206 automatic gearbox type and problems

[charentejohn]

Any information please

I am in France and looking for a car for my wife, she likes the 206 1.4 petrol automatic (has to be an auto) but would like to know what gearbox it has and any common problems.

The reason I ask is that her current car, a 10 yr old merc a-class with 35k miles, is now scrap because the box costs too much to repair.
We also have a Renalult Megane 1.6 1999 model with a broken gearbox too.

I would like to know if the same gearbox is in the 206 and Megane ?
The Megane gearbox is a nightmare and I don't want another one like it, after 2 miles (almost to the mm) a thump and gearbox warning light comes on. Switch off engine and restart and as if by magic all ok, may go a couple of times after that but usually only once. Also slow to change on hills, all gears, tends to stay in 2nd until on the level then changes ok.

Have had the oil changed twice and always better for a few weeks after that but lapses to the same problems again. So for the Megane we have lived with it for a while but now looking to buy a different car, like a 206. As usual Renault say there is no problem, so that's all right then....

Main question apart from gearbox problems is do the 206 and megane share a gearbox ? If they do I doubt my wife will want one, says she will never buy Renault again. Fair enough but if the gearbox is the same it think that will be a no to Peugeot too...

[CitroJim]

As far as I can determine John, the 206 has the Siemens AL4 gearbox. This gearbox has (and is) used on legions of PSA cars and has been about since 1998. They are well known.

It's generally a reliable 'box but can give trouble with it's electrovalves which can be responsible for snatchy gear changes. I'm not familiar with them but if you search around here you'll find loads and loads of information and useful advice. The main thing is to ensure it has always had the right oil in it. It uses the same expensive Esso LT71141 oil as used in the ZF gearboxes.

I've not known one actually blow up.

Have a good read up on all the AL4 related info you can find and then make your decision

[addo]

John, find out if your Mégane has BVA model "DPO" - this is the same gearbox as Peugeot and Citroën apply to similar drivelines - but under their name of AL4. It's what would be in the 206 most likely.

Failing to change the top two electrovalves and reflash the ECU is what causes the damage; persisting in driving a faulty gearbox will eventually compromise its operations forever (as in, up to the point of being fully rebuilt) to a greater or lesser extent.

At present, it may be cheaper to get autobox work done in the UK - French rebuilt stuff isn't desperately cheap.