Questions and Answers

Grand Prix Transmission Failure Q. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix with a 3800 and automatic transmission 105,000 miles. had a 100,000 mile warranty through Allstate. Had fluid changed at 50,000, did not drop pan, was some kind of pump transfer. At 70,000 started a hard shift from third to fourth, give you a mini-whiplash rather than any kind of a slip.

Had a dealer check it out and they said it was okay but it still has whiplash. At 95,000 miles had fluid changed but this time they dropped the pan. I did not tell them about the mini-whiplash. The fluid change was an add on to other work and I just wanted to get it out of the way because is was convenient. They did not mention anything about noticing any problems and I did not think about asking.

At 99,500 miles ( warranty about ready to expire) took it to another dealer and told them about the mini-whiplash. They said I needed a side cover gasket and did not really check anything for the whiplash. They never dropped the pan or went inside the transmission. At 104,000 the check engine light comes on, code was transmission slipping.

Take it to AAMCO and they take it apart and tell me the torque converter has failed. Then they show me the transmission parts and they are all covered in a gray pasty goo that they tell me is ground metal from the torque converter. In addition, the goo is so thick on the pan that you could pick it up with a spoon.

When I tell AAMCO the history, they tell me that the mini whip-lash is a common indicator of a solenoid valve being clogged and that the torque converter is usually the source of the clogging material, They also tell me I should go back to the last dealer and get some relief because they should have known what the problem was without looking; and further, once I complained they should have dropped the pan to look.

Transmission repairs cost me $2350.00 instead of the $50.00 deductible.

I talk to the dealer and his position is too bad. They did not diagnose a problem and it would not be fair to just look for problems. Then they tell me that it is not uncommon for cars with 100,000 miles to have transmission problems. I can't believe they are telling me this and I tell them this is all the more reason that they should have dropped the pan. Again they say too bad and that this is all an unfortunate coincidence.

I said I do not believe in coincidences and tell them to write me a check. They say too bad. What do you think?

A. I'm guessing that you had a GM extended warranty? If so, ask to talk to a factory rep. Call the 1-800 customer assistance number and lodge a complaint and sit tight and see what happens. I don't know why you went to AAMCO after you had it to the dealer all those times before and they had all the history of your complaints! I'm sure you would have been in a much better position if you had.