Automatic Transmission, Manual Transmission & New Transmissions
To round out our offerings for our COMPLETE automotive services, Harmony Automotive is also a full-service transmission, drivetrain shop where we can perform service, maintenance and rebuilding services for virtually all manual and automatic transmissions, transfer cases, differentials, and other drivetrain related components.
Transmissions are one of the most complicated system in your vehicle. Many shops vow that they are able to diagnose transmission-related problems. Sadly, the vast majority cannot. Our master-level transmission technicians have extensive experience, knowledge and expertise to diagnose and repair virtually all drivetrain systems.
TRANSMISSION PERFORMANCE CHECK—FREE!
If you think your vehicle may have a transmission problem, please call and set up an appointment to bring your vehicle to Harmony Automotive for an Initial Performance Check.
If the vehicle is immobile, please call us to arrange for a tow company to handle getting your vehicle to us.
Before we can repair your vehicle, we must get to know your transmission. Our performance check consists of a fluid check, road test, pan examination and lift inspection/diagnosis. This provides an initial diagnosis of your car’s transmission performance and general operation.
On top of that, like our general repair services, we offer a nationwide warranty on our transmission work.
WHAT IS A TRANSMISSION AND WHAT DOES IT DO?
The transmission delivers the power from the engine to the vehicle’s wheels. No matter an automatic or manual transmission, it is a major component in the overall performance of your car or truck.
WEAR AND TEAR ON A TRANSMISSION
If a transmission starts exhibiting any issues or drivability problems, get it in to a reputable service center. If you wait, you can make the situation worse and more costly. Make sure to check it at the first sign of a problem.
The following can cause moderate to severe transmission wear and tear, even under normal, let alone severe (aka city, hauling, mountains, etc), driving conditions. These include:
- A person’s driving habits
- If you’re towing something
- Hauling large or excessive loads
- Extreme operating conditions
- Condition of the transmission fluid
- Frequency of regular maintenance
The symptoms of a transmission starting to have issues include:
- Hesitation
- Bucking
- Slipping
- Gears sounding like their grinding
- Shifting problems
A transmission/transaxle keeps the engine’s output optimally matched to the speed and load conditions. The torque converter, connected to the automatic transmission/transaxle input shaft, connects, multiplies and interrupts the flow of engine torque into the transmission. Universal and/or Constant Velocity (CV) joints connect to the driveshaft to transmit output power from the transmission to the rear axle on rear-wheel-drive cars and the front axle on front-wheel-drive cars. These joints also allow the driveshaft and/or CV shaft to work at an angle. The several different types of automatic transmission fluid serve multiple purposes: cleans, cools, lubricates, transmits force, transmits pressure, inhibits varnish buildup and continually protects the transmission.
LOOKING FOR A TRANSMISSION-RELATED PROBLEM?
Fluid Check
The fluid check is generally the first indicator of possible transmission wear and damage. A transmission in good condition will have a clear, clear, red fluid. If there is an unpleasant odor (burnt smell) or discoloration in combination with other symptoms, your transmission may require an internal inspection. During our inspection of your fluid, we will determine if any of these symptoms appear.
Road Test
The road test is made up of 2 parts: a stationary test and a driving test. During these two tests, your transmission is checked for slipping, noises, harsh/soft or erratic shifting, as well as late or early shift patterns.
Pan Examination
The pan examination can be a great indicator of potential problems because it allows a partial look inside the transmission. All pans have some metal particles; however, excessive amounts of metal indicate internal wear and damage to the transmission.
Lift Inspection
This stop will help determine what type of adjustment, repair or replacement may be needed. During a lift inspection, one of our technicians will check the following:
- Neutral Switch
- Transmission Mounts
- Throttle Linkage
- U-Joints
- Manual Linkage
- Fluid Retention
- Modulator
- Electronic Components
- Modulator Vacuum
External Transmission Adjustment Check
When the results of your performance check show that an accessible external transmission related component is damaged, the repair and/or replacement occurs to the damaged piece while the transmission remains in place.
Internal Inspection and Repair
When the results of your performance check show that there is an internal problem with your transmission, we recommend further investigation with an internal inspection of your transmission. This inspection consists of the removal of your transmission and disassembly of the unit in order to view all internal parts. During this inspection, all parts will be examined for wear and damage. When the inspection is completed, one of our technicians will provide you with a report of those items that need either repair or replacement, along with an estimate for those services.
Follow Up / Check-up
If you choose to have our shop repair your transmission, you will receive one of the warranty coverages offered. In addition to warranty coverage, we would like to check the transmission again 10 to 15 days after the service to make sure your car’s transmission is operating properly and the transmission fluid level is correct. We want to ensure the top performance of your transmission to your complete satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: HOW MUCH WILL A TRANSMISSION COST?
A: Transmission repair costs depend on first, what is wrong with the transmission and second what parts may be required to correct the problem. Overall 60% of all repairs are minor ones that do not require a complete overhaul of the transmission. Today’s transmissions are more sophisticated and require extensive testing to determine the reason for failure. That is why Harmony Automotive offers an initial FREE performance check to determine what, if anything, is wrong with the vehicle’s transmission. Often times, it can be something completely different than the transmission.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR WARRANTY?
A: HarmonyAutomotive has the standard 12-month warranty, as well as extended warranties available. Warranty programs may vary. Call or see us for more information.
Q: HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE?
A: The length of time that a repair might take will depend on the type of repair, facility scheduling and availability of any necessary parts. The store manager will keep the customer informed of when a time of completion can be expected.
Q: WILL YOU BE PUTTING ALL NEW PARTS IN MY TRANSMISSION?
A: We use both new and remanufactured parts where required and /or professionally rebuilt transmissions that have been completely rebuilt, as needed, back to (OEM) original equipment.
