Heard high-pitched metallic sound from front of my 2001 Chrysler T&C LXI minivan..."Engine" light came on. 50,000 miles shows on the odometer. Called my local Chrysler dealer who took vehicle in to research the issue. I got a call back from the tech working on my vehicle. He advised me that the sound I heard (and the corresponding warning light) was a result of transmission fluid that needed to be changed. I informed him that I had the fluid changed 10,000 miles ago with the fluid recommended by Chrysler (no longer Dexron), but would follow his suggestion (included a power-flush) if that would do the trick.
After a $150.00 outlay, I got ny vehicle back. The sound seened to be gone and the Engine light was out. So far, so good. Within one hour, the sound was back. I called the dealer back and borught it in again per ther request. I was then told that the Transmission needed to be rebuilt or replaced, that it was not under warranty and the cost of $1900 (rebuild) or $3000 (new) would be totally my responsibility.
I called the Chrysler "hotline" posted in my owner's manual and got a slapdown from the person that answered the phone. I was advised that although CHrysler "re-thought" the 3yr/36,000mi. Warranty in September and increased it to 7/70, my vehicle was not eligible. That was it!!! No matter how I phrased ny plea, that was it. Nobody else to call, nobody else in a position of power that could make a decision, no "other" faction at Chrysler that could at least call the Dealer to get an eyeball view of my vehicle to see that it is in showroom condition, not abused, always serviced at/by the dealer, etc. NOTHING! —This is a high-dollar repair and I was asking for their help.
The original cost of the vehicle was over $36,000.00 You would think they'd have a little pride in their product to back it at what I would call a premature time in its life to be having a problem of this magnatude. But, thing, nothing nothing! A friend of mine had a similar issue with his 2000 Honda Odyssey minivan. The dealer extended the warranty on the spot (the van had 98,000 miles on it for Pete's sake) and covered the repair by installing a NEW (yes, NEW) transmission. Is it me, or do you think you ahould have heard this story REVERSED??? Ie. Honda would not cover it, but Chrysler stepped up. Right? WRONG!!! Wow! Am I dismayed. The "American" auto maker is really going downhill, I guess. VERY sad indeed.
An independent transmission shop has recently diagnosed the problem to be an internal pump in the transmission that is going bad. The transmission does NOT need to be rebuilt. They quoted me a figure which is a fraction ($600) of what the dealer was going to charge and they will give me 12mos/12,000mi on the repair. I'm going to let them fix the problem AND I'm submitting the paid receipt to Chrysler, giving them a second chance to do the right thing as far as I'm concerned. Fingers are crossed.
Frank
Glenville, New York
Afghanistan
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