A Workhorse facilty just filled my Allison 1000 with Dexron VI!

[JWatkins]

I took my MH to the local Workhorse facility and told them I wanted a general service. One of the items was change tranny fluids and filter. I told them that I wasn't sure what was in the tranny (used MH) and that it was probably Dexron III. I picked it up today and found that they had filled it with Dexron VI! I suggested that that was probably inappropriate for the year that it was (2004). They said it wouldn't be an issue. I checked here and on Allison's web sight. Sure enough, my Allison serial number is below that which it is OK to use Dexron VI in according to Allison's Service Tip bulleting #1099F. I called right back to them, they sent me to local Allison shop (they didn't know) and an 800 number for Workhorse. The Workhorse guy was very nice and helpful. I mentioned the bulletin and he said that the local shop had screwed up. Gave me an 800 for Allison Tech and I verified with them. Faxed bulletin and phone numbers to local Workhorse and I am now waiting to see what happens. Allison said that they need to get that out and put in Transynd, run it for a bit and then change it again. We shall see.
Joe

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally posted by JWatkins: I took my MH to the local Workhorse facility and told them I wanted a general service. I picked it up today and found that they had filled it with Dexron VI!

Joe, Following up on that foul up I urge you to go to "Rate a Motorhome Service Center".

Your evaluation will not fall on deaf ears since Alan Stegitch the National Service Director gets every one of the ratings. Good centers are rewarded and poorly performing centers may be subject to loosing their dealership. If you come across a great service center then let him know. Service Centers that remain unrated forever live in limbo where they aren't deemed to be good or bad.

Do your part by responding to the Rate a Motorhome Service Center.

[JWatkins]

Thanks, Driver. I left an eval and an explanation.

My Workhorse service center called me back and stated that they would "make it right". I asked what that meant and was told that they would drain the Dexron VI adn refill with Dexron III. I was told earlier that they didn't make it any more, but now they could get enough. I suggested, as did Allison, that I use Transynd. They agreed to do that but would have to quote a price since it is "some expensive stuff". I said I think they should at lest apply the cost that I paid for the Dexron VI to that, but I also reminded them that it would have to be done twice to remove the Dexron VI. I take it in Monday and intend getting the air clear about what I will pay for (the difference between the first fill of Transynd and the Dexron VI) and not the second at all. We will see.
Joe

[Thudman]

Off topic, but Alan Stegitch was the individual who refused ANY reimbursement for my non-recalled rear calipers (& ABS sensors) which were locking up. FWIW.

Thudman

[oemtech]

Joe,

I would call these bozo's and tell them:
1) You will put a new filter on and fill it will Transynd free of charge.

2) I will put X miles on per Allison and you will put on another new filter and a fresh fill of Tranysnd.

3) You will warranty the transmission for the next 25,000 miles.

All of this in writing or you can speak to my attorney. They can pay about $250 on parts or $25k in damages plus lawyers fees.

[JWatkins]

Didn't think about a warranty of any sort. The issue is logged with Workhorse. Figured that the two changes and good to go? Hmmm... maybe I should discuss this with Allison again. Thanks, oemtech.
Joe

[Richard 34A]

Quote:

Originally posted by JWatkins: I picked it up today and found that they had filled it with Dexron VI! I suggested that that was probably inappropriate for the year that it was (2004). They said it wouldn't be an issue. I checked here and on Allison's web sight. Sure enough, my Allison serial number is below that which it is OK to use Dexron VI in according to Allison's Service Tip bulleting #1099F.

What's the best way to determine which transmission fluid that is in my MH? I have a 2005 model-year W20 chassis, using the 5-speed 1000 Allison transmission.

Thank you,

[JWatkins]

Richard, if you registered your MH with Workhorse, they will have that information and your Allison serial number as well.
Joe

[edgray]

Quote:

What's the best way to determine which transmission fluid that is in my MH?

RICHARD: Workhorse began filling all their Allisons with TranSynd starting on April 6, 2005. Just check your chassis build date and you will know. ED

[Richard 34A]

Quote:

Originally posted by edgray: <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">What's the best way to determine which transmission fluid that is in my MH?

RICHARD: Workhorse began filling all their Allisons with TranSynd starting on April 6, 2005. Just check your chassis build date and you will know. ED </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

My build date is close to that, but will have to look at the label in the MH. I went to the Workhorse / My Motorhome and see dates and information listed, but not the actual build date.

If it's not TranSynd, what what fluid will it be? And looking at the Allison website, it looks like I can swith to TranSynd... is that correct?

[FrontRangeRVer]

Joe, I believe that if you don't go in and threaten them with lawsuits, attorneys, warrantee etc., they would be willing to exchange your fluid with TranSynd synthetic fluid. Tell them that Workhorse has concured that the fluid installed was the wrong type. I wouldn't worry about getting some type of extended warrantee...there is no way the Dextron VI hurt the transmission.

There are some on here that changed their transmission fluids out to off the shelf Mobil 1 transmission fluid (not TES 295 approved) and their transmissions are running fine.

[JWatkins]

FrontRangeRVer, I am going to go easy to start with. If they are willing to change the fluid and filter (excess fluid expense cost paid by me as if they had done it right the first time) and then change the filter and fluid the second time on them, I will be a happy camper,
Joe

[max49]

It's a shame this happened. It's so typical for them to worry about the extra cost of the oil that they should have put in it in the first place and their $100 per hr mechanic.
What is your rental rate for you and your MH driving back and forth to their dealership and waiting around while they correct their mistake? Twice
Or are they coming to you to fix it?
Why is their time so valuable and our time is worthless in their eyes?
That sux. You pay to get something done and all you get is headaches and worries.

[JWatkins]

Max, the time isn't an issue for me fortunately. The Workhorse service is about 6 miles from my home and they will pick me up or bring me back.

The costs associated with the oil are going to be addressed tomorrow. I will have more to report then. I am hoping they are willing to step up big. I will let you know.
Joe