Hello
Due to a fault with my 56 reg Vectra cdti, I have begun to take an unhealthy interest in the automatic transmission.
The particular unit fitted to my car isAisin Warner TF-80SC, AF40/6
It may help other forum users if the thread could be used to assemble a bit of combined knowledge to assist whenever the dreaded spanner light appears, and the auto gearbox ceases either permanently or temporarily to what its supposed to and provide drive to the car.
My particular problem started with the symptom of a clunking gear change from 1-2 but in none of the other gears. This was reduced considerably by an oil change 12 months ago (just the 3-litre ish change via the drain plug though, not a 7 and a half ish litre proper flush out).
Last week though the spanner light appeared, and the transmission started losing drive and slipping (engine revs up no corresponding forward motion).
This was "cured" by pulling over, switching off ignition, switching on again, starting the engine, selecting drive and away we go-perfectly normal again. Over the course of the week if the drive was lost/spanner light appeared it was "cured" once again by the stop/start method.
Sunday-decided to do it on the A19 in busy traffic, got it recovered by AA to Vauxhall Main Dealers. One "Tech2" diagnostic session and the code P1743-Transmission Component Slipping together with a few incorrect ratio codes P0732,P0733,P0735 presumably consequent on the P1743.
Looking at the forum info on codes a more specific P1743 description of "Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Failed" is listed although the Main Dealer insisted that their description was what "TECH2" said.
The main dealer advised me that they would have to go through a further series of tests (TIS as described on the invoice). This was going to cost another £240 plus VAT before they could tell me what the problem was and how they planned to fix it.
I could predict that "new" autobox, and "new" torque coverter, or new ECU would be the result. The cost of all that-more than the car is worth most likely is going to scrap a lot of very nice cars.
Whats the alternative?
So far-I have found an independant Vauxhall man who will carry out te further diagnostic tests for 1/3rd of the main dealer price.
I have begun to research automatic gearbox/torque converter specialists for exchange units.
I wonder if the problem could be fixed by replacing the TCC
solenoid, probably buried in the valve block of the somewhere but probably meat and drink to a good auto tramsmission workshop.
If any forum members would like to pile in with useful links to other forum threads, or other information I am sure it would help.
here is a link to a spare parts list for the AF40 box as a start
http://www.automaticchoice.com/Catalogue/aw_tf80sc.pdf
kind regards
Neil
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