Import Car Transmission Repair in Athens, GA
The transmission sends power from the engine to the wheels. When it slips or shifts hard, driving gets scary fast. Athens Import Auto Repair handles import car transmission repair in Athens, GA. We work on automatics, CVTs and manuals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Honda, Nissan and more.
Transmission Repair done right, by people who know imports
Import transmissions are picky, because many need one exact fluid and a special fill method. Some also need a scan tool to reset after service. We have the tools, and we know the steps.
Is your car slow to go into gear? Does the dash say gear fault or limp mode? Call 706-353-3880, and we will test it and give you straight answers.
Mercedes-Benz cars with the 7 speed automatic, called the 722.9, often lose the conductor plate. That is the electronic board inside the transmission. When it fails, you get limp mode and harsh shifts. BMW and Audi call their fluid lifetime fluid, but it still wears out. Honda CVTs need Honda CVT fluid and nothing else. Nissan CVTs run hot, so they need clean fluid to last. We see all of these at Athens Import Auto Repair on Winterville Road in Athens.
Signs your transmission needs help
- The engine revs but the car is slow to move. This is called slipping.
- Your shifts feel hard, late or jerky.
- The car goes into limp mode. That means it locks in one gear to protect itself.
- You see red or brown fluid under the car.
- There is a long pause when you move from park to drive.
- You feel a shudder at low speed on the highway.
What our transmission service includes
Scan and road test
We scan for codes and watch live data. Then we check the fluid level, color and smell. After that, we drive the car.
Fluid and filter service
We drain the old fluid and fit a new filter when the unit has one. Then we fill it with the exact fluid your brand calls for.
Valve body and conductor plate repair
The valve body routes fluid to each gear. The conductor plate is the electronic board that sits on it. We fix or replace both.
Leak repair
Pan gaskets, seals and cooler lines can leak. Low fluid burns up a transmission, so we find the leak and stop it.
Solenoid replacement
Solenoids are small electric valves inside the unit. When one sticks, shifts go wrong, so we replace it.
Replacement when needed
Some units are too worn to fix, and we do not rebuild them. Instead, we install a quality replacement unit. We help you pick the best path.
How a transmission visit works
Describe the problem
Tell us when it happens. Cold starts, hot days and highway speeds all give us clues.
We test and scan
We check the fluid, read codes and drive the car. Leaks get a close look too.
We give you options
You get a clear estimate for each path, and then you choose. We start when you say go.
Repair and road test
We do the work and drive the car again. That way we know every shift is smooth.
Why drivers trust us with transmission repair
We know import transmissions
German, Japanese and British units all have their own quirks. We have seen them all at this shop since 1991.
Fix the cause, not the code
A gear fault code has many possible causes. That is why we test before we replace anything.
Clear choices
The choice is repair or replace. We explain each one in plain words so you can decide.
I bought a 2008 Mini Cooper S. Clubman about a month ago. I replaced just about everything on the engine to no avail. It just would not idle like it should. I determined it was a bad timing chain. As it turned out I was right. I took it to James who agreed and he had his technician Tony replace the timing chain components. They went the extra mile to remove the oil pan and remove the chewed up debris from the oil pump screen. It now runs like a brand new car! Thanks to them, I'll enjoy this car for many years to come. Great service and very polite. Very knowledgeable too.
Rob, customerTransmission Repair FAQ
Do you do import car transmission repair in Athens, GA?
Yes, we do. Athens Import Auto Repair works on automatic, CVT and manual transmissions for imports only. That includes BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Subaru. Call 706-353-3880 and we will set up a test.
What is limp mode on a Mercedes-Benz?
Limp mode is when the car locks itself in one gear to protect the transmission. On many Mercedes-Benz models, the cause is a worn conductor plate. That is the electronic board inside the unit.
Is BMW transmission fluid really lifetime fluid?
No, it is not. BMW says lifetime, but the fluid still breaks down with heat and miles. Many BMW owners change it around 60,000 to 100,000 miles. When we do, we use the fluid BMW specifies for your unit.
Does my Honda CVT need special fluid?
Yes, it does. Honda CVTs must use Honda CVT fluid, because regular automatic fluid will cause shudder and damage. We stock the right fluid for your Honda or Acura.
Do you rebuild transmissions?
No, we do not rebuild them. We repair transmissions, and when one is too far gone we replace it with a quality unit. We test first, and then we explain both paths.
Why does my car shudder at low speed?
A shudder at 30 to 45 mph often points to the torque converter. That is the part that links the engine to the transmission. Old fluid can cause it too, so we check the fluid before we go further.
Related services
Need transmission repair in Athens?
Call us or book your visit, and we will find out what your transmission needs. Then we tell you straight.
Open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. After hours, leave a message or send the form and we will call you back.
Send us a message
Tell us your car and what you notice. We will call you back during shop hours.
If the form does not show, call 706-353-3880.