Things to know about and to
ask about
1. What to
do to prevent Failure: It is very
important to have your transmission
serviced every 25000 miles. Check the fluid level frequently to ensure
it is red and full. check owner's manual for specific fluid needs.
2. Why are repairs
so expensive? It's not expensive when
you understand what it takes to repair the transmission. With over 3000
parts in today's transmissions many, which are front wheel drive and
four wheel drive with transfer cases and electronic controlled units
it's amazing that we can even repair them. It requires very
sophisticated equipment and very well trained technicians and it's still
not an exact science. You must remember that we do not replace every
part in the transmission and unforeseen problems can develop after
assembly and installation. These units are Dyno tested at the correct
pressures and operate correctly prior to installation however the
complexity of today's units is staggering.
3. Why is
the cost of repair so unpredictable? There is
no way to know
what is actually wrong with the transmission until such time as we look
inside. The damage can be from slight to catastrophic, the damage could
involve a core, which cannot be rebuilt, and some very expensive parts
that under normal circumstances would not need to be changed, we cannot
be sure until we look inside. Nobody can.
4. How do I know I
am getting what I am paying for?
Several things can
be done
1. Ask someone you
know and trust for a recommendation
2. Check with your local BBB
3. Make sure the shop you deal with is a member of ATRA
that's
Automatic Transmission Builders
Associations a nation wide
organization that ensures the
shop is well trained and certified.
4. Look at the shop you are dealing with, often that
can tell you something
about the quality of work
performed.
5. Be sure you get a warranty in writing; no one want
to do the work over for
free.
5. American Transmission
is a member of:
BBB - Better Business Bureau of
Jacksonville Fl.
ATRA - Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association
ATSG - Automatic Transmission Service Group.
