Transmission
Transmission solenoid replacement: what it costs
Wide range: this job varies a lot. Itemize your quote for a better answer.
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $60 | $400 |
| Labor: 2 to 5 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $220 | $750 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $15 | $40 |
| Total, rounded | $290 | $1,200 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
Shift solenoids control fluid flow inside an automatic transmission. A bad one causes harsh shifts, stuck gears, limp mode or shift codes.
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What is usually included
- New solenoid or solenoid pack
- Drop the pan and replace the filter
- New fluid
- Clear codes
- Test drive
What moves the price
- Single solenoid versus full pack
- Pan and filter service
- Transmission type
- Fluid cost
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Which solenoid is failing?
- Is the filter and fluid changed?
- Is the valve body checked?
- How long is the solenoid and labor warranty?
Can you do it yourself?
An advanced DIY; fluid levels and cleanliness are important.
Shopping for the part? Search car parts on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure). Make sure the part fits your car before buying.
Common questions
What are signs of a bad solenoid?
Harsh or late shifts, getting stuck in one gear, flaring between gears, or a shift code. The car may enter limp mode to protect itself.
Can a fluid change fix it?
Sometimes, if old fluid or debris is making a solenoid stick. If the solenoid has failed electrically, only a new part will fix it.
Is it a major repair?
Not usually. It is smaller than a rebuild, but the pan must come off and fluid is replaced. Some solenoids sit inside a valve body, which costs more.
How much does transmission solenoid replacement cost?
A typical range across the US is $290 to $1,200. That is an estimate from parts prices, labor hours and the local labor rate, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $320 to $1,325 |
| New York City area | $310 to $1,275 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $310 to $1,300 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $300 to $1,225 |
| Houston area, Texas | $280 to $1,175 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $280 to $1,175 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $290 to $1,200 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $300 to $1,225 |
| Miami area, Florida | $280 to $1,200 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $320 to $1,300 |