Transmission Repair And Cost [2024 Guide] - Auto Chimps (2024)

Imagine this: you hop in your car, put it in Reverse, and back out of the driveway.

Then, when you go to put it in Drive, it hesitates, makes a loud “clunking” sound, and then starts acting normal again.

It sounds like you might have an issue with your transmission.

How much do transmission repairs cost?

The answer really depends on the severity of the damage. If all it needs is a fluid change, you’re looking at a cost between $80-$250. To repair a fluid leak, expect to spend between $150-$200, and for a solenoid shift replacement, $150-$400.

However, the cost to repair a transmission pales in comparison to how much you’ll spend on rebuilding or replacing one.

Unfortunately, if you skip a much-needed repair, you will eventually find this out the hard way.

Thankfully, I will cover everything you need to know about transmission repairs in this guide. We will start by taking a closer look at how a transmission works.

Then, we will explore what triggers them to collapse and how to determine if yours is experiencing problems.

Lastly, we will dive headfirst into each of the repair/replacement options available and what they typically cost.

Let’s get started!

Table of ContentsShow

    What Does A Transmission Do?

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    While an engine creates power, a transmission controls how much of it actually reaches the wheels at any given speed.

    Using the gears of a bike as an example. When you shift from one to the other, the chain is temporarily lifted off, then put back in place.

    This is similar to how a manual transmission works. Pressing the clutch disconnects the engine from the transmission, allowing you to shift into a different gear. When you let off the clutch, it re-engages the two.

    As for an automatic transmission, it is basically an automatic gear shifter that does the work for you. It uses what’s called a torque converter to determine when to shift so that when you speed up, it moves to a higher gear, and when you slow, it returns to a lower one.

    If you start experiencing issues with your transmission, then it’s likely time to get it checked out. If you ignore it, it may eventually fail, meaning your car won’t be able to function.

    Now that you understand the basics behind how a transmission works. Let’s look at what causes one to fail.

    What Causes A Transmission To Fail?

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    Low Transmission Fluid

    Just like an engine, a transmission requires fluid to function, which, in this case, is called transmission fluid. It not only acts as a lubricant but as a hydraulic fluid as well. This keeps it within a safe operating temp, facilitates gear shifts, and lubricates the moving parts.

    As you might have guessed, if you’re low on transmission fluid, it will get hot, it won’t be able to shift smoothly, and the internal parts will eventually seize.

    Thankfully, most transmission fluid lasts for between 30,000-60,000 miles, meaning if you’re an average driver, you only need to replace it every 2-5 years.

    Not only that, but the cost of changing it is low, ranging between $80-$250.

    Transmission Fluid Leak

    This one is similar to the last one, in that it means your transmission doesn’t receive the essential fluid it needs. However, if your transmission is leaking fluid, you can’t simply add more. You need to fix the issue.

    Thankfully, transmission fluid is red, so if you notice a puddle of red liquid under your car, it’s pretty apparent what it’s from. We’ll cover how to repair a leaking transmission, as well as how much it costs a little further in this article.

    A Clogged Transmission Fluid Filter

    If you didn’t know, your transmission has a filter that screens out harmful debris like dirt, dust, and metallic flakes before they continue on to wreak havoc. However, once the filter screens out enough debris, it can become clogged, rendering it useless.

    Not only that, but it can also block the flow of fluid, meaning the same issue as the first two causes.

    Thankfully, your transmission will remain healthy by changing your transmission fluid (and filter) every 30,000-60,000 miles. Additionally, doing so will allow you to catch small problems before they worsen.

    Now that you understand what triggers a transmission to encounter problems. Let’s examine a few of the most typical indications that indicate yours is.

    Symptoms Of A Faulty Transmission

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    Burning Odor

    It’s never a good sign if you start noticing a burning smell coming from your car. As we mentioned earlier, a lack of fluid can cause your transmission to overheat. When there’s a small amount left, it can burn, giving off a unique, sweet-smelling burning odor.

    Again, catching a failing transmission in the early stages is crucial to preventing further damage and, therefore, a higher shop bill.

    Gear Slippage

    This one is pretty easy to notice. It means your transmission shifts gears when it shouldn’t. This can not only cause further damage but make your car dangerous to drive as well.

    There is much involved in ensuring a smooth shift for an automatic transmission, but if yours is slipping gears, all of that disappears. You will feel a rough jerking sensation as the RPMs climb suddenly.

    While you might just consider this a nuisance, if you’re driving on slick roads, it can actually cause your car to lose traction. This puts yourself, your passengers, and those around you in danger.

    Clunking/Whining Sound

    Earlier, we mentioned how bad it is for a transmission to be without fluid. One of the reasons for this is that transmission fluid acts as a lubricant, creating a thin layer between the metal.

    Without it, metal meets metal, producing a “clunking” or “whining” sound when the gears lock into place.

    The longer these sounds continue, the more of a beating your transmission will endure, eventually leading to its failure.

    Issues Shifting Gears

    If your transmission hesitates or jerks while changing gears, it’s likely low on fluid. Transmission fluid facilitates gear shifts, and without it, yours may have issues doing so.

    As with the previous symptoms, taking your car in for an inspection at the first signs of a problem will help prevent the issue from worsening. Less damage equals a smaller repair bill.

    Now that you better understand the symptoms to watch out for. Let’s look at how much you can expect to spend on transmission repair costs.

    How Much Does Transmission Repair/Replacement Cost?

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    Transmission Fluid Flush

    This service involves removing all of the old transmission fluid from the system and installing new fluid. The cost varies from $80 to $250 depending on where you take your vehicle. It can be done at home to save 50% of the cost.

    Related:What Does It Cost To Change Transmission Fluid?

    Shift Solenoid Replacement

    A shift solenoid is basically a valve that controls how much fluid flows through the transmission. Replacing a single solenoid can range anywhere from $150-$400 (including both parts and labor). Most transmissions have two or more solenoids, meaning the costs can rack up fairly quickly.

    Transmission Fluid Leak

    Transmission leaks typically occur from a worn seal, costing as much as $200 to replace. However, if the leak stems from the front seal, this amount will increase significantly.

    Thankfully, most transmission fluids carry seal swell agents, which keep them from drying out and shrinking. You can also add specific additives meant to maintain transmission seals.

    Transmission Rebuild

    A transmission rebuild consists of replacing any worn/broken parts and salvaging what you can. The issue is that this takes a lot of time. Because of this, the costs are close to how much it is to simply replace the transmission.

    How much does a transmission rebuild cost? $2,500-$4,500

    Transmission Replacement

    And then, there’s transmission replacement, which is the only thing worse than finding out your engine is shot. Why? Because when all is said and done, the costs of replacing your transmission with a new one ranges between $4,000-$8,000.

    Thankfully, you can reduce these costs by replacing it with a used or rebuilt transmission, which ranges between $2,500-$4,000.

    Instead Of Repairing/Replacing – Maintain The Transmission You Already Have

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    It’s that simple!

    Instead of staring in wonder at a sizable repair bill, avoid it altogether by maintaining your transmission throughout its lifetime.

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    Transmission Repair And Cost [2024 Guide] - Auto Chimps (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the average cost to rebuild an automatic transmission? ›

    During a transmission rebuild, a mechanic removes the transmission from your car. Then they inspect, clean and repair all the parts before reassembling and reinstalling the transmission. A rebuild costs about half the price of a transmission replacement—about $2,000 to $3,500.

    Is it cheaper to fix a transmission or replace it? ›

    Repairing is a good option if minimal parts and labor are needed to bring the manual or automatic back to working condition. Repairs are cheaper than transmission replacements and rebuilds. Average transmission repair costs range from $300 to $1,400.

    Is it worth repairing an automatic transmission? ›

    However, repairing the transmission is a better and less expensive option unless your vehicle's transmission breaks down prematurely. When a vehicle attains a particular mileage count and age, it doesn't really make much sense to get a new transmission.

    What is the average lifespan of a auto transmission? ›

    How Long Does Your Transmission Last?
    Transmission Quick Facts
    Transmission Lifespan Without Maintenance100,000 miles or less
    Transmission Lifespan with Proper Maintenance300,000 miles or more
    When to Change Automatic Transmission FluidEvery 30,000 miles
    When to Change Manual Transmission FluidEvery 30,000 to 60,000 miles

    Is it worth getting a rebuilt transmission? ›

    If the rebuilt transmission operates correctly, you'll enjoy smoother gear transitions, better fuel economy, and a longer lifespan for your car. There are also some downsides to rebuilding your transmission. It usually takes much longer to rebuild a transmission than to replace one.

    How long will rebuilt transmission last? ›

    If a transmission is properly rebuilt by a skilled mechanic, it can often last between 100,000 to 200,000 miles or even more. The key to a long-lasting rebuilt transmission is addressing all the existing problems during the rebuild, using high-quality parts, and ensuring everything is assembled correctly.

    What is the most common failure in automatic transmission? ›

    The Most Common Transmission Issues

    Leaking Seals: when your vehicle's transmission is low on fluid due to failed seals that cause a leak, it can lose so much fluid that the internal components fail to work correctly or fail.

    How many hours does it take to rebuild an automatic transmission? ›

    Most repairs are fairly quick. Flushing the fluid, sealing, and recalibration can be done within a day. Replacing the shift solenoids takes a day or two. A full rebuild, however, is very time and labor-intensive and will typically take three to four days.

    Can you fix a transmission without replacing it? ›

    Transmission Rebuild

    The rebuild transmission option can completely revive your transmission. While the transmission rebuild cost is often higher than transmission repair cost, it will get you back on the road and running smoothly. It is also often at a lower cost than a transmission replacement.

    At what mileage do transmissions go bad? ›

    Transmission Mileage

    Automatic transmissions often fail between 80,000 and 150,000 miles. Manual transmissions can fail even sooner than that, especially when routine maintenance is neglected.

    Does replacing a transmission extend the life of a car? ›

    A rebuilt transmission will extend the life of your vehicle, because when the worn parts are replaced, the transmission becomes “good as new”. Another benefit is that when it comes time to trade in your car, you'll get a higher price for it if the transmission is still in good shape.

    How often should I change the transmission fluid? ›

    If you drive manual, most manufacturers will recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have automatic, you can typically boost that range up to 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There's no harm in changing your fluid early.

    How much does it cost to recondition an automatic transmission? ›

    On average, costs can run from $1200 for minor repairs to upwards of $3500 for a complete rebuild. Replacement costs are similar but sometimes fall lower depending on the make and model of your vehicle. The larger the vehicle, the more expensive the transmission will be.

    Does a rebuilt automatic transmission need to be broken in? ›

    One of the most important steps in protecting your new transmission is breaking it in properly. This process allows the transmission to adjust and settle into its new components, ensuring that it functions optimally for years to come.

    What is included in a transmission rebuild? ›

    A transmission rebuild, as its name suggests, is an overhaul done to a vehicle's transmission to restore it to good working order. This involves replacing or repairing some parts of the transmission, such as gaskets, bands, clutch, electrical work, and seals – as required.

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