How Much To Repair A Slipped Transmission

Transmission Slipping

How to prepare a slipping transmission

Every day I get questions from readers about transmission slipping. They always want to know if a transmission fluid change volition fix the problem. I've got news for you lot. If you lot've neglected your transmission to the betoken where the fluid is a dark brown, a fluid change will Not gear up your manual. This isn't even a case of "what accept I got to lose by trying information technology." It'southward simply a full waste product of coin with nigh NO chance of making the transmission better. In fact, calculation fresh fluid to a neglected transmission has a very high hazard of totally destroying it. The fresh fluid will dissolve the varnish buildup from the burned oil and that tin clog up everything.

How about manual additives?

Well, if your car is an old junker and you only demand to get a few more months of driving out of it, then by all means, pour in a tin of transmission ready. That stuff works by swelling the rubber seals and that tin can improve the shifting. But just for a picayune while. It'south going to fail completely—and soon.

Transmission Conditioners?

If you bulldoze an older car and the transmission operates well, you can extend its life by adding a transmission conditioner like Lubegard, ProLong, or Lucas Transmission Fluid conditioner. If you drive a late model car that uses synthetic fluid, you won't benefit from whatever of these products.

What'south the bottom line on fluid flushes?

Like I said, if y'all've neglected your transmission and the fluid is dark brown and burned, a fluid flush may make information technology worse. But what if y'all haven't neglected your transmission? Well, dealer shop must use the proper fluid for flushing and that's why they accuse so much more than the independent shops. For instance, if you drive a Ford, the Ford dealer must utilise Mercon V to flush your transmission. Mercon V costs nigh $6/quart and the shop uses almost xvi quarts. But contained store utilise older and much cheaper Dexron Three to practise the flush. Then they add a bottle of friction modifier to modify to change the friction characteristics of Dexron Three to match Mercon V. NO MANUFACTURER approves that method. Also, keep in mind that Mercon V, Dexron Half-dozen, and Chrysler ATF+four, Toyota and Honda transmission fluids are all fully constructed. Dexrron III ISN'T. And then you're basically flushing with an inferior fluid. And then what if they modified information technology to lucifer the friction characteristics of the manufacturing plant fluid? Information technology's still non synthetic. In other words, the affluent is cheaper than the dealer, but you're basically getting screwed. E'er ask the shop which flushing fluid they use. If they say Dexron, don't go your vehicle serviced their anymore. If they tell you they use the factory fluid, do the math. Sixteen quarts of synthetic fluid at a minimum of $6/quart is $100. The affluent itself in an hour labor. So, if the store is charging you $149, you're probably NOT getting synthetic fluid. The price should be closer to $200.