Transmissions take engine power and use it to power a car’s movement. Without a working transition, the car will not move. Many transmissions suffer neglect, even though replacing or rebuilding a transmission is one of the costliest auto repair services. Simply following manufacturer or dealer service recommendations for changing transmission fluid can avoid thousands of dollars in repairs,

Symptoms of a Problem

It is important to be alert to early signs of transmission trouble. Early intervention with transmission problems can mean minor, budget-friendly repairs. Delaying maintenance can lead to mechanical failures. In the case of transmissions, this means the engine shuts down completely. The only solution then is either transmission replacement or rebuilding. Get the car inspected at the first hint of trouble.

• Transmission slips between gears while driving, or it pops back into neutral
• Grinding, humming or clunking sounds from the engine, especially in neutral
• Dark, burnt-smelling transmission fluid
• Clutch stays engaged and grinds when trying to shift – also called clutch dragging
• Delays or lags between gear changes
• Thumping or grinding during gear changes rather than smooth transitions
• Higher than normal RPMs for a speed or gear change
• Delays shifting out of park
• Takes longer than one second to engage in drive or reverse gear

Rebuilding a Transmission

If a transmission fails completely or has significant problems, the usual solutions are rebuilding it, replacing it or (hopefully) making smaller repairs that resolve the problem

Rebuilding transmissions is a lengthy and labor-intensive process. Before any rebuild begins, the mechanic should check for easier solutions.

1. Change transmission fluid.
2. Check the car’s computer system that controls automatic shifting. Replace sensors if needed

If these processes do not resolve the problem, rebuilding or replacing the transmission is the only available option.

1. Remove the transmission and opening the case
2. Inspecting and cleaning all components
3. Replacing damaged or worn out “soft” parts like seals, O-rings, gaskets, bands, valves, filters and clutch components.
4. Inspect “hard” parts like shafts, pumps, converters, casing and gears for damage.
5. Test and repair electrical system.
6. Reassemble transmission and reinstall it
7. Test drive to ensure repairs are completed

Costs of Transmission Repair

Costs to rebuild a transmission may be less or more than the cost to replace it. It depends on the complexity of repairs needed in the existing transmission.

• A complete overhaul of a transmission might cost more than purchasing and installing a new transmission.
• Replacements can cost $2000 to $4000 or more, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
• Complete transmission rebuilds and overhauls can cost as much as the higher end replacement costs.
• Basic transmission repairs such as replacing the clutch on a manual transmission car may cost an average of $1000 to $2000.

Other factors that influence the costs of transmission repairs:

• Domestic cars generally cost less to repair than high-end or imported cars
• Extent of the transmission damage
• Newer, better maintained cars cost less to repair
• It is harder and more expensive to find parts for older or rare cars
• Standard transmissions are cheaper to fix or replace than automatics
• City, state and regional differences in repair and replacement costs