| $ Used transmission: $200-$600 | $ $ Labor costs: $500-$1,200 | $ $ $ Remanufactured transmission: 1,000-$6,000+ |
Engines give cars all the power needed for driving, and the transmission is the one in charge of regulating that power.
The power created by the engine doesn’t go directly to the wheels; the transmission regulates it so you can control the speed while driving.
Without the transmission regulating this strong power, the car wouldn’t be able to use it for acceleration, low speeds, or starting at a high rotation speed.
Table of Contents
What Types Of Transmissions Exist?
According to EngineeringChoice.com, there are four types of car transmissions.
- Manual transmission.
- Automatic transmission.
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
- Semi-automatic and dual-clutch transmissions.
How Does A Transmission Work?
It’s important to mention that all gearboxes work in the same way, regardless of whether it’s a manual or automatic transmission.
The only difference between them is that, with a manual transmission, the driver has to manually push the clutch to disconnect the engine and transmission to change gears.
Using gear ratios, the transmission reduces the engine’s rotational speed while increasing the torque/power to the wheels.
Lesics has two amazing videos explaining how a manual transmission and an automatic transmission work in more detail.
What Can Cause A Transmission To Fail?
Typically, a transmission can last around 150,000 to 200,000 miles, but there are cases where they don’t last as much as expected.
Also, several factors contribute to reducing the life of a transmission:
- Driving before the vehicle is warm.
- Shifting gears while the vehicle is moving.
- Racing.
- Driving aggressively.
- An inexperienced mechanic.
What Are The Signs Of A Damaged Transmission?
According to AAMCO, there are several signs a damaged or worn out transmission can show:
- Transmission won’t engage or stay in gear.
- Shifts are delayed or missing gears.
- Transmission slipping or engine is revving high.
- Transmission fluid is leaking.
- If there’s a burning smell.
- If there is buzzing, clunking, humming noise.
- The car has no power.
- Check engine light or overdrive light is on.
- Gears are grinding when shifting.
- The clutch pedal grabs very low or very high.
What Affects Replacement Costs Of A Transmission?
Replacing a transmission is really expensive, and several factors affect the costs, like the year, make and model of your vehicle, labor costs, if the replacement is from an OEM or an aftermarket shop, if it’s manual or automatic, the warranty provided, and if it’s used or new.
A rebuilt transmission or remanufactured transmission typically costs from $1,000 to $6,000 or more; if the transmission was factory-remanufactured, it will cost more.
A used transmission, typically found in salvage yards or junkyards, usually costs from $200 to 600 or more; but buying a used transmission is a risk because you don’t know how it was maintained or damaged before.
Labor costs for removing and replacing the old transmission range from $500 to $1,200; this job usually takes four to ten hours.
Top Companies
You can get a transmission replaced at dealerships and local transmission shops.
And transmissions are available at many online retailers like Auto Zone and Advance Auto Parts.
For a cheaper option, look for transmissions in junkyards.
The following comparison shows a price comparison between several different transmission’s models:
| Transmission | Auto Zone | Advance Auto Parts |
| 4L60E / 4L65E | 1,699 | 1,799 |
| 4L80E | 1,889 | 1,890 |
| 5L40E (Exc. BMW) | 2,145 | 2,199 |
| 6T40 / 6T45 | 2,500 | 2,679 |
| 4R100 / E4OD | 1,836 | 1,899 |
| 4F27E | 1,630 | 1,749 |
| 5R55S/N/W/E | 1,889 | 1,949 |
| 5R110W | 3,250 | 3,349 |
| AX4N / AX4S | 1,480 | 1,599 |
| CD4E | 1,802 | 1,859 |
| FNR5 / AWTF-80 | 2,010 | 2,079 |
| 46RE (A518) | 1,633 | 1,699 |
| 47RE (A618) | 2,040 | 2,089 |
| 48RE | 2,899 | 2,900 |
| 42RLE | 1,736 | 1,799 |
| 545RFE | 1,892 | 1,949 |
| 62TE | 2,650 | 2,899 |
| Nissan RE5R05A | 3,399 | 3,399 |
Things To Consider
Before Buying
- First, it’s important to think about your budget to know where to find a transmission replacement. Junkyards always have the lowest prices.
- Many shops sell transmissions with a warranty, so it is important to ask them about their warranty and if they rebuild the transmissions themselves.
- An inspection needs to be done to really know how much the final price will be.
When Buying
- Replacing a transmission is a complicated job that’s better left for people with experience. Here’s a video made by that shows how to replace a transmission.
After Buying
- As a final option, if your transmission is giving you many problems, you can always trade your car to a dealer or list it for sale con craigslist. Car dealers usually pay a small amount for cars with a bad transmission, typically $500 to $1500.
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