It's Not Your Mechanic's Fault They Can't Fix Your Transmission
The automatic transmission is an amazing yet terribly complex engineering feat. It works by using clutch packs, torque converters, gear sets, solenoids, gaskets, valve bodies, hydraulic parts, and computer-enabled sensors, enabling your car to move from a stop without having to maneuver a clutch pedal and row a stick. Despite its intricate construction, an automatic transmission can last upwards of 150,000 to 200,000 miles with diligent care and maintenance, primarily through periodic servicing and ATF (automatic transmission fluid) changes, which should occur every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the vehicle.
However, cars that tow, carry heavy stuff, frequently climb steep gradients, or undergo daily abuse can torture their automatic transmission, especially neglected and older vehicles. Some of the telltale signs of imminent transmission failure include fluid leaks, burning smells, rough shifting, slipping gears, and grinding or clunking noises.
When something does go wrong, don't be surprised if your trusted mechanic refuses the job order. The inherent complexity of a torque converter, continuously variable auto transmission (CVT), or dual-clutch (DCT) automatic demands a specialized skill set that, unsurprisingly, is beyond the scope of most trained professionals, according to the Careers for the Automotive and Transportation Industries (CATI).
Time is money
In addition to acquiring the advanced knowledge to disassemble and repair an automatic transmission, the process takes a lot of time. Unlike oil changes or tire rotations, which usually take 30 minutes to an hour, diagnosing and repairing an automatic transmission can take 2 to 5 days (or sometimes more), depending on the vehicle and the severity of the problem.
Moreover, modern automatic transmissions, such as DCTs and CVTs, have become increasingly complex, incorporating newer parts and technologies, most of which are unfamiliar to mechanics accustomed to older technology. The unfamiliarity leads to longer repair jobs, which in turn result in sky-high repair estimates.
Time is money in the auto repair world, and herein pops a dilemma, especially for older cars: Will the cost to repair or rebuild the automatic transmission surpass the value of the vehicle? If it does, is it worth saving the car rather than spending the money elsewhere, like on a newer, used car? CATI notes that longer repair jobs, such as fixing or rebuilding automatic transmissions, typically cost the client more in labor, lot space, rebuild kits, and spare parts, as there are no shortcuts to fixing a faulty automatic transmission.
Rebuild or replace? Here are the pros and cons
Instead of attempting to repair it, your mechanic would most likely recommend sourcing a used transmission from a junkyard or a remanufactured unit from a supplier. Replacing it might be a more viable option than rebuilding if the old transmission has incurred irreparable damage, but this is a costlier route, with some transmission replacements costing $6,500 or more.
The upside is a quicker fix, since all that's required is to inspect the transmission, bolt it on, and fill it up with transmission fluid. Additionally, most suppliers offer warranties for remanufactured transmissions, with some providing coverage of up to 3 years or 100,000 miles.
Although it takes longer, rebuilding an automatic transmission is typically cheaper than buying a new or remanufactured unit, with most rebuilds costing $3,000 on average. One possible drawback is the availability (or unavailability) of rebuilding kits for the make and model of the transmission in your car. However, most reputable shops, such as Raybestos Powertrain, have an impressive selection of rebuild kits for OEM American, Japanese, or European transmissions.
