Fletcher's Transmissions

This is a response to the above numbered complaint. When the customer first brought her car to us for a power steering leak, she stated that she had an unlicensed mechanic IE. ([redacted] ) do the first power steering gear box replacement with a used unit that the Customer provided. When the car was...

put up on a lift it was noted that the return line from the box was leaking. The hose leaked so bad that fluid was everywhere. The customer authorized the repair. The replacement of the return hose was completed. Also the technician noted that possibly, there was bolts missing from the sub-frame. And, we recommended an alignment shop or [redacted] dealership to check the front end and sub-frame.
The customer left here she went to an alignment shop. The alignment shop told the customer that the steering gear box was still leaking. The customer returned to us where we confirmed the other shops findings. So, then the customer asked if we would help get a warranty from the used part supplier. They agreed to warranty it. We quoted a price to install the second used power steering gear box that the customer supplied. We installed the used steering box.  We, also recommended to take the car to a car wash to get off as much fluid as possible.
She went back to the alignment shop where they told her that we damaged a tie rod end boot and that the center link was on backwards preventing a proper alignment. We did not remove the center link during our repairs. We attempted to put the center link on correctly as the alignment shop stated. We found that the center link can only go on one way. In attempting  this our tool damaged the seals on the center link, at that point we purchased and Installed a new tie rod end and center link at no charge to the customer.
The windshield had a rock chip where the crack began. We did perform a road test after we installed the steering  box, the road test was once around the block at the speed limit. The windshield was cracked when it first arrived at our shop.
The catalytic converter is an item we had nothing to do with.

Review: July 2014 had Fletcher's rebuild my transmission on 2003 Mazda Tribute ES. The total cost of the rebuild was $1700.00. I had a local mechanic remove and replace the rebuild which was another $2000.00. I do VERY little driving. In fact, less than 8000 miles since the rebuild! I don't EVER tow and hadn't even attempted to tow until Friday April 3rd 2015, an empty 4X8 U-Haul as I had a part-time consulting job waiting for me in Seattle. I mention this as [redacted] the owner indicated that based off his analysis of my transmission he believes I towed constantly since his rebuild, which is patently false. As I was backing into U-Haul to connect the trailer, I had a slight problem getting the vehicle into reverse. I thought, I KNOW!!!! We hooked up the trailer, when I put into gear, the vehicle would not move! The attendant was standing there watching the whole thing unfold. After several attempts, turning off restarting, sliding into gear, I was able to pull forward, however, the moment I stopped, the transmission came out of gear. So yes I towed, 15'. I promptly returned to U-Haul and was refunded the cost and my deposit THE SAME DAY SAME HOUR ALMOST SAME MINUTE, yet [redacted] will not warranty his work! Being he is MONK, he told me on the phone the trailer ball showed signs of wear and that if he had KNOWN I was towing would have never rebuilt my transmission. He also lied telling me he contacted the manufacturer and said they told him my 2003 Mazda/Ford Tribute/Escape wasn't made to tow period. Below are the manufacturers specs, public to all. Sadly, I'm suing in small claims and it will be costly for Fletcher's transmission. Weights and CapacitiesMAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY 2000 lbs. DRAG COEFFICIENT.41 Cd CURB WEIGHT3455 lbs. CARGO CAPACITY, ALL SEATS IN PLACE33.1 cu.ft. MAXIMUM CARGO CAPACITY63.9 cu.ft.Desired Settlement: Initially I just wanted my transmission fixed, and fixed correctly this time. [redacted] said after inspecting that this transmission was fried, his words. Well I have done NOTHING in any way that would somehow make ME liable for his poor workmanship. I also learned that my vehicle was not serviced by [redacted] or his top transmission mechanic (apparently they had a falling out), and my transmission was one of the first ones his replacement did. And it's MY fault. I drove less than 8000k miles.

Business

Response:

The complaint [redacted] is not my customer. He is the customer of [redacted]. Who is my customer.[redacted] brought me the transmission out of a tribute for a bench rebuild. I only did this because [redacted] worked for Anything Automotive at this time. When the transmission was brought to me there was no mention o a tow hitch at this time. I do not know where the removal or installation of the transmission was performed.The work was performed around 4/7/14, [redacted] picked up the transmission around 4/24/14. Not, on 7/1/14 as stated in the complaint. The claim amount of $2000.00 for removal and installation is not what [redacted] stated to me during a phone conversation. [redacted] stated he charged $75.00 for R&R. According to all data the r&r time is 8.6 hours.The rebuild technician that was used, has 20 years experience rebuilding transmissions.[redacted] was told that I require the vehicle after installation for a test drive and inspection. As, I require of all shops and mobile mechanics that I deal with. I also require the license and mileage of the vehicle. This was not done on the vehicle in question.I called done some research on the mazda in question. And, found out thru Maita mazda parts department that is tribute by vin. #4f2cz96143km01227 does not come with the tow package option from the factory.the cd4e transmission is considered a light duty transmission. And if it was known to me at that time it had a tow hitch I would not have built it the first place.Enclosed:1 copy of the original work order1 copy of a print out from alldata[redacted]Fletchers Transmissions

Consumer

Response:

I am rejecting this response because: [redacted] will not stand by his work. I never towed and the tranny still went with very low miles on the rebuild. It is NOT my fault and your business owner doesn't get it. I asked for a refund of only his portion and he flattly denied my request. Nope, this is going to court where Fletchers can learn the law at a terrible price. To think its my fault [redacted]'s shop did poor work is unacceptable. And for him to refuse my refund request goes beyond comprehension. I only want my money back at this point. [redacted]'s arrogance is gonna be costly to him in court. See ya there!!!!

Business

Response:

The offer made to our customer [redacted] still stands, we will warranty all defective parts and workmanship, as per our last response. Fletchers transmission [redacted]

Consumer

Response:

Hello, In the last response to me from Fletcher’s Dave indicates I am NOT his customer. According to my records I indeed paid Dave directly from TWO accounts for his work on MY transmission. For Dave to make such an insinuation indicates he is desperate and unprofessional. Please communicate such to Fletcher’s transmission. Thanks kindly, [redacted]7732 Smoley WayCitrus Heights, CA 95610 If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right ~Henry Ford

Review: I, [redacted], Took my truck into Fletcher's Transmission on 3/8/12. I wanted them to upgrade my transmission to pull my 7000 lbs Trailer. The service asked was not fulfilled and extra was added that was not requested. There was no difference after they supposedly upgraded my transmission for the cost of $3997.52. I took my truck back three times because it would not shift into the third gear. They told me it is some other problem not theirs. After the third time I finally had to take it to another shop. I took the truck to L & L Transmission, they told me they would tear down the transmission and tell me what was wrong. They found that only part of the transmission was upgraded and it only had factory clutches. After they rebuilt the transmission, The truck shift fine and has more power and is able to pull my trail much better. The cost for service was $2089.93.Desired Settlement: I would like payment in full for $3997.52 from Fletcher Transmission.

Business

Response:

re. [redacted] complaint. The transmission that we built for 1993 Dodge truck was built heavy duty .The clutches in question where not factory clutches. They are what we recommend & installed in the unit.These were Borg Warner.These are among the very best clutches in the industry.I will provide Revdex.com with documentation for every part we built the transmission with.I will call for an appointment with Revdex.com & bring docs.to you. Sincerely [redacted]

Business

Response:

In response to the Revdex.com complaint# [redacted], the following is an explanation of the parts put into the complaint. The documents that are enclosed shows the parts that were put into the transmission were heavy duty parts. The planets that were put into the transmission are heavy duty upgrades, the friction clutches are Borg Warner, recalibration kit, and the torque converter are all part of the heavy duty package. Enclosed are the invoices that show all the parts that were installed in the transmission. Also; enclosed is a copy of L&L Transmission work order # [redacted] that states there was nothing wrong with the transmission.

Consumer

Response:

I am rejecting this response because:

I have read Mr. [redacted] response to my complaint. I do not know transmissions, but I do know that if another transmission shop can build by transmission, with more strength and power, why couldn't Mr.[redacted].

Review: Replace Steering Gear Box Change that one put another one in still leaking broken my front window broken both tie rods etc. Told me dont want to have anything else to do with my car, said dont have the righ tools and more things or getting broken. Cannot travel to work in car . When turning the wheel and backing up their is a popping noise.Desired Settlement: My money back or fix the problem. $191.40 (cash) + $131.40 (CC) Missing sub frame bolts + broken windshield + catalytic converter. Fix steering rack problem. $23 x 3 oil cans.

Business

Response:

This is a response to the above numbered complaint. When the customer first brought her car to us for a power steering leak, she stated that she had an unlicensed mechanic IE. ([redacted] ) do the first power steering gear box replacement with a used unit that the Customer provided. When the car was put up on a lift it was noted that the return line from the box was leaking. The hose leaked so bad that fluid was everywhere. The customer authorized the repair. The replacement of the return hose was completed. Also the technician noted that possibly, there was bolts missing from the sub-frame. And, we recommended an alignment shop or [redacted] dealership to check the front end and sub-frame.

The customer left here she went to an alignment shop. The alignment shop told the customer that the steering gear box was still leaking. The customer returned to us where we confirmed the other shops findings. So, then the customer asked if we would help get a warranty from the used part supplier. They agreed to warranty it. We quoted a price to install the second used power steering gear box that the customer supplied. We installed the used steering box. We, also recommended to take the car to a car wash to get off as much fluid as possible.

She went back to the alignment shop where they told her that we damaged a tie rod end boot and that the center link was on backwards preventing a proper alignment. We did not remove the center link during our repairs. We attempted to put the center link on correctly as the alignment shop stated. We found that the center link can only go on one way. In attempting this our tool damaged the seals on the center link, at that point we purchased and Installed a new tie rod end and center link at no charge to the customer.

The windshield had a rock chip where the crack began. We did perform a road test after we installed the steering box, the road test was once around the block at the speed limit. The windshield was cracked when it first arrived at our shop.

The catalytic converter is an item we had nothing to do with.