Dear Jim,

The "check engine" light just came on in my 1996 Saturn SW2 wagon (1.9L, L4), so I took the car into a big-name repair shop. The mechanic who diagnosed the problem thinks it's the torque converter, and gave me a repair estimate of $1,500 to $2,200.

I don't mind paying for a high-quality transmission repair like this one, but my question is, where would you personally take the car to get the job done? I had bad experiences with Saturn dealers in the last town where I lived, so do you have any other suggestions?

My SW2 is in great condition otherwise and only has a little more that 100,000 miles on it.

-- Steve Bohr

Back up just a bit, bro -- the first thing I would do is make absolutely sure it's the transmission that needs attention.

It does sound like that warning light came on because of a faulty torque converter, which is the unit that connects the transmission with the engine. In other words, the torque converter is a separate part that can be serviced independently of the transmission.

You can either take the car to another shop or check for yourself: If the liquid on the transmission fluid dipstick isn't burnt or discolored, you may be able to get away with just replacing the torque converter.

The fix should run you less than $500 -- that's $150 for a rebuilt part and about $300 for the labor.

If I were you, I'd avoid going to any big franchise shop for the repair. Pick an independent place instead, and pick one that's been in business for at least 20 years or so.

I'm sure some of these chain transmission stores in town do good work, but their estimates tend to run a little high in my experience.

Wherever you choose to take your Saturn, you should insist that the work be backed up by warranty and thoroughly explained to you. For that kind of money, brother, you deserve some quality customer service.

Tip of the Week:

Doing a lot of hauling or towing with your vehicle? Consider investing in an auxiliary transmission cooler. These devices route transmission fluid through a tiny radiator mounted at the front of the car, and they're not such a big deal to install.

Using one will help keep that precious gear box at safer, lower temperatures when it's operating under such heavy loads.

Buffalo Jim, owner of Allstate Auto & Marine Repair in Las Vegas, writes a weekly column. Send your automotive questions to him at buffalojim@lasvegasniftynickel.com. If Jim picks your question to answer in Nuts & Bolts, you'll also be the proud recipient of a deck of official Buffalo Jim playing cards, presented in a classy, tin box bearing his hairy image.