Autogearbox problem. 2.0 CDTi

[Big Dave]

Firstly, this is a question about my Astra-J and not an Insignia, but I'm 99.9% sure the same engine and gearbox is also used in the Insignia. Hope that's ok?

My Astra-J 2.0 CDTi auto is starting to play up when taken on a journey of more than 10 miles. Driving around locally it’s fine, but putting it into D after approx 10 miles or more, it snatches into gear quite violently like the clutch has gone in a manual box. If I turn the engine off and start it up again, then it’s fine for a little while. No error codes (using Op-Com).

It's done approx. 65,000 miles. Am I right in assuming it's the AF40 autobox?

The gearbox oil has never been changed, but then again all my previous Vauxhall autos had done over 100,000 miles without an oil change and had no problems.

Would something as simple as an oil change likely to resolve this problem?

How easy/hard is it to change the oil, and does anything else need changing, such as a filter?

Thanks.

[Daywalker]

Hello im not a gearbox specialist by any means but the general advice is that although manufacturers say to never change the oil that it should be changed at roughly 40-50k miles. If it was me i would ring round for a few quotes for oil change (with filter if needed).Im sure their might be youtube videos that may show you how to do it or a more knowledgeable member will be along to offer their advice.

[Sindy]

The only ever time I've worked on an auto with a shabby shift I dropped the oil and replaced it. Old stuff smelt burnt.

New oil sorted it.

Not sure where the filter is (or if there even is one) on an AF40 as not worked on one before.

[Big Dave]

Thanks guys. Yes, there are a few YouTube clips showing how to change it, but not found any mention of filter. As the gearbox is an expensive bit of kit, I'd sooner pay someone else to change the oil, as you have to make sure the gearbox is at a certain temperature to check the level is correct. I'd sooner put that responsibility on someone else who hopefully knows what they're doing.

[Sindy]

Just did a bit of reading and the filter is internal, meaning you have to drop the box to replace it. Great design.

It's not that difficult to change yourself, as with the engine I have them warm first before dropping it.

There's a certain order some boxes like to be bled once filled by cycling through the gears but the one I did I just moved through the entire selection a good few times and held it for 10 seconds or so in each position.

The temperature thing isn't super critical, it's more to make sure the box is warm and at the correct level once the oil has bled through all the valve block and nooks and crannies, and the cooler if it has one. Engine up to normal temp on the drive should be fine, it gets much hotter when being used.

[Big Dave]

I bit the bullet and contacted my local Vx dealer yesterday. In agreement that changing the oil is the 1st thing to do, and the cheapest option.

They have quoted me £104 to change the oil (with my 25% Masterfit service club discount).
Factor in the price of the oil, and it's not worth me getting the spanners out to DIY, plus the only flat level area I have available is the garage floor, but there is no room to work on the car in the garage at home.

[northpole]

I don't know how much you think the gearbox oil costs but for a 20 minutes max start to finish that is expensive... plus they give you 25% off so the actual price is 130 pounds ( don't know i that includes VAT so it could be even more expensive) i would look at them and tell them where they can stick it, buy the oil from a big brand in the right spec and diy it myself.
I would go and find a flat spot to fill the darn thing, and if not use a jack and a water-level to get it straight....

Sorry i get the no hassle idea and the fact that they charge you for getting rid of the old oil but, to me it sounds like hardcore daylight triple x take it up the backside raw without any lube

[Dog_Book]

I bit the bullet and contacted my local Vx dealer yesterday. In agreement that changing the oil is the 1st thing to do, and the cheapest option.

They have quoted me £104 to change the oil (with my 25% Masterfit service club discount).
Factor in the price of the oil, and it's not worth me getting the spanners out to DIY, plus the only flat level area I have available is the garage floor, but there is no room to work on the car in the garage at home.

Did you ask them what gearbox it is fitted with whilst in conversation?

[Big Dave]

I don't know how much you think the gearbox oil costs but for a 20 minutes max start to finish that is expensive... plus they give you 25% off so the actual price is 130 pounds ( don't know i that includes VAT so it could be even more expensive)

£139 without the discount actually

£104 is inclusive of VAT.

I could only find 1 litre bottles on Autovaux. I didn't really look elsewhere, but yes I suspect would be cheaper for a 5 litre container.
Autovaux want £16.85 a litre. I believe the box takes just under 3 litres to fill, so £50 if I bought it myself.

No doubt the Vx garage will be dearer for the oil, so actually £104 all in doesn't really sound that expensive.

Plus, I've got a leg injury that I've been on a waiting list for over a year at the hospital to put right. Getting down on the floor and back up again is ruddy painful.

[Big Dave]

Did you ask them what gearbox it is fitted with whilst in conversation?

It is the Aisin Warner AF40 6 speed autobox. Also confirmed by the metal plate on top of the gearbox.