FYI-Local Dealer Mark-up

[SWithrow]

Well had to replace my trans selector switch on my transmission today. I called the Local Dealer (I live in Fredericksburg Virginia), they quoted me a price of $55. 65, I found on DodgeParts.com the same switch for $12. 84 (Part # 56045489AC). I also call AutoZone a block from my local dealer and Dodge hasn't released a listing for the part BUT the manager stated he had a switch for a 46re, I pulled it out of the box and it was the same exact part number as the switch listed for the 48re. It was $32. 00.

This isn't the first time that I was able to save a chunk of change shopping at AutoZone or if you have the time go on line and purchase from a place like DodgeParts.com. M2C

 

[TMutziger]

I recently helped a friend replace a water pump in his '04. 5. Local dealer wanted $250 for the pump only, no labor. I ordered him one from Geno's for $39. They also wanted $450 for a new APPS. Timbo on here sells them for $160 shipped. These markups are so bad it should be illegal. I feel bad for people who don't know any better and just pay the price at the dealer.

 

[JJPage]

Well had to replace my trans selector switch on my transmission today. I called the Local Dealer (I live in Fredericksburg Virginia), they quoted me a price of $55. 65, I found on DodgeParts.com the same switch for $12. 84 (Part # 56045489AC). I also call AutoZone a block from my local dealer and Dodge hasn't released a listing for the part BUT the manager stated he had a switch for a 46re, I pulled it out of the box and it was the same exact part number as the switch listed for the 48re. It was $32. 00.

How did you know it was the selector switch?



The reason I'm asking is Chrysler had a TSB, their techs were replacing if contaminated with trans fluid, I was able to clean mine with compressed air and applied a bit of dielectric grease, it has worked great ever since.



My symptoms were shuttle shifting, TC lock/unlock/lock, a couple of times my TC locked while idling in gear, stopped at a light, went frog hopping forward until I killed the engine by stomping on my brake pedal. I found the problem by accident, searching for a trans fluid leak.



Thanks for the part numbers, I will write them down when I get home.



I believe I am confusing parts, are you referring to the neutral/safety switch?

 

[SWithrow]

How did you know it was the selector switch?

I believe I am confusing parts, are you referring to the neutral/safety switch?

The shift indicator P R N D 2 1 would only put the halo around P or R, most of the time nothing. I decided to clean the connectors on the trans and ended up breaking the hard plastic on the switch#@$%!, I needed to get it fixed for my yearly safety inspection. And yes it is the neutral/safety switch.

How I resolved the shift indicator problem was remove the instrument cluster and put a little dielectric grease on all the connectors pins.

 

[JJPage]

Yes my mistake, I was referring to the 8 pin solenoid control plug right above the neutral safety switch. I have mistaken it for the gear selector sensor/switch before, not sure what the correct name is, but it is the plug I connected my two mystery switches to.



Thanks for the part number and resource, that's a good site.

 

[Hitec.Redneck]

Its not just the dealers marking up the prices I have had it with Autozone and O'Reilly's because of the huge markups. Brake pads, 69$ at Oreillys, 31$ for the same exact parts at Rockauto. I know they have people to pay and other expenses but it seems they have taken it to extremes. The dealers are just as bad, I needed a transmission filter for my wife's Explorer 57$ at the dealer. 14$ at RockAuto, for the same Motorcraft part which came in a Motorcraft box, seems a little excessive.

Rant off.