How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Transmission In A 2000 Honda Accord? Replacing the transmission in a 2000 Honda Accord typically costs between $1,800 and $3,500 for the transmission itself, plus $500 to $1,200 in labor costs. The total cost will depend on factors like whether you use a new, used, or remanufactured transmission, and whether there is any additional damage that needs to be repaired.
What Is the Average Cost of Replacing a Transmission in a 2000 Honda Accord?
On average, it costs around $2,000 to $3,000 to replace the transmission in a 2000 Honda Accord. This includes:
- $1,800 – $3,400 for a remanufactured transmission
- $500 – $1,200 for labor
- Taxes and fees
The exact price will vary based on your location, the shop you use, and the type of replacement transmission you choose. Getting quotes from a few different mechanics can help you find the best price.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Replacing a Transmission in a 2000 Honda Accord?
The biggest factors that impact the cost to replace a 2000 Accord transmission are:
- Type of replacement transmission – Remanufactured transmissions cost more than used ones, while new OEM transmissions are the most expensive option. Rebuilt transmissions fall in the middle of the price range.
- Extent of the damage – If there is damage to other components like the torque converter, driveshaft, axles, or mounts, the repair will cost more. Catching problems early can minimize this extra cost.
- Your location – Labor rates and parts prices vary across the country. Transmission replacement tends to be more expensive in urban areas with a higher cost of living.
- Where you have the work done – Dealerships charge more than independent shops. Specialists are often cheaper than general repair shops. Doing the work yourself is the least expensive option if you have the skills and tools.
What Are the Different Types of Transmissions Available for a 2000 Honda Accord?
You have four main options when replacing your 2000 Accord’s transmission:
- Remanufactured – These are rebuilt by a professional transmission shop using a combination of new and refurbished parts. They typically come with a warranty.
- Used – These are pulled from a junkyard or donor car. Condition and remaining lifespan can vary widely. They are the cheapest option but riskiest.
- New OEM – A brand new transmission from Honda. The most expensive choice, but offers the best reliability and longest life. However, a new transmission may not be worth the cost on an older car.
- Rebuilt – Your existing transmission can be rebuilt by a local shop with new clutches, seals, and worn parts. The result is comparable to a remanufactured transmission.
For a 2000 Accord, a remanufactured or rebuilt transmission usually makes the most sense. Expect to pay in the range of $1,800 to $2,500 for a remanufactured transmission, or $1,500 to $2,200 for a local rebuild.
What Is the Cost of a Remanufactured Transmission vs. a Used or New Transmission?
Here’s how the costs compare for the different types of replacement transmissions for a 2000 Honda Accord:
| Transmission Type | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Used | $400 – $1,500 |
| Rebuilt | $1,500 – $2,200 |
| Remanufactured | $1,800 – $2,500 |
| New OEM | $2,500 – $3,500 |
A used transmission is the cheapest, but there are no guarantees on how long it will last. A new OEM transmission is the most expensive but will likely outlast the rest of the car. For the best balance of cost and reliability, a remanufactured or rebuilt transmission is usually the ideal choice.
Can I Replace the Transmission Myself or Do I Need a Professional?
Transmission replacement is a complex job that requires special tools and knowledge. On the 2000 Accord, it involves:
- Raising and supporting the car
- Removing the axles
- Disconnecting the shift linkage
- Unbolting the transmission mounts
- Separating the transmission from the engine
- Lowering and removing the old transmission
- Transferring parts to the new transmission
- Lifting the new transmission into place
- Reconnecting everything in reverse order
For someone with intermediate to advanced mechanical skills, the right tools, and a service manual, it’s possible to do the job at home and save on labor costs. However, for most people, it’s best left to a professional. The job typically takes 5-10 hours even for an experienced mechanic.
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Transmission in a 2000 Honda Accord?
Transmission replacement on a 2000 Honda Accord usually takes a professional mechanic between 5 and 10 hours. Factors that can make the job take longer include:
- Rusted, seized, or stripped bolts
- Damage to attached components
- Difficulty accessing and removing the old transmission
- Waiting for parts to arrive
If you are doing the work yourself, expect it to take 2-3 times as long, especially if it’s your first time. Carefully read through the full procedure before starting and make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies on hand.
Are There Any Additional Repairs or Maintenance Needed After Replacing the Transmission?
After installing the replacement transmission, your mechanic should also change the transmission fluid, filter, and pan gasket. The front and rear seals should be replaced as well.
It’s also a good idea to replace the rear main seal on the engine while the transmission is out. On high-mileage cars, the clutch master and slave cylinders, shift linkage bushings, engine and transmission mounts, and driveshaft support bearing should be inspected and replaced if worn.
Once the new transmission is in, it will need to relearn your driving habits. Accelerate gently and avoid towing or hard driving for the first 500-1000 miles to break everything in and let the adaptive learning take place.
What Warranty or Guarantee Can I Expect from a Transmission Replacement?
Warranty coverage varies depending on the type of replacement transmission:
- New OEM – 3 year, unlimited mile warranty from Honda
- Remanufactured – Typically 1-3 years and 12k-100k miles depending on the rebuilder
- Used – Usually 30-90 days, with mileage limits around 1000-3000 miles
- Rebuilt – Depends on the shop, often 1-3 years and 12k-100k miles like a reman
The warranty should cover parts and labor to replace the transmission if it fails prematurely. However, it will not cover labor to remove and reinstall the transmission, or towing. Be sure to get the warranty terms in writing.
Some extended warranties and transmission chain shops offer a “lifetime” warranty, but this usually only applies for as long as you own the car. Beware of extremely long warranties, as they often come with many exclusions in the fine print.
Can I Get a Used or Rebuilt Transmission from a Junkyard or Salvage Yard?
Many junkyards and salvage yards sell used transmissions that have been pulled from wrecked or scrapped cars. Prices can be as low as a few hundred dollars. However, the condition is a gamble. Most yards offer only a 30-90 day exchange period rather than an actual warranty.
Some junkyards also rebuild transmissions in-house and sell them with a limited warranty, usually 1 year or 12k miles. If you have the skills to swap the transmission yourself, this can be a cost-effective option, though not as reliable as a reman or rebuild from a transmission shop.
When buying a used transmission, look for one from a car with less than 100k miles if possible. Verify that it’s the exact match for your car in terms of model year, engine size, and transmission type. A transmission from a 1998-2002 4-cylinder Accord should work, but avoid mixing V6 and 4-cylinder transmissions.
Are There Any Local or National Chains That Specialize in Transmission Repair and Replacement?
There are a number of national transmission shop chains that offer rebuild services, including:
- AAMCO
- Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care
- Lee Myles Transmissions
- Mister Transmission
- Transtar Industries
- Valvoline Instant Oil Change
These specialists can be a good option if your local independent shops don’t have the skills to rebuild your Honda transmission in-house. Most offer nationwide warranties, often with better terms than local shops. However, quality and pricing can still vary widely from one franchise to another.
Be wary of shops that give you a price quote without even seeing the car. Also avoid those that want to start the work without giving you a firm estimate of the total cost. And beware of franchise shops that push unnecessary repairs and upgrades.
In general, if you can find a local independent transmission shop with good reviews, they are often a better choice than a national chain. Many of the best shops are family-owned and have been in business for decades.
What Are the Signs That My Transmission Needs to Be Replaced?
Some common symptoms of a failing transmission on a 2000 Honda Accord include:
- Slipping – The engine revs up but the car doesn’t accelerate as it should
- Rough shifts – You feel a jolt or shake when the transmission changes gears
- Delayed engagement – There is a long pause when shifting from Park or Neutral into Drive or Reverse
- Fluid leaks – Red or pink fluid drips from the middle of the car
- Burning smell – Transmission fluid smells burnt after driving
- Noisy in Neutral – Grinding, whining, or humming sounds with the car in Neutral
- Check Engine light – The check engine light is on and the code refers to a transmission problem
If you notice any of these issues, have your car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. Many transmission problems start small but get worse over time, so catching them early can save you money.
Can I Prevent Transmission Failure with Regular Maintenance?
The best way to avoid needing an expensive transmission replacement is to take good care of your transmission in the first place. For a 2000 Honda Accord, this involves:
- Checking the fluid level – Check the transmission fluid monthly and top it off if needed. Low fluid can quickly ruin a transmission.
- Changing the fluid and filter – Have the transmission fluid and filter changed every 30,000-60,000 miles. Fresh fluid keeps things cool and lubricated.
- Using the right fluid – Only use Honda-approved transmission fluid. Using the wrong type can cause shifting problems and damage.
- Servicing the cooling system – Overheating breaks down transmission fluid, so keep the radiator and cooling system in good shape.
- Practicing good driving habits – Always come to a complete stop before shifting into Drive or Reverse. Avoid hard launches and towing beyond the car’s rated capacity.
If your Accord’s transmission does fail outside the warranty period, consider whether it’s worth fixing on such an old car. Depending on the condition of the rest of the car, you may be better off putting the repair money towards a newer vehicle. However, if the car is otherwise reliable and in good shape, a transmission replacement can keep it on the road for quite a few more years.