The average transmission repair costs $1500 to $5000 in 2020 for most domestic vehicle makes and models in the United States. Major transmission repairs can easily cost $1000 to $2000 in labor alone and may take as little as a few days or up to a month to complete if you’re waiting on parts to arrive. CostHelper readers report paying $288-$415 for do-it-yourself installation of a used transmission, with an average cost of $361; and a CostHelper reader in Pennsylvania bought a used transmission for $200 and paid a local transmission shop $500 to install it. Related articles: Flushing a Transmission, Tune-up, Replacing a Timing Belt, Replacing a Water Pump, Replacing a CV Boot, Muffler. Well, transmission prices will vary between different makes and models, but can range from $1500 to $4000 for the part alone! When you’re looking at the true cost of transmission replacement, expect labor to be a third to a half of the overall cost. With all these expenses selling your car online starts to look appealing. Repair shop labor for replacing the valve body is $150 to $350. Worn, Frayed, or Broken Shifter Cable: Over time, the shifter cable can become worn, frayed or even break. Oftentimes, a worn or frayed shifter cable will cause the transmission to be in a different gear than the shifter indicator shows.
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In a conventional motor vehicle, the engine produces power, which runs through the gears and bearings or the transmission, and then drives the wheels. A great deal of heat is generated in this process. The engine has the primary cooling system, with a pump circulating coolant through a large radiator. The transmission has its own cooling system, which uses transmission fluid pumped through a smaller radiator, typically sitting in front of the engine radiator.
In some cases, the transmission cooler is inside the radiator, or it can be a small radiator mounted in front of the engine radiator. In some cases there are two transmission coolers; one inside the radiator as well as one mounted outside. This is more common on vehicles designed for towing, which have a much bigger job to do keeping the transmission fluid cool.
Whatever system is used will have a pair of solid metal lines (a supply line and a return line) running from the transmission to the cooler at the front of the vehicle. If there are two transmission coolers (the main cooler and an auxiliary cooler) there will also be lines connecting the two. Most often the lines are metal, with flexible hoses connecting between the engine assembly to the cooler fixed on the frame. If the flexible hoses have a replaceable clamp to the fixed lines, then replacement is usually just the flexible hoses. Many newer vehicles, however, use non-replaceable clamps, which means replacing the entire line and hose assembly. At their endpoints, cooler line assemblies ordinarily have push-fit clips to attach at the transmission and the cooler, which are relatively simple to undo. But how hard the assemblies are to replace depends on their routing through the tightly organized engine bay, which is the primary challenge.
The two transmission cooler lines or hoses are almost always replaced together. One option to replacing lines is having the lines rebuilt. In most cities, there are places equipped to make or rebuild hydraulic lines, which would be able to replace the leaking rubber lines and remake a factory-style crimp. The cost is usually about the same as for new lines, so this is more of a last resort if new lines are unavailable for some reason.
Costs of Transmission Cooler Line Replacement
On average for most vehicles, it costs about $300 to replace a pair of transmission cooler lines, though it can be cheaper on vehicles where just the rubber lines can be replaced rather than the whole assembly.
For some more specific examples on common vehicles, using $100 an hour as a labor rate:
For a 2013 Jeep Wrangler, the labor time to replace the transmission oil cooler line assembly is 1.2 hours. A factory cooler line set costs about $170, making the job about $300 using OE parts, and allowing for some cost of fluid. As with most vehicles, there isn’t any good aftermarket availability.
For a 2005 Honda Odyssey, the labor time to replace the cooler hoses is 2.8 hours. The hoses, in this case, are separable from the pipes, and factory pre-shaped hoses cost about $30. This makes the job about $320. There is also an available factory auxiliary cooler which can be installed as a kit, costing about $500 in total parts and labor.
For a 2011 Nissan Xterra with a 4.0 liter engine and factory-installed standard and auxiliary transmission coolers, the labor time to replace the hoses is 1.4 hours. The four hoses involved cost about $100 through dealer sources, making the job about $250 to replace the hoses. If there is no auxiliary cooler, then the job is basically half the cost in parts and labor, or about $125.
Some other vehicles that don’t use pre-formed hoses (mostly older vehicles) can be much cheaper for parts, where the appropriate hose is sold by the foot as necessary at auto parts stores.
What Goes Wrong with Transmission Cooler Lines
The main problem is leaks. On vehicles with replaceable hoses, they usually leak first at the clamp, where a rubber hose that has become old and hard will no longer hold a seal. Some types of clamps can be tightened, but if the hose has begun to degrade then replacement is the best long-term choice. On newer vehicles with non-replaceable hoses, cooler lines will usually leak at the crimp where the rubber line is clamped over the metal line. The crimps on those are made with a special machine and can’t be tightened, so when a connection leaks the normal solution is to replace the whole hose assembly.
In theory, the failed crimp could be removed and a new clamp of a different kind installed, but this approach would have the disadvantages common to rebuilding vs. replacing many different kinds of parts. If a repaired part fails again a customer would expect it to be fixed for free, and the fix would likely be replacing the lines that had already been worked on. Doing a repair twice involves more time and expense than doing it once, and is generally avoided.
Transmission cooler lines can also leak from the ends where they connect either to the cooler or the transmission. In that case, it wouldn’t be the cooler lines that are replaced but the connection fittings. These are small screw-in parts that carry the seals that bear against the cooler pipes, and which are pretty simple and cheap to replace in most cases. It’s not unusual to replace the fittings at the same time as the hoses.
FAQ
How important is it to fix leaking transmission cooler lines?It depends on the size of the leak. A “seep” is most common, where you can see wetness but no drips. That can go awhile. If there are drips it’s more important to get it fixed soon.
Do I really need a transmission cooler?It can depend on how a vehicle is used, but heat is one of the main things that break down transmission fluid. Without a cooler, the transmission runs hotter and can suffer more wear and early failure.
Can transmission cooler lines be repaired?Yes, it can be done. A leaking hose could be repaired in place, but a different clamp might not work well. The lines could also be sent out and rebuilt, but at about the cost of replacing with new most of the time.
Imagine this: you hop in your car, put it in Reverse, and back out of the driveway.
Then, when you go to put it in Drive, it hesitates, makes a loud “clunking” sound, and then starts acting normal again.
It sounds like you might have an issue with your transmission.
How much do transmission repairs cost? It depends on the severity of the damage. If all it needs is a fluid change, you’re looking at a cost between $80-$250. To repair a fluid leak, expect to spend between $150-$200, and for a solenoid shift replacement, $150-$400.
However, the cost to repair a transmission pales in comparison to how much you’ll spend on rebuilding or replacing one.
Sadly, if you forego a needed repair, you will eventually find this out the hard way.
Thankfully, in this short guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about transmission repairs. We’ll start by taking a closer look at how a transmission works.
Then, we’ll examine what causes them to fail and how to tell if yours is having issues.
Lastly, we’ll dive headfirst into each of the repair/replacement options available, and what they typically cost.
What Does A Transmission Do?
While an engine creates power, a transmission controls how much of it actually reaches the wheels at any given speed.
Using the gears of a bike as an example. When you shift between one to the other, the chain is temporarily lifted off, then put back in place.
This is similar to how a manual transmission works. By pressing the clutch in, it disconnects the engine from the transmission, allowing you to shift into a different gear. When you let off the clutch, it re-engages the two.
As for an automatic transmission, it is basically an automatic gear shifter that does the work for you. It uses what’s called a torque converter to determine when to shift so that when you speed up, it moves to a higher gear, and when you slow, it returns to a lower one.
If you start experiencing issues with your transmission, then it’s likely time to get it checked out. If you ignore it, it may eventually fail, meaning your car won’t be able to function.
Now that you understand the basics behind how a transmission works. Let’s look at what causes one to fail.
What Causes A Transmission To Fail?
Low Transmission Fluid
Just like an engine, a transmission requires fluid to function, which in this case is called transmission fluid. It not only acts as a lubricant but as a hydraulic fluid as well. This keeps it within a safe operating temp, facilitates gear shifts, and lubricates the moving parts.
As you might have guessed, if you’re low on transmission fluid, it will get hot, it won’t be able to shift smoothly, and the internal parts will eventually seize.
Thankfully, most tranny fluid lasts for between 30,000-60,000 miles, meaning if you’re an average driver, you only need to replace it every 2 ½-5 years. Not only that, but the cost of changing it is low, ranging between $80-$250.
Transmission Fluid Leak
This one is similar to the last in that it means your transmission doesn’t receive the essential fluid it needs. However, if your transmission is leaking fluid, you can’t simply add more, you need to fix the issue.
Thankfully, transmission fluid is red, so if you notice a puddle of red liquid under your car, it’s pretty apparent what it’s from. We’ll cover how to repair a leaking transmission, as well as how much it costs a little further in this article.
A Clogged Transmission Fluid Filter
If you didn’t know, your tranny has a filter that screens out harmful debris like dirt, dust, and metallic flakes before they continue on to wreak havoc. However, once the filter screens out enough debris, it can become clogged, rendering it useless.
Not only that, but it can also block the flow of fluid, meaning the same issue as the first two causes.
Thankfully, by changing your transmission fluid (and filter) every 30,000-60,000 miles, your tranny will remain healthy. Additionally, doing so will also allow you to catch small problems before they get worse.
Now that you know what causes a transmission to run into issues. Let’s look at a few of the most common symptoms that suggest yours is.
Symptoms Of A Faulty Transmission
Burning Odor
It’s never a good sign if you start noticing a burning smell coming from your car. As we mentioned earlier, a lack of fluid can cause your transmission to overheat. When there’s a small amount left, it can burn, giving off a unique, sweet-smelling burning odor.
Again, catching a failing tranny while it’s in the early stages is crucial to preventing further damage, and therefore, a higher shop bill.
Gear Slippage
This one is pretty easy to notice, it means your transmission shifts gears when it shouldn’t. This can not only cause further damage but make your car dangerous to drive as well.
A lot goes into making sure an automatic transmission shifts smoothly, but if yours is slipping gears, all of that goes out the window. This means you’ll experience a rough jerking sensation as the RPMs climb without warning.
While you might just consider this a nuisance, if you’re driving on slick roads, it can actually cause your car to lose traction. This puts yourself, your passengers, and those around you in danger.
Clunking/Whining Sound
Earlier, we mentioned how bad it is for a transmission to be without fluid. One of the reasons for this is because tranny fluid acts as a lubricant, creating a thin layer between the metal.
Without it, metal meets metal, which can produce a “clunking” or “whining” sound when the gears lock into place.
The longer these sounds continue, the more of a beating your transmission will endure, eventually leading to its failure.
Issues Shifting Gears
If your transmission hesitates, or jerks while changing gears, it’s likely low on fluid. Transmission fluid facilitates gear shifts, and without it, yours may have issues doing so.
As with the previous symptoms, taking your car in for an inspection at the first signs of a problem will help prevent the issue from worsening. Less damage equals a smaller repair bill.
Now that you better understand the symptoms to watch out for. Let’s look at how much you can expect to spend on transmission repair costs.
How Much Does Transmission Repair/Replacement Cost?
Transmission Fluid Flush
This service consists of depleting the system of all of the old transmission fluid and replacing it with new fluid. Depending on where you take your vehicle, the cost can range from $80-$250. Thankfully, it’s also something you can do at home to cut these costs in half.
Related:What Does It Cost To Change Transmission Fluid?
Shift Solenoid Replacement
A shift solenoid is basically a valve that controls how much fluid flows through the transmission. Replacing a single solenoid can range anywhere from $150-$400 (including both parts and labor). Most transmissions have 2 or more solenoids, meaning the costs can rack up fairly quickly.
Transmission Fluid Leak
Transmission leaks typically occur from a worn seal, which can cost as much as $200 to replace. However, if the leak stems from the front seal, this amount will increase by a significant amount.
Transmission Replacement Cost Ford Fusion
Thankfully, most transmission fluids carry seal swell agents, which keep them from drying out and shrinking. You can also add specific additives meant to maintain transmission seals.
Transmission Rebuild
A transmission rebuild consists of replacing any worn/broken parts and salvaging what you can. The issue is that this takes a lot of time. Because of this, the costs are close to how much it is to simply replace the tranny. How much does a transmission rebuild cost? $2,500-$4,500.
Transmission Replacement
Transmission Rebuild Cost Estimate
And then, there’s transmission replacement, which is the only thing worse than finding out your engine is shot. Why? Because when all is said and done, the costs of replacing your transmission with a new one ranges between $4,000-$8,000.
Thankfully, you can reduce these costs by replacing it with a used or rebuilt transmission, which ranges between $2,500-$4,000.
Instead Of Repairing/Replacing – Maintain The Transmission You Already Have
It’s that simple. Instead of staring in wonder at a sizable repair bill, avoid it altogether, by maintaining your tranny throughout its lifetime.
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