5 Symptoms of a Bad Transmission Pump (and Replacement Cost)
Is your vehicle behaving strangely during gear shifts or making unusual noises? If so, a failing transmission pump might be to blame. A failure of this type can lead to a host of transmission-related issues of varying severity.
Read on to learn more about the most common symptoms of a bad transmission pump, how much it’s going to cost to fix, whether you can continue driving until it’s time for your service appointment.
What Is a Transmission Pump?
A transmission pump (aka: transmission oil pump) is a specialized component integral to a vehicle’s transmission. This pump is tasked with circulating fluid throughout a vehicle’s transmission, providing lubrication and essential cooling to a transmission’s internals. It also controls the flow and pressure of these fluids.
The transmission pump itself is typically located within the forward end of your vehicle’s transmission housing. This pump is driven by the vehicle’s engine, typically via the torque converter. In most cases, transmission removal is required to service or replace the transmission pump, as it’s not easily accessible otherwise.
Similar to a vehicle’s engine oil pump, which also circulates critical lubricating fluids, the transmission pump is just as vital. Without a functional oil pump, engine performance would suffer, and the risk of incurring internal engine damage would be high.
Likewise, if your transmission pump fails, your driving ability will be immediately affected, and you risk serious internal transmission damage if you continue to drive.
See Also: 8 Components of an Automatic Transmission
Symptoms of a Failing Transmission Pump
The failure of a vehicle’s transmission pump is often accompanied by a number of secondary symptoms, several of which can negatively impact a vehicle’s driveability. Recognizing these symptoms early on is key if you hope to prevent additional mechanical damage.
#1 – Smell Of Burnt Fluid
In many cases, you may notice a “hot” or “burnt” smell coming from your vehicle when faced with a transmission pump problem. This is the smell of overheated transmission fluid, that hasn’t been able to circulate and cool properly.
This unpleasant odor often becomes stronger after driving for extended periods, especially in hot weather or during stop-and-go traffic.
#2 – Abnormal Noises
It’s also quite common for a “whining” noise to be heard from the transmission area. This sound typically becomes louder during acceleration or gear changes.
You might also hear slight grinding or metallic clashing noises as components within your transmission begin to make contact without proper lubrication.
#3 – Hard or Erratic Shifts
Hard and/or erratic shifting is another common sign associated with transmission pump failure. You might feel a jolt or delay when the transmission shifts from one gear to another.
This happens because your transmission can’t maintain adequate fluid pressure, directly impacting how smoothly it operates.
#4 – Occasional Slipping
Your vehicle’s transmission is also likely to “slip” out of gear while driving, whenever transmission pump failure occurs. It may feel like your engine is revving higher than normal without a corresponding increase in speed, or your vehicle suddenly loses power during acceleration.
This particular symptom will likely get worse over time, eventually severely impacting overall driveability.
#5 – Illuminated Check Engine Light
It’s also not uncommon for your vehicle’s check engine light to be triggered, in the event of transmission pump failure. This occurs when the PCM (powertrain control module) or TCM (transmission control module) determines that shift efficiency has dropped below normal levels.
At this point, an active diagnostic fault code is registered, which can be read with a diagnostic scanner.
Repair Options and Costs
In most cases, replacing your vehicle’s transmission pump will cost between $1,500-$3,000.
The exact price of repairs can vary significantly depending on your vehicle’s make and model, the amount of labor hours required for replacement, and where you go to have the work done. Labor itself tends to account for a substantial portion of this expense, as complete transmission removal is often necessary to access the pump.
It’s also wise to consider complete transmission replacement as a viable means of repair, especially if damage to vital transmission internals is suspected, due to lack of lubrication.
In many cases, a remanufactured transmission carrying a warranty can be purchased and installed for only slightly more than the replacement of just the pump itself. This typically costs between $2,000-$4,000.
If your transmission pump has failed, you’ll need to decide whether to replace just the pump or the entire transmission. For older vehicles or those with high mileage, a complete transmission replacement might be more cost-effective in the long run, particularly if other transmission components show signs of wear.
What Causes Transmission Oil Pump Failure?
Most transmission pumps fail because of gradual wear to their internal components, such as bearings and gears. These parts are vital to the overall function of the pump itself, and efficient operation. As these components wear down over time, pump operating pressures naturally decrease until eventual failure occurs.
Of course, there are certain conditions that can speed up this wear process, leading to a shortened pump life. One of the most common situations is running your transmission with too little fluid. Under these circumstances, excessive friction and heat are generated, which accelerates wear on the pump components.
Other factors that can contribute to premature pump failure include:
- Contaminated transmission fluid that contains metal particles or debris
- Regularly towing heavy loads that put extra strain on your transmission
- Frequent driving in stop-and-go traffic that causes your transmission to work harder
- Ignoring recommended transmission service intervals in your vehicle’s maintenance schedule
Regular transmission fluid changes and maintenance can help extend the life of your transmission pump by keeping these internal components properly lubricated and cooled.
Related: How to Check and Top-Off Transmission Fluid
Can You Drive With a Bad Transmission Pump?
Attempting to drive a vehicle with a failed transmission pump is never advised. Doing so puts you at significant risk of causing additional, more expensive transmission damage.
Remember, your transmission pump’s main job is to create proper flow and pressure of all the lubricating fluids within the transmission itself.
Without proper lubrication, essential seals, bearings, and bushings can quickly become damaged. This often leads to far more extensive (and costly) repairs than initially necessary. It’s similar to operating a vehicle’s engine without a functional oil pump. The damage can be catastrophic and happen surprisingly fast.
In any event, you should have your vehicle checked by a professional as soon as possible to confirm the failure of a vehicle’s transmission pump, with proper repair/replacement taking place immediately thereafter.
Doing so will minimize the risk of encountering additional mechanical problems that could easily add thousands of dollars to your repair bill.
I’ll create a “Questions to Ask Your Mechanic” section that matches the voice, tone, and format of the rest of the article:
Questions to Ask Your Mechanic
If you’re looking at a potential transmission pump failure, being prepared to ask the right questions of your mechanic can save you both money and a headache. Here are a few questions to consider when discussing transmission pump issues at a repair shop or dealership service center:
Related: 20 Tips to Prevent a Bad Repair Shop From Taking Advantage of You
Question #1 – Can You Show Me The Failed Component?
Always ask to see the failed transmission pump once it has been removed. A reputable mechanic should have no issue showing you the damaged component and explaining how its failure has impacted your transmission.
Many mechanics actually enjoy educating customers about mechanical failures when time permits. This visual demonstration not only confirms the issue but can provide valuable insight into how your transmission works and why the failure occurred.
Question #2 – What Caused The Failure?
Understanding the root cause of your transmission pump’s failure is important when it comes to preventing future issues. Ask if the failure was due to normal wear and tear, fluid contamination, or if it was something you may have done or not done.
Question #3 – What Other Components Were Damaged?
Since transmission pump failure often affects other transmission components, ask your mechanic to detail any additional damage discovered during inspection (though they might have already done this). This information is vital when deciding between pump replacement or complete transmission overhaul.
Question #4 – What Warranty Is Offered?
Ask about the warranty coverage for both parts and labor. Quality transmission work should come with a meaningful warranty, typically ranging from 12-36 months or a specific mileage figure. Be wary of shops offering minimal or no warranty coverage.
Question #5 – Are Remanufactured Options Available?
Ask if remanufactured transmissions are an option, especially if additional internal damage is present. These units often come with better warranty coverage than individual part replacement and can be more cost-effective in the long run.
Question #6 – What Preventative Measures Do You Recommend?
Request recommendations for preventing future transmission issues. A knowledgeable mechanic should advise on proper maintenance intervals, fluid specifications, and driving habits that can extend the life of your newly repaired transmission.
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