Transmission Fluid Exchange ($3.50 Shop fee excluded)

I called the local shop and asked about the transmission fluid exchange. She said that they don't know how to do it on a manual trans, that the service is really only meant for automatics. I said what??? How can you not know how to service manual trans? She said, "well, we do have a couple of master techs here, and they might know how to do to this service on a manual trans, but I've worked here 6 years, and I've never written up an order to do this service on a manual trans, so I would have to ask someone how to write it up, and if we can actually do it". What a joke!

This service was misrepresented to me. I asked a representative named Dan "will this compleatly exchange the [old dirty fluid with new] fluid". He said yes. That is not true. What this service consists of is a technician sucking out only a few quarts of dirty fluid and then puting new fluid back into the transmission with lots of dirty fluid still there. They dont tell you this. There are machines that replace 90+% of the transmission fluid in one service, but Sears does not use them. They let you think you have replaced the all fluid, but in fact they replace only a small portion. I find the representation of this service on the web and in the store to be deceptive. Critical information is omitted. I expected more form Sears and will no longer bring my car there as a result of this service.

I was reading the review re Sears Service and I strongly disagree. I have taken my cars to the same Sears Center in Ontario, CA, for years. I get regular oil changes, tires, wheel alignments, and minor automotive repairs; I have another mechanic for major stuff The guys have always been great, and always take the time to look my car over and let me know if they see a problem. One of my cars has over 300,000 miles. They have always been great and I do recommend them to my friends. My only complaint is, that you have to get in early morning or you will have to wait a while for your car because they are always busy. Great job guys, thanks.

I serviced my car with sears auto - the Transmission fluid. After 2 months I showed it to other mechanic and surprisingly he said Transmission fluid needs to be changed. I went to sears and asked about it. They said its good, Now personally when I checked its really bad. Dont understand how these people can lie to me. When I called them again and asked about it, they said they are not going to change it. Stay out of this service from Sears Auto.

Unfortunately I make the mistake of ignoring everyone's advice on here and took my vehicle to Sears for service. I will never make that mistake again. Right after having the transmission fluid changed, the transmission pan is missing and bolt and is leaking. Sears insists they don't touch the underside of the car. I would love to know why a bolt is missing then? Whatever you do, don't use Sears to service your vehicle. I made the mistake of ignoring all the bad reviews, don't do the same.

I called first and I was told to bring car in. When I got there I park the car in the shop. I came back one hour in a half later and was told they didn't have the transmission fluid for my car. Wasted gas and time.

I went to the Lake Wales, FL Sears location and it took them over 1 h to get back to me after test driving my car for 10 min at the Lake Wales Mall to tell me that they can't do it and I do have to get in touch with my dealer. :-( I really don't like how they handled this this time. So for everyone don't try to get your Transmission Fluid exchanged at Sears. They can't do it and only waste your time.

great service to prevent future issues later on

I have never had my car serviced by Sears Automotive Centers and cannot vouch for their service. But as the employee of a competitor I must run to my brothers' defense on this matter.

As to the first matter, I do believe that that technician should have been reprimanded for his actions, and for all we know he was later on. Unfortunately, managers cannot be on staff for all the hours that a place like Sears is open. I have added it up and most Sears Auto Centers are open more hours than they are closed throughout the week. Sometimes service centers such as this need to have a part time sales associate to run the place during off peak hours so that the managers can get a rest from their grueling 70 hour work week.

On to the second matter. Taking worn transmission fluid out of transmissions with over 100k miles could cause the transmission to not run AT ALL after servicing. After 100k miles the transmission starts building a varnish inside of the transmission and begins to rely on the worn transmission fluid for shifting. Replacing it with clean, viscous oil, could cause the transmission to lose all sources of friction, or at the very least cause it to slip as you are driving. I myself have had to limp along on worn transmission fluid for the last 60k miles because the previous owner did not service the transmission and I got it too late to do anything about it. The transmission shifts terribly and unfortunately I know that if I replace that fluid it will only be worse.

I would also like to make sure that everyone who reads these comments understands that only upset people write reviews about businesses. People that are truly happy with your service will return time after time and earn the company a lot of money, but they will never go online to brag about the excellent customer service they receive time after time.