Transmission/mechanic question

[Jenny]

We need to get our car in and get the transmission checked out. Scott called the place we have taken our car to for several things & had good service & prices (at least, we didn't feel like we were being taken to the cleaners. Who knows if they were decent or not...). He asked how much it was for a transmission check for a 95 Buick Regal. They quoted him $60. Does that sound right? What should that entail?

[Daedalus]

That's a question you really need to ask the shop. I assume it's an automatic. Are you having problems with the transmission? About the best thing you could have checked for $60 (1 hour labor?) is the pump pressure. More likely they'll look at the fluid level, dab a drop on a white rag to show you how bad its color is, and give it a sniff (while writing up a $big$ work order). The marketing departments of the entire industry rely on scare tactics. Be proactive in maintenance--the $60 would probably be better spent toward changing the fluid and filter if they need it, unless you already have a stong suspicion the transmission is faulty.

[DarkFury]

Paging MechMike34.... client on line 1.

BTW... I'm sure that they are charging you a "diagnostic fee" that possibly will be deducted from the final bill if you should go forward with the repair.

Personally, I'd wait for MM34 to respond... as he can most likely refer you to someone who you can really trust to diagnose and perform the repairs reliably.

[Jenny]

heh yeah, we suspect something is wrong with it.

Thx, will wait for mechmike and see what he says.

[mechmike0034]

$60 should get you an hour of diagnosis time, to be used as the diagnosing tech sees fit.

'95 Regal... What's it doing? How many miles?

Trans is electronically controlled on that car, so trans codes and data should be checked.

Has the trans ever been serviced?

Where in KS are you again?

[Jenny]

107-108,000 miles

it just seems wonky. lol sometimes it just seems like it doesn't change gears as quickly and isn't as responsive as it should be.

Don't think it's ever been serviced. heh

I'm in Wichita.

[mechmike0034]

If the fluid's not burnt, change it. If it is, don't. Fresh fluid in a failing trans will hasten failure.

Again, have the computer data checked. An experienced tech should be able to look for weird data even if there are no codes set.

[Jenny]

ok, thanks

oh, hah. Scott said, How do you tell if the fluid is burnt or not?

[Daedalus]

Don't think it's ever been serviced.

Ouch.

How do you tell if the fluid is burnt or not?

Smell it--does it smell like burnt toast?