If you are asking, how much does it cost to repair a transmission? It is most likely that you are already experiencing some transmission problems. You will know if your transmission is due for a repair if you notice any of the symptoms of a bad transmission which include a burning smell, won’t shift gears, slipping gears, unusual noises, leaking fluid, dragging clutch, delayed shift, and grinding. So you ask, how much does it cost to repair a transmission? The transmission repair cost can vary depending on the severity of the damage, but the average cost is around $300 to $1,500. The cost can still go up to $7,000 when the transmission needs major repairs or a replacement.
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When you ask, how much does it cost to repair a transmission, you need to determine what caused the problem first. If the issue can be fixed by a fluid change, you are expected to pay around $80 to $250. If the repair involves replacing some damaged transmission system components like the shift solenoid or the clutch, it can cost around $200 to $1,500.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Transmission? – What are the Signs Your Transmission is Going Out?
When you ask, how much does it cost to repair a transmission, it can mean that you are considering having your faulty transmission repaired, or maybe you just want to know so you can set aside a budget for it in case you’ll need it. But, if you really want to be prepared, you need to be aware of the common signs that can alert you that your transmission is going out. This way, you will be able to detect it early and have it repaired immediately before the problem becomes too severe.
The early signs that can tell you that your transmission is going out include:
- Illuminating check engine light.
The car’s onboard computer always monitors the performance of the transmission through the numerous sensors installed in your system. The sensors can detect any unusual operation and it will automatically alert the driver by setting off the check engine light. Sometimes, drivers tend to ignore the check engine light that has turned on. If you notice that your check engine light is illuminating, you need to find out what triggered it.
To find out what triggered it, you can use a scanning tool and look for any saved diagnostic trouble codes. If there is any, have it fixed immediately. Failing to address the problem and ignoring the signs of a faulty transmission can make the problem worse.
- Unusual noises when in neutral.
Hearing unusual noises when the car is in neutral can be one of the signs that your transmission is going out. This usually means that you need to replace your old, worn, or contaminated transmission fluid. In some cases, you might have to replace a transmission component because of damage or mechanical wear.
You can check your transmission fluid level and add some fluid if necessary. But make sure that you check your owner’s manual for any factory specifications on the right amount of fluid your system should have. Overfilling or having too much transmission fluid can also cause some problems. If the unusual noises can still be heard even after adding some fluid, you may need to have it checked by a mechanic to know what caused it.
- Burning smell.
A burning smell that seems to be coming from the engine of your car can mean that there are some transmission issues. This can happen if your transmission fluid has run low or is deteriorating. The fluid can overheat and start to burn which in turn makes your engine run hot and this is what causes the burning smell.
When the burning smell is ignored and your engine will continue to run hot, it can lead to your transmission fluid to start burning. Also, when the engine is running hot because of the deteriorated fluid, it can lead to corrosion, premature wear, and debris build up. If you notice this problem, have your car checked immediately.
- Lack of response.
A transmission that is functioning properly allows you to slide right into the proper gear without a problem. If your car has no response in your attempts to shift gears, it can be a sign that your transmission is going out. Sometimes, you might feel a delay when you shift from drive to park before the gear engages correctly. This issue is usually experienced on cars that are equipped with an automatic transmission. For manual transmission vehicles, the delayed shifting or lack of response may happen along with an RPM surge and engine noise that seem not to match with the car’s speed.
- Transmission fluid leaks.
If you spot a transmission fluid leak under your car, it is a sign that your transmission is due for a repair. A fluid leak can cause your fluid level to drop too low and this can cause overheating. An overheating transmission is something that you don’t want to deal with since it can lead to a lot of problems. It is also known as one of the leading causes of a damaged engine. If you notice a leak, you better have it repaired immediately.
- Grinding sound and vibrations.
For cars with a manual transmission, you may know if your transmission is going out when you notice some grinding sound or sensation whenever you are shifting. This problem can be caused by a worn out transmission clutch and you may have to replace it to fix it. On the other hand, cars with an automatic transmission may give off unusual vibrations or excessive shaking whenever you are attempting to shift gears.
- Transmission won’t shift or stay in gear.
If your transmission won’t shift or stay in gear, it can be an indication that your transmission is going out. This can be caused by an insufficient amount of transmission fluid. You can check your fluid level and add some fluid if necessary. Using the wrong type of fluid can also cause this issue. To know what type of fluid your car needs, you can consult your owner’s manual for the specific details.
- Gear is slipping.
When you notice that your gears are slipping, it can be caused by a low transmission fluid level, worn out fluid, or worn out internal components. When this happens, you need to have your transmission checked right away and ask, how much does it cost to repair a transmission? This way, you will know what caused it and have it repaired immediately.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Transmission? – Are Transmissions Expensive to Fix?
Car owners dread the day when their mechanic will say that their car’s transmission will have to be repaired or replaced. It is completely understandable since the transmission is considered as one of the most expensive car parts to repair. So if the mechanic tells them that the transmission needs to be repaired, they tend to ask, how much does it cost to repair a transmission?
The average transmission repair cost can range between $300 to $1,500, but if your transmission needs major repair or replacement, it can easily go up to around $3,000 or more. How much does it cost to repair a transmission? It really depends on how serious the damage is and what caused it.
If the transmission problem is due to a fluid that needs replacing, a transmission fluid will cost between $80 to $250. If the fluid is old, contaminated, or burned, you may need a transmission flush and it will cost around $200 to $250. If the transmission problem is caused by a transmission fluid leak, you will be expected to pay around $150 to $300. If the transmission repair involves replacing some parts, it may cost around $150 up to $1,500. Replacing a faulty shift solenoid can cost around $150 to $400 while replacing a clutch can cost between $800 and $1,500.
Major transmission repairs are expensive. You may have to shell out $1,000 to $2,000 for the labor alone. The repairs might take a long while to finish, ranging from a few days or up to a month if you ordered some needed parts online or overseas and you have to wait until it arrives.
When it comes to replacing your transmission, the replacement cost can range from $1,800 to $7,000. The price can vary depending on the kind of transmission you use to replace the damaged one. If you purchase a used transmission, it may cost around $800 to $1,500. If you opt to buy a rebuilt transmission or have your faulty transmission rebuilt, you may need to pay around $1,100 to $4,500. If you buy a remanufactured one, you will be expected to pay around $1,300 to $3,400. A new transmission on the other hand may have a price that ranges from $4,000 to $7,000. Remember that the bigger the car, the more expensive its transmission replacement will cost.
How much does it cost to repair a transmission? The price can vary depending on a number of factors. The factors that can affect of the total transmission repair cost include:
- The shop you choose.
There are auto repair shops that charge more compared to others. If you go to a dealership, expect that you will pay higher charges. If you want to save some bucks, you can choose to have your transmission repaired at an independent repair shop.
- The make of your car.
Transmission repair costs on common cars are usually cheaper than the uncommon or rare ones. US made vehicles will also cost less compared to the imported vehicles like Volkswagen, BMW, or Mercedes Benz.
- Whether the car you own is old or new.
If you own a rare or old car, it might cost you more to have its transmission replaced. This is because it will be hard to find parts for it. It can sometimes be more complex to repair a very old or rare car.
- Severity of the damage.
When a car is well maintained and is serviced regularly, it may cost less to repair its transmission problems. If the car is severely damaged due to neglect or failing to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance or services, then expect to pay a higher price for its repairs.
- Whether your car is equipped with a manual or automatic transmission.
Transmission repairs for cars with a manual transmission usually cost less compared to the cars with automatic transmissions.
- Where you are located.
Where you are located can also affect the total repair cost. If you ask, how much does it cost to repair a transmission, you need to consider where you live. If you live in an area where the costs of living are higher, then you are expected to pay a higher cost of auto services. If you are in a place where there is lower availability of skilled mechanics, they will most likely charge higher too.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Transmission? – Is it Worth it to Repair a Transmission?
Asking how much does it cost to repair a transmission can somehow prepare you as you build a budget for it. But if the total transmission repair cost is too expensive, is it still worth it to have it repaired? If your car is still fairly new and is in good condition, then it is better to have its faulty transmission repaired. However, if the total transmission repair cost exceeds or is slightly similar to the car’s market value, then it might not be worth fixing. You can just opt to sell your car as is.
There is more to the question, how much does it cost to repair a transmission, and a lot of things to consider. But if you don’t want to ask this question anytime soon, you will have to make it a habit to maintain your transmission well. You need to check its fluid as well as following the recommended maintenance and service schedule set by your car manufacturer. A well-maintained car will demand less repair costs.