Imagine this: you hop in your vehicle, 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 a problem with your transmission.
How much do transmission fixes cost?
The answer really depends on the intensity 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 reconstructing or replacing one.
Unfortunately, if you skip a vital repair, you will eventually find this out the difficult way.
Thankfully, I will cover everything you need to know about transmission repairs in this thorough guide. We will start by taking a closer look at how a transmission works.
Then, we will examine what triggers them to collapse and how to ascertain 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 begin!
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What Does A Transmission Do?
While an engine generates power, a transmission controls how much of it actually reaches the wheels at any given speed.
Using the gears of a bicycle as an example. When you shift from one to the other, the chain is briefly lifted off, then put back in position.
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 same two.
As for an automatic transmission, it is essentially an automated 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 accelerate, it moves to a higher gear, and when you decelerate, 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 fundamentals behind how a transmission works. Let’s look at what causes one to fail.
What Causes A Transmission To Fail?
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 inferred, if you’re low on transmission fluid, it will get scorching, it won’t be able to shift smoothly, and the internal components will eventually seize.
Thankfully, most transmission fluid lasts for between 30,000-60,000 miles, meaning if you’re a typical 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 scarlet liquid under your car, it’s fairly obvious 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 detrimental 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 ineffective.
Not only that, but it can also impede the flow of fluid, meaning the same issue as the initial two causes.
Thankfully, your transmission will remain strong by changing your transmission fluid (and filter) every 30,000-60,000 miles. Additionally, doing so will allow you to catch minor issues before they worsen.
Now that you understand what triggers a transmission to encounter problems. Let’s examine a few of the most common indications that suggest yours is.
Symptoms Of A Faulty Transmission
Burning Odor
It’s never a positive sign if you start noticing a burning smell emanating from your car. As we mentioned earlier, a shortage of fluid can cause your transmission to overheat. When there’s a small amount left, it can burn, emitting a distinctive, sweet-smelling burning odor.
Again, catching a failing transmission in the initial stages is crucial to preventing further damage and, therefore, a higher shop bill.
Gear Slippage
This one is pretty simple 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 seamless shift for an automatic transmission, but if yours is slipping gears, all of that disappears. You will feel a coarse jerking sensation as the RPMs climb suddenly.
While you might just consider this a nuisance, if you’re driving on slippery roads, it can actually cause your car to lose traction. This puts yourself, your passengers, and those around you in peril.
Clunking/Whining Sound
Earlier, we mentioned how detrimental 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 slender layer between the metal.
Without it, metal meets metal, producing a “clunking” or “piercing” sound when the gears lock into place.
The longer these sounds persist, the more of a thrashing your transmission will endure, eventually leading to its failure.
Issues Shifting Gears
If your transmission hesitates or falters while changing gears, it’s likely low on fluid. Transmission fluid facilitates gear shifts, and without it, yours may have troubles doing so.
As with the prior symptoms, taking your car in for an examination 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 for. Let’s examine how much you can expect to spend on transmission repair expenses.
How Much Does Transmission Repair/Replacement Cost?
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 expense.
Shift Solenoid Replacement
A shift solenoid is essentially 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 accumulate fairly quickly.
Transmission Fluid Leak
Transmission leaks typically occur from a worn seal, costing up to $200 to replace. However, if the leak stems from the front seal, this sum will increase substantially.
Fortunately, most transmission fluids carry seal swell agents, which keep them from drying and contracting. You can also add specific additives meant to preserve transmission seals.
Transmission Rebuild
A transmission rebuild consists of replacing any worn/broken parts and salvaging what you can. The problem 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.
Fortunately, you can reduce these costs by replacing it with a used or reconditioned transmission, which ranges between $2,500-$4,000.
Instead Of Repairing/Replacing – Maintain The Transmission You Already Have
It’s that straightforward!
Instead of staring in amazement at a hefty repair bill, avoid it altogether by maintaining your transmission throughout its lifetime.
