Allison MD 3060 Problem

[Davdeb1]

That is not only outrageous, but also obscene. $2400 for three hours work, and $3500 for and ECM module?

I'm fairly new to this, but believe me, I will never call one of these authorized dealers. From everything I've read on here, I will try a Mobile repair place first. Even if I end up paying for an extra tow, it would be worth it.

Please, I am not doubting any decisions you folks made here when you were stuck. It's just after reading this, it feels like they just want to take advantage of you. I worked at an automobile dealership for over 20 years, and we always tried to do the best thing for the customer.

[SteveSkinner]

The repairer is supplying the ECM at cost including me in on the invoice from the Allison dealer in Dallas. Just adding the labour charge.
So they are doing the right thing. The ECM stank so I know it was US
SS

[buck62]

Originally Posted by Davdeb1

That is not only outrageous, but also obscene. $2400 for three hours work, and $3500 for and ECM module?

I'm fairly new to this, but believe me, I will never call one of these authorized dealers. From everything I've read on here, I will try a Mobile repair place first. Even if I end up paying for an extra tow, it would be worth it.

Please, I am not doubting any decisions you folks made here when you were stuck. It's just after reading this, it feels like they just want to take advantage of you. I worked at an automobile dealership for over 20 years, and we always tried to do the best thing for the customer.

Unfortunately, you need someone that has the ability to connect to the transmission electronics to find the error codes and most mobile repair do not have the special equipment to do this. I thought my diesel was running a little different once and I took it to my Cat dealer where they connected a laptop with specialized software and found everything was functioning correctly. They could shut down each injector separately and look at the injector timing. The engine ECM print out showed all my idling times and when I was using high idle as well as how each sensor was functioning and the turbocharger functions. The technician noted that the only thing he could find was that I had a earlier version of the ECM software and while connnected he downloaded the latest version from CAT and installed it. My Spartan chassis and Allison Transmission both have similar data ports that require special software to diagnois problems. Unfortuantely, these high tech diagnois tools are only available to authorized factory dealerships and their labor rates are expensive. But, the diagnostic costs can run up real quick when a local truck repair center is guessing at what is wrong and just being a parts changer.

[Davdeb1]

I'm sure you are right Buck. It's just that the gentleman who had an "authorized dealer", not be able to find the problem after three days, told him they couldn't fix it. Then they have the audacity to offer to buy it? I think at the very least, I would try to get towed to a Freightliner truck place, even if I had to pay extra. He basically had to point them in the right direction.

I may get screwed eventually, but thanks to this site, I will at least be prepared. The wealth of information on this site is wonderful, and usually everyone is willing to share and help.