Frequently
Asked Questions
If you have any questions not addressed here, please call
us at (910) 630-1934 or email us at tranny@americantransmissionnc.com. You may also want to check out our Transmission
Info page!
How Much Does a Transmission
Overhaul Cost?
I have a leak. Can you tell me how much it will cost to
repair it?
Will it hurt to overfill the
transmission?
Should I have the transmission
"flushed" or serviced conventionally?
Should I fix or replace my
vehicle if it needs a major repair?
I've called several
shops and got a wide range of prices or no quote at all!
How Much Does a Transmission Overhaul Cost?
Our first question back to
you is: Which model transmission do you
have and how do you know it needs to be overhauled? Proper diagnostics is the first step in determining what your
actual need is. Occasionally, a poorly
running engine, restricted exhaust, computer or sensor, poor electrical ground,
or other problem not internal the transmission will be the cause of abnormal
operation. We have seen numerous
vehicles brought into the shop having had major work done on the transmission
itself or the unit replaced, but the operational problem is still present. In those cases it turned out the problem was
never in the transmission, therefore never resolved. A proper diagnostic would have saved time and money!
I have a leak. Can you tell me how much it will cost to
repair it?
There are numerous places
that a transmission can leak. They
include: the pump, shift lever seal, kickdown seal, electrical connections,
governor cover, speedometer, rear output seal or axle seals, servo covers,
filler tube, throttle cable, pan, side cover, cooler lines and differential
cover.The real question is: What could be the sources of the leak? Most people can only see the bottom of the transmission, and
therefore conclude that the bottom pan gasket is leaking, when, in reality, the
leak is from above and running down and around the pan. A visual inspection of
the vehicle is imperative and is a part of our diagnostic service.
Operating
a vehicle with a transmission leak can accelerate the breakdown of the
transmission due to increased heat and friction. Check your fluid level regularly!
Will it hurt to overfill the transmission?
In a word, no! Although, it is possible that
gross overfilling can cause the fluid to be subjected to moving parts and
become aerated which could cause abnormal operation. You may also notice
leaks that ordinarily would not occur. The transmission case is vented
preventing pressure buildup in normally un-pressurized areas. Severe
overfilling can raise the fluid level such that the transmission may lose fluid
through the vent or leak from seals that are above the normal fluid level, but
the fact remains that the seals that are under pressure and those that are not
will not change because of the fluid level.
Should I have the transmission
"flushed" or serviced conventionally?
The total transmission flush involves hooking up a
special unit to the cooler lines of a transmission and doing a complete
exchange of fluid. The good news is that you can replace virtually all of
the old fluid with new. The bad news is that occasionally there will be
some material that is disturbed and contaminates the valve body. Also,
the filter is not changed because the pan is not removed, nor are you able to
"read" any wear material residue that has accumulated in the bottom
of the pan.
We do not generally recommend a flush , we
believe that the conventional transmission service is the way to go. Drop
the pan, change the filter, replace the pan, and fill with fluid. Done
properly, you should not have a leaking pan gasket.
The only time a flush would be recommended is when
someone is converting from conventional transmission to synthetic which is good
for transmissions that are used under severe conditions such as commercial use,
heavy loads, or towing.
There's
another method for changing the fluid called "suck and fill."
With this method, the fluid is sucked out the filler tube then new fluid is
used to refill the transmission. The major problems with this technique
is that the filter is not changed and there is no way to see any material
collected in the pan.
Should I fix or replace my vehicle if it needs a major
repair?
That
is a question faced by everyone when confronted with a major repair on an older
vehicle. Many people buy or lease a new vehicle to escape the higher cost
of a repair.
Cars
are built better today than ever. A properly maintained vehicle can last
up to 500,000 miles. The key word is "properly."
Some owners just change the engine oil and keep it clean. That attitude
will not provide longevity! Regular, periodic maintenance, as outlined in
the owner's manual is the key.
Repairing
your present vehicle can save you thousands over buying a new one, and even
more if you are considering leasing!
I’ve called
several shops and got a wide range of prices or no quote at all!
Using the phone to "shop" for
transmission work is probably the worse thing you could do! None of the shops
can diagnose your problem without the vehicle, so how do they know what you
need. Any one at any shop can quote a price over the phone, as they have
no obligation to stand by it. This
practice can lead to false assumptions and an outcome that is not expected.
This is not fair to you!
Add to that the fact that you can't see their shop
or their personnel (you can see us on this site!). This can tell you a
lot about a shop and how professional it is.
What parts are contained in one quote may be extras
in another. Can you tell the difference? Would you know what parts
they are talking about? Would you know what parts they aren't telling you
about, but always include?
When your problem is properly diagnosed, you can
tell that we will take the necessary time and effort to accurately evaluate
your transmission's condition. From
this proper diagnosis we will provide you a repair cost that will not change
and will not come with any surprises!
