Vauxhall Astra 1998 1.6L auto - Problems with transmission (I think..)

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Thu 25 Apr 2013 23:40
Vauxhall Astra 1998 1.6L auto - Problems with transmission (I think..) - zebideedoodah

Hi

I have a 1998/9 (S reg) Vauxhall Astra, 1.6L, automatic gearbox. It's in really nice condition, only 46,000 genuine miles on the clock, and is now beginning to give me trouble. I'd like to know if it's worth repairing or not, or at least what's likely to be wrong with it.

It won't pull away, or only does so very very gradually, from a standing start. Once it gets going it's fine but it's as if the clutch plate slips until it gets a good grip. I know next to nothing about engines but I thought automatics didn't have clutches in the same way manuals do? If it isn't the clutch, what else might it be?

It will drive fine if I start it off in 1st, then take my foot off the accelerator and slip it into Drive. I'm now getting a sickly-sweet smell though which makes me think that something somewhere is overheating.

I'd really appreciate any ideas you have - the local garages have a reputation of telling you anything to bump the bill up and it would be really useful to have a real idea of what it might be (and even what it probably isn't likely to be) before I decide whether it's worth spending money I really haven't got.

Which is the big question - is it really worth spending money on?

Thanks for reading and for your help.

Chris

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Fri 26 Apr 2013 23:25
Vauxhall Astra 1998 1.6L auto - Problems with transmission (I think..) - oaksey

hi chris

its worth checking your gearbox fluid level, if the level is low then you will get problems with the auto box as it relies on the correct fluid level to function correctly, warm the car up and take out the auto box dipstick to check that the fluid level is within the min/max range

if the fluid is low you will have a leaky pipe/joint somewhere as it should be a sealed unit and shouldnt lose fluid under normal circumstances, look for the leak, repair and refill as needed

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Sat 27 Apr 2013 12:09
Vauxhall Astra 1998 1.6L auto - Problems with transmission (I think..) - jc2

Check the procedure for checking fluid level;some makes require engine running and in "D".

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Sat 27 Apr 2013 14:44
Vauxhall Astra 1998 1.6L auto - Problems with transmission (I think..) - coopshere
Do you have the car serviced regularly at a garage? If so the levels should have been checked at the last service.

There are two major components to a conventional automatic, the gearbox itself and the torque convertor. Check the oil level as mentioned above, do it as a matter of urgency as you will cause damage if using it with the level too low.

The torque convertor replaces the clutch in automatic transmissions. It is not possible to do or check anything on it without taking the gearbox out. The torque convertor also contains oil, the main reason for them failing is wear to the seals which allows the oil to escape.

If the gearbox oil level is not low then take it to a local automatic transmission specialist rather than a local garage. It is unlikely a local garage will have the equipment to check an automatic gearbox, they will take it to the specialist and add their charge to any cost of repair.

A good specialist will do some tests and give some idea what the problem is likely to be, they will of course charge a fee for this which is likely to be around the £50 mark. Ask what their fee for this is before you go.

After they have done their diagnosis they will be able to tell you what the cost of repair or replacement will be. If it needs a new auto box or complete overhaul the cost is likely to be in excess of £1500. No idea what your car is worth so you will have to judge yourself whether it is worth doing or not.
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