Mysterious Transmission Problem
 

I took my 1999 Saab 9-5 (164k miles, standard transmission) to a tire shop and got 4 new tires put on.

I was not present at any moment in time when they worked on my car. After the work was complete, I returned to the shop, and drove my car approximately 5 freeway miles. I exited the freeway, stopped at a stop sign, and when i pulled out into the street I shifted cleanly from 1st to 2nd gear, and cleanly to 3rd gear but when I pushed the gas pedal there was no gear, I was in neutral...I shifted to 4th, still in neutral...I shifted to 5th, still in neutral!

To summarize, I now only have 1st and 2nd gear in my car (and reverse). This car has been absolutely amazing until this pivotal moment. Never at any point in time did my car present any hints that something of this nature would happen. Even in the moment, there was no indication that something had just gone wrong. No strange noise, absolutely nothing. I simply all of a sudden did not have 3rd, 4th or 5th gear.

I Took it to a Saab mechanic, and he says my linkage is fine, and that the problem involves my transmission, which he claims will be more costly than the car is worth.

Is it possible that the tire shop screwed up my car? They took it for a drive on the freeway to make sure the tires were good. I have also learned that this tire store is notorious for having unexperienced employees. It is a franchise with a bunch of young kids working there.

I think they screwed up my car. What do you think?

I would approach the shop foreman, suggest to him that up until the point that you dropped your car off to get the tires your car was completly flawless and had no problems with the transmission, and unforntunitly for him at some point during this test drive that was perform your car that was abused in a way that causes you to have lost 3rd 4th and 5t gear, and that if he dosnt feel he is responsible for the broken transmission that you dont mind and that you are just going to have to take it up with your attorney. If this dosnt work then me personally id be kickin some ass, no but really i would get my layer involved they will fix this transmission. let me know

that is exactly what I am going to do. I'm glad someone is with me. Everyone I talk to says "wellllllll, do you think it was them?" Yes, I actually do think it was them. After 2 days of thinking about this, and trying not to be that ignorant asshole who points the finger at someone else, I can honestly say that I think it was them.

They shouldn't have test driven your car after putting on tires. That's unheard of. Brakes I can understand, but a set of tires - absolutely not! Not only that, but never in my life have I encountered a shop tech (other than with a saab specialist) that would know how to properly get this car into reverse. Some damn kid that works there took your car for a joyride. Make them pay! You brought them a car in good working order and left with a car with a bad tranny... tell them you'll take it up with an attorney and BBB.

bbb have no authority and the only thing they will do is tell the shop tha they have been written a letter that complains they work wosnt satifiable. just go with the attorney he or she will know what todo......