Transmission problems are among the most serious issues you can experience. Whereas engine problems give you some room to maneuver and save some money by fixing the problem yourself, any transmission-related problem demands a skilled mechanic.
Usually, I’d give you DIY steps and the list of tools necessary to fix the potential cause of the problem, but in this guide, we will have to take a different approach. I’ll take you through the list of potential causes, and give you a rough estimate on how much a mechanic might charge for the repair.
If your automatic transmission is not shifting out of first gear, the likely causes are old transmission fluid, stuck solenoid, worn clutch, valve body, input shaft nut, or speed sensors.
Just like the engine, transmission has its own lubricating oil that keeps the complex mechanical components from grinding. Transmission fluid doesn’t have to be changed as often as the engine oil – the exact interval varies between manufacturers, but the average range is 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Transmissions are a sealed unit, so there’s no way for external contaminants to foul the fluid. However, even though they’re lubricated, transmission gears and other components will wear out on a microscopic level, and over time this will contaminate the transmission fluid.
Another thing to keep in mind is the transmission fluid levels. On most vehicles, there’s an additional dipstick in the back of the engine, which you use in the same fashion as the engine oil dipstick. Pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert it and then check the transmission levels.
Regular transmission fluid change should be done by a professional, as there’s far less room for error. Because the transmission is a sealed unit, if the fluid levels are low, a professional should inspect it for leaks and find the cause.
The authorized dealership will charge the most for a transmission fluid change – up to $200 in labor cost. An independent mechanic will charge much less, $50-100. The cost of parts is not insignificant, as you need a new transmission gasket, filter, and 8-13 quarts of transmission fluid.
The following table contains the ACDelco filter and gasket for a GM transmission and 6 quarts of Valvoline fluid. If you consider the average amount of fluid needed, the parts will cost at least $100.
| Title | Price | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | ACDelco Gold TF289 Automatic Transmission Fluid Filter Kit | ||
Top | Valvoline DEXRON VI/MERCON LV (ATF) Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid 1 QT, Case of 6 |
The transmission shift solenoid controls the systems that shift gears by determining the ideal moment based on the current load and speed of the engine.
The failing solenoid will cause rough and delayed shifting and difficulties with shifting out of neutral or first gear. The problem should be addressed as soon as possible, to prevent more serious damage to the transmission.
Solenoids can be as cheap as $20 apiece, but for some vehicles, each solenoid can cost up to $100. The cost of labor is around $300 depending on the shop, while the average cost with parts included comes up to $450.
| Mechanic | Type of Service | Cost |
| Mr. Tire | Labor and Parts | $500 – $700 |
| NAPA | Labor and Parts | $520 – $680 |
| Midas | Labor and Parts | $515 – $680 |
| Your Mechanic | Labor and Parts | $520 – $690 |
| Local Mechanic | Labor and Parts | $400 – $500 |
I won’t bother you with the details of the torque converter, as it’s a fairly complicated component. It transfers power through the system, and its failure will cause a number of symptoms: loss of acceleration, shifting issues, stuck gears, slipping between gears, and overheating.
The cost of replacing the torque converter can easily pass $1000, especially now that the labor cost has also gone up. There’s really nothing you can do about it yourself but consider whether the repair is worth the cost.
Knowing how to identify the problem with the transmission doesn’t matter too much, as the more experienced mechanic will have to rediagnose the problem. Unless it’s one of the cheaper repairs listed above, your transmission will require a rebuild.
Without knowing the exact make and model of your vehicle, I can’t give you the exact estimate, but transmission rebuilds start at $1,500 and can go up to $5,000. The average is around $3,000.
When facing an unexpected cost of several thousand dollars, you should always consider your options, one of which is buying a brand new, or refurbished transmission. Depending on the model, it might be cheaper to buy an already refurbished transmission that comes with a mileage warranty and save on the transmission rebuilding labor.
If you’re driving an older vehicle with high mileage and low market value, investing a large sum of cash into it may just be a waste of money. Consider the current market value of your vehicle, and whether selling your vehicle and using those funds along with the transmission rebuild money to buy a new one is worth it.
On VehicleFreak, you’ll find dozens of DIY guides that tackle easy to moderate jobs. Most of the DIY methods will cost you less than a visit to a mechanic, even if you have to buy all the tools.
However, some tasks are simply beyond a DIY mechanic, and some are even beyond most professionals. In my opinion, transmission is the most complicated part of any vehicle, and you shouldn’t even attempt to change the transmission fluid, let alone try to rebuild it.
Other online mechanics will give you a DIY estimate and why it’s beneficial to do the job yourself, but see if they actually explain how to do it. A transmission rebuild is like brain surgery, and only a specialized mechanic can do it properly.
That being said, there’s a lot of room to save on transmission repairs and rebuilds. Explore your options thoroughly, find shops with good user reviews and cheapest prices, and consider towing your vehicle a bit further if necessary.
The most common signs of shift solenoid failure are delays and rough shifting, shifts when it’s not necessary, and failure to switch gears.
There are over a dozen symptoms of failing transmission, but these are the most common:
The transmission modulator valve takes part in deciding when to shift gears. When it fails, you’ll hear a whistling sound, experience mistimed and rough shifting, and get white smoke from the exhaust.
If your transmission is stuck in first gear, there’s nothing you can do but take it to a mechanic. Weigh the cost of repairs to the value of your vehicle, and consider your options: rebuilding your transmission, buying a new or refurbished transmission, or selling your vehicle to avoid an unreasonable expense.
Check out more tips from VehicleFreak:
Car Won’t Move In Any Gear Automatic Transmission
Why Does My Transmission Shift Hard From 1st To 2nd?
Bubbles In Transmission Fluid: What You Should Know
