Transmission Service And Repair in Knoxville, TN 

Get Clear Answers About Your Transmission

If your vehicle hesitates when it shifts, slips out of gear, or shows a transmission warning light, it can be stressful to even think about what might be wrong. You rely on your car every day, and you do not want to make a costly decision without clear information.

At Christian Brothers Automotive Karns, we take the mystery out of transmission problems. Our ASE-certified technicians inspect and diagnose your transmission with manufacturer-quality equipment, then sit down with you to explain what we find in everyday language. Our goal is to help you understand your options before you approve any transmission service.

We are guided by the principle “Love your neighbor as yourself,” so we work to treat every driver the way we would want our own family treated. That means honest recommendations, no pressure, and a focus on the long-term health of your vehicle here in Knoxville.

Signs Your Transmission Needs Attention

Determining if a new sound indicates transmission trouble can be difficult. However, catching issues early often prevents serious damage and protects your budget. If your vehicle feels unusual when shifting, scheduling a professional inspection is the safest choice to ensure long-term reliability.

Distinct symptoms often signal underlying problems, whether you drive an automatic or manual. You might experience engine revving without speed, delayed gear engagement, or strange vibrations. Addressing these warning signs promptly helps determine if you need minor maintenance or more significant transmission repair.

  • Rough Shifting: Gears slip, shudder, or change harshly while driving, disrupting smooth acceleration and vehicle control.
  • Delayed Engagement: A noticeable pause occurs when shifting into drive or reverse before the gear actually connects.
  • Unusual Noises: Whining, humming, or clunking sounds from the drivetrain often indicate internal mechanical issues requiring attention.
  • Fluid Leaks: Reddish puddles under the car or a burnt smell suggest fluid leaks or system overheating.
  • Warning Lights: Dashboard alerts or messages related to transmission performance require immediate diagnostic attention from a technician.

Ensure your vehicle’s long-term reliability by addressing rough shifting or leaks today by calling (865) 383-8974 or booking your appointment online.

Our Transmission Diagnostic Process

When you arrive with transmission concerns, we ensure you never have to guess about the next steps. We begin by discussing your vehicle's specific symptoms and how it behaves on local hills or highways. This conversation helps our technicians focus their evaluation effectively right from the start.

Our systematic diagnostic approach includes:

  • Road Test: Technicians drive your vehicle to evaluate shift quality, acceleration response, and potential vibrations under real-world conditions.
  • Digital Scan: We use advanced equipment to read trouble codes, identifying electronic faults stored in your vehicle's computer.
  • Visual Check: Inspecting fluid levels, condition, and external components like seals helps us spot leaks or physical damage.
  • Clear Review: We explain findings in plain language, outlining recommended transmission repair options before any work begins.
  • Customer Care: Enjoy our comfortable lobby or complimentary shuttle service to keep your day moving while we work.

Throughout this process, we prioritize accuracy and transparency over pushing specific services. You see the plan and estimated costs upfront, ensuring you remain in control of every decision. We strive to make your experience convenient and stress-free, treating your vehicle with the care it deserves.

Why Drivers Choose Our Transmission Shop

Choosing a transmission shop is as much about trust as it is about technical skill. At Christian Brothers Automotive Karns, our approach starts with how we view the people who walk through our doors. We are guided by the principle “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and that shapes every conversation we have about your vehicle.

Our owner/operators are on-site, which means there are real people here who are invested in your experience and accountable for the work our team performs. When you have questions about a recommendation or want clarification on a repair, there is someone who can talk with you directly and take the time to listen.

Our technicians are ASE-certified and use manufacturer-quality equipment for transmission diagnostics and repairs. For you, that means we have the training and tools to evaluate modern transmission systems, including electronically controlled units and related components. It also means we work to service your car correctly the first time, so you can get back on the road with confidence.

We know that major repairs can feel overwhelming, so we focus on education instead of pressure. We explain what is necessary now, what can wait, and what choices you have when it comes to transmission replacement. Our welcoming environment, clear communication, and available shuttle service are all designed to make the process as convenient and stress-free as possible.

Transmission Repair & Replacement Options

Hearing that your vehicle may have a transmission issue often raises a significant question: Will a simple repair suffice, or is a full replacement necessary? We understand that this decision heavily impacts your budget, which is why we carefully explain the reasoning behind every recommendation. Our goal is to help you weigh the options based on your specific vehicle and long-term driving goals.

We help you navigate these choices by evaluating:

  • Routine Maintenance: Sometimes, a fluid exchange or minor adjustment is all that is needed to restore smooth shifting performance.
  • Component Repair: We look for specific failing parts, such as sensors or solenoids, that can be replaced without removing the transmission.
  • Internal Wear: If internal gears or clutches are damaged, we discuss the reliability of rebuilding versus installing a replacement unit.
  • Vehicle Condition: We consider your vehicle’s age, mileage, and overall health to ensure the investment makes sense for you.

Whether you choose a targeted repair to extend your vehicle's life or a replacement for maximum reliability, we provide clear costs and timelines upfront. Many of our services are backed by an industry-leading warranty, giving you added confidence in the work performed. Throughout the process, we remain focused on honesty, clarity, and respect for your budget.

Serving Local Transmission Needs

Driving in Knoxville often means a mix of city traffic, neighborhood streets, and area highways such as I-40 and I-75. Frequent stop-and-go conditions, hilly terrain, and temperature changes can all contribute to wear on a transmission over time. Regular transmission service can help your vehicle handle these conditions more reliably.

We work with a wide range of vehicles that local drivers depend on for commuting, school drop-offs, and trips across the area. Our team is familiar with how local driving patterns can affect transmission fluid condition, shifting quality, and overall drivetrain performance. This helps us give practical advice about service intervals and long-term care.

Because we are part of the community in Knoxville, our goal is to build long-lasting relationships, not one-time transactions. Whether you are facing a potential transmission replacement or just want someone to check out a new noise, we are here to provide straightforward guidance and reliable service.

If you are concerned about how your transmission feels or sounds, we invite you to schedule an appointment or call us with your questions. We will take the time to listen, inspect your vehicle carefully, and explain what we find so you can decide on the next step with confidence.

Protect your budget and prevent serious damage by catching transmission issues early when you call (865) 383-8974 or schedule your inspection online.

What to Expect With Transmission Services

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1. Schedule Your Appointment

Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.

2. Diagnostics and Inspections

Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.

3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate

Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.

4. Review and Approval

A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.

5. Work Performed or Scheduled

Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.

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Did You Know: Henry Ford coined the term 'tune-up' while developing his initial automobile prototype.

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Frequently Asked Questions


How do I know if my transmission is failing?

Common warning signs include slipping gears, harsh or delayed shifts, new noises while driving, and fluid leaks under the vehicle. A dashboard warning light can also appear. The best way to know for sure is to have our ASE-certified technicians inspect and road test your vehicle.

Can you repair my transmission instead of replacing it?

In many cases, yes. Some issues relate to fluid condition, external components, or sensors that can often be repaired without replacing the entire unit. After diagnostics, we explain whether repair, maintenance, or replacement is more appropriate and walk you through the pros and cons of each option.

Is it safe to keep driving with transmission issues?

Continuing to drive with transmission symptoms can sometimes cause additional damage or create unsafe driving conditions. Mild changes may allow short trips, but significant slipping, harsh shifting, or burning smells are signs to have the vehicle checked promptly. We can help you decide what is safest for your situation.

How long does transmission work usually take?

Timing depends on what your vehicle needs. A basic inspection or fluid service typically takes less time than major repairs or replacement. During your visit, we provide an estimated timeline and keep you updated, and our shuttle service can help you stay on schedule while your car is in the shop.

What kind of warranty do you offer on transmission work?

We offer an industry-leading warranty on many transmission repairs and replacements. The exact coverage can vary by service and parts used, so we explain the details for your specific vehicle before work begins. Our goal is to give you peace of mind about the quality of the transmission work we perform.

Schedule Your Transmission Visit

If you are noticing shifting problems, new noises, or warning lights, you do not have to guess what is going on. At Christian Brothers Automotive Karns, we provide thorough transmission service and clear explanations so you can make informed decisions about your vehicle.

Our ASE-certified technicians, values-driven approach, and industry-leading warranty are all focused on keeping you safe and confident on the road. Whether you need routine maintenance, transmission repair, or help evaluating replacement options, we are ready to help you take the next step.

Contact us online or call at (865) 383-8974 to schedule your transmission evaluation.

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FAQs

  • Q. "What factors determine the price of transmission repair?"
    Many different factors go into determining costs of transmission repair. The major factor is what type of vehicle you drive. The year, make and model of the car, determine how much parts and labor will cost. Another factor is how much damage the transmission has sustained. Your transmission should last a minimum of 100,000 miles by servicing your transmission on a regular basis.
  • Q. "What does automatic transmission service include?"
    Fluid is first drained from the pan during an automatic transmission service. A new transmission filter is installed with a new pan gasket once the pan has been removed. Finally, fresh automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is used to refill the vehicle.
  • Q. "Is there a difference between a transmission fluid change and flush?"
    During a transmission fluid and filter change, it’s only the fluid in the pan that is drained and replaced with new ATF. Four to five quarts of fluid will typically be replaced in this process, while nine to thirteen quarts are replaced during a full transmission fluid flush. The difference in amounts is because the complete flush drains the entire system.
  • Q. "Do you offer a shuttle service?"
    Yes! we understand you have a full schedule. Whether you need to get to work, school, or need to attend to other responsibilities, we can take you where you need to go. Click here to learn more.
  • Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"
    As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
  • Q. "Can you provide service under my extended warranty?"
    Yes. At Christian Brothers Automotive, we work with all major extended warranty providers to make needed repairs for our customers. If you have an extended warranty, you can discuss your carrier with our team when scheduling an appointment and confirm that the work will be covered. You can find a partial list of the extended warranty companies we work with here.

Have more Questions?

Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.

Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today

Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us

  • "I liked the customer service and going above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable while waiting in the store for my vehicle work to be done, specifically being offered a nice hot coffee with creamer."

    - J.L.

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