Since I still have the intermittent hard shift issue, I planned to have Cottman see if there are any codes stored. I had no idea they were a national chain -- I thought they were local to N.O., but now I see they have franchises in like 30 states. Each one is independent, of course, but if you've used them, how was the service?
Cottman Transmission -- trustworthy?
- Thread starter Benzadmiral
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It all depends on the owner/operator.
In my youth the BEST trans guy in the county ran a huge franchise shop. Did the best hi-po work around.
But IME that is not a typical story...
In my youth the BEST trans guy in the county ran a huge franchise shop. Did the best hi-po work around.
But IME that is not a typical story...
YMMV.
Take it to the dealer -- they are more likely to be familiar with the vehicle and have access to the GM scan tool.
Take it to the dealer -- they are more likely to be familiar with the vehicle and have access to the GM scan tool.
Back about 1999 or 2000 I had Cottman in Clearwater, Florida replace the clutch in my old Jeep Comanche pickup truck. They did a good job, had it done when promised and would only use an OEM Mopar/Jeep clutch kit. I didn't have any trouble at all with the new clutch or Cottman's workmanship. IIRC they even had free towing for repairs over $100.00. They may still have a deal like that if you look around online or in the newspaper. I just now found a link for some of their corporate coupons but they want you to answer some questions before printing:
http://www.cottman.com/money-saving-coupons
The only odd thing I found with Cottman was they would not take checks or credit/debit cards. Cash on the barrel head was the only form of payment they accepted. It may be different now.
http://www.cottman.com/money-saving-coupons
The only odd thing I found with Cottman was they would not take checks or credit/debit cards. Cash on the barrel head was the only form of payment they accepted. It may be different now.
ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2026
Have you talked to Trav? I bet you need a fluid change and a shift kit. That helps those units out a lot. I would start there.
Shift kit is here.
www.zzperformance.com
Shift kit is here.
www.zzperformance.com
In my experience, their quality control is all over the place and sometimes nonexistent at Cottman.
Around here, I would say avoid them as there are other reputable shops to use.
Where you live may be different.
Do your homework.
Around here, I would say avoid them as there are other reputable shops to use.
Where you live may be different.
Do your homework.
Originally Posted By: ls1mike
Have you talked to Trav? I bet you need a fluid change and a shift kit. That helps those units out a lot. I would start there.
Shift kit is here.
www.zzperformance.com
The car is due next month for its 110K mile fluid and filter change anyway -- 30K since the last one -- though the issue recurred after the 80K service as well. I may go with synthetic ATF this time.
That "shift kit" looks interesting, but the site warns you that it "can increase the chance of hard part failure." That doesn't sound good!
Have you talked to Trav? I bet you need a fluid change and a shift kit. That helps those units out a lot. I would start there.
Shift kit is here.
www.zzperformance.com
The car is due next month for its 110K mile fluid and filter change anyway -- 30K since the last one -- though the issue recurred after the 80K service as well. I may go with synthetic ATF this time.
That "shift kit" looks interesting, but the site warns you that it "can increase the chance of hard part failure." That doesn't sound good!
ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2026
I have not had the kit break any hard parts. How much do you beat on it? I mean this will firm the shifts up. If you don't like firm shifts, it is not for you.
I would not take my car to Cottman. AAMCO is worse though. And independant ATRA shop is where I would go, or the dealer.
Having said that, I fix my own automatic transmissions at home. IMO, transmission shops are the least honest form of automotive repair and rank up there with realtors and politicians.
Having said that, I fix my own automatic transmissions at home. IMO, transmission shops are the least honest form of automotive repair and rank up there with realtors and politicians.
Although it's probably been close to twenty years ago, my dad used Cottman for an emergency transmission replacement at a Cottman facility in Pasadena Maryland for his Thunderbird. He was traveling at the time and Cottman was the only place available on a Friday night with a promise to be done Saturday. It was done on time. However, once he was back on the road and approximately 100 miles away it stopped pulling and naturally Cottman was closed by then. I drove for two hours to arrive and find the transmission empty of fluid....pouring out of the pan gasket. I ended up staying the night (motel) and replaced the pan gasket the next morning in the motel lot....the filter was also replaced since it was full of garbage. Dad refused to take it back and proceeded another 300 miles home. The following week the trans completely failed (case split open) so I replaced it with a salvage yard trans a week after that and it lasted another 4 years until he sold it. Cottman refused to do anything about it and were not receptive to even look at the trans since someone else (me) pulled it out.
I wouldn't use them again but that was my one and only experience with them....maybe it was a fluke?
I wouldn't use them again but that was my one and only experience with them....maybe it was a fluke?
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