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IMPORTANT INFO
What's wrong with it? How long will it take? How much will it cost? Will
they fix it right? These are some of the questions you may ask when you take
your vehicle to a repair shop for work. Your concern may be even greater if
the problem involves something as complicated as an automatic transmission.
This brochure gives you some guidelines on how to proceed with an automatic
transmission problem.
- What Is An Automatic
Transmission?
The transmission is a group of parts that transmits power from a vehicle's
engine to the drive axle, which in turn makes the wheels go around. If you do
not use a clutch to switch gears, your vehicle has an automatic transmission.
If you use a clutch, your transmission is manual.
Automatic transmissions contain oil called "transmission fluid" to cool and
lubricate the mechanism. The level and quality of this fluid should be checked
regularly and replaced if needed. See your owner's manual for maintenance
recommendations.
- What Is Normal Maintenance?
Maintenance consists primarily of checking the transmission fluid quality
and level. If recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, it may also include
periodic replacement of the fluid and cleaning or replacement of the
transmission screen or filter. Consult your owner's manual for details.
Routine maintenance can be performed by most service stations, repair shops
or auto dealerships, and does not require a specialist.
If your transmission performance seems good, the fluid is clear and red,
and you have not had to add fluid, leave your transmission alone, unless the
vehicle manufacture recommends otherwise.
- What Is An Inspection Service?
The inspection service offered by most transmission shops includes such
procedures as:
- Fluid level check;
- Test drive;
- Manual linkage check;
- Oil pan removal;
- Band adjustment, screen cleaning or filter replacement.
The oil pan is usually removed and inspected for metal particles and
friction material.
Tiny metal particles in the transmission pan do not necessarily indicate a
problem.
- If There Is A Problem, How Much Will It
Cost?
The transmission is a complicated assembly and many different things may go
wrong with it.
Some easy-to-reach small parts may cost as little as $20 to repair,
including labor. At the other extreme, it may cost hundreds, even thousands,
of dollars to repair or rebuild a severely damaged transmission.
Your best bet is to invest in inexpensive routine maintenance and get at
least two written estimates if repairs are recommended.
- Is It OK To Buy An Advertised
"Special"?
Many repair shops - especially those that specialize in transmission repair
- advertise free or very low cost transmission "maintenance" service, free
towing and other specials.
BEWARE! Some repair shops use these tactics to lure you in and sell
you expensive repairs that you may not need.
If you are interested in an advertised transmission service:
- Find out exactly what is and isn't included.
- If the repair shop says your transmission needs major repair work, read
the following section on "teardowns."
If a shop gives you a hassle or will not return your vehicle immediately
when you refuse its recommended service, telephone the Bureau of Automotive
Regulation at the toll-free number listed at the end of this
brochure.
- Should I Let A Mechanic Do A
"Teardown"?
Experienced, state-certified transmission mechanics can usually diagnose
the extent of a problem and provide a written estimate without disassembling
your transmission. But sometimes a mechanic recommends the transmission be
removed and disassembled for close inspection: a teardown.
If you have had no transmission problems, yet the mechanic says that a
teardown is needed, insist on a written reason why. You should try to get a
second opinion before authorizing a teardown.
Once you authorize a teardown, you will have to pay for it, plus reassembly
costs, if you decide not to have repairs made.
BEFORE you authorize a teardown, ask the repair shop to provide a
written maximum price for fixing the transmission in case it does need
repairs. If the mechanic says he or she cannot do this before doing a
teardown, TAKE YOUR VEHICLE TO A SHOP THAT CAN.
- How Do I Choose A Repair Shop?
Your regular auto mechanic, family, friends, neighbors and co-workers may
be able to recommend a competent transmission specialist - and tell you which
shops to avoid.
The best advice is to get a couple of opinions from different shops on a
transmission problem. Always get a written estimate of repairs before leaving
your vehicle at a repair shop.
- Are Rebuilt Transmissions OK?
There is nothing wrong with having a rebuilt transmission put into your
vehicle - but only if you need one. Having your transmission repaired may be
less expensive.
- What If I Authorize Repairs?
If repairs are done, you are entitled by law to inspect and receive parts
that were removed from your vehicle and replaced. Always ask for and take
these parts. For some parts the shop may require you to pay a fee known as a
"core charge." If the replaced parts are not needed to settle a complaint,
returning them to the repair shop entities you to a refund of the core
charge.
Call
us today (812) 334-8808
Hours of Operation Mon-Fri 8:00am
5:00pm 1131 Air Drive Bloomington, IN 47404
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