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Transmission Fluid Change Dealer Quote?

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oharag

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
So my Durango is in for Service - trying to get things done under Maxcare

They also quoted me ~$750 for transmission fluid change. I asked if this included everything - from my brief reading on this forum - it should include a new transmission pan that includes the filter + transmission fluid. I asked if this was the case and the Service guy didn't know - so I declined for now until I get specifics.

Just a question to those that had it changed at dealer/shop - is $750 a good price if it includes pan/filter/fluid and labor?
 
Discussion starter · #2 ·
BTW they quoted me $117 for oil change!!! WTH. It used to be around $65-$75 from dealer in the past - full synthetic! A heat shield around the catalytic converter is rattling. Apparently, you need to replace the whole freakin CAT because it's attached! It wasn't covered under warranty (apparently 8 years/80,000 miles). It was quoted at $3000! Has anyone had issues with heatshield around CAT? Is there a way to repair this easily?
 
#3 ·
Never heard of the loose heat shield. I'm sure any good local mechanic can do all of this for you and save you money. Your dealer is just a money grabber.
 
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#4 ·
oharag:
Sadly, it sounds like your dealer qualifies for "stealership" status. You ought to be able top get a full synthetic oil service for $80ish. Any more than that is highway robbery unless you are in a high rent district. As for the heat shield. you might be able to quiet/secure it with a $2 hose clamp.

Don
 
#5 ·
oharag said:
So my Durango is in for Service - trying to get things done under Maxcare

They also quoted me ~$750 for transmission fluid change. I asked if this included everything - from my brief reading on this forum - it should include a new transmission pan that includes the filter + transmission fluid. I asked if this was the case and the Service guy didn't know - so I declined for now until I get specifics.

Just a question to those that had it changed at dealer/shop - is $750 a good price if it includes pan/filter/fluid and labor?
Click to expand...
The service guy didn't know??? OMG...
 
#6 ·
Here in the US, I'd say that an 8 speed trans service done right with all the needed goodies for $750 is probably decent.
Still, this is ridiculous for such a service. The last trans fluid R and R I did for a Durango was the 545 RFE on my previous '04 SLT 5.7L.

It was $15 I believe for the filter/gasket kit from Autozone, and 6 quarts of Valvoline ATF+4 @ $6 per for a grand total of $51. The labor of course was DIY.

$750.............. SMH

Don
 
#7 ·
Yes, Don but that Tranny had a dipstick and conventional drain & fill method of service just like my old 05’ 5.7 DD. “Good old days”

The ZF is slightly more complicated and I can see the stealership saying it’s a sealed tranny and special equipment is needed (disposable oil pan and integral filter, computer monitoring of temperature, etc. ). It’s all a cash grab that most who don’t have a clue will fall into… which is 90% of the population.

FYI my 05’ Mustang GT has the same sealed style auto transmission… it really sucks.
 
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#8 ·
I prefer it when my tranny has a dipstick! :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO:
I 'd heard in the past that the manufacturers want to move towards a vehicle that can't be serviced by the average gal/fellow at home, or an independent shop. Shades of the books/movies 1984 and Soylent Green come to mind.

Don
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
Don Fox said:
Here in the US, I'd say that an 8 speed trans service done right with all the needed goodies for $750 is probably decent.
Still, this is ridiculous for such a service. The last trans fluid R and R I did for a Durango was the 545 RFE on my previous '04 SLT 5.7L.

It was $15 I believe for the filter/gasket kit from Autozone, and 6 quarts of Valvoline ATF+4 @ $6 per for a grand total of $51. The labor of course was DIY.

$750.............. SMH

Don
Click to expand...
So I found pan online for $250ish?
Lets say $50 for fluids? Maybe more - so maybe $100?
That leaves $300+ for labor - 3 hours?
So if this is the case maybe $750 is a good price. I watched this process online - it can be tricky and difficult to get to some bolts. Maybe a 1-2 hour job - but you have to safely jack the vehicle - try to remove and then install bolts - and torque them correctly - then there is a funky process to fill correctly - requiring changing gears - fill - do it again and fill. So for $750 all in it seems like something I would pay for if done right.
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
Don Fox said:
oharag:
Sadly, it sounds like your dealer qualifies for "stealership" status. You ought to be able top get a full synthetic oil service for $80ish. Any more than that is highway robbery unless you are in a high rent district. As for the heat shield. you might be able to quiet/secure it with a $2 hose clamp.

Don
Click to expand...
So I found a coupon online from Dodge - QNTY 2 full synthetic/oil filter - up to 6 qts for $130. i paid for this. I changed out my oil last change - but it is a pain crawling under the vehicle - getting oil all over you and the driveway.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Tin Foil Hat said:
Never heard of the loose heat shield. I'm sure any good local mechanic can do all of this for you and save you money. Your dealer is just a money grabber.
Click to expand...
Yeah look on tubes - it is a prevalent issue. The other issue is the large heat shield pan above the drive train exhaust. The aluminum wears away and strats to make noise. You have to remove bolts and find oversized washers to provide clamping force.
 
#13 ·
Must be a rust belt problem.
 
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#14 ·
@Don Fox I know CA gets :poop: on a lot (love the state, hate the politics), but the "right to repair act" came from this fine state. It's about fixing electronics, not cars, but it's a step in the right direction to make sure consumers retain the option to self-repair or somehow repair outside of OEM control. Hopefully this is ONE thing that will be good to spread to other states.
 
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