Possible fault with automatic gearbox

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Med_tech3
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Possible fault with automatic gearbox

Post by Med_tech3 »

I have recently purchased a 2008 C3 1.6 with an automatic gearbox. The car has done 56k miles. Every so often when moving off from stationary the car will jolt and it seems the gearbox is sticking a bit before engaging the gear. It also doesn't change gears until about 4k - 4.5k revs (not sure if that is normal), in sports mode it doesn't change until about 5k - 5.5k revs. Today on my drive home I was waiting by parked cars to let cars come through the gap, I tried to move off, the car freely revved up then suddenly engaged gear and jolted the car forward. It was fine for the rest of the journey. No error messages appeared. Is there an issue here? Is it worth me contacting the garage I bought it from?
Thanks
Simon
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Re: Possible fault with automatic gearbox

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Yes and yes Simon.

This probably has the sensodrive system and these can be notoriously difficult (and expensive) to troubleshoot and fix. Pop your VIN up so I can confirm which gearbox you have.
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Re: Possible fault with automatic gearbox

Post by MGmike »

I was just about to say WHS ^^^^
The sensodrive is actually a manual gearbox with a fancy (electric) clutch and gear change mechanism. Sounds like yours has a problem with the clutch part.

If you bought from a dealer you should have some warranty and I would defo be taking it back....
Med_tech3
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Re: Possible fault with automatic gearbox

Post by Med_tech3 »

Thank you. The VIN is VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]
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Re: Possible fault with automatic gearbox

Post by Med_tech3 »

I have just researched about the sensordrive gearbox. I don't have paddles on the steering wheel but do have an option for manual mode where you can use the auto lever to change gears up and down. I assume that is the same thing.
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Re: Possible fault with automatic gearbox

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Ok, so this is why we like to check from the VIN to make sure we are talking about the same thing and in your case it is not a piloted manual system, it is a proper automatic AL4 gearbox.

In one way this is simpler as they are less complicated as they have less components and control mechanisms to worry about, but you still have an issue.

Are there any warnings on the dash - especially messages or any symbols where the gear change selector is (like any dashes)?

It is of course possible that it needs the gearbox oil changing - but then again, you may have an issue with the solenoids in the hydraulic block - so it really needs either proper diagnostics to start with and that will cost you about £90 from a dealer - or take it back to the garage and reject it or allow them time to fix it.

I would of got back to you earlier, but have been out getting rid of my horrendous Bridgestone tyres and replacing them with Michelins.
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Re: Possible fault with automatic gearbox

Post by Med_tech3 »

Thanks Marc. No problem about the delay. I am just grateful for the help :) There doesn't appear to be any symbols on the dash or error messages except for the usual P, R and D. I will contact the garage I purchased it from tomorrow to see what they say.
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Re: Possible fault with automatic gearbox

Post by GiveMeABreak »

It should not be hesitating or jerking at all. You need to have confidence in it and it needs to be safe on the roads and hesitating is not safe when at a junction, so be nice but be firm.
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Re: Possible fault with automatic gearbox

Post by Med_tech3 »

Is the gear change at 4.5k revs normal? In sport mode it doesn't change until about 5.5k. It seems high to me but just wanted to check.
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Re: Possible fault with automatic gearbox

Post by Med_tech3 »

Update - took it back to the garage. They had it two days and told me they will change the gearbox and solenoids. I collected it today. As soon as I put it into drive it juddered and clunked like the gearbox was trying to engage. After that it was fine until I stopped in stationary traffic. As soon as I moved off it juddered and the handbrake and ABS lights came on briefly. It did this a couple of times. Everytime the car is started and put into drive it clunks before engaging. Any ideas on the issue so I can go back to the garage with a bit of knowledge? Thanks
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Re: Possible fault with automatic gearbox

Post by Med_tech3 »

Checked over the car. There is brown liquid, looks like dirty coolant, dripping from the joint between the gearbox and the drive shaft and the coolant level is below minimum (coolant is a nice red colour).
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Re: Possible fault with automatic gearbox

Post by Med_tech3 »

I can also move the gear lever out of park without having to put my foot on the brake.
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Re: Possible fault with automatic gearbox

Post by Med_tech3 »

Update. The garage changed the gearbox and all was fine for seven months. The car then suddenly started to make a noise once it had warmed up and the car was going over 60mph. It is a whistling noise that sounds like wind blowing through reeds (or panpipes). It gets quite loud in the cabin. I took the car to my local garage and they confirmed it was the gearbox. I contacted the garage I bought the car from (who changed the gearbox just after I purchased the car) in case there was any warranty on the gearbox but they said they got it from Ebay. They were not interested in helping and have washed their hands of it. The car currently makes a whistling sound after about 10 mins of driving and when the car is going over 60 miles an hour.
Is it worth changing the oil/checking the level? Would low oil cause the noise or is there something else you have come across before to explain why it makes the noise? Is there anything I can do about it? Do I need to take it to a specialist for an expensive repair? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
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Re: Possible fault with automatic gearbox

Post by xantia_v6 »

It is very difficult to give a remote diagnosis. Is there any sign of an oil leak from the transmission? Low oil level could cause the noise.
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Re: Possible fault with automatic gearbox

Post by Med_tech3 »

Is it something I can check? I have read it should be done by a garage but I am reasonably mechanically competent.
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