At Elite Transmissions, we know that you the consumer have a multitude of curious questions concerning your vehicles, as well as your pocket books.. Below are a few answers to some of the most commonly asked questions that we get from our customers.
Question: How can I tell if or when my car’s transmission has a problem?
Answer: In today’s cars and trucks, the transmissions are electronically controlled and do not always give the indication that there is a problem. However; there are some things to look for. Spots or puddles of transmission fluid left on the driveway after the vehicle has been stationary for an extended period of time. Delayed forward or reverse engagement when you initially put the vehicle in gear. Engine races during a shift. Strange noises like grinding, howling or squealing. Transmission fluid dark or smells burnt. You may even see your “Service Engine Soon / Check Engine” light come on or begin to flash. If your car is indicating or displaying any of these symptoms, you should have it checked by a professional immediately.
Question: Why can’t I get a price for repairs on my transmission prior to bringing it into the shop?
Answer: You wouldn’t believe how many of our callers want us to give them a price for repairs over the phone. It would be nice if it were that simple. Before we can give an accurate price on a repair, we first have to know what it is that we’re giving a price on. With today’s cars and trucks this can be a real issue. Not only do we have to know what, if anything inside the transmission is damaged. We also have to know what, if any internal or external “Electronic” parts may be causing your problem. This simply can not be done without performing a proper diagnostic procedure. Even though you have given us as much information as you can about the way your car is behaving. Does your definition of a bump, grind, squeak, rattle, slip, or smell mean the same thing to us? Probably not! So, without letting us check your vehicle with proper diagnostic equipment and procedures, at best, all we would be able to do is guess at the cause of your vehicles problem. Still, neither of us know what is really wrong with your vehicle, or how much it is going to cost to repair it..
Question: Why does it cost so much to have my transmission repaired.?
Answer: Repairing any transmission is quite a bit more complicated than say, adjusting a carburetor, or installing a set of brake pads. Today’s transmissions are extremely complicated, especially those with front wheel drive and/or computerized control systems. There can be literally hundreds of parts in these transmissions, as well as electronic solenoids, sensors, and wiring harnesses. With the manufacturers building more and more technology into todays automobiles, just getting the transmission out of the vehicle calls for major surgery. Proper vehicle maintenance can often head off the costs of major transmission repairs. We recommend having your transmission serviced regularly every 15,000 to 25,000 miles depending on your driving habits.
Question: What is included in a complete rebuild on my transmission.?
Answer: It’s impossible to say exactly what parts are going to have to be replaced in each transmission 
until we have had a chance to disassemble the unit and take a look inside. However, aside from the possibility of there being major hard part damage like, “planetary gear sets, clutch drums, sprag assemblies or even the transmission case/housing it’s self“. Every transmission rebuild requires that we install what we call a “Master Overhaul Kit“. This kit includes the following, all of the Frictions (clutches), Steels (plates that separate the clutches), Bands, Bushings, Thrush Washers (used to separate hard steel parts), Piston Lip Seals, Gaskets, Filter, and External Seals. This Overhaul kit is necessary in every rebuild. The Larger more expensive Hard Parts mentioned above are not always required to repair a transmission. The damage to those parts is usually caused when people continue to drive their vehicle once the transmission has developed a problem..
