Getting 2nd opinions from mechanics

[Hooligan]

Pat, you can say that about any ex-service personnel, not just the Marines. I live in a retirement community with many ex-services, no one brags, but you just know who they are.

[soonercruiser]

We thank you young whipper snappers for your service!
(one of the ORFs on the site - 29 years AF)

[Greenie]

Well, no good news to report on the 2nd shop. They installed the starter and said it was working fine, and said the engine light and p0700 code weren't important and I should drive it and see how it did. But I couldn't even make it out of the parking space at the shop - still stalling. They say the way to fix the new P0700 OBD code (which appeared after they installed the starter) and stalling (which was the original problem) is to replace the transmission. Doesn't sound right to me or an out-of-town friend who used to do troubleshooting at a Ford assembly plant. Seems strange to jump straight from that general error code to replacing the transmission...

My friend said that because of all the problems I'm having with local mechanics seemingly doing trial and error stabs in the dark, that I should take it to a dealer who will supposedly be more capable of actually troubleshooting and resolving the issues completely. I've never been a fan of dealerships, but I've had bad luck with these 2 different transmission and repair shops already and the car still doesn't run. I have no idea how to find a shop capable of troubleshooting and resolving these things, and so far two have failed and I'm out almost $800 and back to where I started.

So is there any point in having it towed to a PT Cruiser dealer? Or should I tow it to another transmission shop that's the buddy of mechanic #2? Do I have a better chance of a real diagnosis and fix at a PT dealer? And is there any best way to choose between dealership shops? It's pretty clear that the 2nd shop isn't able to troubleshoot, since their solution for p0700 code is to just replace the transmission and see if that helps.

[nodd89]

**** there are some idiots down there eh?....ya ok goto the dealer and spend a bunch of money...but when looking for a shop in the states make sure the technitions are ASE certified...if anyone is doing diagnostics to your car make sure they are ASE Master Technition aprooved. unlike here in canada (at least BC) you MUST have a licence to work on vehicles and more licencing required for heavy duty/ commercial transport/airbrake etc...

i also sugest going back to the other shops and saying you paid for them to fix a problem...and they didnt fix anything so they shouldnt be charging you for the repairs.
good luck cause the shop might not be able to afford that and thats y their throwing parts at your car to make money..

before you goto the dealer goto a shop that is part of a chain example MIDAS(trust the midas touch), speedy (if thats in the us im sure it is) firestone tire center...some sort of store thats part of a large chain and has ASE cert. techs.

personaly i sugest midas cause i work at the midas here in bc and we have the best diag guy at least in town...

anywho before i ramble on more i hope that helps

[tinosa]

second opinion

2004 T&C P0700 transmission issues - Chrysler Forum - Chrysler Enthusiast Forums

[soonercruiser]

Good Chrysler dealership, for sure!
(me thinks you've not invested the time & effort necessary to locate one! Your PT is important enough to find one!)
There are a lot of computer issues possible once the transmission has been messed with, that need set by computer...that only a good, certified mechanic can resolve.
(see the related threads on this forum)

[BLUEH20]

I've never been a fan of dealerships, but I've had bad luck with these 2 different transmission and repair shops already and the car still doesn't run. I have no idea how to find a shop capable of troubleshooting and resolving these things, and so far two have failed and I'm out almost $800 and back to where I started.

There is a lot to be said for good indy shops and for good dealership shops.

Small indy's try real hard and generally successful-when then fail--you have little leverage to recoup $$$$. Most of them are operating on the edge of financial failure.

Dealership Service Depatments try real hard and are generally successful--when they fail you have lots of leverage to recoup $$$$. Including pressure from the manufacturer.

The difference in cost of repair is easy to understand--what does it cost to open the doors for business at a small indy and at a large dealership service and parts department.

As suggested, try a few more indy's--you, may, through the process of elimnination, get lucky. Or you can go to the Darth Vader of repair facilites--the dealership service depatment; where they have the correct equipment, tools, manufacture information, computer support and parts (generally on hand).

Since you have already invested some $800.00 plus time and energy you need to cut your losses and get your ride back on the road rather than on the end of a tow hook.

If you must go after shop 1 and 2--get your vehicle repaired first so that you know what the correct repair was. It is generally a losing proposition to go into battle unarmed!