c5 auto gearbox faulty

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barney99
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c5 auto gearbox faulty

Post by barney99 »

Hiyas,
I had a 'gearbox faulty' error a few years ago on my 2005 c5. ( gears jumping, all dash lights on etc. ) An auto gearbox specialist repaired it and it has been ok until recently when the same problem has occured.
The repair was the replacement of 'pressure solenoids' ( I think ) and it cost £720! Of course the guarantee has expired and I can't afford to pay this again. Does anyone know how long the gearbox will last? ( I was told that it would completely pack in eventually if I didn't get the repair ) or if I can prolong the car's life by only using the 'Manual' gear change?
I love the car but may have to scrap it as I can't afford nearly £1,000 to get it fixed. After test driving other cars none of them are as comfortable - Is there a car that compares?
cheers
barney
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Re: c5 auto gearbox faulty

Post by xantia_v6 »

Which engine does your car have?
How often is the fault occurring?
barney99
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Re: c5 auto gearbox faulty

Post by barney99 »

Hello xantia_v6,
It's a 2 litre petrol 'exclusive' auto Petrol hatchback and the error ( jumping gear, all dashboard lights on, 'gearbox error' ) occurs most outings early on. However, if I pull over, stop the engine for a minute or so, then restart - it's all ok and the error does not usually re-occur the rest of the day.
barney99
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Re: c5 auto gearbox faulty

Post by barney99 »

Well, if anyone is interested, it's still going. Still get 'jumping' gear shortly after start up but turning it off and on again seems to work - anyway the fault does not occur again the rest of the day/journey. Still thinking of part exchange ( been offered £500 ) for another car but all I've tried have been no good ( Skoda - awful. VW & BMW both very firm suspension. Volvo - ok but not as comfy as the c5. Qhashquai - too small, no parking sensor warnings etc....).
I'll post when I either break down or get another motor.
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swiveleyedgit
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Re: c5 auto gearbox faulty

Post by swiveleyedgit »

You will probably find that when you first start the car the solenoids are not able to work as they should because the oil is cold and a little thick. Once the oil warms through there is less resistance, I would try changing the oil a couple of times and see if that helps, there are plenty of threads on here on how to do it. How many miles has it done since the original solenoids were changed?
Bob

Current Citroen
2004 C5 2.0 Litre HDI VTR Auto
barney99
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Re: c5 auto gearbox faulty

Post by barney99 »

Hiya,
Bit late but thanks for the info. It's still going so you are probably right. I don't think I'll bother changing the oil as I am thinking of part exchanging it . May get a Ford Mondeo - not as good as my c5 but fairly cheap and comfy.
The car has done about 95,000 miles and it's just over 2 years since the solenoids were done. It's a great car ( clean, no scratches, long mot etc. )so I'm surprised that the garage has only offered me £500 - I suppose because it's nearly 10 years old.
cheers
Barney
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