Similar to an oil change, flushing a transmission replaces the fluid that lubricates the transmission. Most transmissions have some sort of filter that should be serviced at the same time. Some drive through service facilities will try to sell you the service before it may be necessary. Check your vehicle owner's manual to determine proper maintenance schedule.
Typical costs:
$75-$250, depending on the vehicle. Some examples: 2005 Audi A6, about $200; 2005 Toyota Camry, about $210; 2005 Dodge Caravan, about $175.
Costs vary from one make and model to another, generally speaking the more you paid for the car, the more you are likely to spend this service.
Prices also vary depending on prevailing labor costs. If workers tend to be paid less than average in your area, you may find lower prices.
What should be included:
Replacing transmission fluid and filter (if car is equipped with one).
Discounts:
Some repair shops offer discounts for AAA members.
Shopping for flushing a transmission:
Find a reputable repair shop and proceed with caution when using bargain specials from unknown mechanics.
Find a mechanic before you need one. Do your research and locate a mechanic you trust before you actually need servicing, so you aren't stuck with the first mechanic you find during a time of need.
Posted by: if it ain't broke...... in san Jose, CA.
Posted: October 7th, 2010 09:10AM
Car Make: Dodge
Car Model: caravan 2000
Auto Shop: Wheel Works
Type of Fluid: N/A
My car turned 100k, so I thought for its' 100k birthday I would give it a transmission flush. However, when the attendant realized it never had a transmission fluid change before, he told me at this point it would do more harm to my system then good. He said all the debris that collects in the system is most likely keeping things all together and may make my transmission worse if they worked on it. I have never had problems with the transmission and after 10 years it still moves right along (hopefully not "Famous Last Words").
Purchased my car 1 year ago...all i've done to it was oil changes. Went to this Retro Lube (all previous changes were at Wal-Mart) and they were done in 20 minutes. They explained that my air filter needed replacing, my transmission needed flushed, i needed fuel injection cleaner, and front differential work. I replaced the air filter (very brown & clogged) and put in fuel injection cleaner in my gas tank. Is $89.95 a decent price to pay? Or does it seem too much/too cheap?
Posted by: More informed & satisfied in Grand Rapids, MI.
Posted: January 15th, 2011 07:01AM
Car Make: Chevy
Car Model: Impala
Auto Shop: O'Neill's Transmission
Type of Fluid: Dexron?
O'Neill's, family owned, have been serving customers for over 50 years. They test drive and scan your vehicle's computer BEFORE any work is performed. They make the concerted effort to properly diagnose issues and convey options to customers. In my case, vehicle has 101,000 miles and trans fluid had not been changed. Fortunately, there was very little debris in pan and inside filter. I chose not to "flush" after discussion their recommendation due to the chemical components in the flush fluid used by other non-specialty shops. These will often ruin seals and other components that lead to total trans failure.
Always have this service performed at transmission specialty shop to avoid the numerous consequences that fill this posting site.
After all, would you allow an orderly to perform your spine surgery? Or a surgeon who has the experience and knowledge required for proper results. Your choice.
Folks, when you change yor fluid change ALL of it. There is a component called a TORQUE converter which holds almost half of the 15 to 20 quarts of fluid amd requires draining from a different spot under your vrhicle. Most fluid changes and flushes do NOT do this. The result is mixing half of the NEW fluid with the OLD nasty stuff. Keep in mind most Automatic Trans. hold 15 or more quarts of fluis @ $5.00 each. do the math...$75 for fluid plus or minus then a filter & new gasket plus labor. So when someone, a mechanic tells you he can do ir for less, concider what the parts alone cost!! And do it yourself. Most teenage boys & many girls can do it themselves!!!
Went in for an oil change, tech showed me oil(red)and transmission fluid (black). Told me that the transmission fluid needs to be changed soon because it is black and he can see metal shavings in it. Told me that over time it will affect how it shifts gears. I went ahead and had it done.
they are pushing a B&G chemical for a flush why now? i have 90,000 miles and had it replaced at 60,000 without any chemicals fluid looks very clean. thanks
It was $24 for the transmission filter and $31 for the three gallons of tranny fluid. The pan gasket is reusable and I had the hi-temp silicone.
It's messy DIY because tranny pans generally don't have a drain plug, so all the bolts have to be loosened and the fluid eased out before taking the pan down to get to the filter.
My transmission pan was leaking. I'd never changed the filter on this transmission so I figured it was about time. I pulled the transmission pan and found there was no gasket, just gobs and gobs of silicone and overtightened bolts. Cerritos Dodge last touched the transmission for warranty work years ago and some Butcher did the gobs of silicone and overtightening of bolts.
Bought trans filter, gasket and trans fluid. Already had the silicone to lightly coat the pan gasket. I torqued the pan bolts to factory specs. Did the job in late July and still dry, no leaks.