How much does it cost to have transmission fluid change

Last Updated on September 12, 2022

If you are driving a car with an automatic transmission, then you will need to change the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) according to the manufacturer’s change interval.

In most cases, this will be about every 100,000 miles. You will also need to change the filter as well.

Need help with a car problem RIGHT NOW?

Click Here

to chat online with a verified mechanic who will answer your questions.

Unlike changing your engine oil and filter which is typically a simple procedure, most car owners will be better off having a professional completing this maintenance task due to it being more complex in nature. In many cases, there is no drain plug.

See Also: How Long Does an Oil Change Take on Average?

How much does it cost to have transmission fluid change

The average cost at an independent repair shop for a job like this can run anywhere between $150 and $250. These costs just cover the fluid change itself. Labor costs will typically run between $80 and $110. Expect to pay more at a dealership.

The parts to do the job can cost you on average around $100 but can vary greatly depending on how many quarts of fluid and the type of fluid. In addition, you’ll need a new transmission filter and possibly a new pan gasket. But these are all just estimates.

In order to know what your particular costs will be, you will have to get a quote from your local mechanic or dealership but in most cases, they can do it over the phone. Usually, the year, make, and model of your vehicle will play the biggest factor in the quote or estimate they’ll give you.

Depending on the area, there will be taxes and a disposal fee added on to the shop’s total costs.

Related: Common Signs of Low Transmission Fluid

When to Change the Fluid

How much does it cost to have transmission fluid change

The average car manufacturer recommends that a vehicle should get new automatic transmission fluid every 100,000 miles and sometimes even upwards of 150,000 miles. However, most mechanics and automotive repair shops will tell you that you need to get it done every 60,000 to 75,000 miles because 100,000 miles is simply too long.

But like with typical oil change intervals, it’s heavily dependent on your driving habits so there’s no one-size-fits-all interval.

Over time, automatic transmission fluid deteriorates just like any other automotive fluid. The longer you wait, the worse it will be for your car. This is especially true if you normally drive under severe conditions that put more stress on the transmission such as stop-and-go traffic or “spirited” driving.

But don’t worry because if you regularly take your car to a shop or dealership for oil changes, they’ll inspect your ATF and will be able to tell you the right time to get the automatic transmission fluid changed and/or flushed.

See Also: Differential Fluid Change Interval

There are some warning signs that you can pay attention to that will let you know when it is time to get a fluid change for your automatic transmission.

For example, if you have trouble changing gears in your automatic shift then it is a sign that your transmission fluid is dirty. You may also notice your vehicle surging forward or backward as a result of the dirty transmission fluid not being able to flow correctly.

Any kind of unexpected issues like this is an immediate sign to get your fluid changed right away.

The cost for transmission fluid change or flush really depends on whether you’ve got a manual transmission, automatic transmission or continually variable transmission (CVT). That will dictate the amount of fluid you need and, based on the engine, what it takes to change it.

There’s also a difference between a transmission fluid change and a transmission fluid flush.

  • For a fluid change, your service center allows some of the fluid to drain out (maybe as little as 30-percent) and then they add fluid to fill it back up.
  • For a fluid flush, things get more intense. The technician uses a machine to extract all the transmission fluid out, pumps special solution through the torque converter and cooler lines until it runs clean, and THEN fills the transmission back up.

Prices can vary widely, but in general, a transmission fluid change would be $150-175 and for a transmission fluid flush, expect to pay around $165-$290.

Of course, that’s only an estimate. If your fluid is in particularly poor condition (through neglect or contamination), your bill could be higher.

One thing is for sure: Whatever it costs to change or flush your transmission fluid, it’s going to be cheaper than a major transmission repair or rebuilding the transmission entirely.

Is replacing transmission fluid worth it?

Though changing transmission fluid can't fix mechanical problems, it does make for smoother shifts and can extend the life of your transmission. And even when manufacturers recommend fluid change intervals of 150,000 miles under normal conditions, it may be a good idea to change it more frequently.

How much should I pay for a transmission fluid change?

It depends on where you take it. At a mechanics shop or dealer, the price will likely range between $80 to $250. However, if you're willing and able to do it yourself, it should fall between $50-$100.

Why is transmission fluid change so expensive?

Typically an automatic transmission fluid change cost is higher than a manual transmission. This is because the job may also require that your oil filter and pan gasket be replaced as well. The total cost for this service you can estimate to be anywhere from $300-$500.

How much does a full transmission service cost?

The exact transmission cost will vary, based on your particular vehicle and your service department of choice, but you can expect to pay in the ballpark of $1,800 and $3,400 for brand new parts – and don't forget about the labor costs, which can run between $79 and $189.