Ford Transit Connect Transmission Replacement Cost [Labor & Parts]
For your vehicle to run correctly, you need to have a properly-functioning transmission. If your Ford Transit Connect’s transmission has failed to the point where you need to replace it, you’re probably wondering how much you should expect to pay.
Generally, replacing the transmission on your Ford Transit Connect will range between $2,000-$5,500 in cost. Depending on whether you purchase a new or refurbished transmission, as well as the shop you visit, your actual costs may be higher or lower than these estimates.
Below, we’ll discuss all the information you need to know before replacing your Ford Transit Connect’s transmission. Keep reading to learn more!
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Ford Transit Connect Transmission?
The price of a new transmission can range depending on several factors. A couple of these include the shop you visit and whether you choose a refurbished or new transmission. However, the total cost will likely be somewhere around $2,000-$5,500.
The new transmission itself will probably range between $1,700-$3,900, depending on which model year you own. In addition to the cost of parts, you’ll also need to account for the mechanic’s labor rates.
Replacing a transmission generally takes between 6-12 hours, meaning labor will likely account for $500-$1,800 of the total cost.
The table below will highlight the average cost of replacing your Ford Transit Connect’s transmission based on model year.
| Model Year | Average Cost of Parts | Average Labor Cost | Average Total Cost |
| 2011 | $2,000-$2,800 | $500-$1,800 | $2,500-$4,600 |
| 2012 | $2,000-$2,800 | $500-$1,800 | $2,500-$4,600 |
| 2013 | $2,000-$2,900 | $500-$1,800 | $2,500-$4,700 |
| 2014 | $2,000-$3,900 | $500-$1,800 | $2,500-$5,700 |
| 2015 | $2,000-$3,900 | $500-$1,800 | $2,500-$5,700 |
| 2016 | $2,000-$3,900 | $500-$1,800 | $2,500-$5,700 |
| 2017 | $1,200-$3,900 | $500-$1,800 | $1,700-$5,700 |
| 2018 | $1,200-$2,700 | $500-$1,800 | $1,700-$4,500 |
| 2019 | $2,300-$3,500 | $500-$1,800 | $2,800-$5,300 |
| 2020 | $2,300-$3,500 | $500-$1,800 | $2,800-$5,300 |
Keep in mind that these are just estimates. Depending on where you go, the total price may be lower or higher. Some dealerships may even charge up to $8,000 to install a new transmission!
Generally, independent shops will be less expensive than dealerships. This is because dealerships almost exclusively use OEM parts, which are much more expensive than aftermarket parts. Unless your vehicle is under warranty, go with an independent mechanic.
Is a Transmission Replacement Covered Under Warranty?
If your transmission has failed prematurely, it may be covered under your factory warranty. Ford’s factory warranty offers both bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties, and your powertrain warranty will generally cover transmission replacement.
Your powertrain warranty covers all components of your vehicle’s powertrain, which includes the parts of your vehicle that power it.
In addition to the transmission, powertrain warranties generally cover the following components
The driveshaft
The transfer case
The cylinder block
The engine and its internal components
Ford’s powertrain warranty is valid for up to five years of 60,000 miles. When the initial coverage ends, you have the option to extend the warranty, but you’ll have to pay extra to do so.
If your vehicle is less than five years old and has under 60,000 miles, or if you’ve opted for extended coverage, the dealership will replace your transmission at no cost.
However, keep in mind that your transmission replacement will not be covered if the damage is due to general wear and tear. It is only valid if the transmission was damaged or had a defect that caused it to fail prematurely.
Can You Replace Your Own Ford Transit Connect Transmission?
Replacing your transmission is one of the biggest repair jobs you could undertake. There are quite a few components that will need to be removed for you to access the transmission, and making any mistakes could prove costly.
You should only attempt to replace your own transmission if you have the correct tools, skills, and knowledge to do so. Otherwise, the job will be incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to complete.
Before you decide whether or not to replace your own transmission, read the steps listed below. Be sure you have all the tools and materials needed, and that the process is something you’re comfortable with.
How to Replace Your Ford Transit Connect Transmission
Before you start, you’ll need to purchase your new transmission assembly. In addition, be sure to gather the following tools and materials.
| Tool/Material | Average Price |
| Plier set | $15-$25 |
| Zip ties | $1-$2 |
| Floor jack | $60-$140 |
| Jack stands | $40-$90 |
| Drain pan | $5-$10 |
| Bungee cord | $3-$5 |
| Electrical tape | $3-$5 |
| Torque wrench | $20-$40 |
| Screwdriver set | $30-$60 |
| Transmission jack | $250-$300 |
| Automatic transmission fluid | $20-$30 |
Once you have everything you need, follow the steps below to replace your Transit Connect’s transmission.
- Park your vehicle on a level surface to prevent it from rolling or leaning while it’s raised. Then, open your hood and disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Then, find the throttle linkage on the throttle body and disconnect it.
- Remove the oil filler tube.
- Use your floor jack to raise the front of your vehicle. Support it with jack stands before you get underneath the vehicle.
- Disconnect all the wiring from your starter (including the starter wire), solenoid, and backup switches/sensors. Wrap the ends with electrical tape to protect them.
- Remove the starter mounting bolts, then remove the starter.
- Find the transmission pan plug. Place your drain pan underneath it, then loosen the plug to drain your transmission fluid.
- Remove any exhaust pipes and cross tubes preventing you from accessing the transmission. You will also need to remove the exhaust pipe from the exhaust manifold.
- Disconnect the shift linkage from the transmission, then disconnect the speedometer cable. Zip tie this cable to keep it out of your way.
- Unbolt the driveshaft U-bolts to remove the driveshaft. Lower it down, then tape the bolts to protect your bearings.
- Disconnect your transmission oil cooler lines.
- Position your transmission jack underneath your transmission. Remove the transmission mount, then lift the transmission up to relieve the pressure.
- Unbolt your transmission crossmember bolts to remove the crossmember.
- Lower the transmission onto the jack until you see a chain. This is meant to secure the transmission to the jack.
- Remove your engine flex plate cover, then remove any other shields or covers that are in the way of the torque converter bolts.
- Turn your crankshaft as much as you need to access the torque converter fasteners, then remove them.
- Remove the transmission-to-engine mounting bolts, then pull your transmission backward until it clears the engine.
- Now, you’ll need to remove the torque converter. Place a large drain pan under it, then pull it out of the transmission housing. Allow the fluid to drain into the pan.
- Refill your torque converter with new transmission fluid, then install it into the new transmission, pushing it forward while rotating to engage the transmission input shaft.
- Make sure the transmission is aligned properly, then push it into your engine.
Replace everything you removed in reverse order, torquing everything to the correct specifications.
- Add new transmission fluid, being careful not to overfill the container.
- Lower your vehicle off the jacks.
- Road test your vehicle, making sure to shift through each gear at least twice.
Check to ensure there are no fluid leaks, and be sure your transmission fluid is still at the proper level.
Rebuilding vs. Replacing a Transmission: Which is Better?
While some cases call for a transmission replacement, there are situations where a rebuild is better. Whether or not you’ll need to rebuild or replace your transmission depends on the extent of the damage.
Although a replacement is a simpler procedure, it’s generally more expensive. While the average cost of a transmission rebuild is between $2,500-$3,500, a replacement can run you up to $5,700.
In general, you should try to go for a transmission rebuild if your transmission is still salvageable. A mechanic can let you know if this is an option.
Is Replacing Your Transmission Worth It?
If you want to continue driving your Ford Transit Connect, replacing a bad transmission is absolutely worth it. However, you never want to spend more on a repair than the amount your vehicle is worth.
Before you decide whether or not to replace your transmission, find out the current value of your vehicle. Get estimates for your transmission replacement, then compare the two numbers.
If replacing the transmission would exceed your vehicle’s value, purchasing a new Transit Connect may be the better option.
Final Thoughts
Your Ford Transit Connect’s transmission is one of its most important components. If your transmission has failed and needs to be replaced, expect to spend anywhere from $2,000-$5,500 on average.
If your transmission has not completely failed, rebuilding may be a better option. Although it’s a more complicated procedure, it’s generally less expensive.
