Breakdown Problem
Gearbox and Transmission Failure Recovery
Transmission failures are one of the few breakdowns where the wrong recovery method can cause more damage than the original fault. An automatic with a failed gearbox must not be flat-towed — with the driven wheels turning and no pump pressure, you can destroy what was repairable.
What you're likely seeing
- Automatic goes into limp mode and refuses anything above third
- Transmission or gearbox warning symbol on the dash
- Loud whine or grinding that changes with road speed rather than engine speed
- Manual box that won't select gears, or jumps out of gear under load
- Red or brown fluid leaking from the bell housing area
Do this before anything else
- 1If the car goes into limp mode on a fast road, get off it at the next exit rather than continuing at reduced speed among lorries.
- 2Don't keep shifting between drive and reverse to 'find' a gear — that's how you turn a solenoid fault into a rebuild.
- 3Note whether the noise follows engine revs or road speed. It genuinely helps the garage narrow it down.
On a motorway or dual carriageway, ring 999 and ask for National Highways before you call any recovery company. Motorway breakdown advice →
How we move the vehicle
Automatics and four-wheel-drive vehicles go on a full flatbed with all four wheels off the ground, or on a spec-lift with dollies under the driven axle. Front-wheel-drive manuals in neutral can be lifted conventionally. When you call, tell us manual or automatic and whether it's front, rear or four-wheel drive — that decides which truck we send.
What it costs
Standard recovery pricing on distance to your chosen garage. If your car is under manufacturer warranty, ask your dealer where they want it delivered before we set off — moving it twice costs you twice.
Full recovery cost guideQuestions we get asked
The service you probably need
Other problems we're called to
Tell us what the car is doing
Describe the fault on the phone and we'll tell you honestly whether this is a roadside fix or a recovery — and what it will cost — before a driver leaves.