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As recently as a decade ago, a transmission specialist may have only needed to work on 10 different models of transmissions. These models were the mainstream and were easily stocked. Whenever parts were needed, they were accessible and relatively inexpensive.

Today, a transmission specialist must keep up with as many as 350 models. This increased variety, along with the growing complexity of transmission technology, means that transmission specialists must have advanced training and continuing education.

Transmission Maintenance

Many drivers ignore their transmissions until their is a major problem. Denial could result in more extensive damage to the vehicle as the problem becomes more severe. If your vehicle's transmission starts sending distress signals, take it in for a diagnosis.

Repair Estimates

Just as you would not expect a doctor to give you a diagnosis over the phone, it is impossible to phone-shop transmission companies for estimates on transmission repair. The transmission repair facility must see the vehicle to begin the diagnostic process.

All transmission repair centers should road-test a car first. This will determine if the problem is with the transmission. An external problem can be diagnosed without removing the transmission. If the problem is internal, a thorough diagnosis of the amount of damage can only be made by pulling out the transmission.

Many times a computer malfunction will give the impression that there is a transmission problem. Due to the increased technology in late model vehicles, the transmission repair facility may need to conduct an electronic diagnosis first to eliminate the possibility of a computer malfunction.

A thorough internal diagnosis, which includes removing and dismantling the transmission, should find the extent of the damage. Your cost of repair can then be accurately determined. Most shops offer free external inspections and some may offer to conduct an internal diagnosis for a reasonable charge.

Watch out for transmission repair facilities that continuously call after you have authorized work to begin, reporting more damage and increasing the repair price. If a complete internal diagnosis was conducted, this should not occur.

Be wary of ads that claim "We'll repair any transmission for..." or offers to rebuild a transmission for an unbelievably low price. The transmission must be properly diagnosed before the cost of the repair can be determined.

When you do compare prices, compare only apples to apples. It’s important to understand that there are no minimum rebuilding standards on transmissions. Even though there are more than 300 parts in the average transmission, a transmission may only have a few internal parts replaced and be called "rebuilt."

In Texas, if two or more parts are replaced, the transmission may be called "rebuilt," "overhauled," or "reconditioned." Ask what exactly is being repaired for the price quoted and if the parts are used, reconditioned, or new.

Ask family and friends for the names of transmission shops that they personally recommend. The BBB offers a list of transmission repair facilities that are participating in the Bureau's Transmission Industry Program. These companies are committed to dealing with customers fairly and honestly. They are also precommitted to BBB Arbitration and Mediation in cases of unresolved disputes.

Getting Started

After you choose a transmission specialist, be sure you know exactly what work you are authorizing (i.e. estimates, internal or external diagnosis, or transmission repair).

If asked, the technician should be willing to show you the damaged parts and explain the repair work. Ask for a damaged-parts report and a breakdown of the work that was performed.

If you want to inspect the damaged parts pulled from the transmission, be sure to ask the mechanic when you authorize the work, not after.

As with any contract, make sure you understand all aspects of the work. If you give your authorization over the phone, understand exactly what work you are approving. Phone authorization is a binding commitment.

Warranties

Any warranty is only as good as the company that stands behind it. Your transmission repair should come with a standard written guarantee backing the work.

Some industry organizations offer nationwide warranties. These warranties offer assistance throughout the country from participating member locations and well-established service centers. Some transmission chains may offer a company-backed, chain-wide extended warranty.

Some warranty programs may be administered by outside warranty and insurance companies. Check with your transmission specialist to see if the repair facility will honor the warranty should the administering company go out-of-business.