Frequently Asked Automatic
Transmission Questions

Should I change my transmission fluid and see if that solves my transmission problem?

This is not advisable. You know you have a transmission problem and if you change the fluid you deny your transmission mechanic the opportunity to examine the fluid and check the bottom of the filter for debris. You will likely be costing yourself additional aggravation, time and money, because your new fluid may mask the real problem. Instead, we suggest that you run through the transmission check steps on this website and proceed accordingly.

What's the correct procedure for checking the transmission fluid level?

If you have a Honda you should check the transmission level with the engine turned off. All other vehicles should have the engine warmed up and running. If you have a Dodge product place the vehicle in neutral, with the parking brake on. All other transmissions are checked with the engine running, the engine warmed up, and the vehicle on level ground and in the parked position on the shift lever. Pull the "transmission" dipstick out and wipe it with a clean cloth or paper towel. Check the fluid level on both sides of the dipstick. Repeat the process and see if you get the same reading.

What if I overfill my transmission? Is that a problem?

No. Not unless you really overfill it. But a little, say a half-inch above the high fill mark shouldn't create a problem. More than that and you're probably still ok, but watch for leaks and be prepared for the possibility of sloppy gear changing. More important question is: why are you adding fluid in the first place? Transmissions don't burn transmission oil the way an internal combustion engine might burn motor oil. So if you find yourself adding transmission fluid you have a leak that needs attention.

Would it hurt to add a good quality transmission additive?

The purpose of most transmission fluid additives is to stop leaks. This is accomplished by softening the seals and encouraging them to expand and thus stop the fluid leak. Most people find that this will work for few weeks and then you're right back to where you started. And you may be in a worse place.

Low transmission fluid can cause permanent damage to a transmission and is best solved by replacing the leaking gasket.

Is it OK to "flush" the transmission?

Flushing a transmission involves hooking up special equipment to the transmission cooler lines and flushing out the old fluid by replacing it with new fluid. It's less expensive than the conventional drop the pan method, but means that if there is material in the filter as a result of abnormal wear, you wouldn't know it until a major overhaul was required.

If I have water in my transmission, can it be flushed out?

Water enters a transmission in one of two ways: either the vehicle experienced high water and water entered the transmissions vent, or there is a leak in the transmission fluid cooler inside the vehicle's radiator. Either way, the transmission needs to be overhauled. Flushing a transmission, will not get all the water and you will eventually experience rusting and separation of clutch plate material.

Which is better "flushing the system" or "servicing the system"?

Flushing the system removes all the old transmission fluid and replaces it with new fluid. Servicing the system involves removing the transmission pan, draining about half the total fluid out (that's about all you can get using this method), changing the filter and pan gasket, test driving the vehicle and adjusting the linkage and bands, if needed. While, flushing does a more complete job of replacing old fluid with new, it does not result in the filter be checked for debris and changed. And since transmission fluid, under normal operation does not burn, periodic replacement of half the fluid is a reasonable safeguard.

What is the cost to overhaul a transmission?

This will vary depending on the degree of work that needs to be done within the transmission, the time required and cost of the replacement parts. Generally, luxury and foreign auto parts are more expensive than domestic auto parts. An overhaul can be as little as $800 to upwards of $3,000. So it's important to know that you have an internal transmission problem before agreeing to an overhaul. Many factors can cause transmissions to misbehave including a poorly tuned engine, a clogged catalytic converter, computer malfunction, sensor malfunction, or a faulty electrical ground. So it's important to take your vehicle to a transmission mechanic you trust. Otherwise you may wind up with an overhaul and still have an apparent transmission problem.

What does it cost to repair a transmission leak?

Of course that depends on the source of the leak. There are quite a few places where a transmission can begin leaking. Once we've indentified the source of the leak, we can give you a firm estimate on the repair cost.

What does it mean when you "scan a transmission"?

All passenger vehicles build in the past 25 years have an on-board computer. Somewhere near the steering column inside the vehicle is a diagnostic port for accessing this computer. A technician will plug in an on-board diagnostic tool and retrieve codes that the computer has set indicating one or more faults that the computer has detected. If you are having trouble with your transmission and your "check engine" light is on or your OD light is flashing, a tech can read the codes and determine if the problem or problems are internal or external to the transmission.

Where can I get a cheap transmission overhaul?

While cheap is relative thing to different people, most would agree that least expense in the long run is most important and the cheapest. Second and third tier transmission mechanics may charge less and guarantee their work. However, if the work is not done correctly, you will need to keep returning (towing?) the vehicle and waiting for it to be re-repaired. What's that time and aggravation worth?

Can I save money by replacing my transmission with a used one?

Yes, this is cheaper than having a transmission rebuilt. However, you have no way of knowing how many more miles that transmission has coming before it too fails. Again, if we are getting into replacing or rebuilding a transmission the most important factor is to get an opinion from a qualified, experienced transmission mechanic you can trust. They will eliminate the obvious and less expensive causes before recommending an overhaul.

Why not Contact Us now to get a professional evaluation of your transmission issue.