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how much does a transmission flush cost

by Ralph Murray Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

A typical transmission flush will cost around $150. A transmission flush on smaller cars may cost in the low $100s while it may cost more than $200 on larger vehicles. A good rule of thumb is that a transmission flush costs about twice as much as a fluid change.

Full Answer

What is the average cost for a transmission flush?

Transmission flush cost breakdown. The median transmission flush cost is around $150 to $250. This, as we mentioned earlier, is more or less twice as much compared to a fluid change. But if we expand the price range a bit more, some transmission flushes may cost you upwards of $400.

What does Valvoline charge for a transmission flush?

The typical transmission fluid change at Valvoline costs between $119.00 and $179.00. This depends on the quarts of fluid and whether the filter needs to be replaced. You can find transmission service at most oil change facilities and there are many shops that specialize in this.

How much does it cost to reseal a transmission?

Labor costs are estimated between $44 and $56. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific model year or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

Are transmission flushes really necessary?

Many manufacturers recommend a transmission flush every 30,000 miles or 2 years. However, not all recommend this frequently – some suggest a flush only every 100,000 miles, and others don't recommend a transmission flush at all. A transmission flush can extend the life of your transmission.

Are transmission flushes worth it?

Almost every car manufacturer recommends against using transmission flushing chemicals, and most will void your transmission warranty if they can prove these chemicals are being used. These chemicals can damage your transmission, which is why most automakers recommend against them.

How much is a transmission flush at Jiffy Lube?

On average, transmission flush at Jiffy Lube costs about $150 with average prices ranging from $100 to $200 in the US for 2022.

How do you know if you need a transmission flush?

The 5 signs include: 1) strange noises or even grinding coming from the transmission, 2) you experience problems shifting gears, 3) you experience some slippage when shifting gears, 4) unexplained surging of you vehicle, and 5) delay in movement after placing the vehicle in gear.18-May-2015

Which is better transmission flush or change?

A transmission fluid change doesn't remove all of the fluid, but is still effective in replacing most of the dirty fluid. A transmission flush is very effective because all of the old fluid is removed using a flush machine and then new fluid is added.

Does Walmart do transmission flushes?

Unfortunately, Walmart does not change or flush transmission fluid at any of their Auto Care Centers as of 2022. However, Walmart can check and fill transmission fluid on cars that are running low, which costs $19.88 on top of the price of Fluid.

What is the difference between a transmission flush and a transmission service?

There are two significant differences between a transmission service (routine maintenance) and a flush (also called a fluid exchange). The first is during a service, approximately 40-45% (4 to 6 quarts) of the transmission's fluid is changed and a flush changes closer to 100%.

Why You Should Never flush your transmission fluid?

And some people warn against performing a flush on a transmission using old, dirty fluid. The flushing procedure may cause some fluid to move in the opposite direction of normal flow due to eddy currents, which may increase the risk of dislodging debris and causing it to settle somewhere it shouldn't.

How long does it take to flush a transmission?

between 3 to 4 hoursHow Long Does it Take to Flush a Transmission? It can take between 3 to 4 hours to flush out the old transmission fluid by vacuuming or using a simple siphoning system. Siphoning or vacuuming is repeated to remove all sticky dirt from the synchronizing gear and until the inside of the transmission is clean.11-Feb-2019

What happens if u dont change transmission fluid?

Transmission Overheats. Changing your transmission fluid periodically will increase the lifespan of your transmission. On the other hand, if you never change it, you will have dirty and grimy fluid that will fail to lubricate and disperse heat very well.22-Dec-2020

Should I flush my transmission after 100k miles?

Do You Need to Have the Transmission Fluid Changed? The simple answer is yes. But service intervals for new vehicles can exceed 100,000 miles before this needs to be done. That makes this seemingly clear-cut advice something of a conundrum for car owners.25-Apr-2018

What does it mean when your transmission fluid is surging?

If you have a problem shifting gears, and it seems to go either too quickly or too slowly into a new gear, that's a sign that your fluid may not be clean and requires a change. Dirty transmission fluid can cause what is called surging. That’s when your car seems to just lurch or move forward in a sudden and jerky way.

How much does a transmission flush cost?

In general, you will likely need to pay anywhere from $100 to as much as $400.

How often should transmission fluid be changed?

While the rule of thumb is that transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 mile or so, and others feel that “fill-for-life” fluid can last well over 100,000 miles the fact remains that sometimes it does need to be changed.

Why does my car keep slipping?

If you find that you keep slipping gears, that can be caused by both a lack of fluid and the presence of dirty transmission fluid.

Why does my transmission make a grinding sound?

This could be caused by low levels or just heavily contaminated fluid. If your vehicle stalls for a moment every time you put it in gear, that may mean you need a transmission flush.

Is it better to change transmission fluid or flush?

The advantage to just changing your transmission fluid over a transmission flush is that it is much faster and will also be much cheaper. Potentially this is the sort of job you could do yourself at home depending on your level of technical know how and confidence.

Do you need a transmission specialist?

You need a trained transmission specialist to not only determine if you need it done but to conduct the flush as well. An untrained or improperly trained mechanic could damage vital valves and seals in your transmission and cause an even worse problem.

Why is transmission fluid important?

It’s just as important as fuel is burned to make your car move around, or as engine oil slushes about to lubricate that engine. In short, transmission fluid works to ensure that your car’s tired old gearbox can change cogs without friction, or an excess of heat. That bottle of liquid is paramount to extending the lifespan ...

Why does my transmission fluid smell like it's burning?

This is mostly attributed to the intense heat and friction while flowing around inside of your transmission. After a long period of use, the “burnt” transmission fluids will emit a ‘burning’ aroma. If you can sense this heaty smell, it’s a good time to check your transmission fluid and consider a flush. 5.

How much does a transmission flush cost?

The median transmission flush cost is around $150 to $250. This, as we mentioned earlier, is more or less twice as much compared to a fluid change. But if we expand the price range a bit more, some transmission flushes may cost you upwards of $400. But compared to the cost of a brand new transmission – which starts at around $2,000 to $3,000, but can go up to $10,000 – the price of preventive maintenance with a flush is quite reasonable.

How many miles can you drive without a transmission flush?

But some mechanics have said that certain transmission fluids can be good without a flush for 100,000 miles, or 60,000 miles in lower estimates. In short, it’s best to check your owner’s manual to find a more accurate quote for when your fluids are due.

How much fluid does a transmission fluid change drain out?

According to some technicians, a transmission fluid change will only drain out about 80% to 90% of the total volume of transmission fluid.

What are the most vulnerable points of failure?

Parts such as rubber hoses and cooling lines, as well as seals are the most vulnerable points of failure. When these components wear down, they can degrade into “chunks” or small bits that get into your transmission fluid on the inside.

Is transmission fluid flushing a delicate process?

Transmission fluid flushing is a very complex and delicate process that needs to be done right. That is why we’re also taking this moment to recommend that you only send your car to a qualified technician for a flush. Firstly, transmission fluid flushing needs to be handled with the right equipment.

What Is a Transmission Fluid Change?

Your transmission delivers power from your engine to your wheels through a series of gears. It contains a fluid that acts as a lubricant and in some cases the drive system itself. This fluid gets old and dirty over time and requires regular replacement.

Transmission Fluid Change vs. Flush

Many shops and quick-lube places offer a transmission fluid flush rather than a simple change. Like a brake fluid flush, this service replaces nearly all of the fluid in your transmission, while a simple fluid change only replaces about 70% of the fluid.

How Often to Change Your Transmission Fluid?

This depends on a number of factors. Manual transmissions should have their fluid changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Traditional automatic transmissions often have long service intervals, such as 100,000 miles or even never, but would benefit from having it changed more often than that.

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How to check transmission fluid level?

How To Change Transmission Fluid. One way to assess the fluid is to carefully pull the dipstick while the car is running, wipe and reinsert, then pull to check the fluid level. You should wipe a bit on a white paper towel and check the color which should be a clear red. You can also smell the fluid for traces of a burnt odor.

How much does it cost to change transmission oil at Walmart?

Walmart transmission fluid change cost: Walmart car centers don’t offer a complete service of transmission fluid change, you can only buy the necessary parts and oil, and depending on the amount of oil it will cost you from $60 – $100.

Can you change the fluid in a car at home?

There is an internal filter that should be changed or cleaned when you change the fluid. In most cases, you will not be able to do this at home. If you are able to lift the car sufficiently and have the correct tools you might accomplish this service, but for most, it will be a challenge. In any case, the transmission takes a lot ...

Is it important to change transmission fluid?

Transmission fluid change is as important as changing motor oil. Just as your engine cannot run without oil, the transmission will not work without fluid. The fluid is a lubricant and cooling aide to the many complicated clutches and gears of a transmission.

How does a transmission work?

In manual transmission vehicles the clutch and gears are manually moved by the driver of the car. In automatic transmission vehicles, this movement happens from a hydraulic system that is powered by the force of pressurized transmission fluid moving through the transmission system.

What is transmission fluid?

The transmission fluid also keeps the gears lubricated and at cool operating temperatures. The type of transmission fluid used in manual transmission systems will largely vary depending on the make, model, and specifications outlined in the vehicle owner's manual.

What is transmission fluid?

Just like an engine, a transmission requires fluid to function, which in this case is called transmission fluid. It not only acts as a lubricant but as a hydraulic fluid as well. This keeps it within a safe operating temp, facilitates gear shifts, and lubricates the moving parts.

What does it mean when your transmission is leaking?

Transmission Fluid Leak. This one is similar to the last in that it means your transmission doesn’t receive the essential fluid it needs. However, if your transmission is leaking fluid, you can’t simply add more, you need to fix the issue.

What happens if your transmission fluid filter is clogged?

If you didn’t know, your tranny has a filter that screens out harmful debris like dirt, dust, and metallic flakes before they continue on to wreak havoc. However, once the filter screens out enough debris, it can become clogged, rendering it useless.

Why does my car smell like it's burning?

As we mentioned earlier, a lack of fluid can cause your transmission to overheat. When there’s a small amount left, it can burn, giving off a unique, sweet-smelling burning odor.

How does a transmission work?

While an engine creates power, a transmission controls how much of it actually reaches the wheels at any given speed. Using the gears of a bike as an example. When you shift between one to the other, the chain is temporarily lifted off, then put back in place. This is similar to how a manual transmission works.

How much does it cost to replace a shift solenoid?

A shift solenoid is basically a valve that controls how much fluid flows through the transmission. Replacing a single solenoid can range anywhere from $150-$400 (including both parts and labor). Most transmissions have 2 or more solenoids, meaning the costs can rack up fairly quickly.

How much does it cost to fix a transmission?

A transmission repair usually costs you between $1200 to $5000. Learn what you can expect to pay to fix your transmission, whether manual or automatic.

What happens if your transmission fluid comes out red?

If the stick comes out a red color, then the fluid is still good to go, but if the stick comes out a darker color or if there’s a slight burnt smell, then it’s time to replace the fluid. You should also change the transmission fluid if levels appear to be low.

What is transmission oil change?

Transmission oil change refers to replacing the old fluid in your car’s transmission system with new fluid. Over time, transmission system fluid gets polluted due to dust and debris falling into it, as well as the natural wear and tear of the parts that it’s supposed to be lubricating.

What happens when fluid moves around?

As the fluid moves around various parts, it will gobble up the dirt and all the metal shavings that have accumulated over time due to normal wear and tear. In some rare cases, the debris may settle at the bottom of the pan or housing.

What type of oil do you use for a transmission?

Now, different vehicles use different types of transmission, hence the slightly wide variety in transmission fluids. For example, you’re most likely to use normal motor oil or particular gear oil for manual transmission, whereas automatic transmission fluid is more suited to automatic transmissions, as the name implies.

Why change transmission fluid?

Not only will regularly changing the transmission fluid help to maintain the proper function of the transmission system, but it will also lengthen the lifespan of the different parts thereof . The best part is that it will also help you avoid transmission system damage, thus saving you a ton in repair costs.

How much does it cost to flush a transmission?

Now, for most cars, the average cost of transmission flush is usually between $120 and $450, depending on labor costs and how much is the transmission fluid that’s required, among other things.

How to save money on transmission fluid?

How to Cut Transmission Fluid Change Cost. The best way to save money on a transmission fluid change is to do it yourself. A car owner with the right tools can easily do their own transmission fluid change, especially since the process is straightforward and doesn’t require the use of any specialist equipment.

What Is A Transmission Flush?

A transmission flush is an automotive service where the old transmission fluid is forced from the transmission and replaced by clean, fresh fluid. Automatic transmissions are extremely complicated pieces of equipment. Most cars today come equipped with automatic transmissions, but few people know how they work.

Transmission Flush VS Transmission Fluid Change

When it comes time to perform a transmission service, the flush is not the only option out there. Some people dislike transmission flushes because they believe that they are bad for your transmission, and we will discuss the drawbacks of a flush later in this article. So, what other options are there?

Transmission Flush Cost

So, how much is a transmission flush? A transmission flush is not overly expensive. This service usually only costs about $300 at a reputable repair shop. An experienced mechanic can perform this job in about 30 minutes.

Proper Interval For A Fluid Flush

So, how often will you need a transmission flush? The answer depends on your specific vehicle, and your owner’s manual will specify the maintenance interval for this particular service. When in doubt, you can always ask your dealership about your car’s maintenance schedule.

Transmission Flush Drawbacks

You will inevitably hear from people who claim that a transmission flush is terrible for your vehicle’s transmission. When done correctly, this is not true. It is widely accepted that your transmission needs to have the fluid changed regularly. As long as the vehicle owner performs this service on time, a flush should present no problems.

The Bottom Line

Your transmission fluid must be changed regularly to keep your transmission system working correctly for the life of your vehicle. A transmission flush is a great way to accomplish this, and it also helps ensure that all of the old fluid is removed from the system.

Are transmission flushes necessary?

Changing the fluid in your automatic transmission is necessary. Some might argue whether a transmission flush or a simple fluid change is better to accomplish this. When done correctly, a transmission flush is safe and should present no problems to your vehicle.

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