Tranmission shop recomment ?

[MetalSlug]

My dad 2001 ford explorer throwing a code P1717, I did a search and most say need replace EPC and valve body gasket. car running fine, some time it little shaking going over drive, i mean slugging.

I call my local auto repair shop, where my dad coming for oil change ( castrol gtx ) for last 10 years. They say they dont work on tranmmission, they say call ammco or mr transmission.

I call ammco and mr transmission, both say bring the car in for free inspection

I did a google search on ammco review and so many bad review say, they over charger, and still having problem after service or rebuild, some say THEY BROUGH IN FOR FREE INSPECTION, THEN AMMCO TAKE Transmission APART, THEN CHARGE TO PUT BACK TOGETHER OR FIX THE PROBLEM.

I did a search on mr transmission, still say the same thing.

2 thing im affaird. Im affaird they take my transmission apart, and make me repair it, or charge me for put back together. When I bring my car in for free inspection, what do I ask them or what should I do ?

 

[SrDriver]

How about your local Ford dealer or an independent shop?

 

[The_Jeff]

This is crazy but look on ebay or craigslist for a rebuilt transmission for your truck, sort by zip code. You may find a small shop that does rebuilds for fun and profit when business is slow. Ebay is a cheap way to advertise.

They could still be poor quality but IMO the odds would be a little better.

 

[MetalSlug]

I dont think the truck need rebuild transmission.

 

[OVERKILL]

Have you checked the fluid level?

 

[The_Jeff]

Right... I was not clear.

Look at who rebuilds transmissions and sells them on ebay, as they run a transmission shop. Call them up and chat, see if they give you a good vibe about just doing your valve body.

 

[tommygunn]

I'd look for a good independent transmission shop. Call, or even ask around. I'm not a big fan of "parts houses" but they are real good with referrals, they SELL to these engine/trannie rebuilders, so they know who THEY trust, etc....

 

[SteveSRT8]

If you use Google to locate the trans specialists in your area you can then visit them.

One will be PACKED with cars and trucks, he's generally the man. The guy I use may actually have a waiting list because he's so good.

 

[MetalSlug]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Have you checked the fluid level?


I have not check the fluid, few year ago I meet my dad, I pop the hood checking fluid for him, I cant find the dipstick for transmission fluid, I read the manual it say require some special tool from ford to check, so I never bother check, its 130k miles now, I bet the fluid is over due.

 

[exranger06]

Originally Posted By: MetalSlug

I have not check the fluid, few year ago I meet my dad, I pop the hood checking fluid for him, I cant find the dipstick for transmission fluid, I read the manual it say require some special tool from ford to check, so I never bother check, its 130k miles now, I bet the fluid is over due.

All Explorers had dipsticks in 2001. 2002 was the first year they didn't have dipsticks. 2002 was also the first year they went with a new transmission design, one that is NOT necessarily known for valve body gaskets and EPC issues. It could be another problem entirely. Are you sure this is a 2001 Explorer?
2001 Explorer:

2002 Explorer:

 

[MetalSlug]

Originally Posted By: exranger06
Originally Posted By: MetalSlug

I have not check the fluid, few year ago I meet my dad, I pop the hood checking fluid for him, I cant find the dipstick for transmission fluid, I read the manual it say require some special tool from ford to check, so I never bother check, its 130k miles now, I bet the fluid is over due.

All Explorers had dipsticks in 2001. 2002 was the first year they didn't have dipsticks. 2002 was also the first year they went with a new transmission design, one that is NOT necessarily known for valve body gaskets and EPC issues. It could be another problem entirely. Are you sure this is a 2001 Explorer?
2001 Explorer:

2002 Explorer:

his look like more like the one at the bottem, 2002.

 

[MetalSlug]

When I pull code at autozone, it say " fluid is dirty or low " I guest he will have to change the fluid to see how it go.

 

[MetalSlug]

I call ford, and they say do not change the fluid when it getting over 100k miles. 190 dollar for change fluid, I call the shop my dad been come for last 10 year, they say 109 dollar. I can change it out for my dad, but I rather not touch it, if it give him problem he will blame on me. I know how he is

 

[JHZR2]

I wouldnt even advise him on it at this point if that is how he is... Fluid diry or low with that many miles is asking for severe issues. Chances are a new AT will be required.

Id just tell him that ATs are so complex that he should take it to a good shop and leave it at that.

And remember, it is actually "recommend"

 

[The_Jeff]

I brought a trans back from near dead (slipping 2nd thru 4th gears) with a fluid/filter change. As it's an order of magnitude cheaper, def worth a shot.