8 Most Commonly Asked Transmission Repair Questions

Written by Jason Tucker
on Dec 30, 2009

To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.

Reviewed by
H.R. Helm
on Jan 02, 2020

The following are some of the most commonly asked transmission repair questions along with their answers. Knowing the answers to these questions should help you to determine if you need to have any work done on your transmission as well as how much it might cost.

Question # 1 - When Should I Check My Transmission Fluid?

You should check the levels of your transmission fluid each time that you open the hood of your car to check your oil. The process is very similar to checking the oil, and if you get into the habit of checking your transmission fluid levels, you might be able to catch a leak early.

Question # 2 - How Do I Know If I Have a Transmission Fluid Leak?

You will have two ways to determine if you have a transmission fluid leak. The fluid in the transmission should remain constant. If you discover the fluid levels are low when checking your transmission fluid, you probably have a leak. Another way to discover a leak is with a visual inspection. If you see fluid on the ground below the area of the transmission, you have a leak.

Question # 3 - Is a Transmission Flush Needed?

Most of the time, you will not need to have a transmission flush. The transmission flush should only be done when the manufacturer recommends it. In some cases, the flush can ruin the transmission. Despite what the people at the shop may tell you, you don’t always need to have a flush.

Question # 4 - How Much Does a Transmission Rebuild Cost?

Transmissions are not cheap. If you have a rebuild of your transmission, you will likely spend a minimum of $1500. To have a new transmission, the cost could be much greater. You might be able to buy a transmission repair kit and save on the cost of parts, but if you do not know how to rebuild and install the transmission on your own, you will still have to pay for the labor costs. Fortunately, a rebuilt transmission can last as long as a new transmission.

Question # 5 - Does Transmission Fluid Need to Be Changed?

Yes, you should change the transmission fluid in your vehicle. In most cases, you should change the fluid in the transmission every 30,000 miles. Of course, you will want to check your manufacturer's guidelines and follow their recommendations.

Question # 6 - What Can Cause a Transmission to Fail?

Many different things can cause a transmission to fail, but heat is the number one culprit. When the transmission gets too hot, parts of it can wear out and fail.

Question # 7 - How Do I Know if My Transmission is Slipping?

You will be able to notice right away when the transmission begins to slip. The car will not stay in the proper gear, and it will often take longer to shift.

Question # 8 - How Long Do Transmission Repairs Take?

The length of time it takes to repair a transmission varies depending on several things including the severity of the problem, the availability of parts for the vehicle, and the schedule of the shop.