Next to the cost of replacing an engine, replacing a transmission is the most expensive vehicle repair an owner can make. Expect to pay between $1800 and $2500 for completely replacing a transmission. Having the original transmission repair (rebuilding the transmission) is even pricier, averaging $3000 or more, depending on the extent of the damage and make of the vehicle.
Making repairs to a faulty transmission as soon as problems are detected dramatically reduces the cost of transmission work and can prevent the need for transmission replacement. If your car starts exhibiting any one of the following issues, get it to a transmission repair shop as soon as possible. Car problems do not correct themselves or magically disappear! They only worsen and cause more damage to the engine.
Car Shakes When the Gears Shift (for both manual and automatic transmissions)
Normally functioning transmissions keep your ride smooth during gear shifts. Automatic transmissions that shift hard, jerk or shake during a shift change may mean your transmission fluid needs changed or fluid level is low. In manual transmission vehicles, abnormal gear shifts could indicate damaged gear synchros, worn clutches or other, more severe issues.
Additional Signs of Transmission Problems
You Can Smell Fluid Burning
Extremely hot transmission fluid has a distinct, acrid smell that does not smell like burning oil but more like burning rubber. Burning transmission fluid indicates a leak that is dripping onto hot engine parts or seriously dirty fluid that needs drained and replaced with new transmission fluid. Running your car with old, contaminated transmission fluid is just as harmful to the engine and transmission as never changing the oil.
Noises in Neutral
If you suspect your transmission needs attention, trying putting your car in neutral and listening for unusual whining, groaning or ticking noises. Wear and tear on parts such as bearings or gear teeth often cause noises that indicate a failing transmission.
Slipping Gears
Healthy transmissions keep your car in one gear until you decide to change the gear. When your transmission "slips", it may show an RPM of 3500+ or take a long time to coast. Additionally, your vehicle may seem to delay accelerating when you press on the gas, which is an indication that it is not transmitting enough power to the engine's internal combustion part. Transmission slips could also result from broken or worn out bands.
Your Vehicle Won't Go Into Gear
Low transmission fluid may prevent your car from engaging gears. Is your car transmission shifting hard? It may indicate a leak probably exists somewhere in the lines. For cars with manual transmissions, it could be a sign of a worn clutch plate if the vehicle manages to engage and creep a little bit forward. Regardless of whether it is a minor fix, automobiles that don't slide easily into gear require immediate attention by a professional mechanic.
Leaking Transmission Fluid
Causes of transmission fluids leaks include loose pans, improperly tightened bolts or unsecured drain plugs, cracked pan gaskets and damaged toque converters or fluid lines. Constantly replacing lost transmission fluid isn't the answer to correcting these problems, either. Your transmission and your engine will not operate efficiently when fluid levels experience wild fluctuations. Getting the leak repaired so that fluid levels remain steady will dramatically extend the life of your vehicle.
Your Check Engine Light Comes On and Stays On
You might not hear strange noises or notice a pool of red transmission fluid under your car but when your check engine light comes on, you really need to do exactly what it says and get your engine and transmission checked professionally. Although newer cars are equipped with extra-sensitive sensors that can detect the smallest engine irregularities, all instances of the "check engine" light coming on needs properly diagnosed by a transmission specialist.
Ace Auto Repair is the best place anyone could and should go for service repairs and oil changes. During the oil change, they also checked other little things at no additional charge and offered to change my back wiper blade and air filter at no added cost, except the parts, which were inexpensive. I declined but they said they would do them anytime. Great place to leave my suv for an hour or two and come back to a nice running, worry-free oil change. Great guys work here and have great customer service. Thanks Ace!
We have trusted Ace for years. They are honest, do excellent work, never pressure us but recommend service to keep our car running well. Zach and Jake give personal customer service that you don’t find in a huge shop. We highly recommend them.
At first I got a diagnosis for repairs, had AC leak, bad shocks and tires needed to be replaced plus oil change.
Zach (hope I spell the name correctly) took the car in, at first I was afraid of what other repairs would be required.
The car did not do so well on the AC and had to go back to the shop. Zach saw my frustration as the car belongs to my daughter and of course we were not in a good position to spend more money. Ace worked with us up to the end and we’re very understanding about everything and our frustration and got my daughter’s car back on the road and helped us all the way. Very Glad we took the vehicle to you. I only met Zach but I am sure more people are to thank here. Thanks for everything again
These guys are awesome! They did my transmission fluid the RIGHT way and for a fraction of the price that the steal-ership wanted to do just a flush. The guys are very informative, honest, upfront and super knowledgeable as well. All things that are hard to find with a mechanic shop, unfortunately. They easily earned a lifelong customer. 👍
Can't recommend these guys enough. I've been having them work on two different cars I've owned over the past couple years, and they have always been kind, patient, fair, and helpful. I've even had a dealership give me a free rundown of a car I bought there, then I called Ace to get their second opinion, and they were kind enough to translate all the mechanic gibberish to normal English for me as they gave me their second opinions on the initial assessment. I'm moving out of state soon, but these guys will be changing my oil and doing inspections and repairs anytime I'm back visiting Utah.
They replaced the A/C compressor and the rear brakes and rotors. The price was fair, the work was quick, and the craftsmanship was excellent. I will use them again
These guys were great! I called them Saturday morning with squealing brakes, and they were able to take care of the brakes and rotors same day at a very reasonable cost. Zach kept me informed along the way, and the entire experience was smooth without any drama. I highly recommend them!
Brought my car in for a mass airflow sensor issue that I've been fighting with for two years. The folks at Ace knew exactly what the problem was, were able to get it fixed the same day, and it hasn't been an issue since.
They also made sure to recommend the least expensive option first to help prevent us from overpaying for the solution.
I've taken my cars to Ace on several occasions now and have been highly impressed with their skill and professionalism.
Had my teenage daughter’s car repaired back in February 2026. We needed the alternator replaced and various other repairs done. We were informed with what the cost would be and other recommendations. It was great that they were open on Saturday. Their work was exceptional. We would recommend Ace Auto to anyone needing an honest and reliable company for your car repairs and maintenance.
I've had my van in a couple times. They're honest about what needs to be done and what doesn't. I've had several times other shops quoted me very high repair costs then come here and had them tell me it either didn't need to be done or actually needed a different repair that wouldn't be as expensive
They do a full inspection every time I come in and let me know everything they did. Extremely organized with everything they do.
This shop exceeded my expectations. They fixed all my concerns and got it back to me running perfectly. If you want high-quality work without the runaround, this is the place to go!
Zack and everyone at Ace were very professional and helpful! My car threw a code that the turbo was bad! I was facing about a 2000 repair! Ace checked it, found that it was my spark plugs needed to be replaced/ tune up! Save me over 1000 dollars! Like I said in a prior review they are very honest and dont try to take advantage of you! I recommend them highly to everyone I know!... thanks again for your professionalism! . They are our auto repair shop! Thank you!
Completed job when they said they would. Very fair in pricing. Took time to let me know what was exactly going on. Made great recommendations to keep my vehicle safe to operate. Genuinely caring staff. Me and my family are truly great full.
I called & they fit me right in on a Saturday. Zak was friendly, very knowledgeable, listens to my concerns, very professional & I had a totally different experience w/him vs the company I had just taken my vehicle to for just a oil change that caused the problem your company had to fix. I will definitely come back & send others as well.
I really trust these guys!! They are Honest! I have taken all my cars here, wouldn't trust anyone else!! Honest, reliable people are hard to come by, I wouldn't go anywhere else!!!
The guys at Ace Auto are awesome. They went over the entire estimate with me line by line and what the repair entailed. They had my car fixed quickly. When the check engine light came back on a week later they had me bring it in the same day and I had it back that night. They were quick and fairly priced. Would definitely recommend taking your vehicle to them.
I will definitely take my car to Ace if it needs repairs. I feel they were honest and fair and didn't feel at anytime that because I was a woman I was taken advantage of. They also repaired my granddaughters car.
They were friendly and gave good explanations of things needing to be fixed and the order of the need to fix them. This was helpful since I was not in a position to fix them all then. The repairs were done quickly and I was given updates as needed. Would recommend.
Fast, Affordable Oil Changes in West Jordan—No Appointment Needed
Semi-Synthetic and Full Synthetic Oil Change Service by Ace Auto Repair serving the entire Salt Lake Valley. Discount Oil Change available when you visit Ace Auto for the best oil change in West Jordan, UT.
Recent Comments