Couple of Questions.

[NOPDME]

Okay, about a 1000 miles ago or so I started getting a shudder when my car shifted in to overdrive. Wasn't to bad, and it went away after a second or two, but annoying enough for a car that only has 30000 miles. I also observed that the driver side was lower than the passenger side in the rear. I have the full blown extended warranty so I took my baby in to the local dealer. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
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They inform me that the torque convertor is bad, and that both rear airbags are starting to crack. The warranty company sends out a inspector to make sure that dealer isn’t screwing them over. The warranty company okays the work and will cover everything except for the fluid being drained from the tranny and a new filter being installed along with a re flash of the computer, all of which the dealer said has to be done to install the new converter.<o:p></o:p>
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Now the questions;<o:p></o:p>
1. If the tranny fluid has to be drained and the filter changed to put in the torque converter why would that not be covered in the install? The warranty company claims it is preventive maintenance. I agree it needs to be done cause of the mileage, but I sure hate to pay that two hundred bucks out of my pocket when that was something I was going to do at home.<o:p></o:p>
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2. Both rear airbags are starting to crack, anything that can be done to stop this? Maybe put something on them? At $250 an airbag not including labor it would be a nice preventive maintenance. <o:p></o:p>
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Oh the price for the torque converter that the dealer quoted was $1400. I should of directed them to Dennis's web page.<o:p></o:p>
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Thanks!<o:p></o:p>

[fastblackmerc]

Why would it cost $200.00 to change the trans fluid? Just to pull the pan? Since they are going to replace the converter they'll be draining most of the fluid anyway..... What about the fluid in the lines and cooler?

The converter that Dennis sells is an aftermarket unit and most dealerships won't install an aftermarket unit.

[LILALLEYKATT]

My trans failed with 20k on it under warranty. I spent $2800 out of my pocket for a Bradshaw Bros tranny because I was willing to spend what it took to never have another tranny problem ever...If you are worried about the cost of tranny fluid and not up-grading any tranny components i.e. torque converter larger cooler ect you will be right back where you are now. I really hope you are not planning on dialing up the H.P....Good Luck...

[jgc61sr2002]

Give them the $200. IMO you got away cheap. Trowing the dealer a couple hundred bucks will go a long way. I you have any problems the dealer handled the repair and will have to stand by it.

[RF Overlord]

1. If the tranny fluid has to be drained and the filter changed to put in the torque converter why would that not be covered in the install? The warranty company claims it is preventive maintenance. Well, it IS part of the PM at 30,000 miles, but it sounds like the warranty company is trying to nickle-and-dime you. There is no way to change the T/C without draining the fluid, and no one in their right mind would put the old fluid back in.

Another thought: I think I read in the FSM that if the T/C is condemned, you have to replace the cooler too, as it's not flushable due to the thermostatic bypass. I'll check up on that when I get home tonight.