Tranny question, and I think the dealer screwed me over...

[please_pimp_my_rde]

Well everyone, I need your help again. I just picked up my car from the dealer after spending way too much money on repairs (blower motor resistor, multifunction switch, and t-stat housing cover,) and I was told that I needed tranny service done also. When I got home, my dad wanted to check the tranny fluid to see if it was low or dirty, and we cant seem to find the dipstick for it. I got the car from an auction back in 03, so I got it as is, and just noticed that it was missing. Does anyone know where the hole is so we can check it (once we replace the dipstick?) Oh yeah, could someone tell the the signs of a tranny slipping?

And is it normal to spend more or labor then on parts? I was charged $50 for the resistor, $37 for the t-stat housing cover, and $125 for the switch, and was charged almost $300 in labor, plus other misc. shop fees ($15).

99 GASE 2.4

[malibugtp]

there is no dipstick on this tranny, its a sealed tranny, i would go ahead and c hange the fluid on it anyway

[Hoags]

Unfortunatly it is normal to spend more in labor than parts. From what you are describing the pricing is not too far out of line. Sorry!

As for tranny slipping...It can be anything from starting in gear and giving the car gas and it just not responding, kind of sliding it's was into moving, it could be something like going up a hill and when the car downshifts it feels lik it is again sliding into gear and the engine may race a little, It may do the same type of thing on an up shift where it just seems to take a long time for the gear to completely engage and react as normal when responding to your foot and you accelleration.

Kind of a quick description, but that is a hard condition to describe to someone.

I hope this helps, The tranny is a sealed tranny, thus there is no need to check the fluid, so they say, you can check the fluid level at the tranny, there is a screw/bolt on the side of the trand that comes out and the fluid should be just about to that hole. Kind of like checking the rear end fluid in a rear wheel drive car. I do not have a sealed trans in any of my cars but i am sure if yu have any more questions about it some of the other AF members can help you out.

Before you take the car in to the dealership for trans service you may want to check that tranny fluid. if you can't do it I am sure that if you stop at one of those quick oil change places they will pull the car in and check it for you. Most should do it free of charge in hopes that they will gwt some work out of you, but i would tell them that you are checking because the dealer is recomending the tranny service. You may ask them for their price for a tranny service, and compare that with the dealer. I had one of those places do a tranny service on my van once, I waspleased with the service it cost me about $150.00. I don't know if that helps you or not.

Good luck