Auto Computer Exchange

Everything noted here is just my opinion (to avoid any legal hassles).

I purchased a unit back in November 2010. At that time, they gave me a "lifetime warranty" and I have copies of it. I sent the unit back because I got the code "no bus." My mechanic, a certified Dodge mechanic, tested it and said that it was either a bad solder joint or a cracked board in the PCM. He had tested all three of the wire harnesses and they were okay. Auto Computer Exchange began to say on the phone that prior to receiving the unit, "it sounds like a network error, not the unit."

Upon receipt of the unit, they claimed that it was fine and I would have to pay $10 to have it shipped back to me. When I received the unit and put it back in, the same problem arises--if you wiggle the harness up or down at the connector, it would come on and run for about 30 to 60 seconds. I called them back and told them that the unit had not been opened to check the interior. I micro marked the unit cover. They then claimed that they had "tested it, put it into another van and drove it around as a second test." I asked, "So, you have a van like mine, which you re-flashed to test and then re-flashed again for me? He told me that it was not my business how they test units. Then, he began to tell me that they had been generous because they did not charge me the "pro rate." I asked, "What pro rate? It has a lifetime warranty." He proceeded to tell me that, "No. It is pro rated." I asked, "Pro rated to what time frame?" He said, "Pro rated to the life of the unit!"

So, the warranty is almost worthless after six months. It appears on the website that they have changed it to one year even though it is really six months. My mechanic says that he used to buy from them because they were good, but not anymore because the new owner does not honor the work they do. I would have given 0 or 1/2 stars but it would not let me.

I purchased a transmission control module on eBay on Oct. 9, 2009. The item was advertised with a lifetime warranty. The computer worked fine until July 27, 2010 when the computer stopped working. I called the company to find out how to get warranty replacement. I was informed that it only came with a 180 day replacement. Prorated after 6 months, we would have to pay a reprogramming fee. If the unit was deemed unrepairable, the fee would be applied to a new unit. When we looked at our receipt, it is stamped with lifetime warranty.

I called again and spoke with Brian, the warranty manager. He told me there was a 12 month, 12,000 mi warranty, and to send in the unit. I sent the unit in. They told me that the processor was fried and they prorated it at $100.00. We would have to pay the difference for a new unit. I told them to send the unit back to me. They are still advertising lifetime warranties on eBay, but nowhere on the ad does it say anything about prorating. It only says that the lifetime warranty covers your part from failure and damage excluding collision and flood damage. If the part is damaged due to an electrical short in your vehicle, you may be subject to a replacement charge.

I had an out of town transmission failure in January 2010, the shop rebuilding transmission blew the PCM (Powertrain Computer Module). During the repair, it was replaced with one from ACE at a cost of $280, and ACE got the old one back (core). When the core was picked up, it had a high idle. When I got home, the high idle was looked at and the newly replaced PCM that came from ACE was found to be at fault.

Because the shop that did the transmission did not save paperwork, I had to pay $125 to get a replacement for this from ACE. The replacement had the same kind of problem. Again, the shop spent a whole day making sure it was the PCM unit ACE sent that was at fault. I called ACE and asked their Warranty Department guy how they test these things. He said they have 5 engines. They plug them in, and if the engine runs, they are okay. Clearly, they don't use any specialized equipment to test these units.

I've spent a total of $500 on 2 units from ACE, plus I'm now facing $325 additional cost to have the bad unit that came from ACE sent for repair by a company that repairs and tests (with actual lab equipment).

I am an ASE certified technician, in which I am repairing my own personal vehicle (1992 Eagle Talon). An ASE master certified technician and I fully diagnosed the vehicle, in which the transmission control module was bad. I purchased a transmission control module from Auto Computer Exchange, in which I paid $125 and mailed in 2 cores. After numerous testing, the initial transmission control module appeared bad. Therefore, I contacted Auto Computer Exchange and was told to return the transmission control module, in which I paid $20 in shipping charges. I received a replacement transmission control module, in which the module was bad.

Between June 15 2009 to the present date, I have received at least 6 different transmission control modules from Auto Computer Exchange, in which only 1 semi-functioned properly. I even had the car towed to Aamco and had an ASE certified master technician diagnose the vehicle on numerous occasions. Their prognoses was the transmission control module was bad. I immediately contacted Auto Computer Exchange once more and was requested to give them one last chance, in which I complied. I received a new transmission control module, in which that module semi-functioned properly. I was frustrated and had the vehicle re-towed to Aamco for another diagnoses, in which the prognoses was the same - the transmission control module was bad.

I immediately contacted Auto Computer Exchange and was notified that they did not have any additional modules in stock. Four days later I received a phone call from Auto Computer Exchange, in which they requested me to mail back one of the bad modules that I had. Once Auto Computer Exchange received the module, they contacted me and notified me that the returned module was un-repairable and that I need to return the semi-functioning module.

Three days later I received a transmission control module, in which the module was semi-functioning in the exact same manner as the previous module. I immediately contacted Auto Computer Exchange and was told that the transmission control module was not the problem, especially since numerous and different modules have been mailed to me. In order to receive a refund, I would have to send them documentation of Aamco's diagnosis to verify the vehicle's malfunction was indeed the transmission control module. After complying with Auto Computer Exchange's demands, I am being denied of a full refund ($125; $20 initial shipping charge, and 2 cores).