Transmission Repair & Diagnostics

A few months ago, a customer called us frantically asking if we could squeeze her in that same day. Her car started shuddering and wouldn't shift out of second gear while she was stuck in traffic on Chester Pike. She managed to get the car to our shop, but it was barely moving by the time she pulled into our lot. Turns out her transmission fluid was completely burnt, something we see fairly often around here. That's the thing about transmission problems in Glenolden, they always seem to happen when you're already running late, and that first symptom usually means you've got bigger issues brewing.

We've been fixing transmissions in Delaware County for over 38 years now. We started right here on Ashland Avenue, and we've worked on just about every car that's rolled through Briarcliffe, Glenolden, Norwood, and beyond. Whether you're dealing with a slipping transmission in your daily driver or need a complete rebuild on that pickup truck you use for work, we've got the tools and know-how to get you back on the road.

Automatic Transmission Repair Services

When your automatic transmission starts acting up, you'll usually know it. Maybe it's hesitating when you shift from park to drive at the traffic light near Glenolden Elementary. Or perhaps it's that weird whining sound when you're accelerating up Bishop Hill toward Westbrook Park.

Our automatic transmission repair covers everything from simple fluid changes to complete overhauls. We work with all makes and models, but we see a lot of Toyota Camrys, Honda Accords, and Ford F-150s around here. The salt from those winter storms really does a number on transmission components, especially if you're driving MacDade Boulevard every day like most folks in Glenolden.

Most automatic transmission issues start small. Low fluid levels, worn seals, or clogged filters. We always start with diagnostics because throwing parts at a problem just costs you more money. Our scanner can read transmission codes on vehicles going back to the 90s, and we keep detailed service records so we remember what we did to your car last time.

Manual Transmission Repair and Clutch Service

Manual transmissions are getting harder to find these days, but we still service plenty of them. The clutches in these cars typically last longer than people think, but when they start to go, you'll feel it. That grabbing point gets higher and higher until you're practically releasing the pedal all the way before the car moves.

We replace clutches, pressure plates, and flywheels right here in our shop. No need to tow your car all the way to Springfield or Media when we can handle it locally. Plus, we know the driving conditions around here. Stop-and-go traffic on I-95, hills throughout Delaware County, and those steep driveways in some of the older neighborhoods all put different stresses on your clutch.

The throw-out bearings tend to be the first thing to go noisy. That's usually what people hear when they press the clutch pedal. Sounds expensive, but often it's just that one component that needs attention.

Transmission Diagnostics and Computer Scanning

Before we fix anything, we figure out exactly what's wrong. Modern cars have computers that monitor transmission performance constantly. Those check engine lights and transmission warning lights that pop up on your dashboard? They're your car's way of asking for help.

Our diagnostic equipment reads codes from every major manufacturer. GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, we've got the software and cables for all of them. But codes only tell part of the story. We also do road tests because how a transmission behaves under real driving conditions tells us things the computer can't.

Sometimes what feels like a transmission problem is actually something else. Bad motor mounts can make shifting feel rough. A failing torque converter can mimic transmission slipping. We check everything before we recommend repairs because nobody wants to pay for work they don't need.

CVT Transmission Service and Repair

Continuously Variable Transmissions are everywhere now. Nissan Altimas, Honda Civics, Toyota Corollas - they all use CVT technology. These transmissions need different service than regular automatics, and frankly, a lot of shops around Delaware County don't know how to work on them properly.

CVT fluid is specific to each manufacturer. You can't just use generic ATF like you could with older transmissions. The belts and pulleys inside these units are precision components that need exact specifications for fluid type, fill procedures, and service intervals.

We've invested in the proper equipment to service CVTs because we see so many of them. The fluid changes need to be done exactly right, and the relearn procedures after service are model-specific. Miss a step and the transmission will act funny for weeks.

Transmission Fluid Changes and Maintenance

Regular maintenance prevents most transmission problems. But here's something most people don't know: just because your owner's manual says "lifetime fluid" doesn't mean you should never change it. That fluid breaks down over time, especially with our stop-and-go traffic patterns around Glenolden and the surrounding areas.

We recommend transmission fluid changes every 60,000 miles for most vehicles, sooner if you tow anything or drive in heavy traffic regularly. The fluid we drain out tells us a lot about what's happening inside the transmission. Dark fluid usually means it's been too long between changes. Metallic particles might indicate internal wear. Sweet smell could mean the fluid's been overheating.

Different manufacturers specify different fluids. Honda uses their own ATF formula. Toyota has specific requirements for their transmissions. We keep all the major fluid types in stock because using the wrong fluid can cause shifting problems and damage internal components.

Emergency Transmission Repair in Glenolden, PA

Transmission emergencies happen at the worst times. Usually when you're running late for work or trying to get the kids to school. If your transmission completely fails, don't try to drive the car. Call us and we'll arrange towing from anywhere in Glenolden, Collingdale, Norwood, or the surrounding Delaware County area.

We keep common transmission parts in stock for popular vehicles. Filter kits, solenoids, valve body components, the stuff that fails most often on cars with higher mileage. For complete rebuilds, we work with local machine shops that can turn around torque converters and valve bodies quickly.

Our shop is right on Ashland Avenue, easy to find and accessible from anywhere in the area. We've got three service bays, so we can usually get emergency transmission work started the same day you bring the car in.

Why Choose Briarcliffe Auto Service for Transmission Work

We've been part of the Glenolden community since we opened. Our customers come from all over Delaware County, but a lot of them are neighbors. People who live right here in town, work at the businesses along MacDade Boulevard, or commute to Philadelphia every day.

Experience matters with transmission work. These are complex systems with hundreds of moving parts. We've rebuilt transmissions on everything from older Buicks to brand new pickup trucks. We keep detailed records of every job, so if something comes up later, we know exactly what was done and when.

Our warranty covers parts and labor because we stand behind our work. If we rebuild your transmission and something goes wrong six months later, we make it right. No arguing about what's covered or trying to get out of warranty claims. Your car either works properly or it doesn't.

Service Areas We Cover

We serve Glenolden and the surrounding Delaware County communities, including Norwood, Collingdale, Prospect Park, Interboro, and Ridley. Our location on Ashland Avenue makes us convenient for people commuting through the area or those who work at the shopping centers and businesses along MacDade Boulevard.

People drive from Springfield, Media, and even parts of Havertown to bring their cars here for transmission work. Word gets around when you do quality work at fair prices. We're not the cheapest shop in the area, but we're competitive with other places that do the same level of work.

Briarcliffe Auto Service has been serving Glenolden, PA and surrounding Delaware County areas since 1987. We specialize in transmission repair, diagnostics, and maintenance for all makes and models. Call us at (610)532-0777 or stop by our shop on Ashland Avenue for honest estimates and reliable service.

Why Customers Choose Briarcliffe Auto Service

REVIEWS

See what our customers have to say about Briarcliffe Auto Service

Lorraine N.
8/21/2025

Their service to their customers is awesome.

Sylvia S.

1/24/2025

I was in and out in 20 minutes and service with a smile.

Christine P.

1/8/2025

Took me right in, fair price, and quickly resolved my problem.