2001 Chrysler Town and Country Need Help asking garage ques

2001 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
10,600 MILES • 6 CYL • AWD • AUTOMATIC
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CFENNER
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What questions should I be asking the garage that has my vehicle?

Symptoms: Check engine light came on a week prior to these events:
While traveling at a speed of 60 mph, there was a loud thump(not a bang) in the engine compartment. The transmission then kicked down into a lower gear and began whining. We traveled to a safe stopping point (less than one mile) and had the vehicle towed to a garage.

The garage diagnosed that it was the transmission that died. Recommended we replace entire transmission, not just pull the tranny and replace a pump.

What questions should I be asking the garage where the car is? They want $2500 to replace the tranny and I want to make sure they are being honest and forthcoming with information. I'd like ot shop around but do not want to be rude in my dealings with this garage.

HELP!
Jan 26, 2010 at 9:54 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
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Its your right to shop around for a better price.You will probably have to tow it to another shop for a diagnosis, and pay this shop for their time so far.From what you describe, it does sound like thetrans broke, this is pretty common for overdrive Dodge Caravan trannies.They shouldnt take offense to you looking around, but tell them you need a little time to think about it and shop around over th ephone.
Jan 26, 2010 at 4:44 PM
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CFENNER
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[quote:d5f5d2b314="2CarPro Jack"]Its your right to shop around for a better price.You will probably have to tow it to another shop for a diagnosis, and pay this shop for their time so far.From what you describe, it does sound like thetrans broke, this is pretty common for overdrive Dodge Caravan trannies.They shouldnt take offense to you looking around, but tell them you need a little time to think about it and shop around over th ephone.[/quote:d5f5d2b314]

I had the garage pull the codes from the vehicle's "check engine" light. P1738, P0740, P0720, P0715.

I am having vehicle towed to local AAMCO. They seem reputable and will try to fix the fluid line and cooler BEFORE charging me $2500 and just throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

I had the original garage tow it for me and paid my bill so they would still feel like they got something for all their information and trouble. They were kind, but were upset when I wouldn't take their word for it. I also found out that they were overcharging. That is beside the point though.

I originally asked your site WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK THE GARAGE THAT WOULD HELP ME FIGURE OUT WHAT I SHOULD DO?

You should have told me to ask about the check engine light and what the codes were and how that figured in to how we would go about fixing the problem. I also should have been told to ask about their experience in repairing or rebuilding transmissions.

I will not be utilizing this service again. I wish I could ask for my donation back!
Jan 26, 2010 at 5:00 PM
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