How do I diagnose a Transmission Problem?

• There is a problem when you start the vehicle and is putting the transmission in gear.
• There is a problem when the transmission is trying to change gears when you are driving.
• There is a noise relating to the problem or general noises from the transmission.
• There is a problem with the transmission when the vehicle in hot or cold.
• There are problems occurring when accelerating, or stopping.

What do you do after we diagnose a Transmission Problem?

Upon the arrival of a vehicle diagnosed with a transmission problem, we do a pan inspection to further validate the need of a transmission rebuilt.  A transmission rebuild is needed if any form of metal shavings are found in your pan or if the transmission oil looks burnt, which is black in color with a thicker texture than the normal transmission fluid.

What is “used transmission”, “transmission repair”, and “rebuild transmission”?

A ”used transmission” is a transmission that has been in a car for a certain number of miles, but is currently not in a vehicle — commonly sold online and found in a junkyard.  In a “used transmission”, parts of/from or whole transmission, older second-hand transmissions, discontinued models, imports,  salvaged, aftermarket product typically or from older replacement, spares, low mileage auction and/or scrapped vehicles, are ‘removed’ transmissions from car wrecks and the like.  ”Used transmissions” usually carry 30 day warrantys or no warranty at all.  Used transmissions come “as is” and may have weak internal parts which may lead to another transmission problem down the road.

A ”transmission repair” is fixing the problem, normally the cheapest process, as it does not require removing and disassembling the whole transmission (standard leaks, fluids, small failures, routine care and maintenance etc.).  If need be, the transmission is removed, disassembled, and the part causing the problem is replaced.  This does not include disassembling, cleaning, and inspecting the valve body or sending out the torque converter for pressure testing, as in a rebuilt transmission.  This does not include replacing all of the soft parts, as in a rebuilt transmission.  It does not include cleaning each parts thereof, as in a rebuilt transmission.  It does not include replacing all of the broken parts or the substantially worn parts, as in a rebuilt transmission.  A “transmission repair” carry a lesser warranty than a rebuilt transmission, similar to a used transmission of 30 days or no warranty at all.  A “transmission repair” fixes the current problem, but may have weak internal parts, which may lead to another transmission problem down the road.

A ”rebuilt transmission” is usually interchangeable with “exchanged”, “swapped”, “remanufactured”, “reconditioned” or “overhauled” transmission.  The transmission is usually removed and disassembled.  All soft parts such as gaskets, seals, bands, clutches, and O-rings are replaced.  All internal and external parts, including case and housing, have been thoroughly cleaned and inspected.  The valve body has been disassembled and thoroughly cleaned and inspected.  The torque converter is sent out for pressure testing.  All impaired defective, or substantially worn parts not mentioned above have been restored to a sound condition or replaced with new, rebuilt, or unimpaired parts.   In troubleshooting some parts are/might be  replaced, but not all. Not all parts are OEM, new, some are just cleaned, swapped or come from other old transmissions.  All measuring and adjusting of such parts has been performed as necessary (to OEM specification).  A rebuilt transmission usually carry a longer warranty.

In conclusion, a used/repaired transmission may cost less than a rebuild, but it may not fix your problem. When you are purchasing a used transmission or repairing your transmission, you are taking your chances.  A used/repaired transmission may initially work after installed, but may also have pending internal damage to some of the gears, valves, or seals. If you purchase a used transmission that has such flaws or damage, you may have saved yourself a few hundred dollars at the beginning, only to spend twice to three times as much later when you still need to have the transmission rebuilt.

How much will the Transmission Rebuild cost me?

The exact total cannot be determined until a teardown of the transmission is done and we determine the hard parts needed.  Hard parts are broken or substantially worn parts in the transmission.  A transmission rebuild includes 100% soft parts replaced.

Do you offer Financing?

Yes, please take a look at our other tab “Financing.”  Currently we only provide financing for small businesses.  However, as soon as we find a financing company for our regular customers, we will provide the update on our website immediately.  Please call us if you have any questions (562)696-9034.

What are “Hard Parts”?

Hard parts are broken/damaged hard parts that must be replaced for the transmission to function up to OEM specs.  These parts include front drum, forward drum, rear planet, pump rotor, pump assembly, gears, drums, clutch hub, rear sun, etc.  These parts usually cost anywhere from $25 to $300, depending on the vehicle.

What are “Soft Parts”?

Soft parts are OEM or aftermarket new soft parts.  They include gaskets and seals, pan gaskets, metal clad seals, bushings, bearings, seal rings, ring kits, thrust washers, needle bearings, filter & filter kits, clutches, pressure plates, and  brake bands.

How long will a Transmission Rebuild take?

A transmission rebuild usually takes approximately 2 to 3 days, depending on the availability of the part(s) needed.

Do you Guarantee your work?

Yes.  Our warranty is between 1 year/12,000 miles to 2 years/24,000 miles depending on the circumstances.  The customer may opt to purchase an additional year of warranty coverage (a total of 3 years) at an additional cost of $225, or an additional 2 years of coverage (a total of 4 years) for $450. The extended warranty must be purchased in conjunction with the transmission, at the time of sale.

Can I take in my car After Hours?

Yes, please call us when you want to drop the vehicle offer 7am-8am or 6pm-11pm as we may meet you at the shop to accept your vehicle.  However, after the specified hours, you may leave your vehicle on the premises and drop the key in the drop box.  However, we do not assume liability for vehicles left outside of the property after hours.  We also have towing available 24/7.  The tow company (Hadley’s Towing) will hold your vehicle overnight and bring the vehicle to the shop the next morning.

Do you work on German cars (e.g. BMW, Volvo, Volkswagon)?

Yes, we do.  We use special fluid for certain vehicles that require us to do so.  BMW uses BMW fluid, which we purchase directly from BMW.