Frequently Asked Questions
 | Why
does it cost so much to have my automatic transmission repaired?
It doesn't. At least, it doesn't when you understand what we need to do to repair your
transmission.
You see, repairing an automatic transmission is not as simple as changing the spark plugs
or adjusting the carburetor. Todays automatic transmissions--particularly those with front
wheel drive technology or computerized systems--are extremely complicated units.
There are over three thousand parts in todays average automatic transmission. And the
parts for some late model imports can cost ten times as much as parts for older, larger
cars.
Just getting to the parts you need to see to find out what's wrong often calls for major
surgery--especially in smaller cars where the manufacturer has tightly packed different
mechanical systems on top of and around each other.
With such complex units, preventive maintenance is the key to keeping repair costs down.
To help head off major problems, we recommend you have your transmission serviced at least
every 12,000 miles. |
| Why
can't you tell me what it's going to cost to fix my transmission without taking it apart
first?
You'd be amazed at how many people want us to diagnose their transmission problems over
the phone. Aside from the fact that a consumer might easily miss a symptom a trained
mechanic would see or hear when the vehicle is brought in, can you tell the difference
between a rattle, buzz, grind, whine and a slip? And do you mean the same thing by those
words as we do?
The plain truth is, We simply can't be sure of what's wrong with your transmission until
we take a look inside. Nobody can.
Symptoms which can be observed externally--like noises, leaks or vibrations--can signal a
wide range of possible problems, not necessarily a single malfunction. Also, many
malfunctions that can occur with todays transmissions may be caused by a component outside
the transmission like a Throttle Position Sensor, a MAP sensor, or even a simple fuse.
We've got to give your transmission a thorough checkup to really now what's causing the
symptom.
If anyone ever tells you he can accurately diagnose what's wrong with your transmission
without a thorough diagnosis (which may include looking inside), you'd better get a second
opinion. |
| How do I know I'm not
getting ripped -off?
There are several things you can do to protect yourself from dishonest transmission repair
shops.
First, you can ask your regular automotive mechanic to recommend a transmission shop to
you. You can then check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if that shop has had
any complaints filed against it. And you should always ask to see your transmission once
it comes apart and insist that your old parts be returned to you.
But there's even a simpler way to protect yourself: have your automatic transmission
repairs done by a member of ATRA-The Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association. |
| What is ATRA?
ATRA is a nonprofit professional organization for the automatic transmission repair
industry. Its members comprise the worlds oldest and largest network of independent
transmission rebuilding firms, with over 2000 members in the U.S. and Canada alone.
One of the major reasons ATRA exists is to protect its members and the public from
dishonest or incompetent repair shops. |
| How
does ATRA take the worry out of automatic transmission repair?
First, ATRA requires its member to employ experienced personnel whose skills have been
tested and certified by the Association. To make sure they stay up to date on the latest
automatic transmission models, ATRA also requires Association members to attend annual
training seminars. When you take your transmission to an ATRA member's shop, you can be
confident your dealing with technicians who know what they're doing.
Second, ATRA requires its members to conduct business in an ethical manner. Applicants for
membership are not allowed to have unanswered Better Business Bureau complaints against
them, nor may they ever have had more than five business-related suits filed against them,
nor may they have been found guilty of any business related crime or violation within the
previous two years. When you take your transmission to an ATRA member's shop, you can be
confident your dealing with someone who treats customers fairly and honestly.
And third, when you have your automatic transmission rebuilt by an ATRA member, you can be
protected by the Association's "Golden Rule Warranty Plan." This Plan is an
inter-member warranty program sponsored by ATRA in which your rebuilt automatic
transmission would be fixed for free by an ATRA member's shop should something go wrong
with it within up to one year or 12,000 miles of the original repair. (It's important that
you understand your warranty. Talk to your local ATRA member for the specific conditions
of this program and how it applies to the work you need done on your automatic
transmission.)
Yes, we know it's not any fun when something goes wrong with your automatic transmission.
But you can be confident you will be treated fairly and competently when you take your
automatic transmission to an ATRA member for repairs. |
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