Most won't believe this, but it's true.

Here's my unbelievable luck in a nut shell:
My 04 Coupe started leaking transmission fluid about two weeks ago. Yes, it was the transmission connector that so many of our vehicles have had issues with. I took it to the dealer and of course the easy fix of just replacing the connector ended up turning into having the same issue others have had, the internal connector bolt was stripped resulting in needing to change the transmission valve body or at minimum the valve body connector. Dealer told me my vehicle transmission valve body was one piece, unlike 2005 and newer, which was designed to be 2 pieces. The price for the tranny connector was $15, the valve body would be $1400, and of course labor, trans fluid, gasket etc. So, according to them, I was looking at $1600 plus. I said, put the old one back on and drove away. I did some research, which forum members helped out with as well, and found out they were full of bull at that dealer. Other dealers, parts suppliers and forum members all said at most it should need the valve body connector, and ofcourse new fluid etc. This would run about $700 or more. I felt better about this repair and so I took it to a different dealer because they seemed to know what they were talking about and confirmed what forum members had been saying.

HERE"s the UNBELIEVABLE LUCK................... I took it to the dealer, they confirmed the nut was stripped and would have to put in a new valve body connector, BUT THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND IT WOULD BE COVERED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! $100 Deductible (Actually, it only ended up costing $62.

They ordered the part (I had to leave it over the weekend because they suggested - an rightfully so, not to drive it), and fixed it today. The 7/70 warranty runs out next month (I only have 10K miles on it but it was purchased 7 years ago in Dec). Not only were the powertrain warranties transferable, but at no charge and to any number of owners. I don't think most people know that and I believe most dealers won't either know it or communicate it to the customer. I have to say I was UNBELIEVABLY lucky that this dealer did. For those of you out there --- I believe these warranties were good through cars built through 2007. It's worth it to do your research if you are the original owner or the 2nd or later owner on these vehicles. Here's a link to an article that may be of some interest. I hope you don't have to go through this service, but I expect if you haven't, the original owner already did or you will have to at some point.

Good luck, and hope your luck will be as good as mine on this one.


DaimlerChrysler Announces New Seven Year, 70,000 Mile Powertrain Warranty