Transmission Replacement Cost

Sun West Transmissions — Glendale, AZ. Free estimates, honest diagnosis and a 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty on qualifying rebuilds and replacements.

Understanding Transmission Replacement Cost

When a transmission is badly damaged, replacing it with another unit is often faster than rebuilding the original. But “replacement” can mean several different things, and each has a different price, a different warranty and a different level of risk. Knowing what goes into transmission replacement cost helps you compare quotes and choose wisely.

At Sun West Transmissions in Glendale, we give free estimates and written quotes. Because cost depends on the vehicle, the replacement unit and what else needs attention, we don’t quote replacement prices until we’ve inspected the vehicle.

Types of Replacement Transmissions

New From the Manufacturer

Some manufacturers offer brand-new or factory-remanufactured units through dealer parts channels. These are built to factory specifications but are usually the most expensive option, and availability varies by model.

Remanufactured

A remanufactured transmission has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt to a set standard, often with updated parts that address known weak points. It typically comes with a warranty and can reduce downtime because the unit is ready to install. See remanufactured transmissions.

Rebuilt Exchange

Some shops keep rebuilt units on hand for popular models and exchange them for your old core. This can be quicker than rebuilding your transmission while the vehicle waits.

Used or Salvage

A used transmission comes from another vehicle. It costs the least upfront, but its history is unknown, and warranties are usually limited. For some older or lower-value vehicles, it can still be the most sensible choice. Read used vs. remanufactured transmissions and our used transmission cost guide.

What Drives the Total Cost

The Unit Itself

The single biggest factor is the replacement unit. Modern eight-, nine- and ten-speed automatics and CVTs generally cost more than older four- and five-speed units. Heavy-duty and diesel transmissions are also at the higher end.

Core Charges

Remanufactured and exchange units usually include a core charge that is refunded when your old transmission is returned in rebuildable condition. A badly damaged core, such as one with a broken case, may not qualify for a full refund.

Labor

Removing and installing a transmission takes very different amounts of time depending on the vehicle. A rear-wheel-drive truck is often more straightforward than a transverse front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle where subframes, axles and other components must come out.

Torque Converter

Most replacement units include a converter, but not all. If yours doesn’t, the converter has to be addressed separately, because reusing a contaminated converter can ruin the new transmission.

Cooler and Lines

After a failure, debris remains in the cooler and lines. They must be thoroughly flushed or replaced, and many replacement-unit warranties require it. Arizona vehicles that tow often benefit from an added transmission cooler.

Programming

Many late-model vehicles require the transmission control module to be programmed or relearned after a replacement, and some replacement units come with a matching valve body or mechatronic unit that must be set up. See TCM programming.

Related Parts

Mounts, seals, axle seals, shift cables, cooler lines and fluid add to the total. Worn mounts or leaking cooler lines are best replaced while the transmission is out.

Replacement vs. Rebuild

A rebuild repairs your original transmission, and for many popular models it is a strong value. For GM transmissions, our confirmed rebuild starting prices including removal and installation are: 4L60E from $2,795, 4L80E from $2,995, 6L80E from $4,495 and 6L90E from $4,795, with a billet converter adding about $300. For other vehicles, whether a rebuild or a replacement unit makes more sense depends on parts availability, damage and your timeline. Read our rebuild vs. replace guide.

Questions to Ask Before You Approve a Replacement

• What type of unit is it: new, remanufactured, rebuilt exchange or used?
• Does it include a torque converter?
• Is there a core charge, and what condition must the core be in?
• Will the cooler be flushed or replaced?
• Is programming included?
• What warranty applies, and who honors it?

Warranty and Financing at Sun West

Qualifying transmission rebuilds and replacements at our shop come with a 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty with no deductible on covered repairs. Read the details on our warranty page. If the expense is unexpected, ask about financing. Our transmission replacement service page explains the process.

Transmission Replacement Cost FAQ

Is replacing a transmission cheaper than rebuilding it?

Not always. It depends on the vehicle, the unit and the damage. Sometimes a rebuild is less expensive; sometimes a replacement unit is the better value.

How long does a replacement take?

It depends on unit availability and the vehicle’s labor time. We’ll give you an estimate when we quote the job.

Can I supply my own used transmission?

Call (623) 473-9800 to discuss it. Customer-supplied parts can affect warranty coverage.