Receiving the dreaded news that your car’s transmission has failed is enough to make any car owner’s heart sink. It’s a notoriously tricky issue to fix, and it can leave a gaping hole in your wallet.
Thankfully, there are a few paths you can take to tackle the problem head-on. You may opt to repair the transmission, or perhaps even replace it entirely. If all else fails, you can always sell your vehicle for cash and start anew.
Whatever you decide, tackling a failed transmission with a level head and a strategic plan is the key to getting back on the road in no time.
What is a Transmission?
In a nutshell, a transmission acts as your car’s unsung hero, playing a crucial role in transferring the engine’s power to the wheels. Picture it as the equivalent of the chain and gear shifter on a bike, but on a much larger scale. Without this essential piece, your vehicle would be stuck in park, going nowhere fast.
What are the types of transmission used in a Car?
There are two main types of transmissions found in a car.
1. Manual Transmission
Shifting gears in a manual transmission car is like choreography. The driver must pick the perfect gear and simultaneously manipulate the clutch to disengage the engine from the transmission.
How does this work?
Well, the transmission employs a pressure plate, flywheel, and clutch to make the magic happen. But beware! If you don’t do it right, your car might shake and jump like a startled rabbit. So, if you’re looking for a driving experience that feels like a dance, stick to a manual transmission.
2. Automatic Transmission
Rev up your driving experience with an automatic transmission – the ultimate convenience for those who want to focus on the road ahead. Instead of fumbling with a clutch pedal, built-in processors, sensors, and actuators smoothly operate the clutch, freeing up your attention for more pressing matters.
Plus, there’s no need to manually shift gears as the transmission’s torque converter effortlessly clicks into higher gears when you step down on the accelerator. Get ready for a drive that’s both exciting and stress-free!
How does a car transmission work?
When it comes to gearboxes, the basics are the same no matter if it’s manual or automatic. But the real difference lies in the clutch – more specifically, whether or not you have to manually disengage it when switching gears. Explore this intriguing aspect of gearboxes to keep your driving skills up to speed.
The spectacular gear lever is the star of the show when it comes to achieving optimum performance from your vehicle. It expertly selects and shifts gears in manual transmissions, with the driver skillfully controlling the clutch pedal.
For the modern marvel that is the automatic transmission, these functions are effortlessly automated. Let your vehicle’s exhilarating ride be guided by the unparalleled power of the gear lever.
Imagine the intricate mechanics behind shifting gears in a vehicle. The gear lever or clutch moves the clutch plates, also called collar plates, meticulously into place to connect to larger gears that are synced with the vehicle’s differential. It’s fascinating to think about how all the moving parts come together seamlessly to provide a smooth driving experience.
With the simple flick of a gear lever, a world of possibilities opens up. Each interconnected gear may take on a different ratio and ultimately determine the amount of power sent from the engine to the wheels. It’s a true marvel of engineering, where minor adjustments can have a major impact on your driving experience. So next time you shift gears, remember the magic happening beneath the surface.
Car Transmission Failure Signs
As a responsible car owner, keeping a keen eye on potential malfunctions in your vehicle can save you from major headaches down the road – particularly when it comes to your transmission system.
Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of key warning signs to look out for. Don’t let a bad transmission catch you off guard – keep these symptoms in mind:
- The engine is making some attention-grabbing and out of the ordinary sounds, like a clunk and a whine that are hard to ignore.
- The vehicle’s neutral transmission emits a distinctive sound that captures the attention of any discerning ear.
- The vehicle’s response is currently sluggish and there appears to be a noticeable lag when shifting gears.
- The gears are grinding.
- When the car is in drive, there is a burning odor.
- Fluid leak underneath the vehicle
Is It Better To Fix A Transmission Or Replace It?
The decision between repairing or replacing a transmission can be a tough one, depending on your financial situation and available resources.
Fortunately, rebuilding a transmission can be a cost-effective option that allows you to renovate and replace worn-out components, resulting in a dependable vehicle that can last an additional 30,000 to 40,000 miles.
So, if you’re looking to get the most out of your automobile without breaking the bank, a rebuilt transmission may be just what you need.
What Happens When The Transmission Blows?
Your vehicle’s transmission is a crucial component that ensures the optimal transfer of power from the engine to the wheels. Unfortunately, a faulty transmission can wreak havoc on your ride, rendering it completely undrivable.
In the event of transmission failure, your engine may turn, but the power won’t reach the wheels, meaning you can forget about any acceleration. Stay vigilant and keep your ride in top shape to avoid such a scenario!
Options If The Transmission Has Failed
So, your car’s transmission has given up on you. No need to panic, you have a few options at hand. You can either fix it, replace it completely or sell your vehicle and earn some cash.
While the choice ultimately depends on the extent of the damage and your financial constraints, It is wise to explore all avenues before making a decision. After all, who doesn’t love to have some extra cash in their pocket?
You May Also Like: How to Sell a Used Car Privately in Ontario
Transmission Problems Repair Cost
Don’t let transmission repairs break the bank! While it’s true that this isn’t a simple process, with the right information you can avoid getting taken for a ride.
Keep in mind that labor costs and parts replacement may add up, depending on the extent of the damage.
To help you budget, here are some industry price ranges for transmission repairs:
- A fluid change could cost between $80 and $250.
- Fixing a leak may cost around $150 – $200.
- Replacing a shift solenoid will cost between $150 and $200.
- Replacing a car’s transmission usually costs around $2,300 – $3,000. It is cheaper to buy a used transmission for about $800 – $1500.
- Replacing the transmission of a luxury car can cost up to $10,000.
- Simple repairs can cost about $250.
Is It Worth Replacing A Transmission?
Replacing a transmission is more costly than fixing one, but it has benefits. You get new parts made in a factory. It can add 50,000 miles to your car’s life.
Pros and Cons Of Replacing Your Car’s Transmission
When you have to decide if you should replace your car’s transmission, it is important to think about the good and bad of doing it.
Here are some pros and cons of replacing your transmission:
Pros
Replacing the transmission is an all-in-one solution. All of the parts and components are replaced with new ones that meet factory standards, which means it will last longer than if you just fixed it.
Replacing a transmission may cost more than just fixing it. But, it might save you money if the issue keeps coming back after trying to repair it.
Cons
You will need to pay a lot of money all at once when you replace your transmission. This can be hard if you don’t have a lot of money saved up for it.
It might take a while for the replacement to finish. It could be a few weeks or more.
If the transmission does not work, the best option is to sell your car for a good price to a scrap car company. You will get money for your used car and you might also get free towing from that company or from where you live.
If you live in the Greater Toronto Area and want to sell your used car for a good price, Towing and Scrap Car Removal is here to help. We give great deals on buying used cars and free towing services around the GTA. Get in touch with us for an online quote, then we’ll take it from there. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
FAQ
Will you be able to move your vehicle if the engine blows?
If the transmission is not working properly, power will not move from the engine to the wheels. This makes it hard to make the car go faster.
Is the check engine light an indicator of a failing transmission?
The check engine light can be an early warning sign that your transmission is having problems. It may give signs that are like engine issues, so it’s a good idea to pay attention to it.
Which type of transmission is best?
Different types of transmissions have different advantages. Do some research to find out which one is best for you. If you can, try each type of transmission to see which one you like the most. It’s also helpful to practice driving with all types of transmissions so that you get more experience.
Can a transmission issue fix itself over time?
No, you need to get a professional to look at and fix the transmission issue right away. If you don’t, it could cause more damage to the car.
What is the best option to take if a transmission fails?
If the damage to your car is bad, the most easy and affordable choice is to send it to a scrap car company. You will get a good amount of money for your car and they will take it away for free.