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[Kiksomass]

Hello All,another newbie,same old problem.
I've read up on all of the autobox problems and I have one that I haven't seen. Got a 2.2Cd 51 plate 58k and from cold or warm,actually whenever it likes, the change up from 1st gear seems to take ages. I either thrash the goolies out of it until it does change or at the merest hint that it seems stuck, I hit the sport button and all is well again. I've seen that there is no service schedule for oil/filter changes on these boxes, so given the mileage is it a good idea? Or take the car to somewhere and get it done-cost allowing? Love the car but me and it are gonna have to have words!!!

[Jimbob]

2 things you ca do.  Have the gearbox ecu updated, this makes em much smoother.  (mark dtm / the boy on this site can do this, as can dealers)

Most say 100,000 is a good place to do the atf change, but earlier wont hurt if you are having issues, easy enough, but messy job as there is no dipstick, just a level plug in the sump.

Then hope that cures it, should help unless there is a mechanical issue.

[Jimbob]

Just seen you are in Northampton...

Get in touch with 'the boy', he is local and has a vauxhall computer (tech 2) so can check for fault codes and update your ecu

[Kiksomass]

Cheers Jimbob, I will look him up. This is a good site for tech stuff. I did the Prop/Diff seal on a post from here a few months back. Took the advice, bought the tools and Job's a fish. I'll have a go at most jobs but some I need a little background info..

[feeutfo]

from cold it will hang on to gears for the first 400 yards, its to warm the cats for emissions as you may know. But it should not do it all the time esp. When warm. Maybe the car is having trouble reading it own temp. ? What ever, sounds like a tech 2 session needed.
General views on here suggest changeing atf at 60k.
Myn needed doing at 70k, so would seem to back this up. The Boy is er... the boy for you!

[PxMetro]

I was concerned when I first bought my 2.6, that when driving off from cold the gear box did not want to change up to second. However, after reading the Owners Manual, it explains that this is a design feature to help get the Cats up to temperature as quickly as possible.

[Kiksomass]

I didn't know about the 400 yard thing but it makes sense though. Cheers guys...

[albitz]

to bypass the "400 yard warm up",put the box in winter mode for a minute,just after you start moving.

[feeutfo]

just to be clear. 400yards is roughly the time myn takes to warm up. Its the engine temp. that governs this rather than the distance covered. So for instance it "may" hold on to gears longer in the winter, as the engine takes longer to warm. But i think you get the idea.
Should not do it when warm already tho. Unless in sport mode with your boot planted.

[TheBoy]

Yes, it will hold gears for the first few seconds of driving - this is described in glovebox manual, and it to warm the cats up quicker so they can go closed loop quicker.

Any box issues, replace the ATF anyway, it won't harm.  Use Dexron III whatever the dealer may say (but Grose's ain't too bad as dealers go), though dealer not the place to buy ATF.

[ians]

I got quoted about a tenner a litre trade yesterday in Vx for DIII (was surprised they even had it in stock).   He seemed a bit taken aback when I said I didn't want any..

..also got the impression that prices had gone up recently and more than 2% per the TC letter, not just oil which I knew about.

[MutantCav]

Halfords do a Dex III £8 per bottle...

I got quoted £5 inc VAT per litre at Vaux dealer for the DIII replacement...

[Kiksomass]

Just as a thought guys...If I undertake the work myself,when I drain the gearbox. From memory-no drain plug. So how much is likely to come out and how best is it to drain? This weather doesn't exactly inspire me to get out there and tinker! I know-wuss- but I need to find the urge, or splurge and pay someone else :-/