Category Archives: Transmission Repair

As with any part of your vehicle, early detection of transmission problems can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, in addition to preventing further, more severe damage to your vehicle. This is why it is vital to learn to identify the warning signs of a bad transmission.

Signs Your Transmission Is Bad

There are several indications that a vehicle’s transmission is either bad or going bad. If you notice any of these issues below, it’s best to contact the auto care professionals in your area.

Difficulty Shifting Gears

If your vehicle resists or has a hard time switching gears, you are probably dealing with an issue with your transmission system. Low or wrong kinds of transmission fluid might be why your vehicle is failing to change gears.

Burning Smells

When you are noticing any burning smells coming from your vehicle, you should take it to an auto shop sooner than later. This smell can be an indicator that your transmission is overheating, or your transmission fluid is older and burnt.

Noises When In Neutral

Strange noises coming from your vehicle when it’s in neutral might be a sure sign that something could be amiss with your transmission. If you’re lucky, the noises could be an indication that your vehicle is ready for newer transmission fluid, in which would get flushed and then replaced by a mechanic.

Conversely, it could also mean that your vehicle requires a replacement or additional service by a mechanic.

Slipping Gears

In addition to it being terrifying and alarming when your gears spontaneously slip in and out of place when you are driving, but this situation is also hazardous as it is never suggested to drive with slipping transmission gears. You are going to know your transmission has slipped when you hear your engine revving during changing of gears. It is like driving on ice, with zero control.

Some other indicators of slipping gears includes delays in acceleration, odd noises, and a general jarring response when attempting to shift gears.

Dragging Clutch

A dragging clutch means a failure to detach the clutch disk from the flywheel in your transmission when pressing the clutch pedal.

This problem causes the gears to jar and the vehicle to move when changing gears. This is generally caused because of a mechanical failure or misplacing of the clutch.

Leaking Fluid

Transmission fluid leaks are one of the simplest transmission issues to identify. When you see a sweet-smelling, red fluid beneath your vehicle in your garage, driveway, or parking lot, tell your mechanic know they should check your transmission fluid levels and investigate for possible leaks.

Check Engine Light Is On

If your check engine light is on, it can indicate a multitude of vehicle issues – both minor and major. However, make sure a local mechanic investigates further, in case the source of the issue is critical.

Shaking Or Grinding

More typical in vehicles with automatic transmissions is any kind of grinding or shaking that happens when switching gears.

This usually is a sure sign that your transmission has an issue. When this occurs, it is vital to have your vehicle examined by a mechanic sooner than later.

Transmission Service, Repair, & Replacement Services in Phoenix, AZ

We offer a full range of auto transmission repair and replacement services from automatic transmission to manual transmission to the entire Phoenix Metro area.

*Disclaimer – This is not an actual quote. Your transmission repair or replacement cost could be different than the prices you see on this guide. The only way to get an actual estimate is by searching for transmission repair and replacement shops near you. Contact Automatic Transmission Exchange if you are in the Phoenix area and need transmission repair or replacement.

When your vehicle experiences any issues related to the transmission, it’s important for drivers to know exactly what type of transmission they have. There are several different types of transmissions that ultimately vary based on your vehicle’s manufacturer, make, model, and year. Use these tips to determine which type of transmission your vehicle has.

Check Your Owner’s Manual

One of the quickest ways to determine what type of transmission your vehicle has is by referencing your owner’s manual. Oftentimes, you’ll be able to simply pull out the manual and flip to the transmission section where you’ll find everything you need.

There, you’ll be able to learn what type of transmission fluid you use and how often it needs to be changed. If you bought your vehicle used, though, it may not come with an owner’s manual. In this case, you can use the next two ways to determine what type of transmission you have.

Find The Label On The Driver’s Side Door

Check the inside edge of the driver’s side door and on most vehicles, you will find a white label. A variety of information will be included on this label, including transmission type.

Look for the “TR” symbol on the label to find the transmission information you need. Either next to or below it, you’ll see a number code. You can then contact your dealership or a local auto repair shop to figure out which transmission type is related to that number.

Look Under The Hood

One last way to determine transmission type is by looking under your vehicle’s hood. Most vehicles will include a sticker under the hood that lists different components and parts that have been installed in the vehicle.

This will include the specific transmission. A quick check of this sticker should provide you with the information you’re looking for.

Transmission Service, Repair, & Replacement Services in Phoenix, AZ

We offer a full range of auto transmission repair and replacement services from automatic transmission to manual transmission to the entire Phoenix Metro area.

*Disclaimer – This is not an actual quote. Your transmission repair or replacement cost could be different than the prices you see on this guide. The only way to get an actual estimate is by searching for transmission repair and replacement shops near you. Contact Automatic Transmission Exchange if you are in the Phoenix area and need transmission repair or replacement.

Transmission fluid has the same viscosity and slickness as motor oil, but it is colored a dark transparent red to aid in identification. If it begins to darken or turns completely black, it is necessary to change the transmission fluid.

Transmission Fluid Color Guide

As any vehicle ages, both manual and automatic transmission fluid will darken in color. The fluid may also change color due to a malfunctioning transmission filter.

Use this color guide to determine whether your vehicle needs a fluid flush or new filter:

• Dark red = brand new filter.
• Dark brick red = normal.
• Deep blood red = service the vehicle soon.
• Nearly black = service the vehicle immediately.

Fluid Examination

In the same way that your engine uses oil to lubricate and cool its internals, automatic transmissions use specially designed transmission fluid for the same purpose. Conventional automatic transmissions, dual-clutch automatic transmissions, and continuously variable automatic transmissions all utilize a distinct transmission fluid. If you are uncertain as to which fluid is used in your transmission, consult your owner’s manual; transmission-fluid specifications are typically located in the specifications section.

A simple visual inspection will suffice to determine the condition of your vehicle’s transmission; you don’t need to be a mechanic. You must examine the level and condition of the transmission fluid.

How To Identify A Transmission Fluid Leak

A reddish puddle found beneath your vehicle is a clear indication that there is a transmission fluid leak. Here are a few other ways of identifying a potential leak:

• Odor: Typically, transmission fluid features a petroleum smell. It will smell burnt when a change is needed.
• Leak location: A transmission fluid leak will generally occur in the middle area of the front of the vehicle beneath the engine bay.
• Consistency: Just like engine oil and brake fluid, transmission fluid will look and feel oily and slick.

How Do I Inspect Transmission Fluid?

It is prudent to inspect your transmission fluid levels and condition once a month in order to detect problems before they become severe:

• Before inspecting the fluid, you must start your vehicle and ensure the engine is warm. On front-wheel drive vehicles, the transmission fluid dipstick is often located to the right of the motor oil dipstick.
• Check the fluid level with the dipstick and ensure it reaches the “full” indication. Use a funnel to add additional liquid if necessary.
• Check the fluid’s look and odor to ensure it does not require replacement.

Common Transmission Problems

• The transmission is undoubtedly one of the most complex components in any vehicle. Ensure you take your vehicle to a certified technician whenever you sense there may be an issue with the transmission fluid.
• Regularly scheduled service can help you catch most issues before they even begin.

How Often Should Transmission Fluid Be Changed?

Depending on the age of your vehicle, type of transmission, and driving circumstances, you should replace your transmission fluid every 50,000 to 100,000 miles if there are no abnormalities when you inspect the fluid. Check your owner’s manual for more specific instructions.

Transmission Service, Repair, & Replacement Services in Phoenix, AZ

We offer a full range of auto transmission repair and replacement services from automatic transmission to manual transmission to the entire Phoenix Metro area.

*Disclaimer – This is not an actual quote. Your transmission repair or replacement cost could be different than the prices you see on this guide. The only way to get an actual estimate is by searching for transmission repair and replacement shops near you. Contact Automatic Transmission Exchange if you are in the Phoenix area and need transmission repair or replacement.

Fluid is used to lubricate the internal clutches, gears, and bearings of an automatic transmission. It includes a torque converter in the form of a viscous coupling that transfers engine power to the gearbox input shaft via transmission fluid.

Fluid under pressure is also used to operate pistons in the valve body and engage clutches. Because all of this action generates heat, a transmission cooler is frequently included to maintain the fluid at the proper temperature.

Transmission Flush Costs on Average

A transmission flush might cost anything from $100 to $300. The cost is affected by the location of the job, as well as the amount of fluid required by the vehicle. Some vehicles have a transmission fluid capacity of up to 20 quarts, and if a vehicle-specific fluid is required, the transmission servicing cost can quickly rise to the top of the range. If a transmission filter needs to be replaced, it will be an extra cost.

Flushing of Transmissions

A standard service on any vehicle’s maintenance routine is changing the gearbox fluid. There are a few options for doing so. A transmission flush, which is performed by connecting a machine to the transmission cooler lines, is recommended by most well-equipped establishments (usually). Then, new fluid is pushed in while the old fluid is drained out, allowing for nearly complete fluid replacement. A drain and fill is an alternative, which entails removing a drain plug and draining old fluid before topping up the transmission with new fluid.

The disadvantage is that only about half of the old fluid is removed, as most of it is trapped in the torque converter and elsewhere. It’s a good idea to replace the transmission filter if there is one, regardless of how the fluid is serviced. Dropping the transmission pan, which also requires a new gasket, accomplishes this. Nowadays, transmission cases without a pan or a changeable filter are more prevalent; instead, a drain plug is used. Some transmissions also have an external filter attached to a cooler line or to the transmission enclosure.

Recommendations from the manufacturer

For automatic transmission fluid, every manufacturer sets a minimum inspection interval. It usually happens every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. In regular service, most real service intervals are between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, while some manufacturers stipulate merely inspections and then service as needed. Transmission fluid wears at varying rates based on how a vehicle is driven, outdoor temperatures, load circumstances, and other factors, and a car that sees a lot of use may require service every 15,000 to 40,000 miles. CVT transmissions are also more demanding on the fluid and towing or hauling big loads causes additional wear.

In general, transmission fluid that appears clean or only slightly discolored is fine. It should be replaced if it has darkened or thickened. It should also be replaced if it smells scorched. It’s also a good idea to err on the side of caution, as there’s no harm in replenishing fluid before it’s needed. Internal wear in the transmission, which is one of the more expensive and difficult to maintain sections of the car, is reduced by using cleaner fluid.

Drain and Fill vs. Flush

The majority of vehicle manufacturers recommend transmission fluid replacement but do not provide instructions on how to do it. When doing scheduled transmission services, however, most shops employ a flush machine to entirely replenish the fluid. For years, there have been some anecdotal warnings against cleaning the fluid out of a worn transmission. The flushing action, according to one idea, dislodges sludge and debris, which might later choke channels. Another theory is that old gritty transmission fluid increases clutch performance, and that removing the old fluid causes transmission slippage. Neither of these assertions can be verified.

Flushing a gearbox moves fluid in the same way as flushing an oil pump does, so there should be no issues. If the gritty old transmission fluid is keeping the clutches operating, adding more grit would be a remedy to a slipping gearbox, which it isn’t. The alerts could be due to a number of factors. One is that transmission maintenance is usually overlooked until a transmission begins to show signs of failure. Flushing the fluid could be an option in this situation. That rarely helps worn or failed parts, but it can be a handy scapegoat after a service when the real issue is age or a lack of maintenance. Another issue with some flush machines is that the fluid pressure can be set too high, causing seals in the transmission to be damaged. This should never be an issue if the job is done properly. This is due to the ease with which the machine’s pressure can be set to be lower than the transmission’s usual operating pressures.

In any event, the main benefit of a transmission flush over a drain and fill is that more fluid is replaced. This is more of a problem if the fluid has been neglected, but it is less of a problem if it has been serviced on a regular basis. Even if the fluid is in horrible shape and a flush isn’t performed, leaving the majority of the old fluid in the transmission isn’t a good idea. If necessary, a drain and fill can be done twice in a row.

The transmission is topped off and run through the gears for the first time after the first time. The fluid is then emptied once again. Doing it twice results in replacing 34% of the old fluid rather than half, which is a waste of both fluid and time. The only manufacturer that does not advocate flushing the gearbox fluid is Honda. This is mostly due to Honda’s proprietary fluid, which does not tolerate contamination well. To eliminate cross-contamination of fluids, a dedicated flush machine, such as Honda-only, would be required. Furthermore, keeping up with maintenance and performing drain and fill services as needed is often safer and easier in practice.

We offer a full range of auto transmission repair and replacement services from automatic transmission to manual transmission to the entire Phoenix Metro area.

*Disclaimer – This is not an actual quote. Your transmission repair or replacement cost could be different than the prices you see on this guide. The only way to get an actual estimate is by searching for transmission repair and replacement shops near you. Contact Automatic Transmission Exchange if you are in the Phoenix area and need transmission repair or replacement.