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Need advice about defective van

Sent to Car Experts November 18 07:49 PM

My sister has a 2001 chevy astro van, she has complained to the dealer foru times that the van dose always go into reverse, they check it and say everything is fine. Today it broke down and they told her that the reverse reaction sun shell?? has broken and that it is not covered because her warrenty has run out. I have two questions, do you think something could have been wrong from the beginning and she should persue them to fix it under warrenty? Is this something that a person with some mechanical skills could do at home? They say they will charge her $2500.00 to repair the van. She has a handicaped son so she needs the van but can not afford $2500.00. Please advise me what to tell her.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $1
Answer
November 18 10:45 PM (2 hours and 55 minutes and 45 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
That she doesn't haven't already, have your sister get a written description of the problem along with a written estimate of the repair cost.  This will help with her research.

Have your sister look up her vehicle (and its problem) on the Center for Auto Safety web site.  She should start with 'Gather Info on Any Vehicle' and look for recalls, extended warranties, Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or other information regarding transmission problems with this year, make, and model of vehicle.  It may be that some assistance is available through the dealership and/or the manufacturer -- but unfortunately they usually make you find this out on your own, rather than telling you up front.

She should call some other transmission shops in the area to see if $2500 is a reasonable figure -- and also to see if there are other (a less expensive options (such as installing a rebuilt transmission).

Also, have her contact the New Jersey Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC) -- this program helps people with disabilities to access devices and equipment (Assistive Technology) that they need to make life better.  They may have a grant program, or low-interest loan program or know of other resources available which may help the situation.  These programs often have a list of used equipment for sale (including accessible vans).

Good Luck !
 

Edited by Oreport on November 18 2004 at 10:56 PM

Counselor /listener/collaborative problem solver. Thanks!
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Steve -- a.k.a. Oreport -- Bus Riding Pedestrian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 7 Car Accepts
I learned so much about cars -- that I no longer drive one... ;-)
Info Request
November 19 6:58 PM (20 hours and 12 minutes and 40 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
  Customer (name blocked for privacy),,
    Call the dealer and find out when the factory representative visits the dealership. Ask for an appointment to see him.
It can't hurt and he may try to help you out.
Otherwise, call the factory people. Find GM on the internet and look for customer complaint resolution.
If they know about this problem, you may get some help.
Good Luck


Bob Fox
bfox4546 -- Auto Service Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 29 Car Accepts
10 years experience.
Reply
November 19 10:12 PM (3 hours and 14 minutes and 26 seconds later)
         
Response to bfox4546's Post: Thank You I will pass on the suggestion.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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