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'98 Tranny Problem

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Old Apr 8, 2008 | 09:01 AM
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Default '98 Tranny Problem

I have a customers '98 in here with auto trans problems. It shifts very late, and when I test drove it, it felt like it went from first to third.

My driveline specialist was correct, it was doing that. The trans fluid looks like caramel as well. My driveline tech told me that when trying to manually downshift to second, that it free-revs.

The owner advised me that there was a "$12-13 part" fix for this problem.

The tech, who has been doing drivetrain work for 30 years, says it needs a basic rebuild (clutches, etc) and that it's not a "cheap fix"

I beleive my tech, given the condition of the trans fluid.

thoughts?
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Old Apr 8, 2008 | 09:55 AM
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Originally Posted by JPmaroone
I have a customers '98 in here with auto trans problems. It shifts very late, and when I test drove it, it felt like it went from first to third.

My driveline specialist was correct, it was doing that. The trans fluid looks like caramel as well. My driveline tech told me that when trying to manually downshift to second, that it free-revs.

The owner advised me that there was a "$12-13 part" fix for this problem.

The tech, who has been doing drivetrain work for 30 years, says it needs a basic rebuild (clutches, etc) and that it's not a "cheap fix"

I beleive my tech, given the condition of the trans fluid.

thoughts?
I can't believe this .............

THIS IS A DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT ASKING FOR ADVICE

(Look at the OP's profile

Dude ...... You arrange $500.00 in FREE Service from my dealer and I'll give you free advice ......

This is a JOKE ... right ?????? (checking calendar .... no, it is not April 1st ....)

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Old Apr 8, 2008 | 10:38 AM
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Originally Posted by BlackZ06
I can't believe this .............

THIS IS A DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT ASKING FOR ADVICE

(Look at the OP's profile

Dude ...... You arrange $500.00 in FREE Service from my dealer and I'll give you free advice ......

This is a JOKE ... right ?????? (checking calendar .... no, it is not April 1st ....)

I am a service writer, not a tech. However, the whole reason I am on here is to get advice from corvette owners so I can cater to them and give the best service possible.

Thanks for NOT helping me. I am not asking for anyone to diagnose a vehicle. I am asking if anyone has heard of this cheap "quick fix" that my customer heard on the internet..
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Old Apr 8, 2008 | 10:45 AM
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Originally Posted by JPmaroone
I am a service writer, not a tech. However, the whole reason I am on here is to get advice from corvette owners so I can cater to them and give the best service possible.

Thanks for NOT helping me. I am not asking for anyone to diagnose a vehicle. I am asking if anyone has heard of this cheap "quick fix" that my customer heard on the internet..
You and your tech are the "experts" ... I expect from my dealer that they will give me good advice.

Call the cutomer and ask where on the web they found this "quick fix" .... then go look at it. $50.00 says it is a site similar to ...

http://www.turbonator.com

Then give the customer a choice .......

1) We fix the car the way my tech wants to, and we'll warranty the work for (whatever your policy is)

2) We'll fix the car with the "cheap" fix .... cutomer pays the labor for the fix and NO warranty as it is not a recommended fix.

A customer dumb enough to believe a web "fix" for $15.00 is probably NOT a customer you either want to keep, or will ever be happy (will bad mouth you anyway) ....

I'd back my tech with 30 years experience (unless you have some reason to believe the tech is intentionally BSing you ... and why would he do that ???) over a customer who believes in a "cheap" part. Hell a transmission service ... the parts are usually WAY less than the labor anyway, what does the customer think he's saving here????

Recommend your best advice .... it is the customer's decision after that.


Last edited by BlackZ06; Apr 8, 2008 at 10:48 AM.
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Old Apr 8, 2008 | 11:23 AM
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I would trust my driveline tech with my first born. I saw the condition of the fluid, what's wrong with this trans is not a quick fix.

The "quick-fix" is not applicable to this car for sure. I already told that to the owner.

However, there are things for C6's that are quick fixes, like an electrostatic valve body cleaning if the transmission is slipping.
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Old Apr 8, 2008 | 11:33 AM
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The quick fix for this guy is a rebuilt GM tranny - comes with a 100k warranty. I fried my original at 85k miles.
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Old Apr 8, 2008 | 11:43 AM
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The GM SRTA rebuilt units are a great value, but not always the cheapest option for people unfortunately.

In this case it it $800 more for the GM 100k unit.

I had an impala in here 3 weeks ago that the extended warranty company wanted to put a USED transmission in the car..

They were going to pay us and have us buy it, instead, I offered the SRTA unit for the extra cost, the owner was all over that and very grateful for the option.

Last edited by JPchevy; Apr 8, 2008 at 11:44 AM. Reason: spelling correct: optional!
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Old Apr 8, 2008 | 11:52 AM
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Note to self: stay away from Dealerships in Delray Beach......
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Old Apr 8, 2008 | 08:19 PM
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I'm asking for help and you guys are making fun.

Not cool..

So, I will ask again. Have any of you heard of this "quick fix"?

Please don't reply with the nonsense you see above.
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Old Apr 8, 2008 | 09:00 PM
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I think there are a lot of BITTER guys on here that are tired of paying the HIGH prices at the Dealerships. I hope someone helps you. You sound like your trying to HELP somone.
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Old Apr 8, 2008 | 09:02 PM
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There is no cheap fix.
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Old Apr 8, 2008 | 09:35 PM
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"Call the cutomer and ask where on the web they found this "quick fix" .... then go look at it. $50.00 says it is a site similar to ...

http://www.turbonator.com.."


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Old Apr 8, 2008 | 10:12 PM
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I don't understand why people are giving this guy ****... He is coming here looking for advice. Regardless of where he is from, you gotta remember he is coming here trying to help someone out. With the wealth of knowledge on this forum, I think it is foolish not to. Unfortunately, that is the only thing I have to contribute to this thread as I don't know a damn thing about automatic transmissions.
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Old Apr 8, 2008 | 10:29 PM
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I'm afraid I'm like Mike, I don't know a damn thing about automatic transmissions either, but I want to applaud you for coming on here and at least trying to do what the customer wants. So many times people complain that the dealership doesn't want to "fix" a problem, but just keep replacing things until they happen upon the broken part, many times at the owners expense. With that said, I'd definitely go with what your tech says.
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Old Apr 8, 2008 | 11:01 PM
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Default Trans problem

For what its worth I talked to a dud today with a trans and diff in the New Orleans area for sale. Its in a 2001 C5. The owner of the car may be able to save some money with it. Not sure if its a shop or what maybe it comes with warr I don't know.Part is on cragislist in N.O. area. Hope it helps
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Old Apr 9, 2008 | 08:21 AM
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Thanks guys!
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Old Apr 9, 2008 | 11:37 AM
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I'm on this forum a lot, and I've never seen / heard of any such $15 quick fix device for an A4 automatic transmission problem that you've described.
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Old Apr 9, 2008 | 12:42 PM
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Im Not A Mechanic But If I Was I Would Share Any Knowledge I Had With You, All You Did Was Seek Some Advice.your An Honest Guy As A Crooked Guy Would Never Even Seek A Quick Cheap Fix. Good Luck To You
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Old Apr 9, 2008 | 05:26 PM
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Originally Posted by RON NARDONE
your An Honest Guy As A Crooked Guy Would Never Even Seek A Quick Cheap Fix. Good Luck To You
EXACTLY. If he was just some regular azzhat working at a dealership he would try and push the expensive solution right away, and not spend time coming on here trying to find an alternate route to ultimately save the owner, a fellow Corvette owner no less, some money.
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Old Apr 9, 2008 | 09:00 PM
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Well, the owner actually saw this thread! I had no idea he was on this site, but he told me he was impressed that I went the extra mile to try and help. But as for the comments, I like to sleep at night, so I cannot and WILL NOT try and advise someone of a repair or service that is not needed/necessary. Fortunately for me, I have an excellent group of technicians that I put alot of trust in. I have the following specialists:

1. Line Tech (oil changes, maintenance, etc)
2. Driveline Tech (nothing but transmissions and rear-ends)
3. Hard Line Tech (does a little bit of everything..)
4. Shop Foreman/SlackTakerUpper
5. Trim Specialist (Interior parts, etc.)
6. Front End/Suspension Specialist

Unfortunately, he is going to hold off the repair for now.

I appreciate the kind words guys, I really appreciate that!
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