[Lester B]

[ QUOTE ]
can this [diagnosis] be done for free?

[/ QUOTE ]

The way most shops operate is they will give it a once over for free. This is basically a 5 minute test drive and a quick look underneath. If the problem is obvious, they'll give you an estimate and you go from there.

Most of the time however, the shop after test driving will not be able to determine the problem. The reason is with transmissions, everything is enclosed inside the casing and there are a lot of different problems that can result in similar symptoms. A diagnosis usually consists of application of a scan tool to pull any existing codes and then removing the transmission and tearing into it to diagnose it.

Most shops charge a flat rate for a tear down... usually between $400 and $800 dollars. After they complete the diagnostics, they will make one of three suggestions:

1) Perform the repair, costing x amount of dollars.

2) Given the extent of the repair and age of the car, they might suggest you overhaul (rebuild) the whole transmission. Usually if the cost of the repair is more than half the cost to rebuild it, they'll suggest a rebuild.

3) Given the extent of the repair and age of the car, they'll suggest you replace the transmission outright with a used, remanufactured or brand new transmission.