Transmission Flush Cost - Find A Professional Near You!

Before we get into the detailed facts of the transmission flush cost and how you can save on it you will need to know about the transmission flush. This is a method used in the cars by which the old transmission fluid is discharged.

The transmission system consisting of parts such as converters and coolers are completely cleaned out without any residue of the old transmission fluid. This process of transmission flush which empties out any contained waste is executed by attaching a machine on the cooler lines.

This machine is made to inject a strong cleansing agent to carry out the cleaning process. The need for transmission flush to be done varies considerably between different cars and it is suggested to be done only when the transmission fluid becomes old. A transmission flush is best done when the fluid has not turned completely brown or contains too much dirt.

In case the transmission fluid is already contained with too much dirt, then it is advised to replace the whole system instead of changing the fluid alone. If the dirty transmission fluid is cleaned by pressurizing fluids through the transmission, it would just block up the sludge on the passage way.

This would end up damaging the transmission. Therefore carrying out the process of transmission flush at regular intervals can help prevent premature wear and damage to the transmission. The life of the transmission is said to be extended when flushing is done for every 30,000 miles.

Transmission flush costs:

The transmission flush cost varies depending on the cars used. For expensive cars the transmission flush would be costlier when compared to those of the cheaper cars. They range from US$75 to 250, also depending on the location where it is done.

Usually the dealers of the cars would charge more than the localized repair centers, but it is advised to be done with the dealers so that safety is ensured, as well as we can be assured that an original fluid which is intended for your car model is used. A cheaper or any other fluid would damage the car components.

The costs can also vary widely depending on the year, make, model and location of the transmission shop. This cost just gives you a rough idea for typical transmission flush for various popular cars and trucks. 

For example the price of Ford Explorer of 2004 year model would range somewhere from $190 to $225 and the the price of Volkswagen Jetta of 2007 year model would range somewhere around $120 to $150. So the discrepancies lie on the above said factors.

There are many service centers that offer a transmission flush.

AAMCO provides a lower cost precautionary transmission fluid change.
Their service includes various functions like draining the transmission fluid and replacing it with the new fluid and replacing the filter and filling it with fresh fluid.

Jiffy Lube service centers also offer transmission services. They include evacuating the old transmission fluid and filling the manual transmission fluid with the manufacturer’s recommended type and quantity of new fluid.

Valvoline offers products such as engine flush that would melt the sludge and cleans the engine instantly.

Typical Automatic Transmission Flush:

The typical automatic transmission flush involves a fluid exchange completely. A flush machine is pressurized to force the old fluid out. Generally a cleansing agent is injected into internal parts of the transmission.

As the flush machine is pressurized the machine picks up internal problems with the transmission if there are any. Nearly 12 quarts of transmission fluid is held in an average transmission.

In this process of automatic transmission flush the pressure of the flush removes only the particles in the transmission filter and not the transmission filter. Compared to a manual transmission flush cost an automatic transmission flush cost will be higher.

Transmission flush- pros and cons:

A regular transmission will assure smooth shifting between the gears which will also minimize the wear and tear of the components. They also protect the vehicle from jerky motions. They also help in removing the contaminants inside the transmission, which allow it to work better.  The new transmission fluid will increase the performance during a transmission flush. These are the advantages of a transmission flush.

On the other hand there are a lot of cases when a transmission flush can cause damage to the vehicles engine. As the modern engines of today’s vehicles have tighter oil passages than the old engines there comes a possibility that sludge deposits could get lodged in oil passages after getting broken. This results in the decreased flow of engine oil to the vital components of engine and later damaging those components.

Another possible problem is the loss of oil pressure which is caused by the particles from the engine oil flush when blocks the pickup screen to the engine oil pump. This could also result in engine damage. Unless the transmission flush is properly done they may result in damages, regardless of the transmission flush costs.

Is a transmission flush really necessary?

Although most of the vehicle manufacturers do not recommend a transmission flush as a part of routine maintenance there are also some service centers which advise the car owners to do so. It may be also for the purpose of making money. Whatever it may be we can come to a conclusion that a transmission flush is a beneficial process that would increase the longevity of the vehicle.

When a transmission flush is performed it is strongly advised to check whether there are any warranties or guarantees against engine damage provided by the service center. If the engine oil and filter are regularly replaced at the manufacturers recommended intervals there shouldn’t be a need to have the vehicle engine oil flushed. Also before performing a transmission process it is advised to check whether the service provider uses a quality product to carry out the process.