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CostHelper > Cars  > Flushing a Transmission

Flushing a Transmission Cost


How Much Does Flushing a Transmission Cost?

 
average costStandard Fluid Change: $75-$150high costPower Flush: $125-$300

In a standard transmission fluid change (also called a transmission service), the transmission oil pan is drained and refilled, the engine is run and then the fluid (oil) is topped off as needed. In a power flush, a machine uses pressure to pump new fluid into the running transmission while the old fluid drains out (a practice some vehicle manufacturers caution against). These are separate procedures, but either one might be referred to as flushing a transmission.

Typical costs:

  • Expect to pay $75-$150 or more for a standard transmission fluid change. This typically includes replacing the filter, and generally uses about 5-7 quarts of fluid. It does not replace the 5-8 or more quarts of fluid trapped in the torque converter, so old fluid will mix with new. Some experts recommend draining and refilling three times, so the fluid is completely changed.
  • Flushing a transmission with a pressurized machine can cost $125-$300 or more, and may include pushing a special cleaning compound through the system. The power flush process typically replaces all of the transmission fluid, and can require 12-22 or more quarts.
  • Prices vary depending on the procedures used; the make and model of vehicle; and whether the work is done at a standard repair shop (either independent or part of a chain) or at a car dealership -- and prices can be considerably higher for luxury or exotic vehicles. For example, CostHelper readers report paying $90-$378 for a transmission flush at a oil-and-lube or auto repair shop, at an average cost of $160; or $77-$295 at dealerships, at an average cost of $205; and a CostHelper reader in Nevada reported being charged $766 for a transmission fluid change on a Lamborghini Diablo.
Related articles: Replacing a Transmission, Wheel Alignment, Tune-up, Oil Change, Muffler, Tires

What should be included:
  • For a standard transmission drain or service, a drain plug in the transmission is removed and the fluid is allowed to flow out into a pan. CarReality offers a how-to video[1] .
  • For a power flush, typically the machine is connected to the transmission, and the vehicle is left running during the flushing process; the exact process will vary depending on the machine used. Machine manufacturer Wynn's has a video demonstration of a flushing machine[2] .
  • Debris dislodged by a power flush sometimes clogs the transmission or the pressure might damage the seals (although not all flush machines use high pressure). Many manufacturers recommend draining and replacing the transmission fluid periodically, but do not recommend a power transmission flush. For example, Honda[3] warns against transmission flushing, saying there is no benefit to a power flush and it could void the warranty.
Discounts:
  • Do-it-yourselfers can save money by draining and replacing their vehicle's transmission fluid. AutoMD.com provides general how-to instructions[4] and estimates the project as moderately difficult. The main cost is the quarts of new transmission oil. CostHelper readers report paying $40-$175 for do-it-yourself supplies, with an average of $90.
Shopping for flushing a transmission:
  • Always check the maintenance schedule listed in the owners' manual before ordering a transmission service or flush; some shops may recommend these procedures before they are needed. Consumer Reports lists transmission flushes among the "extra and often unnecessary procedures"[5] that might be considered auto-repair rip-offs.
  • The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence provides a searchable directory[6] of certified shops.
  • Consumer Reports lists tips for finding a good mechanic[7] .
post Post   Comments (90)  
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

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Transmission flush
Amount: $260.00
Posted by: Heidi L. in Naples, FL.Posted: June 19th, 2019 01:06PM
Car Make: Honda (2013)Car Model: CRV
Auto Shop: Germaine Honda Of NaplesType of Fluid: transmission
I was quoted a 260.00 + tax price for transmission drain and they would do it twice because I am near the 60K mark. If it was 30K they would only have to do this once. They said if draining twice, all the old will be out. They said they do not do flushes via machine or power flush so the article is true.
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Honda dealer quoted me $130 for standard flush
Amount: $130.00
Posted by: Eric c in San Jose, CA.Posted: March 19th, 2018 01:03PM
Auto Shop: Stevens Creek HondaType of Fluid:
Quotes $250 for a more involved flush, maybe that’s the power flush?
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Trans flush with oil change
Amount: $180.00
Posted by: Mandini in Las vegas, NV.Posted: February 10th, 2017 01:02PM
Auto Shop: Valvoline instant oil changeType of Fluid: Oil and trans fluid
I own a Dodge Challenger and it seems like everything on the cost a fortune but not at Valvoline they have the Best service ever.and are cost friendly and very through thank you to the men and women that work work there.
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Transmission Flush
Amount: $99.00
Posted by: Ford Escape owner in Bridgewater, NJ.Posted: November 4th, 2016 03:11PM
Auto Shop: AamcoType of Fluid:
Had a leak where the left axis enters the trans. They replace them bushing and seal. While on the lift, I asked them to flush the trans, since it had 95000 miles in it.
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2012 Honda CR-V Transmission Flush (B13 Service Minder)
Amount: $70.00
Posted by: wacoo in Detroit, MI.Posted: July 27th, 2016 07:07AM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: CR-V
Auto Shop: Honda of Troy, MIType of Fluid: ATF-Z1
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Transmission flush
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Gary Jennings in Baltimore, MD.Posted: June 2nd, 2016 01:06PM
A transmission flush does not change all the fluid and it is not a power flush in the way you think. The most used procedure simply supplies fluid to a disconnected cooler line at the radiator & when the engine is started, the transmission's pump draws new fluid into the transmission where it mixes with the old and then is expelled via the 2nd cooler line. It has estimated a typical flush replaces 63% of the old fluid. Naturally the more new fluid that is used in the flushing process the greater the percentage that is replaced, but that gets very expensive and the benefit is questionable.
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Standard transmission fluid
Amount: $200.00
Posted by: Lj89 in Bayshore, NY.Posted: May 21st, 2016 06:05AM
Auto Shop: AAMCOType of Fluid: Standard
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Flushing an auto transmission
Amount: $275.00
Posted by: Upde in mechanicsburg, PA.Posted: April 16th, 2016 02:04PM
Car Make: buickCar Model: electra
Auto Shop: daves serviceType of Fluid: ?????????
A pretty steep price but probably good that it was done
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Transmission Flush
Amount: $212.00
Posted by: Hwy62man in Mountain Home, AR.Posted: March 31st, 2016 10:03AM
Auto Shop: Minute MechanicType of Fluid: 2014 Honda Transmission Fluid
These guys are very professional and always do an excellent job! Highly Recommended!
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Tran slush filter rear dif and cabin filter
Amount: $490.00
Posted by: Man0036 in Sunrise, FL.Posted: March 20th, 2016 03:03PM
Car Make: JeepCar Model: Patriot
Auto Shop: Jiffy lubType of Fluid:
Expensive
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Transmission flush and oil change
Amount: $50.00
Posted by: Bob Couldwell in Victoria BC Canada, Other.Posted: October 29th, 2015 10:10PM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Camry
Auto Shop: MyselfType of Fluid: Vavoline
I changed transmission fluid as follows:
Warm engine to operating temp. Remove pan drain plug and drain fluid, replace drain plug refill transmission to correct level. Disconect return line from cooler to transmission and put itinto bucket or drain pan. Start engine and remove 1 quart shut engine down refill transmission with 1 quart. repeat procedure approx. 3 times or when the oil that is being pumped out is clear.DO NOT RUN TRANSMISSION DRY Reconnect line. Check fluid level, run engine for a few minutes then recheck fluid level. Total cost $50.00 for fluid
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Transmission fluid drain and refill
Amount: $29.00
Posted by: a user in Arvada, CO.Posted: September 15th, 2015 05:09PM
Auto Shop: DIYType of Fluid: Honda ATF
Bought the transmission fluid from Honda dealership. It took 45 minutes to do it myself.
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Transmission flush
Amount: $190.00
Posted by: TJPM in Knoxville, TN.Posted: June 30th, 2015 07:06AM
Auto Shop: Airport HondaType of Fluid: Trans
116k miles. Figured it was time.
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transmission flush
Amount: $90.00
Posted by: Blackwell janice in nocross, GA.Posted: June 21st, 2015 04:06PM
Auto Shop: precision autoType of Fluid:
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Transmission Fluid Flush
Amount: $200.00
Posted by: DG in Gaithersburg, MD.Posted: June 7th, 2015 11:06AM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Corolla
Auto Shop: Fitzerald Lakeforest ToyotaType of Fluid:
Took 2.5 hours.
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transmission flush
Amount: $70.00
Posted by: alice knapp in beaufort, SC.Posted: June 2nd, 2015 04:06PM
Car Make: dodgeCar Model: caravan
Auto Shop: jiffy lubeType of Fluid: transmission
just need to have idea of how much it will cost to have transmission flushed
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automatic transmission filter and fluid replace
Amount: $270.00
Posted by: dougx in Mobile, AL.Posted: March 12th, 2015 08:03AM
Car Make: dodgeCar Model: nitro 3.7L
Auto Shop: AutoNation Chrysler Mobile.ALType of Fluid:
Too messy a job to do without a garage and I'm traveling.
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Transmission Flush
Amount: $191.00
Posted by: lc27a27b in Glenn Dale, MD.Posted: March 11th, 2015 06:03AM
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Corolla
Auto Shop: Independent ShopType of Fluid:
This is my 5th flush an I have 306K miles on my automatic transmission. My flushes have cost anywhere between 120.00 and 191.00. Flushes seem to keep going up over the years. I am going to shop around next time.
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Transmission Flush
Amount: $250.00
Posted by: peemmfivekay in Chantilly, VA.Posted: March 3rd, 2015 07:03AM
Car Make: MazdaCar Model: Mazda3
Auto Shop: Brown\'s Chantilly MazdaType of Fluid:
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transmission flush
Amount: $250.00
Posted by: Inez Emanuel in Brooklyn, NY.Posted: December 27th, 2014 05:12AM
Auto Shop: kings nissan, brooklyn NYType of Fluid:
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transmission flush
Amount: $389.00
Posted by: baduch in stamford, CT.Posted: November 19th, 2014 05:11PM
Auto Shop: volvo of stamfordType of Fluid: transmission
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Had to have transmission flushed twice
Amount: $250.00
Posted by: Joan R Berge in Bloomington, MN.Posted: July 1st, 2014 10:07AM
Car Make: FordCar Model: escape
Auto Shop: Ken"s AotoType of Fluid:
It is my boyfriend's car,and it is a 2010 with 39,000 miles on it,and they flushed his transmission twice,and charged hi twice for it. Would like to know why it needed to be done twice?
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Transmission Flush
Amount: $129.99
Posted by: subie3 in Mountain Home, AR.Posted: August 16th, 2013 08:08PM
Auto Shop: GoodyearType of Fluid:
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How much for Transmission flush and filter?
Amount: $125.00
Posted by: a user in BOISE, ID.Posted: April 22nd, 2013 07:04PM
Car Make: Saturn SlCar Model: GM
Auto Shop: Type of Fluid: transmission
Its a 1998 WITH LOTS OF MILEAGE
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Lexus 430 lx
Amount: $280.00
Posted by: Ed Smith in Sacramento, CA.Posted: February 23rd, 2013 09:02AM
Car Make: LexusCar Model: 430LS
Auto Shop: Superior AutoType of Fluid: Transmission
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Transmission Flush
Amount: $110.00
Posted by: Katie Grant in Springfield, IL.Posted: January 24th, 2013 06:01AM
Car Make: KiaCar Model: Sportage
Auto Shop: Brahler Oil & LubeType of Fluid: Valvoline
Flushed all the transmission fluids (4WD) and checked all the seals, etc. Took less than 40 minutes.
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transmission flush
Amount: $142.00
Posted by: highland and fountain in los angeles, CA.Posted: August 6th, 2012 11:08AM
Car Make: fordCar Model: focus zx5 2002
Auto Shop: oris tire & service centerType of Fluid: dextron& ft-1
had transmission fluid changed, replaced transmission filter and pan gasket also. first time done since 2005. mechanic test drove the car first and then did the service. took about 2 hours to get car back in time for work.
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Transmission Fluid Fush
Amount: $95.00
Posted by: BS in Skokie, IL.Posted: May 15th, 2012 08:05AM
Car Make: InfinitiCar Model: G35
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Transmission Fluid Flush
Amount: $180.00
Posted by: GK in Plymouth, MN.Posted: December 4th, 2011 02:12PM
Car Make: 2005Car Model: Explorer
Auto Shop: Superior FordType of Fluid:
Had done at 60,000 mile Service.
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Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
Amount: $40.00
Posted by: js3 in Artesia, CA.Posted: November 28th, 2011 08:11PM
Car Make: 1990 DodgeCar Model: Grand Caravan
Auto Shop: DIYType of Fluid:
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.
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Transmission Fluid Change
Amount: $55.00
Posted by: js3 in Artesia, CA.Posted: August 24th, 2011 04:08PM
Car Make: FordCar Model: Crown Victoria
Auto Shop: DIYType of Fluid: Tranny
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.
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transmission flush
Amount: $210.00
Posted by: john wirkus in las vegas, NV.Posted: May 15th, 2011 11:05AM
Car Make: toyotaCar Model: camry
Auto Shop: independentType of Fluid: factory
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
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Transmission Flush
Amount: $295.00
Posted by: Travel RN in San Diego, CA.Posted: April 30th, 2011 07:04PM
Car Make: 2007 ChevroletCar Model: Impala
Auto Shop: courtesy chevroletType of Fluid:
I might have paid too much, but my care runs great!!! ;)
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Transmission Flush
Amount: $89.99
Posted by: Eviejmac in Baton Rouge, LA.Posted: April 22nd, 2011 12:04PM
Car Make: 2003 ToyotaCar Model: Corolla CE
Auto Shop: Benny's ExpressType of Fluid:
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.
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transmissib flush
Amount: $134.00
Posted by: cbennett in pueblowest co, CO.Posted: April 20th, 2011 12:04AM
Car Make: grandprixCar Model:
Auto Shop: jeff pueblowest coType of Fluid:
Car runs great ..he always does a good job
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External Resources:
  1.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsdPAadc9fY
  2.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjxmlrbpjTk
  3.  m.owners.honda.com/faqs/general
  4.  www.automd.com/133/how-to-change-automatic-transmission-fluid-and-filter/
  5.  www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/02/5-tip-offs-to-mechanic-rip-offs/index.htm
  6.  www.ase.com/Landing-Pages/Car-Owners/Find-a-Repair-Shop/Shop-Locator.aspx
  7.  www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/how-to-find-a-great-car-mechanic/index.htm
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