Is it cheaper to fix a transmission or replace it?

When you turn the key in your vehicle, you want to know you'll get where you're going without trouble. There's a lot that happens under the hood to make that possible, including in your transmission, which helps the power from your engine reach your wheels. If your transmission fails, you won't be able to drive. Transmission replacement costs can be more than $5,000, but you might not need to replace the entire transmission to get back on the road. Repairing or rebuilding the transmission could save you thousands.

How does a car transmission work?

Your car's transmission, also known as a gearbox, harnesses the power from your vehicle's engine and transmits it to the wheels. Transmissions allow cars to switch gears, move efficiently and keep the engine from working too hard.

The transmission uses a series of gears to keep the engine's revolutions per minute (RPM) relatively low. Without a transmission, an engine would turn too fast and wear out quickly. Here's a broad, three-step overview of how transmissions work:

1. A gear lever moves and connects gears. If you have a manual transmission, the driver controls the gear lever by pushing the clutch. If you have an automatic transmission, this is controlled by the car's computer systems.
2. The gear lever connects clutch plates, which convey power from the engine to the gears. These gears are connected to the car's differentials, the systems that turn the wheels.
3. The gear lever changes the power ratio between the engine and the wheels by connecting with different gears at different times. This means you can control the amount of power the wheels are getting, while still allowing the engine to operate at a stable rate.

Signs you may need a new transmission

If your transmission starts to fail, your car will become a lot less smooth to drive. You might notice signs and symptoms of transmission failure, including:

• Clunking and other noises. You may hear an array of noises—from humming to buzzing to clunks from the engine—when you're shifting gears.
• Trouble shifting gears. Experiencing gear slips, hard shifting, shaking, vibrations or engine revving when you shift gears are all signs of trouble.
• A burning smell can indicate that the transmission or engine is running too hot.

• A check engine light

  , which can indicate high temperatures.
• Leaking fluids. Red liquid beneath your car could indicate your transmission is leaking fluid. Black or brown transmission fluid is a sign that the fluid is too old or has been overheated.
• Lack of acceleration.

When you notice these signs, it's time to see a mechanic. If your transmission fails while you're driving, you could experience a sudden and dangerous loss of power. On the other hand, seeing a mechanic early could help you avoid a total transmission replacement.

How much does replacing a transmission cost?

On average, replacing your transmission can cost between $4,000 and $7,000. However, there are many factors that impact the final price of a transmission replacement, including:

• The make, model and year of your vehicle. Large, luxury and newer vehicles generally have pricier transmissions.
• The type of transmission. Manual transmissions are usually cheaper than automatics.
• Where you're buying it. Transmissions from the auto manufacturer (OEM parts) are generally more expensive than transmissions made by third parties.
• Labor costs. Going to a dealership for a transmission replacement is often more expensive than using an independent auto shop. Unfortunately, transmission replacement is a major repair that usually can't be DIYed.
• Your location. People living in high-cost-of-living areas will likely pay more for a new transmission.

Transmission rebuilding vs. repair vs. replacement

If your transmission goes, putting in a new transmission is the most expensive fix. You may be able to save money by repairing or rebuilding your existing transmission rather than replacing it altogether.

Transmission repair costs

During a transmission rebuild, a mechanic removes the transmission from your car. Then they inspect, clean and repair all the parts before reassembling and reinstalling the transmission. A rebuild costs about half the price of a transmission replacement—about $2,000 to $3,500.

Transmission replacement, rebuild and repair cost comparison

Here's an overview of your options for repairing a broken or failing transmission.

  Cost Pros Cons Transmission replacement $4,000-$7,000 You'll have a whole new transmission and hopefully avoid future issues. Most expensive option. Transmission rebuild $2,000-$3,500 Economical option for transmissions that need lots of repairs. Since the parts aren't new, you may experience issues sooner than with a new transmission. Transmission repair Varies, but less than rebuild or replacement Most affordable option; great for minor transmission issues you notice early. You may repair one issue but still experience transmission trouble.

Tips for transmission maintenance

Once your transmission goes, you have to either repair it or get a new vehicle. That's why most car owners dread transmission replacements, which are among the most costly car repairs.

While you can't always avoid transmission trouble, you can help keep your transmission running well by doing the following:

• Keep up with

  routine maintenance

  , including having your transmission serviced. Your owner's manual should have recommendations for how often the service should be done.
• Top off transmission fluid regularly, and always use the right type for your vehicle. Your owner's manual will have this information, too.
• Don't tow too much. If your vehicle can tow, stick to the manufacturer's weight limits. Towing too much weight can strain your engine and your transmission.
• Stop fully before shifting between drive, reverse, neutral and park.
• See a mechanic as soon as you notice signs of transmission trouble.

MySynchrony financing for transmission replacement

The transmission is a critical part of your car. Without it, you won't be able to drive. While transmission replacement costs can run $5,000 or more, getting your transmission rebuilt instead can save you about half the cost. If you notice transmission trouble early, transmission repair costs are much more affordable than replacement or rebuilding.

The Synchrony Car CareTM credit card can help you manage the cost of transmission replacement and other unexpected costs of car ownership. Learn more about the Synchrony Car Care™ credit card and apply today.

One of the most important decisions you might face as a car owner is whether to repair, replace, or rebuild your transmission. The transmission transfers power from the engine to the wheels, making it vital for keeping your car running. However, like any other mechanical component, it can wear down and break over time.

Whether your car is an automatic, manual, CVT, dual-clutch, sequential, or any other type of transmission system, it is vital to address any damage to your transmission as soon as possible. Compare transmission repair vs. replacement vs. rebuild and determine which is the best solution when experiencing gearbox issues.

Prevent Transmission Repairs, Replacement, or Rebuilds With Regular Maintenance

Before deciding whether repairs, a replacement, or a rebuild of your car’s transmission is the best solution, it is critical to understand the importance of regular transmission maintenance.

A car’s transmission is composed of various mechanical parts designed to receive the engine’s power and send it to the wheels, converting energy into speed. They contain numerous components, among which the most essential are the torque converter, oil pump, oil pan, clutch, and multiple sets of gears.

A well-maintained transmission for a typical, modern car can have a maximum lifespan of 300,000 miles or more. Failing to maintain your car’s transmission can shorten its lifespan.

Basics of Transmission Maintenance

Proper transmission maintenance involves regularly checking and replacing the transmission fluid every 12,000 miles, conducting periodic cooling system inspections, and allowing your engine to warm up properly before driving. You should also avoid driving on mismatched or spare tires for extended periods because it can wear your gearbox out prematurely.

Transmission maintenance basics also vary depending on whether you are driving an automatic or a manual.

• Manual: The best way to maintain and prolong the lifespan of a manual includes careful clutch usage and proper matching of speed and gear. For instance, deliberately and carefully lifting your foot away from the clutch pedal when you complete a gear shift helps ensure the transmission doesn’t grind and wear out prematurely.
• Automatic: If you drive an automatic, your gearbox features an additional part called a transmission filter, which requires replacement every 30,000 miles on average. Periodically replacing this filter will help you maintain your transmission and extend its service life.

Signs You May Need Transmission Service

The difference between needing transmission repairs vs. replacements vs. rebuilds is learning to recognize the most common warning signs and giving your vehicle the maintenance it needs.

Check Engine Light

Although the Check Engine light warns drivers of engine-related problems, it can also indicate transmission issues. If you see your Check Engine light turn on while driving, your car’s sensors may have detected an issue with your transmission.

Don’t ignore it; immediately bring your vehicle in for diagnostics and repairs. Waiting too long with the light on can turn a potentially inexpensive issue into a costly one.

Unresponsive Shifting or Slipping Gears

Cars with faulty automatic transmissions may hesitate before shifting gears or fail to stay in gear at a certain speed. There may also be a delay when shifting between Park and Drive modes. Faulty manual transmissions may feel like they don’t accelerate as well as they used to or don’t shift gears smoothly anymore.

Bad Smells

If you detect a smell resembling burning plastic or melting wires, it typically indicates your transmission fluid is old, dirty, low, or turning to sludge. Schedule a fluid change as soon as possible.

Unexpected Noises

Faulty transmissions may produce unexpected mechanical noises like buzzes, whines, hums, rattles, or repeated clunks.

Leaky fluids

Fresh transmission fluid is red and usually smells sweet or tart, whereas slightly old fluid may look darker and smell smokey. If you find fluids with these properties leaking in your driveway or garage, bring your car to a trained mechanic as soon as possible.

Differences Between Transmission Repairs vs. Replacements vs. Rebuilds

If your car is experiencing one or multiple signs of transmission damage, qualified technicians offer three services: Repair to your existing transmission, replacement of the entire unit, or a rebuild service.

Each service addresses different types and degrees of transmission damage, wear, and tear. However, each service also has pros and cons. Below is a breakdown of what you can expect from each type of transmission service.

Transmission Repairs: Characteristics, Pros, and Cons

Transmission repair services usually involve the replacement of fluids and consumable parts, such as transmission fluids. They also include checking for and repairing minor leaks, sourcing and installing replacement parts for minor damage or breakages, and refitting and reinstalling your transmission in your vehicle.

Repairs are typically recommended when your gearbox is only experiencing relatively minor issues and doesn’t have extensive wear and tear.

Pros:

• It is the least expensive of the three services
• It takes the least amount of time to complete, as repairs generally don’t require extensive disassembly and labor
• Ideal for extending the life of your vehicle

Cons:

• If many parts have been damaged, repairs may be as expensive as a replacement
• May not fix all possible issues of a faulty transmission

Transmission Replacement: Characteristics, Pros, and Cons

Replacing a transmission requires uncoupling it from your engine and the driveshaft, then replacing it with an entirely new assembly. This option is generally reserved for transmissions that have failed or are beyond professional repairs and rebuilds.

Pros:

• If your vehicle is relatively new, it can be ordered directly from the car’s manufacturer, ensuring you get quality parts
• Installing a brand new unit offers peace of mind as it is the surest way to eliminate all transmission-related problems
• A brand new transmission may perform better than a repaired or rebuilt unit, restoring factory performance

Cons:

• Replacement is the costliest of the three options
• If your vehicle is older, sourcing a new transmission from the manufacturer may not be an option, requiring you to rely on units from used or scrapped vehicles.

Transmission Rebuilds: Characteristics, Pros, and Cons

While a transmission repair service focuses on fixing relatively minor issues with your gearbox and extending its lifespan, rebuilding is a more thorough and complex process intended to restore an older or worn-out transmission to a road-worthy condition.

A professional rebuilding service will uninstall the transmission from your vehicle, disassemble it completely, and inspect every part and component to ascertain the level of damage or overall wear and tear they sustained.

As part of the service, mechanics will replace any parts they deem too worn or damaged to continue being used. They will then provide complete inspection, cleaning, and maintenance to parts still in good condition.

Pros:

• Older and used vehicles benefit the most from a rebuild, especially if new transmission units are no longer available
• More economical than full replacement, more cost-effective than standard repairs
• Rebuilding allows you to retain your original transmission, extending its lifespan

Cons:

• Although rebuilds are more extensive than repairs, they don’t offer the same return to factory performance as replacements
• While less expensive than a replacement, transmission rebuilds are much more costly than repairs

Factors Affecting Your Choice

The best type of transmission service for you depends on these primary factors: your vehicle’s age and mileage, the severity of your transmission problems, the service’s costs, and the timeframe to complete the job.

Vehicle Age

The older your vehicle is, the more likely the manufacturer has discontinued parts for your particular model. Newer models, especially those still on your automaker’s catalog, will likely have brand-new replacement transmission assemblies available.

Vehicle Mileage

Generally, vehicles with high mileage counts have more worn-out parts, making it more likely you will need a rebuild or replacement over standard repairs. However, the exact mileage count depends on your vehicle type and manufacturer.

An average passenger car’s automatic transmission has a service life ranging from 150,000 to 200,000 miles, provided it has received regular maintenance.

Problem Severity

Having your transmission inspected by professionals is critical, as it will help you determine the extent of its damage, wear, and tear and understand how much transmission service will cost.

For instance, you most likely won’t need more than standard repairs if your transmission is relatively new and has nothing more than fluid leakage. However, if you are experiencing gear slippage or abnormal noises, you’re more likely to need a rebuild or replacement.

Service Costs and Timeframe

The best way to decide on which service you need is to ask the shop how much each service would cost and how much time it would take to complete the job. Professional mechanics should be able to provide you with a quote and a reasonable estimation for each service’s timeframe, helping you stay within budget and ensuring you can return to the road as soon as possible.

Professional Transmission Services for your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram

If your vehicle is experiencing gearbox issues, Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can help determine whether you need transmission repairs vs. replacements vs. rebuilding.

Contact us at (517) 459-6023 to schedule an appointment and ensure your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram vehicle receives servicing from our factory-trained expert mechanics.