Lubed by the lubed joint? - Automotive Message Forums

DP68

03-01-2006, 11:37 AM

I will try to be as brief as possible with the story:

So yesterday I pull into a quick oil change place here in North Alabama. I had a small transmission fluid leak (pan) and I know they offer a gasket, fluid, filter service for $69.

Waiting around, I notice they are having problems shifting the truck. I ask is there a problem. First reply from the manager, "How long have you had problems with the column?" Reply, "I have never had any problems with the column."

(Important note: I TRULY have NOT had any problems with shifting the truck. Ever.)

Next reply, "I find that hard to believe."

Oh boy, here we go!

He repeatedly tries to assure me that NOTHING they have done could have caused this problem.. To where I repeatedly try to assure him I am not a liar, and the truck ran/shifted fine when I pulled into the shop.

LONG story shorter...the manager comes by later (2 hours in) and explains he has found the problem. The <b>shifter cable.</b> It has somehow "fallen through" and will need to be replaced. We debate this back and forth a few minutes, and with calm heads prevailing...we agree I would pay for the new cable, and he would supply the labor.

Also note: Upon returning home, I managed to find where he bought the shifter cable (dealership). They admitted they sold their last one to these folks, and they also admitted their cost. $76 plus tax. The lube joint charged me $108.

So I get on the horn to some trans mechanics, and it seems highly possible the "mechanic" somehow screwed up a bracket attached to the pan? Somehow? Im obviously unfamiliar with this work.

So....I set forth on the internet looking for advice. Did I get screwed? Was it a possible fluke? Was the cable just about to go anyway?

Thanks a lot for any input. Aprreciate it.

Dave

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