How to Test a New Transmission?
Posted by chetchet19@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 12 comments
We have a reliable 2013 Hyundai Sante Fe with only 38,000 miles on it, (we only drive it infrequently). The transmission finally went, and rather than getting a whole new car, we are spending $3,400 on a new transmission installed. It was recently installed, and so far it drives well. But what should I be looking for or testing to make sure they did everything right? Other than the obvious not going into gear, are there subtle signs? I trust the mechanic, but want to make sure he didn't rush through his work. thanks!
Jjmills101@reddit
If it drives fine then they did it correctly. Anything major would be immediately obvious and anything minor you can’t feel is almost certainly a non-issue
Ineedathiccie@reddit
Sell the car before the engine blows. Not being dramatic, but if the transmission is any representation of the build quality of the rest of the car, let it be someone else's problem
Wild_Ad4599@reddit
Reliable Santa Fe with a blown transmission at 38K miles… 🤔
I wouldn’t worry too much about the transmission. The engine will likely grenade pretty soon.
Seriously though, keep an eye on your oil, once it starts burning it, you’re on borrowed time.
RemoteVersion838@reddit
transmission oil leaks but if it drives fine it sounds like it was done right.
GameofLifeCereal@reddit
As far as how long a transmission should last, should it be on par with an engine ? That is, 100,000 miles would be considered a nice low end to aim for ?
CarobAffectionate582@reddit
Change the fluid as recommended (few do this), don't abuse it (most aren’t), and 300k is reasonable and some go many more. 500k on a solid Aisin transmission that is serviced is reasonable.
Don’t change the fluid and you are on borrowed time after 150k, on average.
CasioOceanusT200@reddit
"The transmission finally went" doesn't go with "38,000 miles".
Just drive the car and perform maintenance as required. It'll be fine.
saltysaturdays@reddit
Given the transmission went after only 38k maybe don’t drive in a way that would test its durability…
Gunk_Olgidar@reddit
If it can drive from zero to highway speed and back, shifting normally, then it works.
You can go back to sleep now.
Nstraclassic@reddit
floor it in neutral and throw it into gear a few times. if it holds up you found a good mechanic. if it breaks find a different one and do it again
emt3_14159@reddit
If you can check the fluid, check it after driving in the city for 10-15, on a level surface in park while the engine in running, but considering its a 2013 it probably doesn't have a dipstick. If that is the case, you can take it to any reputable mechanic and they'll check it for you.
Otherwise, if it shifts smoothly, and you don't feel anything out of the ordinary, it should be fine.
captain_sta11@reddit
You’re overthinking it. If it drives fine. Don’t worry about it.
I’d be much more curious about how a transmission “finally went” at 38k miles. That’s incredibly low miles for a trans to fail at. Even on a 12 year old car.