Complaint Review: AMMCO TRANSMISSIONS - Lake Worth Florida

   My truck had a problem with the transmission, so I called a company that has been around for a long time AAMCO. I made a appointment 2/24/10 the AAMCO in Lake Worth Fla. service person was named Jonathan. I explained the issues with transmission about a shifting problem when the transmission was cold. Jonathan had a mechanic to run a diagnostic test. The details of the test were that there was a code 35 an air idle control problem, a light misfire, bad mount, Delay shifts-firms shifts-bump on a step. The test drive and other observations and details section stated Trans showed signs of old age and wear- hard shifts and bumpy down shifts-E.P.C. probably contaminated causing erratic shifts and high pressure. Jonathan gave me an estimate of 289.00 to replace the E.P.C. filter and fluid, said he would like to have it all day to complete more tests and to bringing Monday mourning. So I arrived at 11:00 am Monday and spoke to Joe the Service Manager. he had look through what was done on Saturday, we talked about the estimate and joe said he would call around 1:00 pm. Of course no call at 1:00 so I called at 1:30 he told me that he needs the vehicle overnite, and I explain of my one car situation. Joe said he will set me up in a rental car that out of pocket cost was $43.00, he said he should know something about 09:00 am the next day. Well no call so I went to AAMCO, Joe had news but not in my favor. He explained that the signs of wear on the transmission because of age that the transmission had metal friction material inside the pan, and it needs a internal inspection. I asked Joe what does that mean, he said opening up the transmission and inspect it, which he meant another $200.00. I asked how much can this go, he said up to $1,200.00.

     I stood back for minutes and thought over and asked him what his the situation of the vehicle, Joe stated that they had to put the old fluid back in the transmission. I ask about the oil pan he said it was back on the transmission. I went out to the truck and look under the truck at the transmission. I was looking at the cross members bolts, I have change the filter in the fluid in the past and the cross member bolts have to removed to slide the cross member back to remove the pan so it clears the valve body on the transmission. The bolts have not been touch by a socket or wrench, also the bolts on the transmission was untouch also. I asked Joe the service manager whats going on here, he gave me phony excuses that the bolts are not on there that tight, and I replied about the cross member. Joe walk back inside the building, I opened the engine hood of the truck and pulled the dip stick for transmission and there was fluid in the transmission. Apparently Joe was uncertain what was done to the truck all of a sudden and walked me out to a mechanic. The mechanic said the pan wasn't removed and that he found the metal friction material on the bottom of the dip stick. I asked for a copy of the diagnostic report but Joe only gave me the bottom half, instead of the complete form that had my name on it. I was intitled to the report but being there was alot of false implecations was the reason he did not want to give the complete copy. I am somewhat mechanically incline and I know the only thing you are going to see on a dip stick is the coloration of the fluid, and what the proper level is. There is a magnetic that is fasten to the bottom inside the pan that collects this metal friction material. The pan would have had to been removed to see this friction material. It states in there free trans scan test they offer to you to check your transmission they pull the dip stick for coloration and proper level. So I removed my truck from the lot, and asked Georges Auto Glass if I could park there for a short time. Then I went to take my rental car back, as I was talking to the gentlemen that was driving back to my truck I was explain my situation. The gentlemen from the rental agency said that I was not the one that when he drop off a someone that had a price problem what they have charge him and would not let him have his vehicle. The Gentlemen from the agecy said that one of the rental car branches quit renting cars for that AAMCO store because of the complaints that arise from there service when they promise to have the vehicles done. So I am lucky I am only out 43.00 for the rental it could of been more

   There was another transmission repair shop AA One transmissions owners name George (561) 434-0704. I explain my situation he said the sheriff's Dept down there all the time. I ask about my problems with the transmission he said leave it alone. I asked him about the dip stick excuse that AAMCO gave me and he laugh. So take warning stay way from these liars and crooks!