Cost of trans fluid change

[waterman]

Definitely shop around; I imagine you'd find something much more cost effective....So fluid flush w/the correct fluid for those units, wiring harness w/temp sensor (one-piece design) and fast adapt relearn for $1,770.00...No reprogramming is needed for simply swapping the harness or even for rebuilding the transmission. The only time you'd need to actually reprogram the unit is if you were swapping in a used trans from another vehicle w/a different TEHCM/TCM part number or replacing your ECM.

Here's a Sonnax article on the relearn process if you're interested to learn a little more about it and how it's done.

Hello,

I spoke with a different dealer and they came up with a similiar price. I called a independent shop and he said he didn’t believe it’s just the fluid and there are other problems but said he wants to drive it first and doesn’t charge for diagnosing. My coworker has someone he trusts and will get me there name. What are your thoughts?

 

[NickTransmissions]

Hello,

I spoke with a different dealer and they came up with a similiar price. I called a independent shop and he said he didn’t believe it’s just the fluid and there are other problems but said he wants to drive it first and doesn’t charge for diagnosing. My coworker has someone he trusts and will get me there name. What are your thoughts?

If the correct fluid is already in the trans and is at the correct level, im inclined to agree with the independent shop that something else could be happening. If there's no charge for diagnosis and their shop has good reviews, I'd take it over and let them check it out. They will stick a bi-dir scanner and watch transmission data; will look specifically for things like shift times, tcc behavior and any gear ratio anomalies and diag from there.

Perhaps you can get the harness / temp sensor replaced without having to damn near take out a second mortgage to finance it, lol

 

[vcode]

Hello,

I spoke with a different dealer and they came up with a similiar price. I called a independent shop and he said he didn’t believe it’s just the fluid and there are other problems but said he wants to drive it first and doesn’t charge for diagnosing. My coworker has someone he trusts and will get me there name. What are your thoughts?

I would definitely look at an independent shop. I live in Wisconsin and have been looking for a Tahoe and many show up in Illinois. It is shocking how many dealers have zero star reviews. Unfortunately, they have been buying the dealers up here as well. Coffmann GMC was the only dealer that seemed decent to me, but I have no actual experience with them.

 

[Hodgeee]

Ive heard way more problems with the 8 speed, when people thought the 6 speed was bad. As long as you properly flushed or changed your tranny fluid on 09 to 14 truck six speeds, and changed your transmission temperature thermostat to the 154 degree one on 15 and up truck six speeds. They should last you. Unless you tow a lot, then you may still run into problems if you dont upgrade the stock tranny cooler, or add one. I tow a camper and boat a lot, so i put on a push fan on my stock cooler with a 180 degree fan. So even on 110 degree days in traffic towing, mine has not hit higher than 189 degrees.

Once again, only time will tell on these new 8 speeds. Ive driven them and like that you have better power at all speeds than the six speed, but considering that it was co-built by Ford. I dont trust them.

Hey, waterman, is it a specific transmission shop?

 

[waterman]

Ive heard way more problems with the 8 speed, when people thought the 6 speed was bad. As long as you properly flushed or changed your tranny fluid on 09 to 14 truck six speeds, and changed your transmission temperature thermostat to the 154 degree one on 15 and up truck six speeds. They should last you. Unless you tow a lot, then you may still run into problems if you dont upgrade the stock tranny cooler, or add one. I tow a camper and boat a lot, so i put on a push fan on my stock cooler with a 180 degree fan. So even on 110 degree days in traffic towing, mine has not hit higher than 189 degrees.

Once again, only time will tell on these new 8 speeds. Ive driven them and like that you have better power at all speeds than the six speed, but considering that it was co-built by Ford. I dont trust them.

Hey, waterman, is it a specific transmission shop?

Yes, the shop I’m bringing it to just does transmissions. My coworker hasn’t given the name of the person he knows so I’m going to try this shop. I hope he does the diagnosing with a open mind and not think it automatically needs a rebuild

 

[Hodgeee]

Yeah, funny, ive run into that. Just right off the bat, oh we need to do this or that, without even looking at them.

 

[vcode]

Ive heard way more problems with the 8 speed, when people thought the 6 speed was bad. As long as you properly flushed or changed your tranny fluid on 09 to 14 truck six speeds, and changed your transmission temperature thermostat to the 154 degree one on 15 and up truck six speeds. They should last you. Unless you tow a lot, then you may still run into problems if you dont upgrade the stock tranny cooler, or add one. I tow a camper and boat a lot, so i put on a push fan on my stock cooler with a 180 degree fan. So even on 110 degree days in traffic towing, mine has not hit higher than 189 degrees.

Once again, only time will tell on these new 8 speeds. Ive driven them and like that you have better power at all speeds than the six speed, but considering that it was co-built by Ford. I dont trust them.

Hey, waterman, is it a specific transmission shop?

GM and Ford worked together on the 10 speed, not the 8 speed that I am aware of. Could be wrong. They did do some work together on the front drive 6/8/9 speed tranny.

 

[waterman]

Hey Lou,

The dealership isnt known as the stealership for nothing, lol. That said, the temp sensor is integral to the wiring harness and the replacement harnesses are all one-piece designs that require valve body removal to change it out. Its a fairly straight forward process, shouldnt take more than an hour, two tops. They also have to replace the vb to case bolts which are torque to yield on those and later transmissions (stupid but is what it is - im sure ARP has replacement bolts available or will soon). Plus a VB to case seal.

My guess is your engine light was on a P0711 was showing and trans thinks its cold when its at op temp so shift compensation adaptations to temp swings were not happening, hence your drivability symptoms.

Always get a quote before turning things over to them or post to let us know about your code/symptoms before taking it anywhere and perhaps we can help you do it yourself next time, saving you some $$$($).

Good morning. I dropped of my truck last night to the transmission shop by my house. When I picked up my truck from the dealer they quoted me 10,000 before tax for a rebuilt transmission. I’m really starting to worry.

 

[OR VietVet]

Good morning. I dropped of my truck last night to the transmission shop by my house. When I picked up my truck from the dealer they quoted me 10,000 before tax for a rebuilt transmission. I’m really starting to worry.

The dealer shop's stock in trade is to make you worry. So many people cave to them. You may need a transmission replacement but IMO, you also NEED at least two opinions and maybe 3. Lots of times, the stealership transmission people are just parts changers, not always but lots of times. The independent transmission shops do a better job of diagnosing and explaining of the problems and fixes.

I will continue to say this though. "Maintenance pays and breakdowns cost". I have no idea if lack of maintenance had anything to do with the problems you are having but I know for 100% fact, continued maintenance on the many vehicle systems is your best bet to help keep these problems from happening.

Not saying this next statement happened here, but so many times, vehicle owners do "breakdown maintenance" and that leads to higher costs in the long run.

 

[NickTransmissions]

Good morning. I dropped of my truck last night to the transmission shop by my house. When I picked up my truck from the dealer they quoted me 10,000 before tax for a rebuilt transmission. I’m really starting to worry.

For 10k that truck had better fly under its own power, haha. Or, at the very least, the transmission should prepare a hot, fresh quality cup of coffee and have it wating for you every morning when you get in to drive to work (or whereever you may be going).

I'm interested to hear what the trans shop comes up with and does. @OR VietVet captures the gist of the rest of what I would also say in his post above.

 

[waterman]

The dealer shop's stock in trade is to make you worry. So many people cave to them. You may need a transmission replacement but IMO, you also NEED at least two opinions and maybe 3. Lots of times, the stealership transmission people are just parts changers, not always but lots of times. The independent transmission shops do a better job of diagnosing and explaining of the problems and fixes.

I will continue to say this though. "Maintenance pays and breakdowns cost". I have no idea if lack of maintenance had anything to do with the problems you are having but I know for 100% fact, continued maintenance on the many vehicle systems is your best bet to help keep these problems from happening.

Not saying this next statement happened here, but so many times, vehicle owners do "breakdown maintenance" and that leads to higher costs in the long run.

Thank you both for replying this morning. I’m sitting here wondering if I should have had the fluid changed earlier. I’m at 50,000 miles now mostly highway and it’s not my daily driver. I was thinking of having it done in November when I get the next oil change and tire rotation. But I will take your advice and not do breakdown maintenance. I’m hoping for the best right now.

 

[waterman]

For 10k that truck had better fly under its own power, haha. Or, at the very least, the transmission should prepare a hot, fresh quality cup of coffee and have it wating for you every morning when you get in to drive to work (or whereever you may be going).

I'm interested to hear what the trans shop comes up with and does. @OR VietVet captures the gist of the rest of what I would also say in his post above.

Good Afternoon,


The shop just called me. He told me the torque converter is bad and I have the shuddering issue. He won’t do the trans flush with the wiring harness because he feels that won’t work. He gave me a price of 2850 to rebuild my transmission with a year warranty and 3495 with two year. The dealer gave me a quote of 10,000 for a three year warranty. Do I get a third opinion?

 

[NickTransmissions]

Good Afternoon,


The shop just called me. He told me the torque converter is bad and I have the shuddering issue. He won’t do the trans flush with the wiring harness because he feels that won’t work. He gave me a price of 2850 to rebuild my transmission with a year warranty and 3495 with two year. The dealer gave me a quote of 10,000 for a three year warranty. Do I get a third opinion?

That option sounds good to me, provided that he's replacing the wiring harness along with everything else that would need to be replaced during the course of an 8-speed transmission rebuild. And yes, those converters are infamous for failing (class action lawsuits are pending, I believe). The extra year covers his parts costs to go through the unit again if it fails - up to you as to whether you want the additional protection. Given he could almost rebuild your transmission three times for the cost of what the dealer is wanting for one new unit, I'd be inclined to go with the independent shop.

I would ask him what gets replaced, in addition to the usual stuff like filter, frictions, bushings, paper/rubber/seals/sealing rings, solenoids, wiring harness and converter. For example, does he replace the chain drive on the pump, swap out the pump or just replace some internals (either is fine - most of my pumps don't need replacement, just reconditioning and replacement of small internal parts). Are there any other parts that typically wear and get replaced during overhaul?

Once he tells you, assuming he divulges that information, it would be your call at that point.

 

[waterman]

That option sounds good to me, provided that he's replacing the wiring harness along with everything else that would need to be replaced during the course of an 8-speed transmission rebuild. And yes, those converters are infamous for failing (class action lawsuits are pending, I believe). The extra year covers his parts costs to go through the unit again if it fails - up to you as to whether you want the additional protection. Given he could almost rebuild your transmission three times for the cost of what the dealer is wanting for one new unit, I'd be inclined to go with the independent shop.

I would ask him what gets replaced, in addition to the usual stuff like filter, frictions, bushings, paper/rubber/seals/sealing rings, solenoids, wiring harness and converter. For example, does he replace the chain drive on the pump, swap out the pump or just replace some internals (either is fine - most of my pumps don't need replacement, just reconditioning and replacement of small internal parts). Are there any other parts that typically wear and get replaced during overhaul?

Once he tells you, assuming he divulges that information, it would be your call at that point.

Thank you

 

[OR VietVet]

That option sounds good to me, provided that he's replacing the wiring harness along with everything else that would need to be replaced during the course of an 8-speed transmission rebuild. And yes, those converters are infamous for failing (class action lawsuits are pending, I believe). The extra year covers his parts costs to go through the unit again if it fails - up to you as to whether you want the additional protection. Given he could almost rebuild your transmission three times for the cost of what the dealer is wanting for one new unit, I'd be inclined to go with the independent shop.

I would ask him what gets replaced, in addition to the usual stuff like filter, frictions, bushings, paper/rubber/seals/sealing rings, solenoids, wiring harness and converter. For example, does he replace the chain drive on the pump, swap out the pump or just replace some internals (either is fine - most of my pumps don't need replacement, just reconditioning and replacement of small internal parts). Are there any other parts that typically wear and get replaced during overhaul?

Once he tells you, assuming he divulges that information, it would be your call at that point.

He said the $10k was for a reman/rebuilt. The latest quote is the way to go.

 

[NickTransmissions]

He said the $10k was for a reman/rebuilt. The latest quote is the way to go.

The dealer quoted him 10k for one reman whichh for that price, its making me coffee every morning at the very least. The indy shop quoted him $2850 with a year wararnty which should be fine as long as nothing's getting skipped over (ie solenoids / harness replaced with OEM equivalents plus all the other usual stuff)...

Will be interesting to hear what that rebuild does and doesnt include, parts wise.

Im hoping to get one of those things in within the next month or so. Until then, all my knowledge about them is based on review of manuals and the net...

 

[thegrunter]

I recently lemon lawed my 21 Blazer because the tranny started to shudder at 6200 miles. GM told me it was a known issue during the assembly where too much lube between parts got into the fluid and caused slippage and wear on the torque converter. I noticed the shifts were noticeable, but thought it was normal. Turns out, it was happening on day 1. I got a '23 Tahoe LS in the exchange and I'm going to take it in after 500 miles to have the tranny fluid replaced to prevent any excess lube in the tranny from causing an issue down the road. Call it preventive maintenance.

 

[waterman]

The dealer quoted him 10k for one reman whichh for that price, its making me coffee every morning at the very least. The indy shop quoted him $2850 with a year wararnty which should be fine as long as nothing's getting skipped over (ie solenoids / harness replaced with OEM equivalents plus all the other usual stuff)...

Will be interesting to hear what that rebuild does and doesnt include, parts wise.

Im hoping to get one of those things in within the next month or so. Until then, all my knowledge about them is based on review of manuals and the net...

Hello,

He didn’t give me a detailed list of what his rebuild includes. I mentioned to him the items you posted earlier and he said yes he takes care of that. I went to his shop to meet him and his employees and they seem very knowledgeable. I’m still kind of in shock that I have to get it rebuilt but that how it goes.

Right now I’m leaning towards having him do the rebuild.

 

[NickTransmissions]

Hello,

He didn’t give me a detailed list of what his rebuild includes. I mentioned to him the items you posted earlier and he said yes he takes care of that. I went to his shop to meet him and his employees and they seem very knowledgeable. I’m still kind of in shock that I have to get it rebuilt but that how it goes.

Right now I’m leaning towards having him do the rebuild.

Well a lot of the decision is based on how the interactions go, first impression the shop leaves so if he's saying he addresses all the main things that need to be cared for in a rebuild and you have a good overall impression, gut-feeling wise then its prob a good situation. If not, continue shopping around...

 

[OR VietVet]

IMO, he sounds good but I would still want a detailed list of the parts included. Also, I am assuming those prices include R&R of the transmission and does it include flushing the lines and cooler(s)?