Cadillac Repair: 1996 Cadillac Eldorado torque converter, Progressive auto theft SIU investigation EUO, herb miller

Question
hi. I have a 1996 Cadillac Eldorado convertible that I purchased from my father approx 2 years ago. he has owned it from factory new and it has been serviced diligently, it has approx 104,000 miles and recently I had a "transmission" light come on. I took it in for service and they told me it needs a new torque converter, a problem that my mechanic said is a "known issue" with this vehicle.

I do trust my mechanic because I have been taking all my vehicles that he can service to him for some time and have never, until now, felt like perhaps I am being given the wrong information.

he said the repair would cost about $3500 with parts and labor.

is this a "known issue" with this generation cadillac with the northstar engine?  Also does that amount sound accurate for the repair cost?

the only thing I have noticed since the light was one is when I am sitting at a stop in drive there is a slight recurring sound that comes and goes that I dont notice in park.

thanks in advance for your help.

Sean

Answer
Hi Sean,

Wow! To be perfectly honest, I have never heard of the torque converter in your car to be a "known" issue. I am not saying it isn't, but it is the first time I have had a question on the converter.

I nave a steering problem as well as my brakes go out at the same time on my Suburban. I googled "Steering and brake issues 99 suburban." I literally found hundreds of complaints!!! Real scary!

I would tell you to type in "torque converter problem in 1996 Eldo." Use variants as well. You may type in Cost on torque converter replacement for 1996 Eldorado." If it is a known problem, you will know about it.

Also go to http://www.nhtsa.gov. Check for recalls, TSBs and owner's complaints.

$3,500.00 sure sounds like a lot of money. You may trust this guy for a reason and that's fine, but that kind of money, I would go for a second or possibly third opinion.

Could be he is quoting high because he may love servicing your car, but just really doesn't want to do the job. It is a lot of work for someone that does not specialize in it.

Good luck and let me know how it turns out.

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