6F35 Transmission Failure - Repair vs Replace Cost Options for Reference

Hi all,

A few weeks ago we posted a video showing our '13 1.6L SE AWD with 165K mi have the transmission give out.

I did not get the "Transmission Fault Service Now" prompt on the dash, and I can still get minimal drive to the wheels to move the car a short distance at low speed. As soon as any significant power is given, it just loses all engagement again. This leads me to think it's the flex plate or the torque converter, and I called around central Virginia to get some quotes. Hope this is helpful for anyone else in the same situation for a price check/comparison:

• Dealers: Will only do a full replacement:
  • Torque Converter Replacement: $5,500
  • Transmission Replacement (Including Torque Converter): $7,500
• Mom and Pop Transmission Shop:
  • Torque Converter Only (Not Recommended): $3,700
  • Transmission REBUILD with improved parts: $4,700
  • Did not recommend a refurbished 6F35 transmission as they can't be verified to have updated components inside without opening them again and at that point you've already paid for it.
    
    

We are going to hang onto our Escape for now and keep using it for the YouTube channel and save up some cash over the next few months to replace it. Right now it's just taking up space in our garage, but it's in pretty good shape aside from the transmission and we love it and the offers we were getting for it as-is just seemed too low to let it go.

From what I understand, the labor is steep due to the following steps- I may be missing one or 2, but here's what I gathered generally:

1. Remove starter
2. Remove bolts securing transmission housing to engine
3. Suspend/ support Engine while transmission is loose
4. Remove front Wheels
5. Disconnect front wheel hubs from suspension
6. Remove heat shielding from transfer case if you have 4WD / AWD
7. Pull CV axles
8. If equipped with 4WD/AWD, disconnect the rear axle, to then pull the transfer case backwards
9. Lift out transfer case and then pull the transmission out and inspect/ replace/ rebuild as needed.

Just trying to share what we gleaned from this process so far. Thanks and hope this is helpful to some of us here!