1.9 CDTI 150 Auto Gearbox Issue! - Fine when cold but Harsh changes when warm

[Estate]

Hello all, It has been 3 months I have had my Vectra 1.9 Cdti 150 automatic 6 speed Estate.

It has developed a problem and I am struggling to think what to do.

When the car is cold the gears change very smoothly and no problems but as soon as the temp gauge hits 90 the gears change very very harshly.

I cant figure out what it could be, I know that the car has mostly been used on the motorway, but cant figure out why it does this only when its warm.

I went to a few garages but they are all quoting me things like £1650 to repair etc, but I am not prepared to pay them this much for what could possibly be minor. On all my previous cars I have done all the servicing myself, and yesterday fitted a new alternator on this vectra due to charging issues so Im fairly confident to getting my hands dirty.

People are telling me to sell up etc, but I dont want to sell just because of a gearbox as it is a fantastic car, with electric tailgate and leather seats I really enjoy it so id rather fix it.

It would be much appreciated if anyone can share some info on this issue please.

Thank you

[tony-1977]

Start with the basics. Change the gearbox oil first

---Sent from my iPhone 4 using Forum Runner.

[vectra ste]

this thread may help

http://www.vectra-c.com/forum/showth...ht=oil+gearbox

[Estate]

Cheers, will be giving that a go soon as possible, which oil would be the best to use? I know there is the GM oil which is instructed to use in the Haynes manual but just wondered if there is any better oils I could use.

Also the capacity to flush and refill is 7L so I should fill whilst draining if Im correct? as I read in the threads that there is sort of two chambers for the oil?

Thanks for the input guys

[vectra ste]

glad to help mate

hope this will save you 1650

i would go to vauxhall on the gearbox oil

[barney490]

I am pretty sure these gearboxes use dextron 3, it will say in the service booklet. This can be bought cheaper from the motor factors. Not sure how easy it is to change the filter on these, it's striaght forward on a rear wheel drive car, just drop the gearbox sump pan and its there, might be similar on Veccy.

[Estate]

^^ I was thinking of that too, might be debris stuck on the filter which start going off on one when the tranny gets warm.

This is the filter: http://www.automaticchoice.com/Catalogue/aw_tf80sc.pdf part J number 450 I believe as I read it on one of the threads on this forum.

Haynes manual at hand right now and it says AF40 uses Vauxhall/Opel fluid 93165147 will google later to see if there is the same one i can get locally as I ned a few for some major flushing!

[Estate]

Changed the fluid and flushed as well with the correct dark red stuff. Problem is still there! what should I do now? any ideas?

[Vectra Meldrew]

Mine used to have a very harsh gearchange when changing up from 2nd to 3rd. When using the tiptronic to change gear carefully it was fine and I drove it like that for 40,000 miles but eventually had the valve block replaced inside the gearbox (£800 part) It cured the problem and gearbox was perfect for another 45,000 miles but now has a problem with 4th gear and is officially dead!