Transmission Repair in San Antonio – Auto Service Experts

ASE Certified Transmission Specialists at Auto Service Experts

Transmission repair begins with the correct diagnosis of the underlying source of the problem. Our ASE Master Technicians have been San Antonio’s trusted transmission specialists for over 20 years. We combine extensive experience and specialized training with a true passion for what we do. Our shop is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technology to help us quickly and accurately diagnose your vehicle.

FREE Transmission Checks!

Through extensive internal, external, and computer diagnostic systems, we can pinpoint the cause of a problem. This ensures that we make only the necessary repairs and get the job done right the first time. We have the proper training and equipment to rebuild or repair all makes and models of cars, trucks, and SUVs. This includes automatics, CVTs, hybrid vehicles, diesels, standard/manual transmissions, and clutch repair.

We stand behind our work with the absolute best warranty in the automotive industry. We understand that this type of repair is a major decision and can be a significant expense. Our long-standing relationships with parts suppliers allow us to get the right parts at the best prices quickly. We use only high-quality parts and guarantee our work to stand the test of time, ensuring that your investment is a lasting one.

Trust the Experts… Know Before You Owe!!!

Looking for a reliable Transmission Repair Shop Near you? Get Directions!

Our full-service automotive garage is conveniently located on the access road of Highway 281. We are located just South of Bitters Road and North of Wurzbach Parkway. To schedule an appointment at your convenience, please call or email us. Walk-ins are also welcome, so stop by anytime!

Repair vs. Rebuilding – What is the difference, and which is best for your vehicle?

Repair or rebuild? Several factors influence this decision, including the type, age, mileage, and condition of your vehicle, as well as the specific issues you are experiencing. The best way to decide is to have a specialist perform a complete inspection. Our ASE-certified master technicians will provide you with a full report of the overall condition and the condition of specific internal components. We can then discuss the best options with you and help you make informed decisions about the proper repairs for your vehicle. Ask about our free checks and multilevel diagnostic services!

AT Rebuild on 2007 Mazda 3

Whether your vehicle needs a minor repair or a complete custom rebuild, choosing the right transmission shop is essential. Our latest blog article discusses finding the best repair & service center in your area and provides tips on evaluating a mechanic or repair facility.

Transmission Repairs

In transmission repair, only a minimal portion of the unit is fixed or replaced rather than disassembling and rebuilding it completely. Fixing a leak, or replacing a single broken component would be examples of times when a partial repair may be more cost effective or preferable to a complete overhaul.

However, components wear out at different times, and replacing or fixing only certain ones does not guarantee that other components will not fail as well. When recommending repair vs. rebuilding, we consider the overall condition of your transmission. Several factors, including maintenance and adherence to the recommended service and fluid change schedule, influence the condition.

Remanufactured, Overhauled, or Rebuilt Transmissions

Rebuilt units are removed from the vehicle and completely custom rebuilt by a certified specialist. A rebuild is also commonly called an overhaul, a reconditioned, or a refurbished transmission. The term “remanufactured” essentially means the same thing, except that it refers to a product that is rebuilt in a factory rather than a repair shop. Rebuilding is significantly less costly than replacement with a new unit, and provides “like new” performance. 

Our skilled technicians completely disassemble, thoroughly inspect and clean the unit, and remove and replace all damaged or worn hard parts. All soft parts, including seals, gaskets, bands, and clutches, are also replaced before the unit is reassembled and reinstalled. More durable components, such as the drums, gears, casings, and converters, typically just need to be cleaned rather than replaced.

We guarantee that our rebuilt transmissions meet or exceed factory OEM standards and back our work with the best warranty available in San Antonio. 

*Auto Service Experts backs rebuilds with a complete 3-year, 36,000 Mile Warranty on parts and labor.

Components:

Soft Parts – clutch components, gaskets, valves, O-rings, seals, bands, and filters. These parts experience a lot of wear and tear and are all replaced during a rebuild.
Hard Parts – converters, pumps, shafts, drums, gears, and casing. These parts are more durable and do not have to be replaced as often.

Certified Used Transmission Replacements

There are instances when it may be financially more sensible to opt for a used transmission with relatively low mileage. If a new or rebuilt unit costs more than the vehicle’s value, this may be a good option to keep you on the road without having to spring for a whole new car or truck. Transmissions from vehicles that were totaled due to body damage are often still in good condition and are available at an affordable price. Pricing, availability, and quality vary significantly, so consider a certified used unit if you opt for this route. Auto Service Experts backs most used transmission replacements with a 1-year/12,000-mile warranty.

Diagnostics

FREE Checks

The diagnostic specialists at Auto Service Experts can often pinpoint the source of the transmission problem without completely removing and disassembling it. Our state-of-the-art computer diagnostic systems enable us to pinpoint damaged sensors and identify internal issues that impact performance and functionality. Our 21-point, multi-level Inspection Service is designed for detailed and accurate diagnostics. We ensure that only the necessary parts are replaced, and your transmission is properly repaired or rebuilt to factory standards the first time. Our internal, external, and computer diagnostics enable us to identify minor issues before they cause further damage to your vehicle, saving you time and money.

Electrical Diagnostics for Transmission Repair on Toyota Prius Hybrid Car

In-Depth Diagnostic

Expert diagnostics involve an intricate understanding of how the mechanical components operate and how they are tied in with the computer and electrical systems that control them. By scanning the Transmission Control Module for trouble codes, we can get a good idea of where to look for the problem. However, computers and scanners do not repair vehicles; technicians do! Trouble codes narrow down the area in which you can expect to find the source of the problem, but do not tell you what exactly is causing the malfunction.

Once a mechanic knows where to look, it still takes a great deal of expertise to perform accurate diagnostics. Picture a house with 100 rooms in it. A diagnostic scanner can tell you which room to look in for a problem; in this room, you have several components. It does not tell you which component in that room is malfunctioning or whether it is due to auto electrical issues, such as improper wiring or auto mechanical problems, such as a damaged part.

Transmission problems can have many causes and may involve one or more other automotive systems. Modern units are controlled by a computer, which also controls several other systems. A problem in another area, such as the engine or cooling system, can cause them to malfunction. While it is relatively straightforward to determine that the system is not operating correctly, a deeper investigation is required to identify the underlying cause.

Computer Diagnostic Scanner

Our electrical and automotive diagnostic expertise allows us to pinpoint the source of the problem while avoiding any unnecessary repairs. Relying solely on trouble codes to diagnose a vehicle without further investigation will often end up in replacing unnecessary parts. Many times, it will not even correct the original issue.

For example, when a Chrysler vehicle is not shifting, a diagnostic scanner will display a code p0700. This code tells you only that there is a fault in the transmission. Failure to shift often occurs because the output speed sensor fails to communicate to the transmission which gear to engage, causing it to enter fail-safe mode. This costs around $120 to fix and does not require a complete rebuild or overhaul! 

If a simple fix or minor repair can solve the problem, we will find it and will not sell you a new unit or any parts or services you don’t truly need. Our business and reputation are built on honesty, integrity, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Discuss your options with an ASE-certified technician:

After diagnosing your vehicle, we will provide you with a full report. If your car requires repair, we are here to help you make the best decision for your car or truck. Our ASE-certified specialists will discuss the benefits of rebuilding and repair with you and determine the most appropriate solution for your vehicle. We are always happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have regarding your vehicle. We take the time to fully explain the condition of your car and the necessary repairs or recommended services in a way that doesn’t require you to be an expert to understand.

Transmission Fluid Change Service

Transmission service is the number one way to prevent premature failure! It helps the system to last longer and provide peak performance. Transmissions are the most essential, complex component of an automobile’s engine. They transfer power from the vehicle’s engine to its wheels. Their function is vital to the engine, so timely service is a necessity, not an option. If you neglect service for long enough, you will likely need to seek a shop near you to repair or rebuild it.

Fluid Replacement on Jeep

Why Change Fluid Regularly?

Fluid serves several essential functions. It cools the system and prevents the component from overheating. It cleans the system and prevents contaminant buildup from inhibiting operation. It also functions as a lubricant, protecting against excess friction and wear & tear on internal components. Transmissions take a lot of wear and tear under normal operating conditions. A lack of proper auto maintenance can exacerbate this issue. Over time, the fluid becomes dirty or contaminated with debris. It can also deteriorate or leak out to a dangerously low level. These conditions can cause problems such as transmission slipping, difficulty shifting, sticking in neutral, and even complete failure.

The fluid contains special detergents and anti-corrosive lubricants, which deteriorate over time. As the fluid breaks down, providing less lubrication and protection, components begin to wear against one another, causing metal shavings and component particles to break off. These contaminants are then carried through the system. They then create clogs that can block certain parts of the unit from receiving adequate lubrication and prevent the gears from shifting properly. Moving parts can no longer operate freely, eventually leading to damaged components. 

Benefits of Regular Service

Simply having fluid changes at recommended intervals can prevent many of these problems, reduce the likelihood that you will require significant repairs, and effectively increase the lifespan of your vehicle. Transmissions are meant to last a long time, but like all vehicle components, they eventually wear out. How well you maintain it as well as your driving habits and conditions, affect the lifetime and performance.

Strenuous driving conditions cause excess heat and friction. This can lead to premature failure. Under these conditions, the fluid wears out more quickly so your vehicle may require AT service more frequently. In this case, anything other than highway driving is considered strenuous, including:

Stop & go traffic
Towing
Hauling heavy loads
Extreme heat/cold
Air pollution
Steep inclines
Poorly maintained road surfaces

This Transmission was rebuilt due to damage which could have been prevented with proper maintenance.

Ask one of our ASE-certified mechanics about our service Offer!

Automatic Transmission Service

Automatic transmissions (AT) are hydraulically operated systems. This means that their operation depends on AT fluid that travels through tiny passageways and places pressure on bands to shift gears. AT fluid also lubricates, cleans, and cools the inside of the system. The fluid and filter are located within an oil pan in AT systems.

The Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association states that roughly 90% of failures are due to overheating, which can be easily avoided by replacing the fluid. 

Service replaces the old, contaminated, and worn fluid with fresh fluid. This helps to clear clogged passageways and restores adequate protection for moving internal components. It also replaces the clogged filter with a new one to help maintain the condition of the new fluid. Because AT operation relies so heavily on fluid, following the factory maintenance schedule for your vehicle is the most critical step you can take to preserve performance and lifetime. 

Service Includes:

Removing pan
Cleaning pan and checking for leaks
Replacing filter/cleaning screen
Replacing pan gasket
Reinstalling pan
Draining fluid and refilling it to the proper level with new, high-quality fluid according to vehicle-specific manufacturer recommendations.
*Service does not replace all the fluid, as some remains trapped within the working components such as the torque converter, and cooler lines.

Note: On front-wheel-drive vehicles, transmission service includes differential service. In these vehicles, the differential is part of the transaxle so there is no need to schedule a differential fluid change service separately. However, in rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive trucks and cars, differential service should be performed according to your owner’s manual schedule. On many makes and models, the intervals between differential service are quite long, so it can be easy to overlook. Auto differentials are designed to carry a heavy workload and should last you a very long time. Lack of maintenance can cause irreversible damage. Differential service prevents repairs or replacements, which could have easily been avoided.

Manual Transmission Service

Manual transmissions (MT) are not as complex as automatics but are just as essential to maintain correctly. While standards are not hydraulic systems, they still require fluid to lubricate, clean, and protect internal system components. MT fluid contains specialized detergents, lubricants, and anti-corrosive additives that wear out with regular use. MT service drains old, worn fluid and replaces it with fresh fluid, which can properly clean & protect the moving components. Standards are not equipped with fluid filters. Different MTs require different fluids (such as heavy gear oil, AT fluid, or motor oil), so it is essential to follow manufacturer recommendations. This will reduce the possibility of needing to have your manual transmission repaired due to lack of maintenance.

Transmissions and Fuel Economy

The condition of your transmission and its performance affect your fuel economy. Different-sized gears ensure the engine’s power is utilized as efficiently as possible at various travel speeds and under diverse driving conditions, such as climbing inclines and traveling downhill. Engines have an ideal speed zone referred to as the power band. The more gears a unit has, the better it is at maintaining engine speed within the power band under various operating conditions. This enables faster acceleration, improved hill climbing, more efficient towing, and higher maximum speeds while maintaining the best possible fuel economy. Modern automatic transmissions (AT) are becoming increasingly complex. Five speeds and 6 speeds are the most common, while many others have even more. As the number of gears increases so does the complexity of the design. Regular service is more important than ever with more moving parts to protect.

Service Recommendations:

Many common problems can be avoided by having your fluid changed routinely and having a certified ASE mechanic perform a thorough inspection at recommended intervals. Different makes and models of cars and trucks require service at varying intervals, so it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. You can find this information by consulting your vehicle’s owner manual or asking an Auto Service Experts specialist. Visit our Blog for more maintenance tips to improve performance and advice on preventing common causes of transmission failure.

Always use the proper fluid for your vehicle. MTs require a different type of fluid than ATs or CVTs. Likewise, various makes and models have very different specifications, and using the wrong one can cause major problems!

Fluid Change Schedules:

Transmission fluid change is typically required every 2 years or 24,000 miles. Draining and replacing your fluid more often may be necessary if it becomes contaminated, discolored, or low. Contaminated fluid causes the unit to work harder than necessary. It can also cause shifting or slipping problems or even engine overheating.

Keep in mind that the fluid’s life decreases as it is exposed to extremely high temperatures (over 175 degrees Fahrenheit). Harsh driving conditions, such as inclement weather, hauling heavy loads, or driving in mountainous terrain, can place more strain on the transmission. This strain causes internal temperatures to rise and accelerates the deterioration of fluid. Under these conditions, you should have your fluid checked and possibly replaced more often. If you have questions about the proper service schedule for your vehicle and driving habits, please call and speak with one of our ASE-certified Master Mechanics. We are always happy to help.

Proper Fluid Level

It is a good idea to have your transmission level checked periodically between regular service intervals. Low fluid may alert you to the presence of a leak. If caught early, leaks can be repaired before the fluid becomes dangerously low and causes significant damage. 

It is also important to avoid overfilling. In most cases, overfilled fluid will not cause damage. Excess fluid is usually pushed out through the vents, creating a big (and smelly) mess. In cases of extreme overfilling, however, fluid may reach the clutches and cause them to malfunction. Internal gears are designed to operate above the fluid level. Too much fluid splashes around, creating air bubbles, foam, and excessively high pressure inside the gearbox. This pressure can cause seals and components to break. It can also push internal components out of alignment, causing them to grind against one another and creating additional heat and friction. High temperatures decrease the lifetime and effectiveness of the fluid, which means moving components are not adequately lubricated and protected. In extreme cases, these conditions lead to oil starvation, transmission overheating, and possibly failure.

Keeping up with regular maintenance and noticing minor issues before they become major repairs can save you a great deal of time and money. Pay attention to any problem warning signs such as transmission fluid leaking in the driveway, and bring your car to Auto Service Experts for a FREE check as soon as you notice any problem.