the tranmission for $1600. So they did that and now every once in a while it is sticking in 1st gear. It won't shift out until I turn it off and restart about 15 minutes later. Why is it not shifting up? Is it just coincidence that it sticks in the morning? We are in TX so it's not like it is freezing out. The last time it stuck, it was 50 degrees out.
I took it back to the garage and I am waiting to find out what's wrong. They now say it may be the sensors. Can you share what you think with me so I can get another opinion?
Thank you again!
Answer -
Hi Liz,
I think the trans still has problems because it has gone into limp-in mode, which is explained below in a recent response to another person with the similar trans problem.
Because you had this work done recently and paid so much (a total rebuild) it should be repaired under warranty at no cost to you. So don't let them ask for more money! Let me know what happens.
Roland
"I hope that some of the repairs might have been done for free under a warranty. In all of this situation, have you ever been told whether there has been a "readout of the transmission computer" which is an electronic test for the presence of coded numbers representing different faults that the transmission is experiencing at the time when it locks up into 2nd gear? That exact lock up is what happens when the transmission computer notices something is wrong and so it protects the transmission by only driving in 2nd gear until it can be serviced so as to protect against any further damage. It is called "limp-in mode".
The chances are there is some internal mechanical wear/damage to the internal clutches of the transmission, but because the cost of rebuilding is so high it is worth spending a little on analyzing whether that is true or not. It may also be the case that the problem is with electrical connections/computer or with the transmission fluid system (hydraulic) and those can be repaired without removing or rebuilding the transmission at much less cost.
The transmission has an electronic controller that has the ability to recognize malfunctions and store them in its memory as two-digit fault codes. An electronic readout device is plugged into a port under the dash to access the memory and tell you the fault code numbers. It would be worth spending about $50 to have this done just in case the problem had to do with the hydraulic or electronic parts rather than the internal mechanical parts because those could be repaired without taking the trans out of the car and dismantling it. So a dealer or a competent independent transmission shop (but NOT a franchise type like Aamco where the usual answer will be to do a "rebuild") with a reader for Chrysler transmissions should be able to do that. Ask for the code number(s), what they mean, what repair is needed and how much it will cost. Be sure that they have the 6-pin ("buss diagnostic connector") reader plug adapter that will give them access to the memory via the port under the dash. This is NOT the same plug as is in the engine compartment (which is a 5-pin plug) for accessing the engine controller memory. Their reader also has to be equipped with a program (cartridge) that accesses the transmission computer. A Chrysler dealer will have this device called a DRB II.
Then write back and we'll evaluate what you were told, particularly what are the fault code numbers. I have the '94 factory repair manual and can look up what the numbers mean and what needs to be done to fix this.
You don't have to authorize a repair until you decide you understand the situation, and maybe get another repair estimate. You might even ask before they do the readout if in the case you decide to authorize the shop to do the repair "will the cost of the readout be credited against the cost of the repair"?
So take your time with this so you don't do any more unnecessary repairs. The cost of a rebuild is high so getting a second bid is worthwhile and also comparing warranty provisions is wise.
But that readout is the only way to avoid doing the wrong repair. You may be able to get some of the money you have already spent refunded by going to Small Claims Court in your town and asking a judge to award you restitution from the earlier repair shops.
Good luck to you and let me know what you learn."
AnswerHi Liz,
'No way' with the "voiding the warranty" gambit. If these crooks can't show you in your presence that there is a trouble code related directly to the trans controller or to communication between the trans controller and the trans/ communication from the trans controller to the engine controller, then they are just making it up to say there was something else wrong unrelated to the rebuild itself(ask them to readout the codes while you are there and can observe the result with your own eyes, and get the numbers that the reader prints out or displays on its screen; then write me back and we'll decode them to see if they are b.s.'ing. Also ask them to show you where the harnesses are damaged. The code for a transcontroller problem is P0700 and the one for the communication issue is P1698, but don't tell them that until they show you the codes that led them to tell you that the additional harnesses and a new controller was necessary. I see nothing in the history of the problem to implocate the controller or the harnesses).
As an alternative strategy, I would go to any competent independent trans rebuilder nearby or to a Chrysler dealer, tell them what your problem is, ask them if you had the van towed to them (to obviate the claim from the shop that did the $1600 "repair" that the trans can't leave their shop or the warranty will not be honored) do they have the OBD-II reader so that they can readout the codes from the trans controller? If they can, then that is another way to truly verify whether this 'claim' of more work being needed is or is not valid.
Hang tough on this one until you are satisfied with the "story" they are telling you. If this is an Aamco or similar franchise shop ask to speak to the district representative of the corportation. And then as a final recourse you can also go to Small Claims Court and you can file a complaint with the state government's bureau of auto repairs seeking restitution.
I'll await your further progress.
Roland
