Get Your Transmission Professionally Repaired

It is imperative to have your transmission repaired by a certified mechanic. Read how and when to get your transmission professionally repaired today.

The transmission in your vehicle contains hundreds of parts and components. Any one or number of these components might fail randomly, impacting the transmission system and operability of your automobile. Many drivers enjoy the challenge of performing DIY repairs on their vehicles. The transmission system is so complicated and intricate it is imperative you take it to get professionally repaired when it breaks down. Read how and when to get your transmission professionally repaired today.

Transmissions 101

The vehicle transmission system transmits power starting from the engine and traveling through the drive shaft to the wheels. Transmission systems include multiple confusing and intricate components including bell housing, gears, fluid, a filter, and hundreds more. In fact, a vehicle transmission is comprised of eight hundred parts and components in total. An individual seven parts out of the entire eight hundred are considered primary components, including the planetary gear sets, hydraulic system, seals and gaskets, pump and turbine, torque converter, governor and modulator and the computer. It is possible to cap off your transmission fluid on your own and get your vehicle running smoothly again. Most problems require the complete disassembling of the transmission to repair the issues, however.

3 Common Transmission Issues

Three common transmission issues are prevalent in vehicles of all types. Leaking transmission fluid is highly common and often caused by failing gaskets, seals or worse. Transmission systems are closed systems. Any fluid leakage is potentially damaging to your automobile and a sign of increasing imminent problems.

Are you experiencing an issue when shifting gears? This type of problem follows closely behind leaking transmission fluid when it comes to common transmission issues. Transmission systems in older automatic vehicles utilize planetary gears for shifting. Newer automatic vehicles utilize dual clutch and CVT transmissions to increase longevity and efficacy. Manual transmission automobiles utilize a combination of the clutch disk, crankshaft pressure plate and flywheel for shifting gears. When any of these components go bad it leads to trouble shifting gears and is a potential sign of more serious (and expensive) issues.

The third most common issue with vehicle transmissions is the sensation your gears are slipping while in operation. Signs of this problem include abnormally slow acceleration and your vehicle feeling under-powered on normal roadways. Your engine might also sound as if it is whining or whirring excessively as you press on the gas pedal even though limited acceleration occurs. Any of these signs in isolation or together indicate a slipping transmission and the need to get it professionally repaired. Additional common transmission issues include:

• Contaminated or dirty transmission fluid.

• Faulty solenoids.

• Faulty shifter cable.

• Failing clutch.

• Bad gear synchronizers.

• Unable to shift into reverse.

The Transmission Repair Process

Outside minor leaks and low or dirty transmission fluid the repair process for a transmission system is quite involved. The repair process begins with a certified auto mechanic assessing the exact nature of the problem(s). Diagnostics and tests are run to help make these assessments. Physical tests are performed manually and with specialized testing machinery. Digital tests are run on computer-controlled transmission systems. Because a vehicle transmission system includes eight hundred parts and components it is only natural some of them are repairable without disassembling the entire system. This is not always the case, however, as repair requirements vary from system to system and with each vehicle type. Many times, repairing even a simple component requires disassembling most or all of the transmission system.

External repairs to accessible transmission components involve additional complexity. Many parts of the transmission are located deep inside the system itself, which makes them impossible to see and precarious to reach without full disassembly. For example, fixing a surface symptom might not repair the actual cause of the problem located deeper inside the system. Some components are not accessible at all and, when failing, require the replacement or overhaul of the entire transmission system instead repairing the problem. 

Why It Is Imperative to Have Your Transmission Professionally Repaired

Most drivers are knowledgeable and capable enough to top off fluids in their vehicles. Repairing a transmission system is not the same as adding oil or changing tires, however. If you topped off your transmission fluid are and still experience issues it is imperative to take it to a certified professional mechanic for assessment and repair. Attempting to repair the transmission on your vehicle as a DIY project might nullify your auto warranty. Do you have knowledge about all eight-hundred parts and components in a transmission system? Do you have a safe garage and lift system designed for auto repairs? Disassembling a transmission is specialized work requiring training and experience to do well. If you are having transmission issues take your vehicle to an authorized service provider right away to avoid more serious problems and repair bills. 

Various Transmission Repair Options

Transmission issues are handled in various ways depending on issue severity and location of the failing component(s). Repairs are preferred when possible and are often the least expensive option. New transmissions only exist in brand new vehicles, therefore what is commonly referred to as a “new transmission,” means it was remanufactured. Remanufactured transmission jobs involve disassembly, cleaning, component restoration and reassembly in a factory. Rebuilt transmissions are similar, but the process is conducted in a professional repair shop or garage. Used transmissions are plausible options to replace your old system in a more affordable manner.

Finding a Good Repair Facility

Use online resources such as RepairMyTranmission.com and AAA to find the best transmission repair services near you. Yelp is an excellent online resource for actual customer reviews. The Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA) is another great resource for finding a good repair facility for your transmission in 2021.

Transmission Repair Prices from Top Service Providers

Transmission repair prices vary greatly based on an automobile’s year, make, model and status as an automatic or manual vehicle. Prices also vary based on the severity of the repair needed and service provider policies. AAMCO charges $2,800 for some transmission rebuild jobs and $3,800 for others. Walmart Auto Centers charge $19.98 to check and fill transmission fluids in addition to the price of the fluids themselves. Jiffy Lube charges $135.99 to exchange automatic transmission fluid and $49.99 for manual transmission service. Jiffy Lube’s T-TECH transmission service, which includes full synthetic fluid costs $145.00 and an automatic transmission drain-and-fill costs $55.99. Valvoline charges between $119.00 and $179.00 for transmission fluid change services based on how much fluid is needed, the quality of the fluid used and filter replacement requirements.