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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
‘93
Chrysler Concorde, Transmission Failure and Recall
Q: In April of ‘99 I had to take my ‘93
Chrysler Concorde to a dealership and found out it needed a new transmission,
which I paid $1317.41 to have done. My invoice also states that they replaced
the transaxle among other things. Recently I received a recall. The recall
states that the problem is: "the lower control arm attaching brackets
on the vehicle may crack and separate from the engine cradle. If this
occurs, the transmission half-shaft may pull out of the transaxle and
cause a loss of power. This will increase the risk of an accident in certain
situations." The recall states, to fix this, a dealer needs to install
reinforcement brackets over the lower control arm attaching brackets.
Here is my question. Is it possible that this problem addressed in the
recall could have caused the transmission to fail? And If so, should I
be due a refund from the dealer or Chrysler for the repairs made in April
‘99, either for the full amount or $220 for the transaxle? Is this transaxle
something that is normally replaced during transmission replacements?
...Donna
A: Let’s
start with the recall you received. The Safety Recall addresses a suspension
component failure. The recall is worded in a manner that, ahh should we
say, glosses over the problem. An increased risk of an accident? Yeah,
I guess the possible loss of steering and braking could be defined as
an increased risk if you were in your vehicle anywhere besides in your
driveway. Next, a transmission and transaxle are one in the same on your
vehicle. It’s the terminology, application of the words that causes the
confusion. Now does the Safety Recall have anything to do with your transmission/transaxle
failure? Check your repair invoice, were any suspension components (now
recall related) noted for repair or replacement? If so, then you deserve
a refund for those parts and labor. Next, did the failure of these components
in any way cause damage to the transmission/transaxle, resulting in the
needed repairs? If so, consideration for those expenses are in line. If
not, then the Safety Recall and your transmission/transaxle problem were
not related at the time. In either event, have the recommended inspection
and repairs described in the Safety Recall performed on your vehicle.
Safety Recalls are at no cost to the owner of the vehicle and you do not
have to be the original owner of the vehicle.
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