Honest Engine
Imagine . . . You’re pulling onto a major highway, press the accelerator . . . and your transmission blows out. Not a great way to start your day. At least my car rolled down the ramp and I pulled off onto the narrow shoulder of the road. I was spoiled. My Toyota Solara had never failed me before. Alas, all good things come to an end. Surprise, fear, relief and frustration all washed over me within a matter of seconds. We’ve all been there. But As a public service I have to post what happened next.
Who ya gonna call?
I sat there, my engine idling and air-conditioner blasting, while annoyed drivers whizzed by me casting disgruntled looks my way. I glanced over at Jango, my pomeranian, curled in the passenger seat. “Now what?” I ask him, hoping for at least a sympathetic whimper. He just stared for a moment, then closed his eyes.
Maybe it was a fluke . . . I grabbed the gearshift . . . reverse, low, second, drive . . . nothing engaged except park. Should I leave my car and walk up the ramp to the gas station? No, I had no leash––of course––and it was 85 degrees. I couldn’t leave Jango.
I’m not sure how any of us survived before the invention of smartphones. After my initial shock wore off, I weighed my options, grabbed my Iphone and pulled up transmission repair. You know, the nationally advertised specialists who swear to provide quick, reliable, inexpensive service. Then I called my tow service . . . and waited.
On impulse more than knowledge, I turned off my ignition then restarted my car, hoping to reboot the vehicle like I do with my computer. And it worked. That meant––in my logical but inexpert opinion––that the problem involved the electrical system as well as the transmission, so instead of driving to a random transmission specialists, I headed to Appalachian Auto, mechanics who had been referred to me by a friend.
When I arrived, I explained what had happened. Bob Mundy, promptly connected an electronic gadget underneath my dashboard and reported that my “direct clutch speed sensor” was faulty. Of course . . . why didn’t I figure that out? After all, my check engine light had been glowing for months. Happy to have a reason for my transmission failure, I asked him how much it would cost, then held my breath.
Since the part I needed was sold by dealers only, Bob made a few phone calls, checked under my hood, then came back with an approximate price. The part could be delivered in a few hours and if I brought my car in by 8:00 am the next day, he’d have it repaired and back to me within an hour. That sounded great, but I’d never used the guy before so I decided to check his price against the “Big Two” transmission specialists.
Wow, was I shocked. I asked them both how much it would be to replace my “direct clutch speed sensor.” After a few calls both came back with prices almost three times higher than Bob Mundy’s quote, and I’d have to wait several days for the repair.
I was so lucky to have talked to Appalachian Auto first! Too many companies take advantage of desperate drivers, routinely ripping people off. Whether you are male or female, beware! Do your research and when you find an honest mechanic, spread the word.
Appalachian Auto installed my sensor the next morning and I was on my way by 8:45 am, car fixed and check engine light off. It’s nice to be able to trust a mechanic and know they are honest. If you live north of Atlanta, try Appalachian Auto. (They specialize in Acura, Honda and Toyota.)
My deepest appreciation to:
Southern Appalachian Auto Inc
670 Old Norcross Rd
Lawrenceville, GA 30045
(770) 962-9468 (Ask for Bob Mundy)
Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am – 5 pm
