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Cadillac Repair/Torque Convertor -transmission repair

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Expert: - 7/8/2011


Question
SES light was on, issue code for torque convertor P0741.  Cadillac dealer gave me a $4100 repair estimate.  This is a 2003 Seville STS with 120,000.  3years ago I had the torque convertor solenoid replaced at a cost of $660, and then the torque convertor clutch a week later, which they ran under warranty, with 70,000 miles on the car.  This time, same code, different dealer telling me my transmission needs to be rebuilt aka torque convertor, as in..gasket kit, trans case cover, drive sprocket support and torque convertor.  What are the chances of the tcc having to be replaced again?  What are my options?  I have an appt with them to have this done next week.Thanks

Answer
Hello,

I am sorry, but I am not qualified to assist you on a transmission problem, but I would like to interject something that may save you a lot of money. There are some of those old die hards that keep going to the dealer to get their car serviced and these days unless it is a warranty situation, it just is not cost effective.
There are some great service centers out there as well as competent transmission shops that are just as good if not better that can save you a whole ton of cash!

Hypothetically, lets say you needed a computer. The dealer may sell you a new one for $600. The service center may give you the option of getting a used computer for $100. They may also offer a brand new replacement with a warranty for $300. You will not get those options at a dealer. Times are tight right now and money is tight. You are best off going to a local service center. Dealers in y opinion are good for one thing-warranty work! They don't know anything more in most cases than those at a service center.

Before going for your appointment, take your car to a transmission shop such as AMCO or anywhere else of your choosing and have them check your car out.
If you are dead set on going to the dealer I can't stop you, but all I am trying to do is save you money.

At any rate, good luck!

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Rob Painter

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Alarm system questions cannot be answered on this forum. These systems are not what I can answer. Without being physically at the vehicle and not knowing what kind of electrical service has been done on the vehicle, there is no possible way to give an accurate answer over the internet. My expertise is in Ignition/key based anti-theft systems. These issues include GM VATS (resistor chip in key blade) PASSLOCK (MRD)-ignition lock rotation based, no special ignition key and the PKIII Transponder (computer chip in key) systems. These systems are not alarm based and are integral with the starting of the engine. This is why I cannot diagnose alarm problems without physically looking at the vehicle: Alarm systems are a completely different annimal than ignition key/lock based anti-theft system. Many alarm questions come from vehicles 10 years old, and since older, many hands that had been involved over the years.I am an expert in all GM factory (ignition/key based)systems. Alarm system questions pose to many situations beyond my knowledge as to what has been done to the vehicle over the years. Some guy may have actually wired the stereo into the alarm system. Who knows? Over my past 30 years in vehicle wiring repair, I have seen unbelievable wiring disaters done by guys that consider themselves "mechanics." I have seen stereos and alarms intalled using surgical tape. I have seen modules burn up, un-fused circuits, wiring jambed between the doors and even lamp cord used for a starter kill. To answer alarm questions over the internet without examining the vehicle is like asking; What does it take to remove a dent?

Experience

Education/Credentials-ASE certified. 11 years with a GM dealer and 17 years with a repair facility dealing with only the repair of theft recovered vehicles.

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