Category Archives: Transmission Replacement

The majority of vehicle owners are aware that they must perform routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tire replacement, to keep their vehicle roadworthy. However, you should also keep an eye on your automatic transmission—you know, the gearbox that you shift into drive, reverse, and park multiple times per day. Transmissions are one of the most expensive components to repair or replace on a vehicle, so keeping yours in good working order can pay off.

Thankfully, determining the condition of your transmission is neither as challenging, time-consuming, nor expensive as you may believe. Here is how.

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.

Identify The Wick

First, locate the transmission dipstick in the engine compartment, which can be found under the hood. Verify that you are locating the transmission dipstick and not the engine-oil dipstick; the transmission dipstick is typically located further back in the engine compartment, toward the firewall (the bulkhead at the front of the cabin). Typically, the transmission dipstick is colored or marked with a transmission symbol.

Do not be alarmed if you are unable to locate the dipstick. Numerous modern vehicles employ a sealed-for-life transmission that never requires inspection or fluid replacement; therefore, they lack a dipstick. (Refer to your owner’s manual for your model’s specific service schedule and to verify if it has a transmission dipstick.)

If your vehicle has a sealed transmission, you can immediately close the hood and begin driving. However, if your vehicle has a transmission dipstick, here is what you should do:

Examine the Height

After the engine has been preheated, let the vehicle idle in park on a level surface. Withdraw the dipstick, wipe it clean, replace it slowly, and then withdraw it again. Examine the fluid level—how high the fluid rises on the dipstick—against the “full” and “low” or “fill” markings on the dipstick.

State of Fluidity

Now, analyze the color of the fluid by placing the dipstick on a white surface, such as a paper towel. The color of your transmission fluid and, to a lesser extent, the transmission itself indicates the fluid’s condition. If your fluid is healthy, it should be a shade of reddish-pink; if replacement is imminent, it will be a shade of brownish red. If the fluid is black or dark brown, it is likely that you will need to replace more than just the fluid. A fluid with a burnt odor and a dark color portends ill tidings; in the worst-case scenario, the fluid may also contain metal shavings. Both of these symptoms indicate possible internal component damage to your transmission. It is possible for a transmission to develop a mechanical problem prematurely, just like any other vehicle component.

Low Liquid?

If your fluid level is low, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re headed for disaster, but it does indicate a leak somewhere in the system. It is possible to determine the severity of a potential transmission leak by filling the transmission and then monitoring the fluid level on a daily basis. Also try to visually inspect your transmission by looking for fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle. Does the vehicle leave traces of a crimson fluid after parking? It is engine oil if the fluid is black. If it’s water, it’s probably condensation from the air conditioning system.

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.

How Are Motor Oil and Transmission Fluid Different?

Motor oil is required to manage engine combustion and keep the engine cool, and it must be replaced at least annually, if not more frequently. Transmission fluid is required to keep the transmission system cool, but since it is a closed system, it requires replacement much less frequently than engine oil.

What Are The Various Types of Transmission Fluid?

There are automatic transmission fluids and manual transmission fluids, and some modern manual transmission systems may even require automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Check your owner’s handbook or contact your local repair center to ensure that you are purchasing the correct fluid.

There are also traditional and synthetic transmission fluids. Traditional transmission fluid is derived from crude oil, but synthetic transmission fluid is derived from specialized chemical reactions that render it more resistant to oxidation and thermal degradation.

What Does Transmission Fluid Look Like?

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.

What Smell Does Transmission Fluid Have?

Transmission fluid has a petroleum-like odor. If you detect a burnt odor, you should change your transmission oil as soon as possible.

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.

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.

When your engine will not turnover, it may indicate a locked or seized engine. May be one day you are driving; you hear a loud noise and the car turns off and will no longer operate. The chances are the car engine has been seized. Read on to learn more.

Is A Seized Engine Fixable?

Starvation of oil is the most common cause of a seized engine – either when the oil is not going through the system correctly or there is no oil in the car. This causes metal parts of the engine to rub against each other, creating tremendous heat and can cause a little engine damage to extensive damage. Also, keep in mind, if an engine has not been running, it can seize because the rings of the piston freeze against the walls of the cylinder – often seen on older vehicles.

Hydrolocked Engine

This happens when water enters the combustion chamber of the engine. In cases where the piston is unable to reach the top end of its stroke as the water prevents compression. This stops the engine. At lower RPM’s, you may be able to escape extensive damage to your engine. At higher RPMs, busted pistons and connecting rods becoming bent are nearly inevitable.

Vapor Locked Engine

This does not equal your car engine not turning over, but the engine will not start. It is a problem with the fuel system – often found on cars that are older. With gasoline in the pump or fuel lines turn to gas from liquid, the engine is starved of fuel and will no longer run. The engine will lose power, splutter along and turn off. It will not restart, despite attempting to do so.

Causes of Seized Engines

• An engine vapor lock is inevitably related to high heat. The fuel in the lines turns to vapor. This can happen from switching off the engine when it is hot outside or being out in in heavy traffic when it is extremely hot outside. As the fuel pump is incapable of moving vapor.
• In the case of the engine being hydrolocked – water has entered the engine.
• In the case of a bad starter or a seized engine, running out of oil or not timely oil changes may be the cause. It may also be a broken engine oil pump.

Rebuilding A Seized Engine?

When the engine has seized because of oil starvation, a rebuild may be possible but is almost always way too cost prohibitive. It will require a very thorough mechanical inspection. Also be on the lookout for an engine that has overheated once it has seized. A warped engine can result from the heat and you may not be able to observe this, but the price will soon escalate.

Fixing Costs

You can easily be looking at a bill in excess of $3,000 for your repair – in those circumstances it may be more economical to just scrap the car.

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.

How much does it cost to rebuild a transmission?

On average, a rebuilt transmission costs about $1,950 with average prices ranging from $1,100 to $2,800 in the US for 2022. MyTransmissionExpert says the cost to rebuild a transmission is about $2,250, with average prices ranging from $1,500 to $3,000.

How much does a transmission flush service cost?

The average cost of a transmission flush is about $87.50, with average prices for a fluid change ranging from $125 to $250 in the US for 2022. This price estimate includes replacing old fluid with new fluid up to 22 quarts. Angie’s list confirms that prices range with actual estimates ranging from $205 to $240 left by customers who recently got their transmission fluid changed.

Where to Find Transmission Repair and Replacement Services Near Me?

You can find local transmission repair shops on Google search by searching “transmission repair near me”, “transmission shops near me”, “transmission replacement near me”, and reading reviews on their business listings. Make sure and call around for general price estimates as the first place you call doesn’t always offer the cheapest transmission repair and replacement services.

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.