On 10-03-05, I ordered a used automatic transaxle from ASAP Motors of Houston, Texas for a 1997 Hyundai Accent. I received a transaxle unit on 10-13-05, but one of the five electrical harnesses on the unit was not compatible with the vehicle. I conducted researched and found that Hyundai used four electronic valve body solenoids in the Accent's transmission for the years 1995 through 1999, which I was replacing, but used six valve body solenoids for the years 2000 through 2005. I conducted diagnostics on the unit ASAP sent to me and concluded that I was sent a post-1999—not compatible with my vehicle.
On 11-14-05, I notified ASAP of my research and their error (they were not aware of the design change in 2000). ASAP agreed to retrieve the wrong unit they sent and re-ship the correct unit at their expense. After several subsequent misunderstandings among ASAP staff, I finally received the appropriate model of transmission on 01-27-06. I installed it and took a test drive on 01-30-06 and found that the unit operated in first and third forward gears, but did not have second, overdrive, or reverse.
I tested and disassembled the transmission and found that the valve body was damaged; sticking valves had caused directionally opposing clutches to activate when shifted into reverse, which stripped the interior splines out of the kick-down drum. That drum was operated by a band clutch when utilizing second, overdrive, and reverse gears.
Then, I discovered an unauthorized charge to my credit card by ASAP on 01-18-06. ASAP claimed it was a charge for the initial delivery, which I had paid COD three months earlier. I researched and found that I was charged for the retrieval shipment, which was by a different shipping company for a different cost than the delivery. ASAP refused to review their records and did not credit my card until I faxed proof of payment for the initial shipment.
Furthermore, the tracking number was changed en route on the retrieved unit that I was mistakenly charged shipping on. When the local shipping line tried to clarify their billing documents with ASAP, accounting assistant Diana, and later Manager Dina, accused a female staff member of the shipping line of being my girlfriend and trying to use her position to help me avoid payment! No apologies were made to the shipping company after I faxed proof to ASAP of their error.
It is therefore apparent to me that ASAP does not test transmission units, or failed to in this instance, before shipping to customers.
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