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Need mechanical advice - does this sound right ??!??

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by Shamrock92, Aug 16, 2022.

  1. Aug 16, 2022 at 11:58 AM
    #1
    Shamrock92

    Shamrock92 [OP] New Member

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    Ok - so just need some general advice on a mechanical issue. Tech has presented me something at work on a customer vehicle that doesn’t sound quite right.

    So report is customer ran over something in the road - noticed transmission acting up and shortly thereafter the truck went into “limp” mode. Customer takes to dealer and service tells him that they tore a wire off the wiring harness at transmission- caused the transmission to fail and now needs a new transmission.

    First comment to tech was why do we need a new transmission / why can’t this one be rebuilt. Just a bunch of mumbling and no straight answer. 2nd question - how did this wire get torn by road debris - again - no straight answer.

    Given this is a first time I’ve ever seen it before after 20 years and the shaky answers from a tech - is this even possible/probable?

    I’ve read at least one the wiring being stretched/pulled loose by excessive torque/towing over time - and can see it being a long term issue - just not seeing how something in road could reach this connection.

    Then there’s the resistance to allowing me to send out for a rebuild. Thinking they are afraid of what I’m going to find there and evidence of over use/towing.
     
  2. Aug 16, 2022 at 12:09 PM
    #2
    frichco228

    frichco228 Valued Member

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    I can understand a wire break or some other damage to wiring due to road debris. I do not understand how a missing electrical connection can ruin a transmission. I also concur about rebuilding the current one vs a new trans.....but this shop may not be able to do that. Many just do removal of old, install of new or already rebuilt trans these days.

    Generally it all sounds shady to me. I would think they would fix the wiring issue and all should be well if the trans was working fine before. And if not, they should be able to explain why it is not and what else was damaged.
     
    GODZILLA and Shamrock92[OP] like this.
  3. Aug 16, 2022 at 12:30 PM
    #3
    Shamrock92

    Shamrock92 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks

    I understand rebuild is a specialty - that’s why I suggested we sublet that to someone who does that work - not just let the local mechanic try and rebuild. I also get why they want to just drop a new transmission in - but just because it’s easiest doesn’t mean it’s best.

    Worse they tried to stick me for core charge - asked why would I pay a core - why are they not returning the old. More shoulder shrugging and mumbled answers. See no reason why a damaged trans wouldn’t qualify for a core as long as it’s intact and no severe exterior damages.

    I think it’s just a shady mechanic - but wanted to get some general opinion before I tell him exactly what I think of his skill set and attempt to over charge a customer.
     
  4. Aug 16, 2022 at 2:05 PM
    #4
    huntertn

    huntertn New Member

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    Do you have comprehensive auto insurance?
     
  5. Aug 16, 2022 at 2:16 PM
    #5
    Cpl_Punishment

    Cpl_Punishment Young men never die.

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    I can't even understand why it would be a rebuild. Just replace the wire that broke? :confused:
     
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  6. Aug 16, 2022 at 2:19 PM
    #6
    Shamrock92

    Shamrock92 [OP] New Member

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    Without giving too much away - that’s ultimately how I am involved in this mess.

    Even after 20 years of seeing the seemingly improbable or unexplainable - someone comes up with a story or a proposal that has me questioning “How stupid were you hoping I would be when I looked at this ?

    I mean there are plenty of things I don’t know - but never have an issue in getting good techs give me a reasonable answer - the BS artist seemingly fall silent and confused when I question how/why - which then leads me to have to prove them wrong and to be able to demonstrate why they are wrong.
     
  7. Aug 16, 2022 at 2:26 PM
    #7
    Shamrock92

    Shamrock92 [OP] New Member

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    Exactly - but again my expertise is body - not mechanical.

    I mean I understand how a wire pulled from a fan can allow a motor to overheat and cook itself - but how did you ruin a transmission because a wire pulled loose ?!?

    Like I said - I’m no expert - but I’m smarter than that. Hate when techs try to create a payday playing off customer ignorance or try to get something paid by helping a customer create a story. It’s usually one or the other.

    If it’s broke truly - be honest with me and I’ll try to help out and justify repair to my superiors. But don’t try to BS me into paying 5x as much because you think I’m as dumb as the last guy you screwed. I have paid ALOT of borderline stuff in my day - it’s just easier for everyone and as long as I can say it’s “possible” - no one fights me too hard. It’s when you give me the “1 in a million” stories that things go south quickly.
     
  8. Aug 16, 2022 at 3:22 PM
    #8
    huntertn

    huntertn New Member

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    I don’t know the facts here but this is what “I think”.

    Let’s say it yanked the wires out of the transmission. I would assume that isn’t gonna trash the transmission unless it dumps all the fluid in the process - don’t know for sure. But, if it were my truck sitting in the driveway I would look into pulling the pan and replacing what the wires connect to. Probably the valve body. I would think that could be done with the transmission in the truck.

    I would demand pictures of what the damage is. This is 2022 so that is not an unreasonable request.

    I could see a dealership saying it needs a new transmission rather than trying to fix the smaller issue. Unfortunately.
     
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  9. Aug 16, 2022 at 3:29 PM
    #9
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Hail to the King, Baby.

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    Sounds shady as hell.
     
  10. Aug 18, 2022 at 11:57 AM
    #10
    Shamrock92

    Shamrock92 [OP] New Member

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    So got an answer and as expected - not a good one.

    In short - tech says the linkage/cable was impacted - and in the process it “bent” the connecting rod on the transmission that extends through the case. Allegedly the rod is not sold individually - so if damaged - you have to buy a whole new transmission.

    Now do I believe the rod is bent - probably. Still want to see with my own eyes as to is it bent and what bent it (signs of scraping for example or more nefariously signs of a a pair of channel locks/vice grips). I agree just “bending it back” probably is not a precision repair - it needs replaced. That said - why can a qualified transmission tech not source the rod somewhere and open the case - ensure nothing inside is damaged and then replace the damaged section ??

    Maybe I’m just overly optimistic - but seems $10 worth of steel shouldn’t warrant trashing a $7500 assembly. Hell - if it was my shop - I’d be making up a bill for 3500 and telling the customer it’s a tough repair and if I’m giving a warranty it’s $3500 and I fix or 7k and buy a new one. Leaves me plenty of profit either way - I either sell a part and make a hefty profit or sell a repair with warranty and make a fortune.
     
  11. Aug 18, 2022 at 12:01 PM
    #11
    Terndrerrr

    Terndrerrr guzzling dealer repellent

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    That just seems too far out there. Coupled with the apparent lack of confidence from the mechanic, I’d be looking for a second opinion elsewhere.
     
    Shamrock92[OP], B.Ross and GODZILLA like this.

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