2001 transmission problem

[barbeabay]

I took my T&C in for an oil chg yesterday. We have 42K on it and had it in last month for its 36K. ( took trip in July) Now they are telling me that the transmission cylnoid (sp) is leaking. I just seems to me that it should have showed up at the 36K, Hubby doesn't have a clue about cars.
I don't want to be taken advantage of. I did notice some slipage occasionally taking off from at stop and making a turn at the same time, but just thought it was a fluke, for several mo. They also replaced front and back brakes at 36K and also are saying the tires have worn unevenly, needs an alignament, and need to be replaced. Shouldn't they have caught that when I brought it in for oil changes and rotation?
Any thought about the above? Thx.

[GTP Dad]

It is possible for the transmission solenoid to go bad in that length of time and start leaking. You would be wise to take it to a transmission shop to have it checked. If you have an AAMCO in your area take it there and ask them to check it for you. They will give you a straight answer. Have this done soon as the slipping in the transmission can cause bigger problems if you let it go too long.
As for the brakes, I can believe that the front brakes needed replacing at 36K but not the rear. My T&C van had over 100k miles on it before I had to replace the rear brakes. Tire wear should have been caught long before this by whoever does you work especially if you have the tires rotated regularly. If you must have the tires replaced due to wear spend the money and have the van aligned. The money you spend will be well worth it in preventing tire wear as well as possibly giving you some extra gas mileage. I hope this gives you an idea on a possible course of action.

[Allamand]

I sure hope that a front pad last longer then 36K! I just bought a 2004 T&C Touring and I traded in my 01 Windstar with 68K, never having a brake job, and yes, the pads still had plenty of life left.

Hope I didn't make a bad mistake going to Chrysler

[barbeabay]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

It is possible for the transmission solenoid to go bad in that length of time and start leaking. You would be wise to take it to a transmission shop to have it checked. If you have an AAMCO in your area take it there and ask them to check it for you. They will give you a straight answer. Have this done soon as the slipping in the transmission can cause bigger problems if you let it go too long.
As for the brakes, I can believe that the front brakes needed replacing at 36K but not the rear. My T&C van had over 100k miles on it before I had to replace the rear brakes. Tire wear should have been caught long before this by whoever does you work especially if you have the tires rotated regularly. If you must have the tires replaced due to wear spend the money and have the van aligned. The money you spend will be well worth it in preventing tire wear as well as possibly giving you some extra gas mileage. I hope this gives you an idea on a possible course of action.

Thx for the input. The solenoid was replaced. I did question the other things and felt I got pretty straight answers. Apparently they had been watching the tires and did some changing around the in July when I had it in, to try to figure out what was causing the wear: low air, alignment etc, but forgot to tell me when I picked it up at that time. Because we were leaving on Friday for D.C. had work done before we left. Told me to be sure to check air pressure and they would keep a check on the alignment. Apparently had a hard time to get in alignment. Said there is not a lot of room for the rear alighnment.
Hopefully this will be the end of it.
B

[barbeabay]

Originally Posted by Allamand

I sure hope that a front pad last longer then 36K! I just bought a 2004 T&C Touring and I traded in my 01 Windstar with 68K, never having a brake job, and yes, the pads still had plenty of life left.

Hope I didn't make a bad mistake going to Chrysler

Other than what I talked about, we love our Van. It rides smoothly, it quite, hardly any road noise. Just be aware of the transmission thing. If you feel any slipping, however minor, make them look into it.
Wish you the best.
Bea