Your automobile needs a functioning engine to run, and your engine generates heat to keep it running. This intense heat, in turn, is managed by the transmission fluid so as to prevent damages to your car parts.
The transmission fluid serves as a lubricant. Without it, your transmission gears will likely grind against each other, making shifting of gears practically impossible. Of course, the transmission fluid is part of the package when you purchase your car, but that fluid would not last forever. In fact, you need to change it every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or at least once every two years.
Failure to change your transmission fluid will result in it going bad, and at the worst case scenario, lead to transmission failure. So before you spend thousands of dollars for a transmission replacement, know the cost to replace the fluid first. You would never go wrong, as the following costs are more affordable.
Average Cost to Replace Transmission Fluid
According to the Transmission Repair Cost Guide, the average cost to replace transmission fluid for both manual and automatic is US$100, with prices ranging from US$80 to US$250. The cost varies depending on who will change the fluid. A mechanic would usually charge you US$80 to US$150, while a dealership service would cost you US$150 to US$250. If you do the job yourself, you would likely spend about US$40 to US$90.
As for getting the exact cost to replace transmission fluid, you would need to factor in who will do the job, the make and model of your car, the type of transmission fluid your vehicle uses, the amount of fluid you need to fill your auto, and the labor cost.
Note that modern, high-end brands would be more expensive. For instance, the transmission fluid change for a paddle-shift Lamborghini could cost you up to US$750.
A Closer Look at Transmission Costs
The transmission fluid change cost is further detailed by Repair Pal, a company who has partnered with reputable repair shops all around the US. One of the objectives of this company is to educate car owners of how much different types of repairs cost to help them get the sufficient service that’s worth their money.
For automatic transmission fluid change, Repair Pal shows the average cost for the following makes and models:
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Hyundai Sonata
Parts: US$48 to US$64
Labor: US$96 to US$123
AVERAGE: US$144 to US$187
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Buick LeSabre
Parts: US$45 to US$51
Labor: US$44 to US$56
AVERAGE: US$89 to US$107
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Chevrolet Lumina
Parts: US$66 to US$88
Labor: US$70 to US$89
AVERAGE: US$136 to US$177
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BMW 525i
Parts: US$100 to US$220
Labor: US$132 to US$167
AVERAGE: US$232 to US$387
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Subaru Legacy
Parts: US$56 to US$64
Labor: US$70 to US$89
AVERAGE: US$126 to US$153
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Chevrolet Caprice
Parts: US$66 to US$88
Labor: US$105 to US$134
AVERAGE: US$171 to US$22
Furthermore, the manual transmission fluid change cost detailed by the company is as follows.
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Honda Accord
Parts: US$32 to US$72
Labor: US$26 to US$34
AVERAGE: US$58 to US$106
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Jeep Wrangler
Parts: US$32 to US$72
Labor: US$44 to US$56
AVERAGE: US$76 to US$128
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Nissan Maxima
Parts: US$32 to US$72
Labor: US$35 to US$45
AVERAGE: US$67 to US$117
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Ford Explorer
Parts: US$32 to US$72
Labor: US$35 to US$45
AVERAGE: US$67 to US$117
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Nissan Sentra
Parts: US$32 to US$72
Labor: US$35 to US$45
AVERAGE: US$67 to US$117
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Toyota 4Runner
Parts: US$32 to US$72
Labor: US$70 to US$89
AVERAGE: US$102 to US$161
You can also use the website calculator to get a specific estimate. For instance, a transmission fluid change (including parts and labor) for a 2016 Mazda CX9 in New York would likely cost you US$101 to US$132 excluding taxes and fees.
When to Change Your Transmission Fluid
It is important that you change your car’s transmission fluid on a regular basis as the signs of mechanical trouble tend to be unobvious until it’s too late. Oftentimes, when your car loses power, has limited speeds, or only allows you to shift to the first two gears, it means your vehicle transmission is at its end.
Before all of that happens, subject your car to a scheduled maintenance which usually includes diagnosing the transmission for problems. To complete the diagnosis, it is likely necessary to replace the fluid and filter of your car’s transmission.
You could also check the condition of your transmission fluid by pulling out the dipstick. For automatic transmissions, you should first set your gear to neutral or park, and let the engine run with the parking brake on. Only pull the dipstick after making sure that your car’s engine is already warm.
To check the fluid, rub it using your fingers to see its color. The transmission fluid should be pinkish and almost clear. If it looks and smells like it’s burnt, it’s likely that the fluid is contaminated. On the other hand, if the color is normal but doesn’t’ reach the “full” line on the dipstick, pour enough fluid to reach the line.
DIY Transmission Fluid Change
To save more on transmission fluid change cost, you can do the job yourself. But before deciding to take the matter into your own hands, make sure that you have the know-how on car maintenance. Otherwise, you might just inflict more damage to your vehicle.
Before starting your DIY repair, you should first secure the fluid your car needs. For the appropriate type, you could check your car’s manual or ask your auto parts store. You would also need a filter, a torque wrench or a socket wrench, and a large pan to catch the fluid.
The steps for a DIY fluid change is, of course, the same with how repair shops do the job. For a step-by-step instruction, you could check Transmission Repair Cost Guide.
Whether it’s the transmission, engine, or any parts of your car, the main rule is to never neglect your vehicle. If you properly maintain your automobile on a regular basis, it would last long and would be able to transport you to further places. Do not wait to spend thousands of dollars for a major repair or worse, a new car. For starters, check your transmission fluid today!