It's been a while back since this was done and thought I'd give an update on what's been happening since.
The dealer service did not hold for more than a few days! Didn't think it was worth going back as they said they "think" it is the gasket. So I contacted an indy I've used in the past and explained the deal and he said to bring it in and see if he could locate the source of my leak.
He spent some time digging around and found a couple"o-rings that have become hard..." and (from memory now!) some type small valve that was "seeping.." but at any rate needed to order the part and that it would be in in a couple days. Meanwhile, since he had the tranny "apart" he'd need to keep the car til the part arrived! So, the parts were installed, got the car back and within a few days there was the DRIP again
.
I have NOT done anything other than monitor the fluid level and keep a cardboard under it where it sits in the garage. Funny thing, to this very day, I have not added a drop of AT fluid as the level appears to be/stay within the acceptable limit on the dipstick.
Now that I have just completed the wiring harness update/upgrade and we're thinking that we are going to KEEP the car another 2 - 3 years, it's time to take it to ANOTHER dealership/indy/tranny shop for another diagnosis and get the damn thing fixed this time. I just DON'T want to go to big time $$$$ on a WRONG diagnosis.
I guess my question/s would be: is the dealer the better choice when it comes to this diagnosis/fix since they work on the brand daily? Would an independent tranny shop (NOT THE NATIONAL/REGIONAL CHAINS) that has been in business like 50+ years be a good choice? I know that is hard to say until I "interview" them on the matter. We oft times can get a 'gut' feeling if we are being given a line of BS, but will I be able to sense that from a shop? (I know you cannot answer THAT one
). Just kinda looking for some direction for this repair and a good outcome from anybody that has had to deal with similar issue.
As a side note, I came across an eBay listing last night on a wagon (same year/color) like mine and it states in the auction that they have receipt for recent re-manufactured tranny installation. I'm watching it with a thought in mind.....hmmmmm
...coould be a solution depending HOW cheap I could snipe it
..
Thanks for your time and replies