Ok I have a 2003 Dodge Stratus automatic with 39,000 miles on it. I have been noticing that when my car shifts from first gear to second gear it is a hard shift. It sort jerks the car, but it doesnt do that with any other shifts like when going into first or shifting from second to third. I went to the dodge Store and got a transmission flush and changed the filter but it didnt help.

I called them because i still have a warranty on my car but they said it would cost 120 dollars to diagnose it and it it is my transmission its the 200 deductible to fix it.

I called AAmco and they only charge 50 to diagnose....

any ideas on what its it?

 

You might want to check the right section of the forum. The Stratus section would help you more then the off topic.

 

I have ideas!


but not about your stratus... sorry

 

DO NOT take it to AAMCO. You will regret it. Find a reputable local transmission shop, not a chain. Personally if it were me, I would just take it to the dealer.



Btw, you know what AAMCO stands for, right?

All
Automatics
Must
Come
Out

 

Well I want to take it to Dodge but again they want to charge 120 to diagnose it plus a 200 dollar deductible to use the warranty.

Do you think I would get reimbursed the 120 diagnosis fee if it is covered by the warranty. I dont understand why I would have to pay it if it is something covered under my warranty

 

Dodge is fully aware of what your transmission problem is. I had the same issue you are claiming to have and it wasn't until I went out of warranty, that they agreed I had a problem and my trans needed to rebuilt. I fought HARD to make the dealer pay for it b/c of the history of complaints I had with the hard shifting. Find another dealer that won't charge you a diag fee, b/c not all do.

It has to do with some kind of a seal that goes bad that is simple to replace. What I didn't know was that the dealer kept lubing the seal and my car ran like a champ for a few weeks until it went bad again. Eventually it caused more issues such as metal shavings to get into my trans. I haven't been having the same issues now that my trans is rebuilt.

Don't give up and don't let the dealer take you for a ride either. And keep ALL of your documentation until you no longer have your car. Good luck!