My 2001 Toyota highlander broke down 200 miles from my home the Friday of 4th of July weekend so I called a nearby AAMCO since they were open on Saturday. They told me that I needed to rebuild, by a new or put in a used transmission so I went with the used transmission option, which they quoted me at $2,555 to complete the work. In addition, I ended up paying $620 for a rental because AAMCO did not complete the replacement by the end of the following week. After driving home, I was relieved but unsure of whether AAMCO took advantage of me…a month later, my engine light came on and I took it to a local service center. I shared what happened with the transmission, complaining that I could not afford any more money. The service shop looked under the hood, fixed the engine light and said I better investigate AAMCO because it looks like the transmission has never been taken out and the only problem that appears to be fixed in relation to the transmission was connecting a couple of hoses that cost about $100.
2006-08-31 10:51:17 · 15 answers · asked by amervisl 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
well---i'm going to agree with the fellow who said look for the numbers on the tranny and match it up with the build sheet. i'm guessing you could get a copy of the build sheet from the dealer--i don't know where else you'd get one.
then, if the numbers on the tranny still match---sue the bastards.
that's why i hang around inside shops and watch them do the work. every shop has a sign in it that says you aren't allowed back there because of insurance regulations---but in 30 years i've NEVER been kicked out of a shop. i just wander around and watch what the mechanic is doing---being careful to stay out of his way. if you'd done that--you'd KNOW what was done to your car and what WASN'T done!
2006-09-07 16:59:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did they fix your car? Did it work like it was supposed to? If they installed a used transmission into the car, they never cleaned it up, and it's very hard to tell if a transmission has been out of the car or not in your case. The only sure way to tell is to look at the bolts that hold it in, and there will be shinny places on the bolt heads where they used tools on them. Look at the color of the fluid, is it red or brown? A used transmission would have been mostly drained of its fluid, so yours should have a good red tint to it. If it does not, then you might suspect you got hosed. Don't be so quick to condemn the transmission shop until you can prove they did you wrong! I will agree that there are some bad apples out there, but if your car worked OK, then i suspect they did what they said they did. A case like this is very hard to prove, unless you get the numbers off the transmission and compare them to your VIN numbers on the build sheet for the vehicle. Not to mention, IF you don't prove they did you wrong, it opens up the door for a counter suite in which you could loose and end up costing you a lot of money. Good Luck!
2006-08-31 18:35:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Try and hire a good mechanic or appraiser to fully inspect the transmission and document with photos and statements from the tech that (allegedly) installed the transmission -- which, by the way, is about a six hour operation when replaced with used unit. If the trans was, indeed, NOT removed and replaced then it may be time to grab a very nasty lawyer. BUT NOT BEFORE -- as they don't know anything about cars. The second repairer may be the doofus here.
2006-08-31 18:37:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
when ANY auto shop "rebuilds" a transmishion, they do NOT replace all of the parts inside of it. they take it completely apart and then throughly clean lubriate and coat it. they only replace the faulty parts that are either worn or broken. also the problem with the check engin light, might even be unrelated, it probably does have something to do with it but the problem could lay with in your engin, it could be running too hard for your transmission to keep up. i know a guy that spent $40,000 on a new subaru and he got a stock transmission put in for a preformance engin, he went through 2 $4000 tranies before he got a clue and put a sport trani in.
2006-09-07 03:32:12 · answer #4 · answered by [BBq] Felix 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might want to contact AAMCO and get another opinion about the transmission. This might end up being a small claims court case.
2006-09-06 18:52:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since it was used it would be almost impossible to prove anything. A used transmission is just that "used" and it has every mark of dirt and grime your old one had. Very hard to tell unless you personally put a mark on your old transmission. ASE Master Tech independent shop owner.
2006-09-06 23:48:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sux but, the used trans you bought might have been the one that originally came out of your vehicle. If it could have been repaired with a few new parts, hoses,etc... then they were within the law to resell your old parts back to you as used.
Next time go to toyota!
2006-09-08 17:50:39 · answer #7 · answered by exert-7 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont sign any of AAMCO papers. Go to a nearest toyota service dealers.A toyota service dealer would know whats is the problem.
2006-09-08 09:20:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact your state Bureau of Automotive Repair (look at the beginning of the phone book's white pages, under "government offices - state"). They take these things very seriously and will investigate. They'll also help you get your money back if you've been cheated.
Good luck!
2006-08-31 17:58:16 · answer #9 · answered by Steve H 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
first call the shop that was suppose to replace your transmission. tell them it wasnt replaced and they should work with you on this matter but be sure it wasnt replaced before you call. tell them you will contact the better business bureau (800 866 6668) then do it
2006-09-05 16:28:52 · answer #10 · answered by Billy T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋