transmission problem

[auntberber]

Hi,

I have a 1994 Intrepid ES with 180K miles. 2 years ago at 140K the transmission died -- metal shavings & everything. Anyway, we had the tranny replaced and it was working fine until about 3 weeks ago. I was driving along and it started making a screeching noise. I had it at an idle while picking my son up, and it make a clunk like something had broken loose and then a terrible noise began. My husband crawled underneath and discovered that one of the lock-tight bolts connecting the tranny was missing. He says that the bolt should never have come out, and will be contacting the transmission shop to see if they will take responsibilty for it (I'm doubtful as the warranty was only for 1 year). What do you think? Could this be their responsibility? If it isn't any ideas on how expensive it will be to find the missing bolt (we think it's floating around in the engine compartment somewhere) and replace it. Thanks in advance for any help you can give us.

[theFREAKnasty82]

Technically, the transmission shop that fixed your car should as a good business practice replace that bolt as a way of maintaining good customer service. Even though it has been 3 years, when they released the vehicle back to you, it was safe and in sound condition; able to be released to you the customer. Don't be surprised if they give you a run around saying that because you hit a big bump, that it caused the bolt to come loose or any other B.S. excuse. If they do do any work, it'll be out-of-pocket to you. I try to do that with my customers because a transmissions falling out of a car is a serious liability issue.