On May, 8 I took my Chevy 3500 Dually Truck into AAMCO Transmissions AKA Suncoast Consultants for repair, with information that it only moves in first gear. My greatest concern was getting my truck back running properly and stated to the manager, Sam, to replace anything that looked the least bit questionable, don't worry about the cost.
The service description on the receipt was AAMCO's original reconditioned transmission service with exhange rebuilt torque converter and AAMCO's 12 month limited warranty with the extended 90 day warranty, good till 8/10/02.
In September my truck started having problems shifting and making loud banging noises. I took my truck back to AAMCO AKA Suncoast Consultants and they again serviced and release the truck to me. Sam, manager, stated one of his most experienced mechanics had done the work. This highly experienced mechanic told me the problem was the trucks rear-end was slipping. Apparently this experienced mechanic was not aware that I am a gas and diesel machanic with 40 yearsof experience, and with his statement of the rear-end slipping, had no knowledge of dually Trucks because the rear-end has to slip in order to stear the truck in directions other than in a straight line.
In January again my truck started having problems shifting and making loud banging noises. I took my truck back to AAMCO and they again serviced and supposedly fixed the problem. I called to make arrangements to pick my truck up and was told the machanic had an accident while on a test drive, 1/28/02.
My Truck was repaired by Mid-County Collision, Inc., my choose of body shop, which was not completed until 2/25/02, with a cost to Suncoast Consultants of $2163.39. Suncoast Consultants did furnish a rental during this time, but a small Malibu not a vehicle I could use for hualling or towing, which is why I have a full ton truck in the first place.
I didn't get 200 feet out of the body shop's parking lot when the transmission started making the loud noises again. I drove to work the next day and called Sam to demand someone come to my work place and examine the truck. I waited two hours and when no one showed, called Sam, stating the truck was going to an other transmission repair shop and I would bring the bill to him.
I took my truck to Charlie's Transmission Service, Inc. And after a few hours of examining the transmission the mechanic found that the wave springs in both drums were upside down. This was the problem from the first installation of the rebuilt transmission. The AAMCO Transmission AKA Suncoast Consultants had installed the wave springs upside down and could not see this after two returns.
I took Charlie's Transmission's bill for the rebuilt transmission, $628.09, which is lower than AAMCO's original bill of $850.65, to Sam for reinbursement. Sam stated he would turn the bill in and let me know within a week.
One week later I called him and he gave me a claim number to call for information on my claim he submitted. I called the insurance company and they never received any information on me and knew nothing of any claim involving me.
I called Sam back and he was to call me back with information. Sam didn't call, so I called him. He stated he still didn't have any information and asked why I didn't take the truck to an other AAMCO dealer. To this I stated, "It should be obvious why, you couldn't get it right in three tries, your not getting another!"
It has been 3 weeks and still I am no closer to getting satisfaction. Sam the manager at AAMCO Transmissions AKA Suncoast Consultants is giving me the run around and forcing me to take my chances in court.
I originally would have been satisfied with the refund of Charlie's Transmission's bill, but now I am being forced to sue for the original cost of their bill and any court or legal fees I may incur with the suit.
Earl
St. Petersburg, Florida
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