I usually just log in read few post and take a couple of ideas but today I'm kinda like a victim because its my turn to ask question about my 2001 Monte Carlo Ls. First the check engine light came on, car's acting weird, I hardly feel the car change gears. The check engine was check and the code was explained to me as a Sticky Solenoid or something like that, a very popular tranny shop told me that I need a rebuilt or something and another says that my first and fourth gear are not active or working, so the tranny needs to be checked and probably get fixed up. I really don't know, what to think. I could really use some help. Some of the posting here from the past few days sounds more like the problem I'm having but I really dont know how to compare it to some of the other issues others are having.

Thanks.
John

 

Welcome John,

AAMCO transmissions offer free check engine scans.

 

Sorry to hear about the issues, John. I'd take it to a local auto store, like Autozone, or Advanced Auto. They'll usually scan the code for free. I've talked to many ppl that have gone to transmission shops, and they've ALL been told that the trans needs rebuilding. Doesn't that seem fishy to you? Even when it doesn't help, they take no responsibility, and you think you get a refund? HECK NO!

Search the code online and see if there's a more logical explanation.


Or, find a local, non dealer, trusted mechanic with a code scanner. Any mechanic worth his salt will get it figgured out.. Sure he might not be able to work on the transmission, but he will know a respectable shop, and shouldn't be slow to reccomend one.

If you walk into a shop and have a big question mark over ur head they're only goona see Dollar signs. If you walk in knowing what the problem is they should respect that.

If a code says a solenoid is possibly out does that mean the wire is disconnected, or the solenoid itself is fried?If you don't know, the trans shop probably won't care what it is, they'll quote 600$ for a full rebuild and fix whatever needs to be fixed, even if it is a 30$ wire replacing job. Everyone expects the worst when it's a transmission acting up. That's why you see transmission shops popping up everywhere. I'm not saying they're all crooks, but if you don't see ASE certifications certificates for everyone, including the person that is showing you the quote, then there's good reason for ME myself not to believe them.

 

STAY AWAY FROM AAMCO! Find a local transmission shop that's been there for 65 years. Ask around. These electronic transmissions are prone to go out. My '01 went out at 68,000 mi. blew up reverse. Then I had shifting problems, bad solenoids, and they were all new. Both my '01 Impalas had tranny problems. It went out on the dealer, luckily, so HE had to rebuild it. Reverse gear, also.
Expect to pay $500-580 labor to pull a tranny.
Good luck!

 

Ask the three closest machine shops what transmission shop theyd recommend. If they all recommend AAMCO, move! lol.
A quality machine shop knows.

 

LOL too bad for you wayne, im doing a COMPLETE transmission swap for my buddy on his 02... or maybe it was an 04... malibu... damn near the same thing as a impala... anyways... im doing the new swap (he bought the tranny and fluids and filter and such) for 250$. and im doing it in my driveway LOL. i mean , i am just doing the labor... and you paid 500-600 just to have the tranny/s dropped? ouch...

 

Machine shop? You mean mechanics shop? Never take a transmission problem to a generalmechanic. They dont focus on stuff like that. There is a reason why there are transmission shops. I wouldnt even take a recommendation about a transmission from a general mechanic, even if he is the best around. You might fall into the trap of, "Hey mechanics guy, I have a transmission shop and I know you dontdo transmission work so how about you recommend your customers to me, and I might make it worth your while." Not saying that every shop does that, but I have seen it happen.Go straight to a GOOD transmission shop, one that has been around a while or that gets good recommendations from CUSTOMERS.