1.1995 Chrysler Cirrus taken to AAMCO for inspection. The transmission had locked in the "Limp" mode (2nd gear) by itself one time. Prior to this, I had no problems with the transmission. I expressed my hope that it could be a simple electronic signal error, as it had only happened one time and the clock had also reset itself two or three times. AAMCO diagnosed the problem to be the transmission based on two factors: There were no computer codes stored that might indicate some other reason and there were metal particles in the transmission. Based on the AAMCO diagnosis that it was the transmission and not some computer or electronic problem, I agreed to have the transmission rebuilt. Cost was $2807.70
Document 117403 dated 3/14/02; customer signature and pickup date 3/26/02.
2. I informed AAMCO a few days after work was completed that the transmission did not feel "right" and that it had a hard shift feel. I was told it would have a stiffer feel when shifting due to an upgrade deemed better. AAMCO inspected the car and pronounced everything okay.
3. A couple of days later, I made a quick stop and, when I attempted to accelerate, the transmission did not engage. As I looked at the gearshift lever to verify it was in gear, the transmission abruptly engaged. When I took the car back to AAMCO, I saw the entire underside of the car was coated with transmission fluid. AAMCO replaced a couple of gaskets. I was informed that I also had an oil line that was leaking, and I could see the oil on the line that the AAMCO mechanic pointed out to me.
Document 117580 dated 4/3/02.
4. I took the car to get an oil change and told them I also needed to get the leaking oil line replaced. After they changed the oil and looked at the car, they informed me the line in question was not an oil line but a transmission fluid line. They told me the oil leak was coming from the engine's rear main seal. I returned the car to AAMCO to get looked at. I was told it was not the rear main seal, but was the oil sending unit and that there was "perhaps" a little seepage from a rear cam plug.
Document 117645 dated 4/18/02.
5. I took the car to Tacoma Dodge and told them I needed to have the oil-sending unit replaced and to check for oil leaks. They replaced the oil-sending unit. They reported it had oil leaking from the rear main oil seal, and it had transmission fluid leaking from the transmission differential cover and the transmission pan. I took the car back to AAMCO. AAMCO removed the transmission and replaced the faulty seals to stop the transmission fluid leaks. During AAMCO's inspection, they determined the oil was coming from somewhere on top of the engine and leaking down inside and through the bell housing unit, making it appear the oil was coming from the back of the engine. AAMCO did replace the engine rear main seal and I no longer have an oil leak. Isn't that amazing? We also noticed a water leak from the thermostat housing and I directed it to be fixed at my cost.
Document 117691 dated 4/27/02; customer signature 5/3/02.
6. The vehicle again shifted into Chrysler's "limp mode" locking into second gear. I returned the vehicle to AAMCO and waited three hours on a Saturday morning for the repair to be completed. However, I had not driven five miles when the transmission did the same thing.
Document 117743 dated 5/11/02.
7. I returned the vehicle to AAMCO on Monday morning to be repaired.
Document 117747 dated 5/13/02.
8. Another major problem appeared on May 17 when I was returning home from work on the freeway.in stop-and-go traffic, the transmission or torque converter would not disengage. The car started bucking at low speed (5-15 mph) and it was difficult to keep the engine running. AAMCO was able to duplicate the problem and diagnosed it as a mechanical failure in the torque converter. They again pulled the transmission out, replaced the torque converter, and removed an "upgrade" valve that was causing the hard shift feel mentioned in item 3 above. The one-year warranty will restart on 5/22/02. Upon returning home, I noticed a lug nut cover was missing. I notified AAMCO immediately. They say they will replace it.
Document 117768 dated 5/17/02; customer signature 5/22/02.
9. I noticed a major transmission fluid leak on the evening of 5/24/02. On 5/27/02, after the car had sat for four hours, the transmission went into "limp" mode. I had to pull to the side of the freeway and turn the ignition off and on several times to reset the computer. Later in the day, when I went to the grocery store, the transmission again went into the limp mode on the way home. AAMCO fixed the transmission fluid leak and replaced the solenoid that was causing the transmission to go into limp mode.
Document 117802 dated 5/28/02.
10.6/24/02 Transmission went into neutral and Limp mode on the way to work. AAMCO said metal particles got into overdrive shift valve. Then they said the hydraulic pump in the transmission failed and they have to replace it. I hope to have the car back by the 28th or 29th. Then how long before it fails again???
After the transmission repair was initially completed, I have had to take the car back to AAMCO NINE times. Each time, AAMCO has been there to fix problems and give me their quality assurance and to honor their guarantee. The people at Tacoma AAMCO are really nice and supportive. But there has to be a reason why they still have not got it fixed right after so many attempts. This is taking way too much of my time. They will either get it right or they will be seeing me forever! When it comes down to principles, I can be very persistent.
I have been inconvenienced, lost work hours, and lost use of the car many times.Co-workers and family have also been affected by providing rides due to the car problem. This problem dragged on for over three months. I had hoped I had seen the last of the problems before it broke again on June 24. Now, I wonder if they will ever get it right???
Final verdict: I would not recommend AAMCO to others.
Doug
Tacoma, Washington
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