What should a transmission flush cost

Simply remove the drain plug, let the old oil drain out, replace the filter, and then refill with new oil. Pretty simple, right? Well, a transmission fluid change is pretty much the same concept.

Except not all automatic transmissions have drain plugs. In fact, most of them do not. So in order to change the fluid, the transmission pan must be removed so that the old fluid can drain out.

With the pan removed, the transmission filter or screen can be replaced. The pan is then reattached using a new pan gasket, and the transmission can be refilled with new automatic transmission fluid.

This can be quite a messy process as the fluid drains pretty erratically when the pan is removed. This is the method that most dealerships and repair shops use today because it requires much less manual effort.

The machine either acts like a vacuum and sucks out all the old fluid or pumps in new fluid as the transmission itself pumps out all the old fluid. Either way, the fluid is removed through the use of force or pressure and the transmission is refilled during the same process. Flushing is typically faster and less messy than a traditional change. However, there is much debate about which method is better for your transmission. There are pros and cons to both methods, and mechanics still disagree about which method you should ultimately choose.

Even with this debate, there are certain aspects of each that most everyone agrees on and you can use these facts to help you decide which is right for your car. A traditional change does not actually remove all the old fluid from the system. Gravity is simply not enough to remove it because it sits inside other internal parts. A transmission fluid flush, however, uses pressure to push all the old transmission fluid out of the system as it is refilled with new fluid.

It is more of a fluid exchange than a drain and refill. For this reason, many mechanics recommend performing a second fluid change within 10, miles of the first. This helps to make sure that the fluid and contaminants are fully removed from the transmission and it is refilled with fresh fluid. If a flush is performed, there is no need to perform a second one so soon. Another big point of debate between these two methods is the amount of stress that each places on your transmission system.

With a regular change, there is little to no stress placed on the system. The fluid simply drains out due to gravity, and there is no pressure present to force tiny particles or metal shavings into places they should not go. A flush, on the other hand, uses pressure to force the fluid out of the system. Many people argue that this pressure can force tiny particles and contaminants into parts of the transmission where they should not be. This can cause terrible consequences like improper shifting, overheating, slipping, or even total failure.

Many of these people also argue that flushes can cause a transmission to leak because the seals inside the transmission are not made to withstand that much pressure. This can cause the seals to break or burst and fluid to leak. Conversely, those who are fans of the transmission flush contend that the pressure actually cleans the internal parts of the transmission. If you are the DIY type who likes to do all your own car maintenance, then you might be wondering how you can change the fluid in your transmission on your own.

The exact process depends on whether you are planning to do a simple change or a flush. Before you start, make sure to read through all the steps and be certain that you possess the tools and skills needed to perform this transmission service. Before you get started, be sure your car is supported with jack stands. Never get under a car that is not properly supported! Although a fluid change is an effective service, a transmission flush is much more effective as all the added fluid is brand new!

But how much does a transmission flush cost? A transmission flush should not cost you an arm and a leg, but the exact transmission flush cost can vary depending on different factors. The make and model, repair shop, where you live, and extra services e.

There are a few steps to go through to change your fluid yourself. Some mechanics may perform this job in a different manner, one that is more like a vacuum cleaning to suck the fluid out. This can dislodge debris and clog the lines even worse, potentially damaging the system in the process and making it function even worse after the flush than before.

This is why some mechanics even warn against having a flush done. This is a delicate system, after all. It needs to be done correctly to ensure the result you want. While we often just use rules of thumb in driving to determine things like when you need to rotate your tires or when you need to change an oil filter, your manual has exact specifications that are unique to your make and model. This is always a better bet than just going by averages that can apply to numerous different makes and models.

In general, they say you should get a transmission flush every 30, miles or two years. There are some other signs to be on the lookout for, however. Transmission fluid subjected to high heat and contamination over long periods of time may become muddy and thick with sediment, dirt, metal or other unwanted materials.