Rawcliffe's Service Center

Vehicle came in with a no start condition from a local auto body shop.  This was the first time that our facility had seen the vehicle.  When the vehicle was diagnosed with for the no start condition it had multiple codes present including a code for transmission fault.  The no start...

condition was caused by a faulty starter.  We replaced the starter and at the same time the customer requested we replace spark plugs.  We performed the repairs noted and cleared the all diagnostic codes in the vehicle.  Upon completion of road test the check engine light stayed out.  At this point there would be no reason to diagnose or repair the vehicle any further.Second visit for vehicle was to look for oil leaks upon customer request.  We confirmed oil leaks at valve cover, oil filter housing and the transmission sealing sleeve.   A minor leak was noted at the engine oil pan which did not need addressing at this visit.  The valve cover was resealed, oil filter housing resealed and the transmission sealing sleeve replaced and the transmission fluid was adjusted according to manufacturer's specification.  Also during this visit the vehicle would not start in the technician's bay.  This condition was due to a faulty defective starter.  This was suprising to us as the brand of starter was a [redacted] which is the [redacted] OEM starter.  But defects do sometimes occur so we replaced the starter again at no cost to customer which cured the no start condition.  During this visit the customer requested an inspection for oil leaks.  Third visit we performed [redacted] Autologic diagnosis for customer at no cost.  We road tested the vehicle and checked for codes and came up with transmission fault code 4F97.  Transmission also was noted as slipping in reverse.  Electrical checks were performed to confirm no electrical faults causing the issue which we determined that they were not.  Analysis of transmission fault is that the transmission has an internal clutch issue which is causing the slippage.  Vehicle needs transmission replaced to cure condition.When the customer came to pick up the vehicle there was a transmission malfunction light on in the dash.  We then rechecked again for the customer at no cost just to reconfirm what we already suspected at this time.During the initial visit to our facility there were multiple codes present including the transmission code.  When this particular vehicle loses its power, which in this case it would due to the no start, the vehicle will trigger multiple codes from multiple sources from within the vehicle.  The repair procedure in all cases would be for us to address the known conditions.  If the vehicle does not tell us that there are other faults present by the check engine or check transmission light staying on, then there would be no reason to assume that there was a transmission failing at that time or the code would have come back on.During the second visit we were addressing the warranty starter and the oil leaks the customer wanted us to inspect/repair.  At that time there was no indication of a check engine or check transmission light.  However, one of the repairs noted was that the transmission sealing sleeve was leaking.  This condition would be a considered a common fault for this particular vehicle.  We have replaced several transmission sealing sleeves with no issues beyond the resealing.  No check engine or check transmission lights were on indicating that there was an imminent or fault in any of the vehicle systems.Customer returned at a later date with the transmission light on.  We gave the customer a loaner car at no cost.  We diagnosed the car at no cost.  We determined the fault to be an internal transmission fault.  Transmission that failed is an internal issue not a condition that we created.   It is unfortunate that the order of events unfolded in the manner in which they did.  If we had known that the transmission was going to fail we obviously would not have recommended the resleeve repair at that time.  If we do not recommend the resleeve then we are not doing our job. Thank you,Ralph DavisService ManagerRawcliffe's Inc.

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # [redacted].  
Transmission:  If there was a code for "transmission default" when the vehicle came in initially (9/6), this is the first time I am hearing of this, and the notes on the invoices will prove that.  After all the visits, I received a photo of the codes that were pulled from my car, and there is a transmission default code, but there is no date as to when this code was pulled.  Either way, I was made aware of the "transmission default code" on 9/25/17 (after the transmission sleeve was replaced) when I came to pick up my care and the "transmission malfunction" light was on, FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER.  Had I known before they recommended a sleeve replacement that there were transmission default codes out there, I would've suggested that they investigate those codes before replacing a sleeve because I may be looking at a more severe transmission problem.  The issue here, is that there was a less experienced person ([redacted]) communicating with me on the needed repairs.  If there were transmission default codes present on the first visit, [redacted] should've let me know about a potential BIG problem with the transmission rather than simply replace the small problem of a supposed transmission fluid leak before it was replaced.  I also doubt there was ever a fluid leak, there is no proof of a transmission leak in my drain pan, on the engine, or below the frame.  There is also no pictures of it from the shop, which is against company policy.  What I am simply stating here, is that [redacted] should've used good judgement and advised me to further seek the transmission default codes they discovered on the initial visit rather than replace the sleeve.  Had we performed all the diagnostic checks before the sleeve was replaced, they could've told me I needed a new transmission and not bother fixing the supposed leak.  As a mechanic, they should've been able to spot this massive transmission problem prior to the sleeve repair.Rawcliffe's timing of the events do not make sense.  If they saw a transmission clutch default code on the first visit, and then received the car back on 9/18 with a transmission fluid leak, then they should've known to fully diagnose the transmission before simply recommending a $500 sleeve replacement.  What seems more logical is that Rawcliffe simply replaced a part of the transmission that is known to leak because I told them I was seeing a pink fluid in my driveway, completely ignoring the transmission default code they pulled a couple weeks earlier.  The pink fluid leak actually turned out to be orange window washing fluid, so I asked for proof there was a transmission fluid leak, they did not have proof.  The notes on the invoices along with a lack of evidence of any oil or transmission fluid leaks before Rawcliffe touched my car seems to point to sloppy mechanic work on the first starter, which caused a sequence of events that turned out to be very expensive.  And all along, Rawcliffe pulled a transmission default code before it all started, hmm?  They should've looked into that FIRST!To put this situation behind us, I am simply requesting back the money from the sleeve replacement.  If they deny this, my next step will be small claims court where I will attempt to recover all money I've paid to Rawcliffe's for all services.
Regards,
[redacted]