Coming back from Pismo Beach last week we got to East LA and the transmission started acting up. It wouldn't up shift out of 1st gear so we had to limp home taking side streets.
Now of course that means taking it to the shop for repair.
shop 1: our regular mechanic. He checked it out, and even change the shift modulator. He said the trouble was internal and wanted $1850 to repair it.
Shop 2: Aamco. Took it to them at 8 AM, they did their test and said they think they found the problem but I would have to leave it overnight So they could do a cold test in the morning. I called them the next day and they said it was an internal problem and it would cost $1400 to fix it or $1650 to fix it with a soft kit.
Shop 3: Lopez Transmission. I called and they said $850 to rebuild it. I took it in, and the price jumped up to $1250 because he said it was a heavy-duty transmission, (I told him that when I called him).
Shop 4: OHTA -Matic Trans. I called him and he said before I bring it in. Check these 3 things, this speed sensor, the vacuum line from the transmission to the motor and the governor. He said all 3 were easy to check. They were very simple to check, 4 little screws held the governor on. With the governor out we saw that the plastic gear was worn and look like an apple core. Rather than flat. I couldn't find the part anywhere & GM parts said it was discontinued so I called Ohta back and Amos said he could replace the worn gear for $35.
The transmission works perfect now. I saved $1815. If it was my work car that I needed now rather than my motor home, I'm sure that I would've let shop 1 or 2 ripped me off & do the work.
Needless to say, they will always have my business and recommendations. It's just too bad that they only do transmissions.
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