UK's Automatic Gearbox Repair Specialists

The cost of a gearbox repair depends on your vehicle, the type of gearbox and what has actually failed. That could be a single solenoid, a valve body, a mechatronic unit, worn clutch packs or a torque converter. A targeted repair to one component is usually the cheapest option. A rebuild costs a fraction of a new gearbox. Call 0808 164 0418 and describe the symptoms, and a technician can talk you through the likely causes and give you an initial estimate. You get a full quote to approve after diagnosis, before any work begins.

Rebuilding is usually the better option when the gearbox casing and main components are sound. A gearbox rebuild, also called reconditioning, strips the gearbox down and replaces worn clutch packs, bearings, seals and gears. It's then tested to manufacturer specification, at a fraction of the cost of a new unit. If the fault is isolated, such as a solenoid or mechatronic unit, a targeted repair may be all you need. If you've been quoted for a replacement elsewhere, call 0808 164 0418 for a second opinion.

Many automatic gearboxes last well over 100,000 miles, and some last the life of the car. Lifespan depends on the gearbox type and how the car is driven. Heavy towing, frequent short stop-start journeys and ignoring early warning signs all shorten it. Once internal parts like clutch packs, bearings or solenoids start to wear, a fluid change won't reverse the damage. If your gearbox is showing symptoms, call 0808 164 0418 to find out what's likely going on.

The most common signs are:

• slipping between gears
• a delay when you select Drive or Reverse
• jerky or harsh gear changes
• whining, grinding or clunking noises
• a burning smell
• a transmission warning light or limp mode

These usually come from wear or a fault in the clutch packs, solenoids, valve body, torque converter or control electronics. A fluid top-up or change won't fix that. Caught early, many of these faults need only a targeted repair, so call 0808 164 0418 as soon as you notice them.

An automatic that won't go into gear usually has one of these faults:

• a faulty gear selector or cable
• a failed solenoid or valve body
• a transmission control unit fault
• a brake switch fault stopping the selector moving out of Park

A loss of fluid can also cause it, but that means there's a leak, and the leak is what needs fixing. Call 0808 164 0418. We can talk you through the likely cause and arrange collection or recovery if the car is stuck, subject to availability.

A whining gearbox usually points to worn bearings, a failing fluid pump, or wear in the torque converter or planetary gear sets. Grinding or clunking tends to mean more advanced internal wear. Gearbox noise comes from the parts themselves, so changing the fluid won't quieten it for long. Call 0808 164 0418 and describe when the noise starts and whether it changes with speed or gear. Our technicians can tell a lot from that.

An automatic gearbox slips when it can't hold a gear, so the engine revs rise but the car doesn't accelerate as it should. Common causes are worn clutch packs or bands, faulty solenoids, valve body faults and a failing torque converter. Slipping that gets worse as the gearbox warms up usually points to internal wear. Fresh fluid won't fix any of these. Call 0808 164 0418 and tell us when the slipping happens, as it helps narrow down the cause.

No. A gearbox warning light means the transmission control system has detected a fault. It's commonly a failing solenoid, a sensor or wiring fault, a mechatronic or control unit problem, or internal wear. Continuing to drive risks turning a minor repair into a much bigger one. Call 0808 164 0418 before your next journey. A technician can advise whether it's safe to drive, and we can arrange collection or recovery, subject to availability.

Jerking or juddering when changing gear usually points to worn or contaminated clutch packs, a failing solenoid or mechatronic unit, or a torque converter fault. It's especially common in DSG and dual-clutch gearboxes, where worn clutches cause judder when pulling away. A fluid change won't fix worn clutches or electronic faults, and the judder typically gets worse over time. Call 0808 164 0418 to get it diagnosed before it becomes a bigger repair.

Service4Service repairs, rebuilds, reconditions and replaces automatic gearboxes of all types. That includes DSG, CVT, Powershift and other dual-clutch gearboxes, as well as hybrid transmissions. Typical work includes:

• mechatronic unit repairs
• valve body and solenoid repairs
• clutch pack replacement
• torque converter faults
• reprogramming

Every job starts with a full diagnostic, so we fix the actual fault rather than guessing. Call 0808 164 0418 to discuss your car.

Yes. Every automatic gearbox repair and rebuild is guaranteed for 12 months or 12,000 miles on parts and labour. Service4Service fits OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or manufacturer warranty-approved parts, meaning parts made by or for the vehicle maker, so the work protects your existing manufacturer's warranty. Call 0808 164 0418 if you have any questions about cover on your repair.

Limp mode is a safety feature that activates when the transmission control system detects a fault. It restricts the car to one or two gears and reduced speed to prevent further damage. Common causes include a faulty solenoid, a sensor or wiring fault, a mechatronic or control unit fault, and internal wear. Restarting may clear it temporarily, but the fault will still be there. Call 0808 164 0418 and have it diagnosed rather than driving on it.