How Much Is A Transmission Replacement?

A vehicle's transmission is a crucial component that allows for smooth operation and gear shifting, enabling the transfer of power from the engine to the wheels. However, like any mechanical part, transmissions can experience issues and eventually require replacement.

Replacement can range from $1,100 to over $7,000, depending on your vehicle and whether you choose a new or used transmission. In this article, we will explore the cost of a transmission replacement, the role of a transmission in a vehicle, necessary maintenance, and whether it is worth replacing a transmission.

What Does A Transmission Do?

The transmission plays a vital role in a vehicle's drivetrain system. Its primary function is to transfer power generated by the engine to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to move at different speeds and handle various driving conditions.

The transmission accomplishes this by shifting gears, which determines the ratio between the engine's rotational speed and the wheels' rotational speed. In an automatic transmission, gear shifting happens automatically in response to speed changes, whereas with a manual transmission, you must use a gear shift to manually switch gears as you speed up or slow down.

When the transmission is working properly, acceleration will be smooth, fuel efficiency will be optimal, and your car will be able to handle varying driving conditions such as uphill climbs and highway cruising.

What Maintenance Is Needed For A Transmission? 

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and optimal performance of your vehicle's transmission. Each automotive manufacturer has specific maintenance requirements for their transmissions, so the frequency and types of services you need to schedule will vary.

However, there are several common transmission maintenance services that are recommended for most cars. Take a look at some services and their average costs:

• Physical inspection: $100-$150

• Transmission fluid inspection: $45-$60

• Transmission flush: $100-$300

• Coolant: $100-$150

Changing the transmission fluid, or flushing it, is a crucial service for keeping the transmission running well. This service involves flushing out the old fluid and filter and replacing them with new transmission fluid and a new filter. This process helps eliminate contaminants that can accumulate over time and affect the transmission's performance.

How much is a transmission flush? Depending on where you get your car serviced and the type of vehicle you have, it can cost between $100 and $300.

If you have a manual transmission, you’ll need a flush every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Automatic transmissions, however, need this service every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. If you tow or off-road frequently, though, you might need more frequent visits to your mechanic for transmission maintenance.

Is It Worth It To Replace A Transmission? 

If you’ve been experiencing damaged transmission symptoms like grinding gears, whining noises, or even a burning smell, you might be wondering if it’s worth it to replace your transmission.

The first thing you need to consider is the cost of a transmission. How much does a transmission cost? On average, a new transmission can cost between $1,500 and $5,000, excluding labor costs. With labor costs, that price can shoot up by $2,000 or more. For luxury or performance vehicles, you can expect to pay more than $7,000 for the whole job.

These estimates are high for most drivers, but a replacement might still be worth it if your car:

• Is relatively new.

• Has a higher value than the cost of repairs.

• Doesn’t have a history of mechanical problems.

On the other hand, you might want to reconsider getting a new transmission if your car has a track record of frequent breakdowns and repairs. If you have already spent a significant amount on repairs for the vehicle, it might be more sensible to explore alternative options such as selling it.

Moreover, if your car is older and has over 100,000 miles on it already, selling or junking might be a better idea. That’s because it might not be financially prudent to invest in a new transmission when your vehicle is on its way out. Plus, its value might be lower than the cost of repairs.

Sell Your Car With Transmission Problems

If you find yourself facing a transmission replacement and decide that it is not worth it to replace the transmission, there are options available to you.

JunkCarMaster offers services for selling junk cars, damaged cars, and vehicles with transmission problems. The process is simple and involves three steps:

1. Get an offer: Input details about your car into our calculator to receive an instant offer.

2. Accept our offer and schedule a pickup: If you like our offer, press accept, and schedule a pickup in 24 to 48 hours. 

3. Hand over keys and collect your check: Once our tow driver arrives, they will take your keys and title and hand you your check.

You’ll receive a check for the amount you were quoted and get your damaged car off your driveway.

We strive to make selling your vehicle as fast and simple as possible, that’s why our entire sales process is at your fingertips and takes minutes. Get a free quote from JunkCarMasters today!