How Much Will It Cost to Fix My Transmission?

By Mister Transmission

Transmission repairs can be costly. Determining what you can expect to pay to get your vehicle back on the road depends on these factors

Of all the components that comprise your vehicle’s engine, the transmission is quite possibly the most complex. All mechanical devices need to be serviced and repaired occasionally. If your transmission has failed and is in need of a repair, or if you’ve noticed warning signs that something’s amiss and suspect a repair is required, the first thing that’s likely to pop into your head is, “How much will it cost to fix my transmission?”

Fair question. But there is no single answer. It depends on many factors ranging from the type of transmission your vehicle has (manual or automatic, five-speed or six-speed), to how old or how many kilometres it has driven, to whether or not it is under warranty. It could be that your vehicle’s transmission fluid level is too low or that the fluid viscosity is the wrong type for your car. Or it’s possible your transmission has failed and it must be rebuilt or replaced.

Spotting Potential Problems Early is Key to Keeping the Cost Down

As transmission repairs can prove to be costly, it’s wise to be aware of what the warning signs are before a total breakdown occurs. If you recognize a potential problem before it unfolds, you can potentially save yourself a lot of money, and certainly a lot of stress.

If your car has an automatic transmission or gearbox, some of the most common symptoms to be mindful of include:

  • Delayed engagement. When shifting from “Park” to “Reverse” or “Drive”, there’s a delay before the gear shifts. Thus, even if you rev the engine, the vehicle doesn’t move right away.
  • Gear slippage. Also known as transmission slippage, when the gear changes for seemingly no reason while driving, and when it does, the sound of the engine will change.
  • A burning smell. If your car’s transmission fluid is well beyond its best before date, it won’t smell pleasant (think rotten eggs or rotting fish). Furthermore, if the fluid hasn’t been changed in a long while, is low, or if the transmission fluid is overheating it will begin to give off a noticeable burning smell.
  • Unusual noises. When your car is in park or idling in neutral, if you hear unusual noises like rattling, clanging, or grinding sounds, it’s possible you may need to have worn out parts replaced like the bearings or gear teeth.

If your car has a manual transmission, be wary of these common warning signs:

  • Leaking fluid. Transmission fluid is red in colour (or it should be). If you find a pool of red liquid beneath your car, chances are your transmission is bleeding its vital fluid. Without fluid, the transmission will overheat and eventually seize up.
  • Gear failure. If you notice your car isn’t changing gears smoothly, and the clutch feels wrong or different when you’re driving, the clutch may be dragging, the hydraulic system may be failing, or the clutch may be warped.
  • Inability to change gears. If you can’t change from one gear to another with ease or at all, that’s a clear sign something is very wrong with your transmission. It’s possible the synchronization may be off between the clutch and gearbox.
  • Faulty shift lever. If the shift lever becomes hard to move while switching gears, any number of issues could be behind this problem from having the wrong type of fluid in your transmission to damage done to internal components such as the shift rails or shifting forks.

One of the easiest signs to spot that something might be wrong beneath the hood regardless of the type of vehicle you drive or the transmission it has is on your dashboard: the engine warning indicator. If the engine warning light illuminates, it’s recommended you have a mechanic check to see what the cause is. It might not have anything to do with your transmission, but it’s better to be sure than to be sorry.

Last but not least, get the transmission fluid and filter changed as often as is recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. It is the best preventative maintenance you can have performed on your transmission. Doing so will help prevent full-on breakdowns and expensive repairs over time.

Are you experiencing transmission problems? Call the experts at a Mister Transmission near you to book a service appointment, and ask for your free 21-point multi-check inspection.

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Customer Reviews
I had a great experience...
Makena Kristjanson
I had a great experience here. The guy helping me was very nice and I haven’t had any problems since getting my transmission fixed.
Date: February 11, 2025
Website: Google
Very professional and honest. Great...
Brenda Ayala
Very professional and honest. Great staff that looks after your needs with the efficiency and integrity. I would recommend this place to everyone.
Date: February 11, 2025
Website: Google
Although no one wants costly...
Rick Owens
Although no one wants costly transmission problems, I was very pleased with my dealings with Mr Transmission. From the moment I dropped the car off until it was ready for pickup, I was kept informed on the diagnosis and repair status. I felt confident that my vehicles issues were being addressed properly. Having a full year warranty on the work completed also provides peace of mind. If your transmission is acting up I would definitely recommend the team at Burlington Mr Transmission.
Date: February 10, 2025
Website: Google
Mark and Brian are always...
Sean Zhang-smith
Mark and Brian are always very professional and great to deal with. Took on our emergency tow in and replaced our starter and redid our oil without issue
Date: February 9, 2025
Website: Google
Very knowledgeable staff. You'll be...
Kristopher Faires
Very knowledgeable staff. You'll be in good hands here.
Date: February 8, 2025
Website: Google
Great! Customer service is great...
Djstudiofly
Great! Customer service is great and are a hardworking and well organized team. Thank you all that got me back up and going again.
Date: February 6, 2025
Website: Google
Awesome service nice staff and...
Bruce Iron
Awesome service nice staff and mechanics
Date: February 6, 2025
Website: Google
Great! Customer service is great...
Djstudiofly
Great! Customer service is great and are a hardworking and well organized team. Thank you all that got me back up and going again.
Date: February 6, 2025
Website: Google
Thought I had issue with...
Alan Hardwick
Thought I had issue with my transmission. They test my car and insured me it's good. No cost for testing my car. Recommend Mister transmission
Date: February 6, 2025
Website: Google
Excpetional service and communication.
Peter Haywood
Excpetional service and communication.
Date: February 6, 2025
Website: Google
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