Transmission Repair & Service Kingston, Ontario

Pinpointing the exact cause of any transmission problem takes skill, knowledge, and investigation

The evolution of transmissions has made these machines and systems increasingly complex. When transmission repairs are required, determining the cause and cure for what ails can be tricky. Why? Because transmissions have become remarkably complex and computerized and that presents both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, transmission performance has become noticeably better in all vehicle makes and models. On the other, the increased complexity and digitization of transmission systems has made repair work a highly technical and complicated affair.


As you can imagine, there are different types of transmission repair jobs and options you can choose from depending on the nature of your vehicle’s breakdown. Understanding what those options are can help you make informed decisions when faced with a choice of transmission repairs to weigh.

A Repair for Every Type of Transmission Malfunction

Some transmission repair work is straightforward and mechanical in nature. Other times, it’s a combination of mechanical and electronic engineering that’s required to get your car back on the road. The most common types of repair work include:

  • Adjustments and in-car repairs. Most minor repairs are simple matters that are done without removing the transmission from the vehicle. If yours is a computer-controlled transmission that is not shifting properly, it is often the result of a computer sending incorrect signals due to a faulty sensor, or the transmission is not reacting to the command because of a bad connection or defective solenoid pack. If a non-computer controlled transmission is shifting too early or too late, it may require an adjustment to the throttle cable. If the vehicle has a vacuum modulator instead of a throttle cable, there is an adjustment that can be made using an adjustment screw in some designs. In vehicles with modulators, however, it is important to ensure there are no vacuum leaks and that the engine is running at peak efficiency.
  • Reseal jobs. A transmission is re-sealed to repair external transmission fluid leaks. If you see spots of red oil on the ground under the car, your transmission may need a re-seal job. To check a transmission for leaks, a technician will put the vehicle on a lift and examine the unit for signs of oil leaks. If a leak is spotted at any of the external seals or gaskets and the transmission otherwise performs well, the technician will most likely recommend that the transmission be re-sealed. Most of the external seals can be replaced while the transmission is still in the car but, if the front seal must be replaced, the transmission must first be removed from the vehicle to gain access to it.
  • Replacing accessible parts. There are a number of parts that are accessible without requiring the removal of the complete transmission. The parts that are accessible, however, vary from transmission to transmission and most transmission repair facilities would hesitate to provide meaningful warranties on external repairs for the simple reason that they cannot see if there are any additional internal problems in the components that are only accessible by transmission removal.
  • Complete overhauls. Also known as “rebuilding a transmission”, a complete overhaul involves the removal and disassembly of the transmission in its entirety. Every part is inspected for wear and damage, then cleaned in a special cleaning solution, or replaced with another part depending on its condition. Parts that have friction surfaces, such as bands and clutches are replaced as are all seals and gaskets. The torque converter is also replaced, usually with a remanufactured one. Technical service bulletins are checked to see if the auto manufacturer recommends any modifications to correct design defects that were discovered after the transmission was built. Automobile manufacturers often make upgrade kits available to transmission shops to resolve these design defects.

Replacing or Overhauling a Transmission

When a transmission requires an overhaul, there are two options that you may have. The first is to remove your existing transmission and overhaul it, then put the rebuilt unit back in your car. The second option is to replace your existing unit with another unit that has already been rebuilt or remanufactured.

A word to the wise: replacing your transmission with a used one may not be your best option. Used transmissions often have questionable histories that could create a whole new set of challenges. New transmissions, meanwhile, are mostly aftermarket transmissions billed as new but are in fact rebuilt transmissions with new parts.

The cost of the repair is always top-of-mind and understandably so. Transmission repairs are usually unexpected (and unwelcome). The cost varies depending on the outcome of our diagnostic testing, and we will help you to understand the various factors that come into play. We also offer our customers flexible payment options.

Whichever route you choose, you can trust our transmission experts to get you and your car back on the road.

Visit Mister Transmission for an assessment on what transmission repairs you may need. Contact the Mister Transmission service centre nearest to you.

Featured Services
Transmission Repair

The evolution of transmissions has made these machines and systems increasingly complex. When transmission repairs are required, determining the cause and cure for what ails can be tricky.

Learn More
Transmission Technology

At Mister Transmission we have access to leading-edge diagnostic equipment, enabling us to offer you the fastest and most accurate findings about what’s going on inside your vehicle’s transmission.

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Transmission Maintenance & Service

Just as you have other parts of your car serviced, your transmission needs maintenance to ensure a long life and avoid transmission problems.

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Customer Reviews
I can’t begin to say...
Matt Nichols
I can’t begin to say how wonderful the guys at Mister Transmission are. Got told by a dealership we needed a new clutch and slave cylinder. The car felt totally fine so went to the guys at Mister Transmission for a second opinion and they confirmed the car was totally fine. Instructed us on things to look for then they didn’t even want to bill us for all this. I made sure to leave a tip for them to get coffee because they saved me $2000 or more. I would send everyone I know with transmission issues here to get straightened out. You can’t beat a dedicated transmission specialist.
Date: May 17, 2023
Website: Google
Matt at Mr. Transmission was...
Sarah MacInnis
Matt at Mr. Transmission was incredible! Helpful, knowledgeable, genuine, and sincerely wanted to look after the customer’s (my) best interest. Highly Recommend!
Date: March 10, 2023
Website: Google
Ever since moving to Kingston...
Michael McCaul
Ever since moving to Kingston 6 years ago, Mr. Transmission is the only shop my whole family goes too. Matt and his crew are very friendly, professional and great prices. Always satisfied with the work they do.
Date: March 6, 2023
Website: Google
Just when I was going...
David Ireland
Just when I was going to retire the old Ram brought the old girl here, 4×4 finally works, flex fuel works, engine light that's been on for years is off. Highly recommend this place for any automotive work !!!
Date: February 5, 2023
Website: Google
Best garage in Kingston! I...
D Kerjean
Best garage in Kingston! I went to James Braden Ford to get my car fixed. After waiting for 3 weeks, to get someone to look at it, they announced me that it would take 10 000$ to fix my car (to replace the transmission and the clutch). Of course, the cost was so high that I was considering scraping my car. But I could not really believe that my 110 000km car had to be scrapped. I’ve had quite a few cars in my life and I never had to scrap a car with a low mileage like this one. So I decided to get a second opinion. I stopped by Mister Transmission. Matt was really helpful to answer my questions and we agreed to get the car towed from James Braden Ford. He was able to look at the transmission within a day and quickly came up with a much better and affordable assessment of the situation. The clutch had broken down, creating 2 holes inside the bell housing of the transmission. The clutch was damaged beyond repair and had to be replaced. But the 2 holes within the bell housing could be patched and the transmission didn’t have to be replaced. They also noticed that the right front axle had to be replaced. In the end, it costed me 3500$ before tax to replace the clutch, the right front axle and patch the transmission holes. So MUCH BETTER than 10 000$ with James Braden Ford. Thank you very much to Matt and all the team of Mister Transmission to get my car running again.
Date: December 10, 2022
Website: Google
These guys were wonderful. Very...
Carolyn Henderson
These guys were wonderful. Very very helpful, professional and accommodating. Matt on the phone was more help to me than I ever expected. Wow...so impressed with this location.
Date: September 24, 2022
Website: Google
Matt was great and very...
Rob Medeiros
Matt was great and very helpful throughout. Highly recommend. No surprises or add ons and full of advice.
Date: August 23, 2022
Website: Google
Excellent customer service and did...
SeanandCarrie Joint
Excellent customer service and did a great job ensuring the safety of our family vehicle. Price was also a welcome surprise as fit our budget
Date: July 21, 2022
Website: Google
Stopped by on our way...
David Daglish
Stopped by on our way from Halifax to Stratford with an overheating transmission, and signs of a fluid leak. Matt discovered that the hood release cable was broken, and spent a lot of time to open the hood without damage to our vehicle. The diagnosis was an overfilled transmission, and that we would be safe to continue our trip home. Great skills, both mechanical and personal. Worth the drive for help.Services: Body & Trim, Auto engine diagnostic, Transmission
Date: July 19, 2022
Website: Google
Doctor Matt and his crew...
Michael Crofton
Doctor Matt and his crew fixed up a bad situation on a 700R4 in an old car. It’s tough to get ANY shop these days to even consider working on ol school Detroit muscle. They’ve touched both my cars and I wouldn’t have anyone else deal with my drivetrain issues. Thnx again Matt
Date: June 25, 2022
Website: Google
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