What happens when your valve body goes out?

Author: Lucio Lowe  |  Last update: Thursday, October 9, 2025

The transmission valve body is the main control system for gear shifting at the correct rpm, so when there is any damage to this component, the vehicle will shift gears at the wrong times, you can see an increase in unexpected fuel consumption, gear hopping, or upshifting or downshifting.

What happens when a valve body goes bad?

Bad valve body will cause rough shift, delayed shift, spontaneous downshift or upshift, shift in incorrect gears etc... in addition, it can cause transmission to slip and rpm to spontaneous jump. Valve body can fail due to blockage in passages caused by dirty transmission fluid.

How much does it cost to fix a valve body?

On average, the cost of replacing a valve body can range from $500 to $1500. Can I drive with a faulty valve body? It is not recommended to drive with a faulty valve body as it can cause severe damage to the transmission and other vital components.

Can I drive with a bad valve body?

Poor shifting performance can also make driving unsafe, leading to unpredictable acceleration and potential accidents. Plus, the longer you wait to fix the issue, the higher the repair costs, as other transmission components may also get damaged. Driving with a bad valve body is never a good idea.

Can a valve body be repaired?

If you are on a limited budget, valve body rebuilding may be the best alternative. Since this component has many disposable parts such as gaskets, clutches and seals, they can be easily replaced to save money and repair a relatively simple problem.

How To Tell Valve Body Is Bad and Failing In an Automatic Transmission

Can you replace the valve body without removing the transmission?

It is fairly easy to do on some valve bodies, especially when replacing the valve body with the transmission still in the vehicle. Flushing the cooler lines and cooler: This is of the utmost importance.

How serious is valve repair?

The NHS website states: “An aortic valve replacement is a major operation and occasionally the complications can be fatal. Overall, the risk of dying as a result of the procedure is estimated to be 2%.

What causes valve body failure automatically?

Most Frequent Causes of Valve Body Failure

Contaminated Fluid: The valve body requires transmission fluid for it to function well. If the fluid becomes dirty or contaminated, or simply loses its efficiency, this will have an impact on the performance of the valve body.

How long can you drive with bad valve lifters?

Over time, this can result in more costly repairs or even complete engine failure. If you find yourself needing to drive your vehicle despite having bad lifters, it's advisable to do so only for short distances and at low speeds.

What does a bad valve body sound like?

Banging or Knocking Sounds

If you hear a banging or knocking sound as your gears change while accelerating (up-shifts) or slowing down (down-shifts) or when putting your car into reverse, that may be an indication of a faulty valve body.

How much does valve replacement surgery cost?

Hospital and Surgeon Fees

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the average hospital charges for heart valve replacement range from $50,000 to $200,000.

What to do after replacing a valve body?

Accelerate as you normally would under regular driving, all the way up every gear and coasting down at a normal rate of deceleration, all the way to a complete stop. Once again, the way to know if it is adapting is to pay attention to the shift feel.

Can a valve body be cleaned?

Unlike spray washers, ultrasonic cleaners are able to get into the intricate crevices of a valve body where dirt, grease and metal shavings accumulate. Additionally, ultrasonic cleaners often are able to take tiny scars and scratches out of the metal – flaws, that often lead to cosily replacements.

What happens if you drive with a bad valve?

Burnt or damaged valves can cause your engine to misfire and run rough. Ignoring this issue can hurt your vehicle's performance and even cause irreparable damage to your engine.

What are symptoms of low transmission fluid?

If your gears are slipping, it's a clear sign your car's running low on transmission fluid. When experiencing sudden up and down shifts, high RPMs right before shifting, or erratic shifting, seek assistance from your local service center to prevent your transmission from overheating or becoming damaged.

Can a bad valve body cause no reverse?

It is not too often that you see a no-reverse concern caused by a bad solenoid or by a valve-body problem that does not affect any forward upshifts. Generally you'll see this only on valve bodies that have a reverse-inhibit function, such as the 5L40 or JF506. There are always exceptions, though.

How long can you drive with a bad valve body?

You should not continue to drive with a bad valve body, even if you're able to do so. A failing valve body can cause damage to other parts of the transmission, leading to a bigger repair bill and potentially leaving you stranded.

What happens if you don't fix a bad lifter?

Driving with a bad lifter can damage the catalytic converter, camshaft, and internal engine components. Address this issue right away to prevent additional damage.

Is valve lifter noise serious?

If you hear lifter noise, get it checked out. Sometimes they'll hold up for a while, but if it's bad enough the lifter could shatter.

How much does it cost to replace a valve body?

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) the cost for complete transmission valve body replacement ranges from $300 and $1000 on average. For more accurate cost calculations based on your specific vehicle's make, model, and year use the “Fix or Trade” calculator on their website here.

Can a valve body be fixed?

Rebuilding the valve body is a great option that is typically less expensive than purchasing and installing a brand new or remanufactured one. While saving you and your customer money is a great benefit in general, there are situations where rebuilding a valve body is especially appropriate.

What is the most common cause of valve failure?

Incorrect assembly and installation are some of the leading causes of valve failure. It is imperative to follow best practices, with this in mind, to prevent problems, down the line.

How long does a valve repair take?

How long does minimally invasive mitral valve repair surgery take? Minimally invasive mitral valve repair typically takes between two and four hours.

What are the consequences of a faulty valve?

It's more common to have problems with the aortic and mitral valves. These problems can put extra strain on your heart and make your heart work harder. Over time, it can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. You may also develop other heart conditions, like arrhythmias.

Previous article
Is there a way to open a garage door if the spring is broken?
Next article
Do electric water heaters cost a lot to run?