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Transmission Problems in Salisbury?
We'll Diagnose It Honestly.
Slipping gears? Rough shifting? Strange noises? We'll diagnose the real problem with championship-level precision—and tell you the truth about what it'll take to fix it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 Google Rating
✓ Written Estimate Before Any Work
✓ Repair or Rebuild—We'll Explain Your Options
✓ Same-Day Diagnostics Available
Your Transmission Is Acting Up. And You're Scared.
Your car hesitates. It slips between gears. You hear grinding noises.
And everyone knows transmission repairs are expensive.
You're worried:
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They'll tell you it's toast when it just needs fluid
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They'll quote you $5,000 and you don't have $5,000
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You'll approve the repair and it still won't work
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You'll get stuck with a car that's not worth fixing
You need someone who will tell you the truth—even if the truth doesn't make them the most money.
How Do You Know If Your Transmission Is Failing?
Here are the warning signs—and what they mean:
Slipping Gears
What it feels like: Your engine revs but your car doesn't accelerate. Or your car suddenly "falls out" of gear.
What it means: Your clutch packs are worn, your fluid is burnt, or you have low line pressure.
How urgent: Very. This gets worse fast.
Delayed or Hard Shifting
What it feels like: You put your car in Drive or Reverse and it takes 2-3 seconds to engage. Or it "clunks" hard into gear.
What it means: Low fluid, worn clutches, bad solenoid, or internal damage.
How urgent: Moderate to high. Diagnose it soon.
Grinding or Whining Noises
What it sounds like: Grinding when you shift. Whining or humming from under the car.
What it means: Worn gears, bad bearings, or failing torque converter.
How urgent: High. Metal-on-metal damage spreads fast.
Burning Smell
What it smells like: Hot, burnt rubber or electrical fire.
What it means: Your transmission fluid is overheating and burning. Internal damage is happening right now.
How urgent: VERY HIGH. Stop driving immediately.
Leaking Red or Brown Fluid
What you see: Red (new fluid) or brown (old fluid) puddles under your car.
What it means: Transmission fluid leak—seal, gasket, or line.
How urgent: Moderate. Low fluid destroys transmissions.
Check Engine Light (Transmission Codes)
What you see: Check engine light or transmission warning light.
What it means: Your car's computer detected a transmission problem—sensor, solenoid, pressure, or slip.
How urgent: Moderate to high. Get it diagnosed.
Won't Go Into Gear
What happens: You shift into Drive or Reverse and... nothing. Car won't move.
What it means: Total transmission failure, linkage problem, or major internal damage.
How urgent: CRITICAL. You need a tow and a diagnostic.
Ignoring It?
Here's What Happens.
Transmission problems don't fix themselves. They get worse—fast.
❌ Minor Problems Become Major Failures
That "small slip"? It's burning up your clutch packs right now. A $600 fix becomes a $3,500 rebuild.
❌ Total Failure Leaves You Stranded
Stuck on the roadside. Tow truck ($150). Rental car ($50/day). Emergency rebuild ($4,000-$6,000).
❌ A Bad Transmission Kills Your Car's Value
"Needs transmission work" = your $8,000 car is now worth $2,000.
❌ Desperate = Expensive Decisions
You approve a $5,000 rebuild because you don't have time for a second opinion.
The cost of ignoring it is WAY higher than the cost of diagnosing it.
Transmission Problems Are Terrifying. We Get It.
For over 12 years, Salisbury drivers have trusted us with their transmission problems because we don't profit from your fear—we profit from fixing your car right.
Here's what makes us different:
1. We Diagnose First—We Don't Guess and Charge You for It
Most shops will tell you "your transmission is slipping" and jump straight to "you need a rebuild."
That's lazy. And it's expensive.
We run a complete diagnostic:
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Electronic scan for codes
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Fluid inspection (color, smell, contamination)
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Road test to replicate symptoms
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Pressure tests (if needed)
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Visual inspection for leaks
We find the ACTUAL problem—not the most profitable one.
Then we tell you what's wrong, what it costs, and what happens if you wait.
2. We Give You Options—Not Just the Most Expensive One
Depending on what's wrong, you might have choices:
Option 1: Repair (fix the broken part—solenoid, sensor, seal, etc.)
Option 2: Replace (install a remanufactured transmission)
Option 3: Service and Monitor (sometimes a fluid change and filter buys you time)
We'll tell you the pros, cons, and costs of each option—and what we'd do if it were our car.
The decision is yours. We're just here to give you the facts.
3. We Stand Behind Our Work—With a Real Warranty
Every transmission repair and rebuild comes with a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty on parts and labor.
If something goes wrong, we
make it right—no questions asked.
We're not a fly-by-night shop. We've been here 12 years. We'll be here tomorrow if you need us.
Getting Your Transmission Fixed Is Simpler Than You Think
Here's how it works:
Step 1: We Diagnose the Real Problem
Bring your car in. We'll start with a complete transmission diagnostic:
What we do:
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Plug into your car's computer (pull transmission codes)
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Inspect fluid (clean? burnt? metal shavings?)
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Road test to replicate the problem
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Check for external leaks
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Test internal line pressure (if needed)
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Inspect related systems (engine, drivetrain)
This usually takes 1-2 hours.
You get a written diagnostic report that explains:
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What's wrong
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Why it's happening
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What needs to be fixed
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What it'll cost
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What happens if you don't fix it
No guessing. No scare tactics. Just facts.
Step 2: We Give You a Clear, Written Estimate
Based on what we found, we'll present your options:
Example 1: Minor Repair
You have a bad shift solenoid. We can replace it for $450. Your transmission itself is fine. This should fix the problem completely.
Example 2: Major Repair
Your torque converter is failing and you have worn clutch packs. You need a replacement. Cost: $2,800-$3,200. If you don't fix it, your transmission will eventually fail completely.
Example 3: Preventative Service
Your fluid is burnt but there's no internal damage yet. A transmission service ($200) will buy you time, but you'll need a rebuild or new transmission at some point. This is a 'delay the inevitable' situation.
We tell you what WE would do if it were our car.
Then you decide.
Step 3: We Fix It Right—And Back It With a Warranty
Once you approve the work, we order the parts and get started.
Depending on the repair:
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Minor repairs (solenoids, sensors, seals): 1-2 days
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Transmission service (fluid and filter): Same day
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Replacement: 2-4 days (remanufactured transmission with warranty)
When we're done, you get:
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A fully tested transmission
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A written warranty (12 months/12,000 miles)
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Nationwide warranty on remanufactured transmissions
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Service records for resale/warranty purposes
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Peace of mind that it's fixed right
You're back on the road—confident it works.
Imagine This: Your Car Shifts Smoothly Again
✔️ No more hesitation when you accelerate onto the highway
✔️ No more grinding when you shift into reverse
✔️ No more slipping between gears at stoplights
✔️ No more panic every time you get in your car wondering if today's the day it dies
Just smooth, confident shifting—the way your car is supposed to drive.
That's what a properly repaired transmission feels like.
And that's what we deliver.
Why You Can Trust Yoder Automotive With Your Family's Safety
We Actually Diagnose—We Don't Just Sell Rebuilds
Transmission problems have dozens of possible causes. Some are cheap to fix. Some aren't.
We don't jump straight to "you need a rebuild" because that's the easiest answer.
Honest Pricing
We'll quote you a price before we start. If we find something unexpected during the repair, we call you first.
No "oh, by the way" charges. No surprise bills.
Complete Transparency
You'll see the diagnostic results. You'll see photos of your fluid. You'll see the codes. We'll explain what everything means—in plain English.
No mystery. No "trust us, it's bad." Just facts.
Real Warranties
Every transmission repair and rebuild includes:
Nationwide warranty on remanufactured transmissions (varies by supplier—typically 3 years/100,000 miles)
If something goes wrong, we make it right.
Complete Transmission Services for All Vehicles
Transmission Diagnostics
Before we recommend anything, we diagnose the actual problem.
Our diagnostic includes: - Computer scan for transmission codes - Fluid inspection and analysis - Road test to replicate symptoms - External leak inspection - Line pressure testing (if needed) - Written report with repair options and costs Diagnostic fee: $120
Transmission Fluid Service
Dirty transmission fluid causes 90% of transmission problems.
We recommend transmission service every 30,000-60,000 miles (check your owner's manual). What we do: - Drain old fluid - Replace transmission filter (if accessible) - Refill with fresh fluid (manufacturer-recommended type) - Road test to ensure proper operation Transmission fluid service: $275-$775 (depending on your vehicle) This is the cheapest way to extend your transmission's life.
Transmission Flush (When Needed)
A transmission flush uses a machine to replace 100% of your fluid (vs. 40-60% with a standard service).
We only recommend flushes when: - Your fluid is extremely dirty but there's no internal damage - Your manufacturer specifically recommends it - You're trying to buy time before a rebuild We do NOT recommend flushes if your transmission is already failing—it can make it worse. Transmission flush: $225-$325
Transmission Repairs
Many transmission problems can be fixed without a full replacement.
Common repairs: - Shift solenoid replacement ($350-$700): Fixes hard shifting, no shifting, or stuck gears - Transmission sensor replacement ($200-$500): Fixes erratic shifting or limp mode - Torque converter replacement ($1,200-$4,200): Fixes shuddering, slipping, or overheating - Output shaft seal replacement ($200-$600): Fixes leaks We'll always try to repair before we recommend a replacement—if it's safe and cost-effective.
Clutch Replacement (Manual Transmissions)
If you drive a manual, your clutch wears out over time.
Signs you need a clutch: - Slipping (engine revs but car doesn't accelerate) - Hard to shift gears - Grinding when you shift - Clutch pedal feels different Clutch replacement: $900-$1,800 (depending on vehicle) Includes clutch disc, pressure plate, throw-out bearing, and resurface flywheel (if needed).
Remanufactured Transmission Replacement
Sometimes a remanufactured transmission is a better value than a rebuild—especially on high-mileage vehicles or if your transmission is too far gone.
Remanufactured transmissions are: - Completely rebuilt to factory specs - Tested and warrantied by the supplier Often include upgraded parts to prevent common failures Remanufactured transmission installation: $3,000-$5,500 Includes nationwide 3-year/100,000-mile warranty (varies by supplier).
Transfer Case & Differential Service (AWD/4WD)
If you drive an AWD or 4WD vehicle, your transfer case and differential need regular fluid service.
We service: - Transfer case fluid (every 30,000-50,000 miles) - Front differential fluid (every 30,000-60,000 miles) - Rear differential fluid (every 30,000-60,000 miles) Skipping these services destroys expensive components. Differential service: $125-$400 per diff Transfer case service: $150-$400
How to Make Your Transmission Last 200,000+ Miles
Your transmission is the second most expensive part of your car (after the engine). Here's how to protect it:
1. Change Your Transmission Fluid Every 30,000-60,000 Miles
Burnt fluid = burnt clutches = dead transmission.
Follow your owner's manual. If it says "lifetime fluid," ignore it—that's marketing BS. Change it every 50,000 miles.
2. Don't Ignore Warning Signs
Small problems become big problems. If your transmission is acting weird, get it diagnosed NOW—not in 5,000 miles.
3. Let Your Car Warm Up (Especially in Winter)
Cold transmission fluid doesn't flow well. Drive gently for the first 5-10 minutes in cold weather.
4. Don't Tow Without a Transmission Cooler
Towing creates heat. Heat kills transmissions. Install a cooler if you tow regularly.
5. Come to a Complete Stop Before Shifting Into Reverse
Shifting while rolling damages gears and clutches. Stop. Then shift.
6. Don't Ride the Brakes Downhill
Use lower gears to engine-brake on steep hills. Constant braking overheats your transmission.
7. Fix Leaks Immediately
Low fluid = No lubrication = Catastrophic failure. If you see a leak, fix it.
FAQ’s About Transmission Repair
Schedule Your Transmission Service in Salisbury Today
Easy to Find Right Here in Salisbury, NC
Conveniently located near Salisbury Mall and Jake Alexander Blvd.
Serving Spencer, Rockwell, China Grove, and the greater Rowan County area.
Yoder Automotive Location
Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM