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CostHelper.com > Cars  > Flushing a Transmission

Flushing a Transmission Cost

How Much Does Flushing a Transmission Cost?

low cost Typically: $75-$250

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Replacing a Transmission

Wheel Alignment

Tune-up

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Similar to an oil change, flushing a transmission replaces the fluid that lubricates the transmission. Most transmissions have some sort of filter that should be serviced at the same time. Some drive through service facilities will try to sell you the service before it may be necessary. Check your vehicle owner's manual to determine proper maintenance schedule.
 
Typical costs:
  • $75-$250, depending on the vehicle. Some examples: 2005 Audi A6, about $200; 2005 Toyota Camry, about $210; 2005 Dodge Caravan, about $175.
  • Costs vary from one make and model to another, generally speaking the more you paid for the car, the more you are likely to spend this service.
  • Prices also vary depending on prevailing labor costs. If workers tend to be paid less than average in your area, you may find lower prices.
What should be included:
  • Replacing transmission fluid and filter (if car is equipped with one).
Discounts:
  • Some repair shops offer discounts for AAA members.
Shopping for flushing a transmission:
  • Find a reputable repair shop and proceed with caution when using bargain specials from unknown mechanics.
  • Find a mechanic before you need one. Do your research and locate a mechanic you trust before you actually need servicing, so you aren't stuck with the first mechanic you find during a time of need.
  • If you don't already have a mechanic, look for mechanics who are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Search for ASE certified Blue Seal repair facilities.
Article updated February 2007
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Recent Posts
Amount: $0.00 Transmission Flush Quote
Posted by: Paul B in Plymouth, MA.Purchased: June, 2004
Car Make: 2003 ChevroletCar Model: Blazer 4X4
I was quoted a price from Valvoline for about $135.00 for a transmission flush. My Blazer never had this service since I bought it new in 2003. I currently have 139K miles on it. I think they are charging alot of money for this service. I think $60 dollars would be a fair price. I need to shop around for a better price. Hey, I'm not a rich guy...
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Amount: $188.85 transmission flush
Posted by: Good Vibe, MI in Benton Harbor, MI.Purchased: 2009
Car Make: PontiacCar Model: Vibe
Auto Shop: GMC DealerType of Fluid:
I thought this was really high, but dealerships tend to be. I trust them to stand behind it anyway.
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Amount: $129.95 transmission flush
Posted by: John Stax in Maplewood, MN, MN.Purchased: November, 2005
Car Make: fordCar Model: taurus
Auto Shop: maplewoodtransmission.comType of Fluid: syn. ATF
had transmission flushed at 60,000k as rec. by ford. transmission shifts great. service adviser told me that transmission fluid is like engine oil, if you do NOT replace when needed your transmission will eventually fail...
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Amount: $130.00 transmission flus
Posted by: mc65 in pembroke, MA.Purchased: February, 2010
Car Make: hyundaiCar Model: santa fe 2004
Auto Shop: valvolineType of Fluid:
I think Valvoline is high...38 for the oil change, 130 for the transmission...the car is running more smoothly. But they were very high-sell and you\'d think they\'d at least have a waiting room. I\'m going back to Midas next time. (99 for transmission, 27 oil)
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Amount: $281.00 Transmission Flush/Filter/Gasket
Posted by: Sable in Spokane, WA.Purchased: March, 2010
Car Make: MercuryCar Model: Sable
Auto Shop: LloydsType of Fluid: Dexron
Had flush with filter and gasket replaced--engine and pan were cleaned to inspect for leaks. It was test driven and I am to come back in two weeks for another free inspection. Husband felt I was taken to the cleaners. I felt they did a great job and the price was average.
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Amount: $0.00 Transmission Flush vs Fluid change
Posted by: Bruce S. Poteat in Norman, OK.Purchased: August, 2009
Car Make: FordCar Model: F 150
Auto Shop: Bob'sType of Fluid: Mercon V
Some of the post are describing a Transmission fluid change and calling it a Transmission Flush. During a Transmission Flush you have a flush added to your transmission fluid and circulated to lose deposits. Then 100% of the old fluid is removed and replaced with new fluid usually 12+ quarts. When you drop the transmission pan you only change about 5-6 quarts of the old fluid leaving the rest of the old dirty fluid in the system. Some of you may need to ask to see what was done to your vehicle. Consider this, a good flush and conditioner for this type service cost around $30 dollars and replacing 12+ quarts of Mercon V at about $5.50 per quart is $65+ then the shop has got to make a profit; say $45 and you are already up to $141. There is no way you can get a Transmission FLUSH for some of the prices you have quoted.
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Amount: $377.95 Complete Transmission Flush
Posted by: Jell in covina, CA.Purchased: March, 2010
Car Make: FordCar Model: Excursion
Auto Shop: Harrell's Transmission SpecialistsType of Fluid: ?
Had a complete flush, speed sensor replaced and vehicle speed sensor (?) replaced. At 99676 miles
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Amount: $199.00 Transmission Flush
Posted by: Regina in Fort Worth, Texas in Fort Worth, TX.Purchased: March, 2010
Car Make: 2007 ChevroletCar Model: Trailblazer
Auto Shop: Kwik KarType of Fluid: Dexron
Don't know much about cars, went in for an oil change right over 60K miles. Transmission Oil was pretty dark. The service was 199 but they charge extra due to the type of fluid my vehicle uses...so it came to about 250 after all was said and done...
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Amount: $130.00 Transmission flush
Posted by: drive till it dies in Augusta, ME.Purchased: August, 2004
Car Make: NissanCar Model: Maxima
Auto Shop: IndependentType of Fluid:
Had no problems with this 98' Maxima with 97k miles but when I asked a service rep in MD what kind of maintenance I should have done, this was one of them. Along with a power flush of the fuel system (was getting poor milage) the car runs noticeably smoother and more responsive gas pedal. Prior to this I just had the transmission fluid drained and changed at 30k miles. This has been the most reliable car with the lowest maintenance costs I ever had.
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Amount: $150.00 mini van 3.3L
Posted by: Jorge Paim in orlando, FL.Purchased: 2004
Car Make: dodge 95Car Model: caravan
I need a used transmission for it
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Amount: $197.00 Transmission Flush
Posted by: Msmith9962 in Alexandria, VA.Purchased: May, 2004
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Corolla
Auto Shop: DealershipType of Fluid:
Took my 2003 Corolla LE w/111,000 miles to the Dealership for brakes and a few other things (had a $250 credit to use) they recommended a transmission flush for $197, I hadn't done one in a while so I said sure. The care does seem to run better but I feel like I could have got a better price.
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Amount: $0.00 Transmission Flush
Posted by: lst in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.Purchased: 2010
Car Make: HyundaiCar Model: Santa Fe
Auto Shop: DealerType of Fluid:
They recommended this transmission flush at every 30,000 miles as part of an overpriced maintenance schedule--I checked the owners manual--no mention of this service needed. Sounds like a money maker to me.
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Amount: $765.90 expensive
Posted by: gghjgjg in who, NV.Purchased: January, 2010
Car Make: LamborghiniCar Model: Diablo
Very expensive for just changing the trans. fluid
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Amount: $170.00 transmission fluid change 5-7 qrts
Posted by: vance in san diego, CA.Purchased: March, 2010
Car Make: fordCar Model: Explorer
Auto Shop: deans autoType of Fluid: Mercon
I have done many of these services on my cars. You have to know what you want done and trust a mechanic.The corner 10 minute lube change shops try to rip you off all the time , so be careful with them.The oil $45. the pan gasket $25 the filter $20. the labor $80. When you do a change you should change the filter and pan gasket also , otherwise your pumping the oil through the dirty filter.A change is 5-7 qrts of oil a flush is all oil changed , that's 12 qrts.Know what you want !!!
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Amount: $169.00 Transmission fluid change
Posted by: Gardan in Kissimmee, FL.Purchased: 2010
Car Make: ToyotaCar Model: Camry
Auto Shop: TuffyType of Fluid: synthetic
2003 Toyota Camry. It cost me $169 to have the transmission fluid changed with synthetic fluid. It seems like a lot of money for them to put the car up on the lift, hook it up to a machine, then turn the machine on. Though I suppose they have to pay for that machine some how and I'm not sure how often they get to use it. But it still seems like a lot.
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Amount: $198.17 trans flush
Posted by: ford nut in cumberland, MD.Purchased: June, 2010
Car Make: f 350 fordCar Model: 1994
Auto Shop: transmissionType of Fluid: syn.
198.00 dollars well spent tech used bg cleaner and ran truck hooked up machine and flushed system let me watch old fluid out and new in big difference in color added conditioner drove again and rechecked fluid level. about 2 hrs. of time but shifts better and worth it.
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Amount: $295.00 Transmission Flush
Posted by: samt in Ontario, OR.Purchased: August, 2010
Car Make: SubaruCar Model: Outback
Auto Shop: Ford/SubaruType of Fluid: Transmission
22 qt Transmission Fluid @ 9.00 199.00
Filter 33.00
Labor 58.00

Took a lot of fluid to change transmission oil
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Amount: $140.00 Transmission Flush
Posted by: Buddy in Mauldin, SC.Purchased: August, 2010
Car Make: MercuryCar Model: Villager
Auto Shop: Country LifeType of Fluid: Flush & Filter
Its good to have a shop you know & trust! I go there all the time and the owner said the trans work is usually about 200 bucks. He knows I'm unemployed right now so he quoted me $140 to do the job right! Flush, trans oil, filter & gasket. Thats a $60 discount. He knows I trust his work & I'll be coming back!
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Amount: $210.00 Transmission Flush
Posted by: a user in Dassel, MN.Purchased: 2010
Car Make: ChevyCar Model: Silverado
Auto Shop: KingstonType of Fluid: n/a
Totally flushed and filled transmission and transfer case on a 4WD. No issues with service or mechanics...
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Amount: $250.00 Transmission Flush
Posted by: mngopher in Ocala, FL.Purchased: October, 2009
Car Make: FordCar Model: F-250
Auto Shop: DealerType of Fluid: synthetic
This is a diesel with the torqshift trans. I thought it was a good deal.
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