My Explorer has been giving me problems lately with the transmission not going into the higher gears. Its an automatic and will not move unless I put it in either one or two. Now the reverese doesn't work so I took it to a dealer to give me an estimate and what they thought. They recommend that I replace the entire transmission which is going to cost me 3546.15 which is almost as much as its worth at this point. Is the a fair estimate and if so what other cheaper options do I have. I would appreciate any suggestions.

Javi

1. Get an estimate from an independent shop that you know is trustworthy; a dealer makes at least $20-30 more an hour without any real justification.

2. Get estimates for both a reman and a used trans. Used is going to be cheapest; a rebuilt will be cheaper than a remanufactured, but that's because they only replace what's wrong with the trans when they rebuild it. When they reman the trans, they'll replace everything.

3. Yes, replace the whole trans. It's very hard to say what damage has been done until you remove the trans and disassemble it.

A rebuild or a replacement are your only options my friend.

If it is purely an economical issue then go to a chain transmission shop like AAMCO that deal only in transmissions they will usually rebuild one for about $1,500-$2,000. Even a replacement from them are usually cheaper then the dealer and a replacement or rebuild will come with a 1 year warranty. Another option is to check the wrecking yards, in some areas they will sell you and install a used transmission for around $1,000 or so but be sure to ask if they do installations because some areas/wrecking yard only sell parts but don't do installations. Although I have always had good luck with used transmissions you have to be aware of the fact that when you buy used you don't know what kind of use/abuse the previous transmission had before you got it and they will usually only warranty them for 30 days.

Anyway you spin it you need a new or rebuilt transmission but north of $3,500 is a bit overpriced in my book.