I just brought in my car to a dealer for regularly scheduled oil change and they told me I have a moderate transmission leak (wasn't there when I had my transmission fluid flushed during 90k service).
The dealer recommends replacing the whole transmission. Since they do not normally repair transmissions they can only replace the whole thing. They quoted $4k!! for the service.

I know I can probably get it cheaper elsewhere. What should I expect to pay from a local shop (not AAMCO, too many horror stories for me to consider them) for a repair and/or replacement of the transmission? I called a few places but they don't want to give me quotes on the phone, they want to inspect the car first.

Also, how typical of 3rd Gen TLs to start leaking transmission fluids when it get's into higher mileage? It's just weird that I never had any mechanical issues with the car and now I am faced with a $4,000 bill!

Another thing, is it safe to drive the car while I am considering my options? They refilled the transmission, and the leak is moderate.

Thanks in advance for any advices.

 

You don't need to replace an entire trans for a leak, take it to a different dealer or shop. They are just trying to roll you for a new tranny.

 

Sure sounds like BS to me.
I think your first mistake was getting a flush, they likely caused the leak doing that, since they have to remove hoses and such to do it.

They should be able to show you exactly where its leaking from, and it should be an easy fix....pan gasket, hose connection, axle seal maybe.
There are not a lot of places it can leak from.

Brett

 

only if the TL trans had a pan gasket

it's leaking from one of the following areas

1. gasket for casing
2. input shaft seal
3. solenoid connections
4. shift selector input
5. torque converter seal
6. axle seals

 

Replacing a transmission because of a leak? Haha..

I'd get a second opinion from another dealer, one who is willing to diagnose what the actual problem is.

 

+1

 

do you see any red or pink fluid leaking? i'd bet that is just a loose drain bolt for when they drain the old fluid.

 

i see you're in the bay area. can u name which dealer is doin this to you?

 

It's Serramonte Acura. To be fair, they did state they do not normally repair transmissions and if I wanted for them to take care of the problem, the only thing they can do is replace the whole thing. They also did not pressure me to have the replacement done.
Also I doubt that the flush had anything to do with this. I had the transmission flushed 3-4 months ago and if they somehow caused it to start leaking the fluid would have fully leaked out by now. I also once in a while check for leaks and did not see anything couple weeks ago last time I checked. So looks like this leak is pretty new.

I am going to a local mechanic tomorrow that was recommended to me by a friend. I'll post an update here as soon as I know more.

 

Found a shop that will repair it for $1,500
Shop came highly recommended so let's hope they do a good job.

 

What are you spending 1,500 on?

 

Mostly labor. The only parts they ordered was the replacement gasket kit (around $100, maybe $200, don't remember for sure) The rest of the cost was taking the transmission out of the car, taking it apart, putting it back together and back into the car.

Now at 107k and almost a year later, no problems whatsoever

 

Did they have any idea what caused it?

Just wondering so we can get an idea about these 3rd Gen trannys.... Mines an 06 with 42+K on it and I have extended warranty till 120k or 2 more years... I just dont know if I want mine to hurry and fail to get replaced or not fail and work great till I drive her to the dirt, HAHA

 

Oh ok, it just seem like a lot to me. When I took my TL in on Sat. they told me that they had some wiggle room on labor charges, ask them, it wouldn't hurt.

 

I would say #5 would be my guess.. many shops are only trained to R&R, otherwise this is a HUGE upsell.. Be careful with whoever does a reseal for you and make sure they warranty their work.. otherwise you're SOL if you tranny goes..

I personally wouldn't touch it, my trans specialist suggests the same thing.. just check your ATF level frequently.. I look at it this way.. reseal cost ~$1k, a new tranny from Honda costs ~$3k.. it would be a kick in the balls if you did a reseal yet down the road your A/T vomits and you need a new one.