#43549, "Small claims fight with tranny shop - need fluid analysis help!"
A good friend of mine that drives a Mazda 6 just had his transmission fluid changed at a local shop. 7 days later the tranny is shot. The car had 0 tranny problems before and the only reason he got it changed was because the car now had 60k miles and the thought it would be a good idea.
Now, I don't remember exactly what fluid the Mazda needs but it's not Mercon. The shop however used Mercon + some additives that is supposed to work fine for Mazdas.
He had the fluid samples taken to a shop and tested. I included those PDF's. Anyone care to chime in on either the fluid analysis or tips for possible small claims action?
#43551, "RE: Small claims fight with tranny shop - need fluid analysis help!" In response to Reply # 0 Feb-26-10 10:42 AM by micyek
I don't really know how valid the test results are. Because the tranny is shot...the act of getting shot will contaminate the oil. Or at least I would think that would be the case. IMO only a "clean" sample right from the shop would be a valid comparison. After that comparison was taken you'd probably need to get an expert (Mazda engineer) statement that say that oil was without a doubt the cause of the failure. And I doubt Mazda would be very helpful, they aren't going to stick there neck out like that for one customers transmission. The response would be something like:
"Our engineers here at Mazda only recommend using our specially formulated transmission fluid, we can't support or deny that any other transmission fluid would cause transmission failure. While we at Mazda are sympathetic you your situation, our lawyers informed use we should not comment any further on this topic, but we encourage you to visit your local Mazda dealer for further service, repairs, and new vehicle needs."
I wish your friend luck, hopefully he gets some money back...but I'm afraid that the hassle would out weigh the reward for me.
#44218, "RE: Small claims fight with tranny shop - need fluid analysis help!" In response to Reply # 3
Ughhh man this makes me cringe a little. The transmission pan/gasket area has a small leak on my 04 Impala (has the 3800 v6). Wonder how rough it would be to do myself?
#44219, "RE: Small claims fight with tranny shop - need fluid analysis help!" In response to Reply # 4
Pan gasket on your impala is a cake walk the bolts are probably a 8mm. Start by taking the bolts out of one side of the L shape and work your way to the other side so the fluid gradually comes out as you work your way around the pan...
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