I drive a 2001 ford expedition. I was having a problem turning off the alarm the other day, so I called tripleAAA. The tow truck diver disconnected my alarm and handed me two computer chips he had removed from it. my car was fine... with exception of no alarm. Two days later my transmission was totally messed up. It's going to cost me thousands!! I can't help but think they are coorillated somehow.Ford says there is a lot of metal in my transmission??? My car has 58,000 miles and I am perfect when it comes to sceduled mantinence. My last one was 2 mnths ago. Any thoughts.... PLEASE?? ~cocoblock

Ok, I've asked around some and what I found out was that some metal particles may be normal in the transmission fluid. But if you have a lot of metal, it indicates abnormal wear or a buildup of clutch material. Removing a computer chip for your alarm should have nothing to do with metal in your transmission. It's probably just bad timing, 2 things failing at one time.

I know how it feels to be senseless about car issues. There are 2 ways to feel like you are in control of a situation and won't be taken advantage of. One is to bring a male friend along with you when you have to go to a mechanic. I prefer not to do this because it just makes me feel even more helpless. The other is to research, ask co-workers and friends who are knowledgeable about cars, and finally, go to more than one mechanic to get an opinion. Never let one person convince you that you need an emergency repair.

Good luck and welcome to the pool. Hope you continue to post questions here. We try to answer in a timely manner - but sometimes we have to research a little bit before hand

For what it's worth...
I think Georgia has given you some great advice. I'm an older male who has been around cars and equipment all of my life. I will not claim to be a mechanic, but I have worked on them as a service station employee and on my own vehicles. But I feel that I'm at the mercy of mechanics when trying to get something fixed, too.

Modern cars are very complicated and only properly trained maintenance people with the proper equipment are going to know the answers to questions like yours.

But, in this case, I do not think the transmission problem is related to the deactivation of the alarm.

I do suggest you visit at least one more mechanic and get another opinion. Also, I suggest you visit a Ford shop and see what they say. Is this still under warranty?

I hope something here is of some help!

Dwight

Gee thanks Dwight