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Edited by Chris Cirnigliaro, Deniseke, Anna

Transmission issues are the most common issues when cars start to act up in their older age. Transmission issues are also one of the most expensive components to repair or replace today, due the high demand. Most of us that are driving older cars don't have upwards of $1,000 to replace our transmissions, so consider this guide the best source of do-it-yourself solutions.

Edit Steps

  1. 1
    Make sure the problem you're having is definitely the transmission. Slipping gears, erratic shifting (feeling a jolt when slowing down or speeding up in automatic cars, or feeling a jolt when shifting in manual), engine running too high while parked/stopped, and random loud noises usually mean there's a transmission issue. If you're experiencing none of these but still think your transmission is having issues, take it to a mechanic and ask if there's something wrong (they probably won't charge much just to look at it).
  2. 2
    Check the fluid. Nine times out of ten, transmissions have issues because there is sediment in the fluid that is causing the gears to slip, or the fluid is very sticky, which causes the gears to stick.
    • While your car is hot (meaning you either just took it out for a little while, or you warmed it up while parked/in neutral), pull out the transmission dip stick. Get a lint-free rag or towel and wipe it clean, then dip it in and pull it out again.
    • First, look at the fluid. It should be an amber-ish color (yellow and brown). If it's darker, it's probably dirty. If it's lighter, you might have a leak. Now take some on your fingers and feel it. The oil should turn almost pink when rubbed on your fingers. If it doesn't, it's probably dirty. If it feels thick or sticky, then not only is it dirty but probably sludgey, which is an issue. Also smell it, because if it smells burnt, it probably is.
  3. 3
    Don't change the fluid if it's dirty! If the fluid has sediment in it, changing the fluid could cause the sediment to stick to the gears. If that happens, the gears will constantly slip out, and not only will you kill your transmission, but the gear system will also need to be cleaned, and now you're talking about a $2,000+ job.
  4. 4
    Treat the fluid. Buy a treatment at an auto supply store and follow respective directions. This will help to ensure the gears stay as clean as possible, which will prevent slipping out of gear or not getting into gear efficiently.
  5. 5
    Pay attention to your RPM meter on the dashboard. You have to know how hard your engine runs when you go into the car for the first time every day. The average car with an operating transmission issue will run between 1.5 and 2 RPM's (x1000) while cold. If that number is lower for you, you're in good shape. If it's higher, you might have an engine issue.
    • The highest it can go safely while parked and cold is around 2.5. If it's higher than that, your engine probably isn't firing right which could effect the transmission. Take it to a mechanic and find out, because this could lead to fires and even small explosions during periods of sustained high speeds.
  6. 6
    Warm your car thoroughly before each use. While parked, press the gas pedal enough to make your car run at around 1.5 - 2 RPM's. Keep that up for a few minutes then let go and give it a rest for a minute. The point of this is to get the car down to around .5 RPM's, or to your dashboards idle point (a little bar on the RPM meter not far from the 0). Doing this will not only improve transmission performance and help shield it from further damage, but will also improve the car's gas mileage.
  7. 7
    Use better gas. There is a common belief being passed around that regular unleaded gas and mid-grade or premium gas offer "virtually no difference" to car performance. This is 100% false. Higher octane gasoline has been proven to make cars and all of their components run better. It's sort of like the difference between bottled water and Gatorade. Sure, the water is cheaper, but the Gatorade is more effective and more enjoyable. Go for at least mid-grade at the gas station.

Edit Tips

  • If you have absolutely no choice but to get a new transmission, use this guide to get an idea of the prices:
    • - After-market, Rebuilt: $700 - $800
    • - After-market, New: $850 - $1,000
    • - Facory, Rebuilt: $1,150 - $1,300
    • - Factory, New: $1,300 - $2,000
  • These prices are, of course, on average estimations, based on a car with around 100,000, and is between 8 and 13 years old. The transmission for your car may cost more or less.

Edit Warnings

  • Don't change your transmission or have anyone service it until you can no longer trust that it will hold up. A transmission job is extremely expensive, and often times causes more issues with the engine, due to the tampering required to install/uninstall the part.

Edit Related wikiHows

How to
Clean a Transmission

How to
Change Transmission Fluid

How to
Check and Add Fluid to Your Automatic Transmission

Article Info

Categories: Transmission Parts | Car Maintenance and Repair

Recent edits by: Deniseke, Chris Cirnigliaro

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