AAMCO Transmissions $ 2,450.00 & 28 days later - still didn't fix problem - cost another $ 1,400.00 at Foed Dealer to fix their mess Mooresville North Carolina

AAMCO Transmissions of Mooresville stands behind ALL of it's work. The diagnosis we performed on Mr. Lacy's 2004 frod freestar was the correct one. His initial complaint was that his vehicle was jerking. He explained that he had first taken it to the Ford dealer and that they had cleared the computer codes.

The diagnosis we performed showed some hard transmission codes, but Mr. Lacy was informed that he would have to drive the vehicle further in order to set readable codes for further diagnosis of his complaint. At this time, Mr. Lacy requested a fluid and filter change, which was performed.

Mr. Lacy called the center about a week later and told us that his engine light was on and his van was going into neutral by itself.The diagnosis revealed four transmission malfunction codes. It was determined that there was a possible bonded piston and forward drum damage. Mr. Lacy agreed with our diagnosis that the transmission needed to rebuilt, which it was. While we had the transmission apart, Mr. Lacy was shown the damaged parts. He was satisfied with the situation at this time. The repair was completed and Mr. Lacy picked up his vehicle.

Mr. Lacy called about a week later complaining of jerking performance, which he assumed to be the transmission. At this time, we assured Mr. Lacy that we warranty our work, and to bring the vehicle in, so we could rectify the problem. Our technician found a Ford technical Service Bulletin concerning water intrusion in the PCM, which is seperate from the transmission itself, but helps regulate the electronic shifting of the transmission.

We dried out this computer module, and attempted to repair it for him AT NO COST to Mr. Lacy. When the PCM was dried out, the vehicle performed properly. Mr. Lacy was satisfied when he left.

Mr. Lacy called back approximately one week later complaining of poor performance, and again was asked to bring his vehicle back in. It was determined that the water intrusion in the PCM had shorted out the computer and it would be necessary to replace the PCM. Keep in mind, that we did not cause this water intrusion into Mr. Lacy's PCM.

Mr. Lacy was provided with a FREE rental car by us. We replaced the PCM at our cost, and he wasn't charged for the 2 hours of labor that was required to replace this part. Once again, the vehicle was performing properly when it left. There was no damage to the upper or lower cowl sections of this vehicle.

To date, Mr. Lacy hasn't provided the damaged parts that he claimed we damaged on his vehicle. We showed Mr. Lacy his damaged parts of his transmission, we were never given the opportunity to inspect the alleged damaged parts. I have discussed the condition of the vehicle with the technician who performed the work, and he assured me, that if the cowl had been damaged, it would not have been stable enough to stay attached while the vehicle was operated.

The problem Mr. Lacy has experienced has been unfortunate, and not one we ever like to have. We certainly do not feel it was a problem with our diagnosis, however. When the vehicle came in, he had a problem with the PCM AND the transmission. The transmission problems had to be addressed and repaired.

When these problems were eliminated, the seperate PCM issue remained. The initial problems Mr. Lacy experienced are where the situation evolved from. The transmission damage he had, was a direct result of the malfunctioning PCM. The transmission's operation is directed by the PCM computer. To address the contention by Cloninger Ford as to the vehicle never needing to have had the transmission rebuilt, I find it impossible to come to that conclusion, having never inspected the transmission before we repaired it!

Once again, Mr. Lacy was shown the damaged parts while the transmission was apart.

If it can be proven, we indeed damaged the cowl sections of Mr. Lacy's vehicle, I would be more than happy to discuss some compensation.

Sincerely,

Larry Van
Owner/Operator
AAMCO Transmissions
Mooresville, NC