Affiliations & Certifications

AutoRepairEQuote.com understands how important it is to find a quality transmission service and repair facility. This is why we value the associations we have with reputable organizations. These associations help transmission service & repair facilities give you the confidence in knowing that your automotive repair and service needs will be met by qualified automotive repair and service expert technicians.

Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association

ATRA - the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association - is an international trade association for the professional automatic transmission repair industry. With members across the US and Canada, ATRA's network of automatic transmission repair professionals can offer you repair and warranty coverage anywhere you are likely to drive. Because, wherever you go - from coast to coast - there is always an ATRA member nearby. With nearly 2000 members, ATRA is larger than every automatic transmission repair chain combined - nearly three times the size of the largest chain in the US. Which means that no chain can provide better warranty coverage than ATRA's network of professional service centers. Every ATRA member must adhere to ATRA's Code of Ethics - ATRA's standards for providing honest, professional service. So, when you take your car to an ATRA member, you are assured of polite, professional service, at an honest price. And not just automatic transmission repair: most ATRA members also provide diagnostic and repair service for manual transmissions, clutches, differentials, driveshafts, drive axles, and transfer cases. Which all boils down to one inescapable conclusion: If your car starts but does not move, you need to call your nearby ATRA member - right away!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Transmission Repairs - How do I avoid being ripped off?
Q. Transmission Problems- What are the Warning Signs?

A. Transmission Repair- Avoid the Rip-offs
by autotransparts

It's time to get the kids to school- you're running late. You get them in the back then you jump into driver's seat, put it in drive and it happens- the engine revs but the car goes nowhere- like it is in neutral. You look at the dash- it's not!

Luckily, your neighbor is outside and volunteers to help get the kids to school in his car. First problem solved.

With the advice of that same neighbor, you've decided that you need the services of a transmission repair shop- now what? Before you call that tow truck, please read on.

You may have seen the exposes on the local news or have heard the horror stories of people being fleeced by an unethical auto repair shop. You realize that you are in an unenviable position but you need your car fixed ASAP.

Keep in mind that people are more likely to discuss bad experiences with a repair shop than good ones. Also, the evening news never reports on the "good guy" shops, it's just not interesting TV. Most repair shops are honest and the dishonest ones tend to give everyone else a bad name. The problem is how can you tell one from another?

Let's outline the most common ways in which one is often swindled by a repair shop and the preemptive steps which can be taken to avoid being ripped off.

1) Being charged for work which you didn't authorize. In this situation, it is always best to request an estimate before any work is performed. In most jurisdictions, an estimate must be furnished upon request by the customer. It is also required that the customer has to authorize any work before it is performed.

2) Bait and switch. It is quite common, especially among dishonest transmission repair shops to quote a "too good to be true" price for a transmission rebuild over the phone to get you to bring the car to their facility. Unfortunately, in many cases, the "low-ball" price is not anywhere near what you actually get charged once you go to pick up the completed vehicle. One way to avoid this is again to request the written estimate.

3) Being charged for parts that were never replaced. Unfortunately, it is all too common for customers to be charged for parts that were never put into their vehicle. If you have any doubts, ask that all of the old parts be retained for your inspection after completion of the repair. It is important to ask that this be done before any repair has begun. These parts can also be important to have if fraud is suspected after the fact.

4) Improper repair. Test drive your vehicle before you pay for it. Any honest shop will not balk at this request. If you feel that something is not right, refuse to pick up the car (and pay for it) until it is corrected.
5) Incorrect billing. Carefully examine your bill before you pay it. Make sure that the price that was quoted on your estimate matches the bill. If you followed my advice to get a written estimate, make sure that you bring it with you when you are picking up your vehicle.

6) Questionable warranties. Make sure that the warranty on your repair is discussed before any work is performed. When you pick up your vehicle also make sure that you are given a written warranty agreement.

7) Pay your bill with a credit card. If you use these methods of payment, often times you will have some recourse if fraud is perpetrated against you.

8) Last but not least, go with your gut. If you have a bad feeling about a repair shop politely tell them that you are taking your car for a second opinion.

In addition to taking the aforementioned steps, it pays to do a little research. Don't necessarily assume that the large chains that you see advertised are the place to have your transmission repaired. Remember that they are all independently owned and operated so there can be bad apples among them as well.

Your best bet is usually to find a transmission specialty shop that has been around for a while and that has a good reputation. Places that are in the business of ripping their customers off are usually exposed, especially in the internet era. Good reputations and credibility are hard earned- you will rarely go wrong if you select a shop based on that.

You may be reading this article because you suspect that something is amiss with the automatic transmission in your car. Often times, people experience what they feel may be a transmission concern but are unsure. Take my advice; it is far better to address these problems early on than to let them evolve into a catastrophic transmission failure.

Because the automatic transmission is the most complex piece of machinery in your entire vehicle, by no means can a list of warning signs be all-inclusive. With that said, here are the 8 most common problems that have been observed by transmission repair specialists over the years. These are the early warning signs that you want to look out for:

1) Leakage. That small pool of pinkish oil that you see when you move your vehicle from its parking spot in the morning is a sign of trouble. Transmissions can leak from nearly 20 different external seals- some are very simple to repair, while others require more involved service procedures. In any case, the idea is to have the vehicle looked at right away by a qualified transmission repair shop because, much like an engine that gets low on oil, a transmission that is low on fluid can fail completely in very short order.

2) Shaking. Sometimes a shaking or bucking sensation is experienced, especially at highway speeds. While this may be an issue of poor engine tune, it could also be a malfunction in the transmission. Take it to an expert that can tell the difference and diagnose it for you.

3) Delayed drive or reverse. A noticeably longer than normal hesitation for your transmission to engage a gear once the shifter is put in "D" or "R" is another sign of a transmission malfunction. These delays can be caused by anything from a low fluid level or a band that is in need of adjustment to an internal transmission seal or clutch pack that is failing. Again, sooner rather than later is the right time to get it checked out.

4) A neutral condition on brisk acceleration from a stop or when going around a turn. This is a classic sign of a low fluid condition. Remember, unlike an engine where it may be normal for some oil to be consumed over time, if a transmission is low on fluid it is leaking.

5) Burning smell. A burnt odor can be a sign of a transmission that is overheating or is leaking fluid onto the exhaust. This needs to be addressed immediately- if engine oil or transmission fluid drips onto a hot exhaust it could catch on fire.

6) Check engine light on?

. Today's transmissions are computer controlled and a check engine light can be an indication of a trans problem, even if you don't have a drivability symptom yet. Modern Auto computers are extremely sensitive and can detect a transmission slip or malfunction that would be imperceptible to the driver. The light comes on to tell you that something is wrong somewhere- listen to it and get your car checked out!

7. Transmission Slipping. Slipping is a condition where the engine is revving but full power is not getting to the wheels. Slipping can be caused by a variety of transmission malfunctions- none of which should be ignored.

8) Harsh shifting and wrong gear starts. A hard shift or wrong gear start either by itself or in conjunction with a check engine light may be a sign that your transmission is in a computer commanded "failsafe" or "limp home" mode. This can be triggered by your vehicle's computer when it detects a transmission fault. The reason for this computer strategy is to let the driver know that there is a problem and to help protect the transmission from further damage while it is "limped" to a shop to be repaired.

While we often fall into the trap of hoping that problems with our vehicles will somehow go away or fix themselves, rarely does it work out that way. Paying attention to and addressing your vehicle's small problems before they turn into larger ones can often help you to avoid costly transmission repairs.

If you suspect your vehicle or heavy-duty equipment is having transmission problems, you want to keep the repair as high-quality and inexpensive as you can. In many instances, rebuilt transmissions are the only solution because of the precision and knowledge these parts require. This is where problems commonly come in. Many people make a series of mistakes in an attempt to have their vehicle fixed as cheaply and quickly as they can. Here are some mistakes you might want to avoid.

Look For A Transmission Specialist In The Right Place

If you have tossed around the idea of inviting an amateur mechanic buddy of yours over to fix the problem, resist the urge. Even the slightest bit off in some instances can turn a repair into a dire search for rebuilt transmissions costing you a significant amount of money. You also want to avoid taking it in to a general repair shop or the original dealer -- it's like going to the family doctor for brain surgery. This part requires specific equipment along with the skills and knowledge to repair and replace correctly. It also requires a series of diagnostics testing.

If it is still under warranty, don't assume you need to take it to the dealer. Many specialists are certified to do the work as well. They can get the job done for less money, faster, and you know the work was performed correctly.

Common Myths

For anyone who has made the mistake of spraying stop leak in a tire to limp it along for a while instead of calling for repair, you likely know that it frequently causes problems with the patch, forcing you to replace it instead of just fixing it. Many of the special additives for your transmission work the same -- they do more harm than good. If you want to use a product, talk to a professional first.

Purchasing used rather than rebuilt transmissions is another popular choice for those looking to pinch pennies. Unfortunately, there is no way for anyone to know what kind of shape these transmissions are in or if its sensors work with your vehicle. This could cause you to replace it far more frequently than it should.

Some people think it is better to get a new one rather than a rebuilt. If a mechanic or garage tells you they will put in a new one, you should take that as a warning. These are amazingly expensive and are rarely installed by anyone. If the garage is willing to give it to you at a comparable price to a remanufactured version, watch for fees not included, a change in price when you arrive, or even a rebuilt version passed off as a brand new one.

Choosing A Rebuilt Transmissions Expert

References are important to find an expert company and make sure they use diagnostic testing on the original one to ensure it has gone to the junkyard in the sky as well as the one they will replace it with to ensure it is in top form. If you decide to price out the repairs over the phone or online, make sure you know what the price includes. Some will undercut the competition, only to have the price suddenly increase when you get the bill, have fees and services added on after the quote, or have poor quality work.

A transmission problem frequently has an expensive solution, so you want to be sure to make the right decisions. Rebuilt transmissions can solve the problem, but take the vehicle itself into consideration. Make sure if you spend the money, the vehicle will continue to work for a long time afterwards. If it is on its last legs, consider replacing the unit. 

You're pretty sure that you are having a problem with your transmission. Now what?

As you can imagine, there are disreputable shops as well as great ones but how can you tell the difference? Here are 6 things to look for:

1) Although it is a bit too late once you already have a problem, the first piece of advice is to have developed a relationship with a shop that you can trust. This can be done by visiting a transmission shop for regular maintenance such as a transmission flush or fluid change and seeing if you like them and their level of service.

On that note, there is no downside to being proactive with your transmission and having regular services performed, often times, taking care of your car in the first place will prevent you from having to have major repairs performed in the future.

2) Look at the waiting room, if there is one. Is it a dirty place that you don't feel like being in or is it comfortable, professional and inviting? You may want to look around; chances are if you are in a component shop, you will see numerous certifications and diplomas on the wall. This is, of course, is an indication of the level of professionalism and on-going training that has been completed by the technicians that will be repairing your transmission.

A shop may even have letters on the wall written by happy customers, which speaks for itself.

3) Ask around. Check with your friends, relatives and your regular mechanic. It is possible that they have had transmission repair work performed before and they can probably tell you about their experiences- good or bad.

4) Check the internet. Often times, businesses are rated by their customers on some of the "local" or phone book type sites. One can usually type in "transmission repair" along with the name of your city and the word "recommendation" to find these kinds of results.

5) Deal with a specialist. Often times, a shop that may be able to rebuild a Chevy truck transmission might not do so well with your Import or performance car. See what kind of cars are in the lot and ask the shop if they work on your particular vehicle.

In many areas of the country, some European and Japanese vehicles are not very common and you may be better off purchasing a rebuilt transmission online from a specialist and having your local shop install it.

6) Last but not least, go with your gut. If you have a bad feeling about a repair shop, you may be right.

In addition to taking the aforementioned steps, don't necessarily assume that the large chains that you see advertised are the best place to have your transmission repaired. Keep in mind that they are all independently owned and operated so there can be bad apples among them as well.

One other thing worth mentioning is about price- rarely is the shop that can quote you the lowest pricing over the phone the place that you will want to go. Typically only two things can happen when a very low price is quoted- the quality may be low to match because some of the parts needed for a long lasting repair had to be left out OR that low price may change to a higher one when you go to pick up your car.

Transmission Problems- 8 Warning Signs

You may be reading this article because you suspect that something is amiss with the automatic transmission in your car. Often times, people experience what they feel may be a transmission concern but are unsure. Take my advice; it is far better to address these problems early on than to let them evolve into a catastrophic transmission failure.

Because the automatic transmission is the most complex piece of machinery in your entire vehicle, by no means can a list of warning signs be all-inclusive. With that said, here are the 8 most common problems that have been observed by transmission repair specialists over the years. These are the early warning signs that you want to look out for:

1) Leakage. That small pool of pinkish oil that you see when you move your vehicle from its parking spot in the morning is a sign of trouble. Transmissions can leak from nearly 20 different external seals- some are very simple to repair, while others require more involved service procedures. In any case, the idea is to have the vehicle looked at right away by a qualified transmission repair shop because, much like an engine that gets low on oil, a transmission that is low on fluid can fail completely in very short order.

2) Shaking. Sometimes a shaking or bucking sensation is experienced, especially at highway speeds. While this may be an issue of poor engine tune, it could also be a malfunction in the transmission. Take it to an expert that can tell the difference and diagnose it for you.

3) Delayed drive or reverse. A noticeably longer than normal hesitation for your transmission to engage a gear once the shifter is put in "D" or "R" is another sign of a transmission malfunction. These delays can be caused by anything from a low fluid level or a band that is in need of adjustment to an internal transmission seal or clutch pack that is failing. Again, sooner rather than later is the right time to get it checked out.

4) A neutral condition on brisk acceleration from a stop or when going around a turn. This is a classic sign of a low fluid condition. Remember, unlike an engine where it may be normal for some oil to be consumed over time, if a transmission is low on fluid it is leaking.

5) Burning smell. A burnt odor can be a sign of a transmission that is overheating or is leaking fluid onto the exhaust. This needs to be addressed immediately- if engine oil or transmission fluid drips onto a hot exhaust it could catch on fire.

6) Check engine light. Today's transmissions are computer controlled and a check engine light can be an indication of a trans problem, even if you don't have a drivability symptom yet. Modern automobile computers are extremely sensitive and can detect a transmission slip or malfunction that would be imperceptible to the driver. The light comes on to tell you that something is wrong somewhere- listen to it and get your car checked out!

7) Transmission Slipping. Slipping is a condition where the engine is revving but full power is not getting to the wheels. Slipping can be caused by a variety of transmission malfunctions- none of which should be ignored.

8) Harsh shifting and wrong gear starts. A hard shift or wrong gear start either by itself or in conjunction with a check engine light may be a sign that your transmission is in a computer commanded "failsafe" or "limp home" mode. This can be triggered by your vehicle's computer when it detects a transmission fault. The reason for this computer strategy is to let the driver know that there is a problem and to help protect the transmission from further damage while it is "limped" to a shop to be repaired.

While we often fall into the trap of hoping that problems with our vehicles will somehow go away or fix themselves, rarely does it work out that way. Paying attention to and addressing your vehicle's small problems before they turn into larger ones can often help you to avoid costly transmission repairs.
About the Author

V. Lombardo is co-owner of Passaic County Transmission and has been in the transmission repair industry for over 20 years.

Article Source: Content for Reprint

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