CRAP- may have just replaced a transmission for no reason...

So, here's my problem, I need some advice.

Jeep ('03 4WD) has off and on been throwing running lean codes (P0171 and P0174). Tried to have it fixed multiple places but can't find an issue. I ran gas cleaner through it and it went away for a while, then came back. Then it starting showing P0300, P0303 and P0305 codes. I'm thinking these are probably not related to the transmission issue.

I get on the highway the other day, and the jeep just doesn't want to go. I got it up to 50 mph with the RPM's around 4000/4500.

Bring it to Dobb's, they tell me it needs a new transmission, to the tune of $3600. I think they said there were some transmission codes, but I saw none with my cheap one that connects with my phone.

I am in panic mode, I get my guy to put in a new transmission, he gives me a good deal on a guaranteed fairly low mileage junkyard ******. Well, he calls today after test driving, he says it's not shifting like it should. We talk more and it sounds very similar to what IT WAS DOING BEFORE.

I've been out of a car for two weeks now, spent $1500, and it sounds like it was all for naught. Any suggestions on what it could be? He's looking into the TCM now. :favorites68::favorites68::favorites68banghead) (banghead)

All the codes you listed will not effect the trans operation in anyway.




Those cheap code pullers will not pull trans codes.Gotta know what's going on with the trans(via a actual scanner) before condemning it.

What tjkj2002 said above ^^^

The first two codes you listed are for lean fuel/air mixture from both banks of the engine (P0171 for the left side, P0174 for the right side.) Is frequently caused by a vacuum leak.

The other codes are for misfires - the P0300 is a general, random misfire, the 303 and 305 are for misfires in the number 3 and number 5 cylinders (both on the left or drivers side of the engine.) So none of those codes relate to the transmission.

I'd head back to that shop and demand he fix the poor shifting issue on his dime - he told you to replace the transmission and the problem isn't fixed. Once the ****** is shifting smoothly take the Jeep to a different shop and have them diagnose the lean condition and find out what is causing the misfires...

Bob

I feel for you jettrue.
Lesson to be learned= post into a good forum first and allows us to better help diagnose, before assuming the worst. I would want a real scan for all codes now.
Spark plugs/ Use what is recommended under the hood label, Coil packs are known problems for misfires and trying new OEM ones may just do the job on 3 & 5.

Well, the guy went to his main shop and used the fancy scanner. It only showed a code P0605, it's the TCM. Now I guess technically it could have been a bad transmission AND the TCM, but something tells me this whole time it was just the TCM. Will update tomorrow.

jettrue said:

Well, the guy went to his main shop and used the fancy scanner. It only showed a code P0605, it's the TCM. Now I guess technically it could have been a bad transmission AND the TCM, but something tells me this whole time it was just the TCM. Will update tomorrow.

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So frustrated. About to call Dobbs. It's definitely the TCM. Also annoyed at this guy for not doing his own diagnosis. He's pushing it back on me a bit, because I said 'ignore the lean codes, that's been going on for a while'. A) I'm not a mechanic, don't listen to me, B) I only have a cheap scanner and can't read all codes. Do you think I really have a $1k plus scanner on me?

Dobbs definitely no help.

So, I'm in the market for a new TCM. Any suggestions? Should I go with OEM? Aftermarket OK? Refurbished?

i wish you would have posted earlier ... thats a definite computer issue.

Replacement TCM

I have had good results with a PCM from Flagship One on eBay. You can look them up as they have a web site and I believe they re-condition TCM's too. I got a lifetime warranty on my PCM for $138 on eBay. The same PCM on their web site was $199 so check out their eBay price. I sent them the mileage on my Liberty and VIN # and part number from my bad PCM and they flashed the PCM so all I had to do was disconnect the battery, unplug my bad PCM, plug in the reconditioned PCM, hook up the battery and start the engine. I have put 4k miles on the PCM with no problem. I did not have to return my bad PCM as a core. Look online for reconditioned TCM's for the best deal for you. Just sharing my experience with Flagship as information.

jettrue said:

I am in panic mode, I get my guy to put in a new transmission,

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jettrue said:

Also annoyed at this guy for not doing his own diagnosis. He's pushing it back on me a bit,

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A bit? I'd say it's all on you. You did not bring it in for a diagnosis. You came in and told him to replace the transmission. He did what you asked. Not his fault. If he had diagnosed the trans as being bad, then it would be on him.

belvedere said:

A bit? I'd say it's all on you. You did not bring it in for a diagnosis. You came in and told him to replace the transmission. He did what you asked. Not his fault. If he had diagnosed the trans as being bad, then it would be on him.

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Thanks for that. I am beating myself up, believe me. While the responsibility falls on me ultimately, and I can accept that, the man himself said he didn't know why he didn't check before and he says he should have, he had access to the scanner.

If you knew how much weight I had on me right now, you would have a little sympathy, but this is the internet, lol, not expecting any. All my fault.

And Dobbs can kiss my a$$ for their part in leading me down this road of stupidity.

I used to argue with people about doing services I knew they didn't need. The next day or two I'd see em down the street at a competitors having the service done. #u(k it, just as well to do what they want for their peace of mind.

Bob

jettrue said:

Thanks for that.

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I wasn't trying to make you feel bad, but rather to take responsibility. I hate to see you blame your mechanic, when he just did what you insisted on. Live and learn, right? Nothing to do at this point other than get the Jeep going and move forward.

We're all a lot smarter after it's too late to go back. In economics they teach you to forget sunk costs and make the best decision you can concerning what lies ahead. Easier said than done, though... :blah:

Bad decisions can be avoided with experience. Experience is gained as a result of bad decisions.

Bob

I'm curious what kind of garage (I have an idea) replaces a transmission based on the owners "diagnostics"? To avoid throwing parts at it, no shop I know around here would do work without first diagnosing it themselves. The mechanic is part to blame for blindly (and stupidly) saying, sure I'll replace your "bad" transmission.

CactusJacked said:

I'm curious what kind of garage (I have an idea) replaces a transmission based on the owners "diagnostics"? To avoid throwing parts at it, no shop I know around here would do work without first diagnosing it themselves. The mechanic is part to blame for blindly (and stupidly) saying, sure I'll replace your "bad" transmission.

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A customer comes in and asks you what does it cost to replace the transmission, I quote the cost to replace it. I would ask how they determined the transmission is bad before jumping in, but they are not going to pay for troubleshooting if they are sure its bad. If I decide to spend the time to verify that its bad and it is actually bad, who then pays for the time spent troubleshooting the transmission that the customer told me was bad up front?

Am I expected to troubleshoot it for free? Or, do I have a policy that I only replace parts I troubleshoot and charge that on every job even if the customer just wants it changed?

CactusJacked said:

I'm curious what kind of garage (I have an idea) replaces a transmission based on the owners "diagnostics"? To avoid throwing parts at it, no shop I know around here would do work without first diagnosing it themselves. The mechanic is part to blame for blindly (and stupidly) saying, sure I'll replace your "bad" transmission.

Click to expand...

A customer comes in and asks you what does it cost to replace the transmission, I quote the cost to replace it. I would ask how they determined the transmission is bad before jumping but they are not going to pay for troubleshooting if they are sure its bad. If I decide to spend the time to verify that its bad and it is actually bad, who then pays for the time spent troubleshooting the transmission that the customer told me was bad up front?

Am I expected to troubleshoot it for free? Or, do I have a policy that I only replace parts I troubleshoot and charge that on every job even if the customer just wants it changed?

dougmac said:

Am I expected to troubleshoot it for free? Or, do I have a policy that I only replace parts I troubleshoot and charge that on every job even if the customer just wants it changed?

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The second one, but only if you value your reputation. I personally know a couple reputable shop owners. Even if a customer were to read their own error codes and come in with the results, the shop owner will still do his own diagnostics. Why? Not to jack up the price, but because they don't want to trust what the owner may or may not know (think) is wrong. This guys transmission experience is a perfect case in point of why not to blindly follow what the owner says is wrong.

CactusJacked said:

The second one, but only if you value your reputation. I personally know a couple reputable shop owners. Even if a customer were to read their own error codes and come in with the results, the shop owner will still do his own diagnostics. Why? Not to jack up the price, but because they don't want to trust what the owner may or may not know (think) is wrong. This guys transmission experience is a perfect case in point of why not to blindly follow what the owner says is wrong.

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I see this everyday,customers coming in and wanting stuff replaced without a diagnostic performed since they did it themselves.We still try and sell them a diag as insurance but most do not want to pay it.We simply state if the problem still occurs after there still on the hook for paying the bill,most then choose to pay to have us diagnose it(we discount the diag charge) and 90%(at least if not more) of the time the customer has always been wrong.


Now you say that the shop should just cover the diag cost even if the customer does not want to pay for it.Sure that would be a smart thing to do for the customers benefit but then the shop will start loosing a lot of $$$ because a tech will not work for free.Not a smart choice to keep your doors open.Discounting the diag charge is the best way.




I for 1 will not diag something for free,if the ticket says replace this part I replace that part.That is what I'm getting paid for,call me a ass but I got bills to pay just like you and I'm sure you don't listen to others stating how to do your job so don't think you can do mine.