Vauxhall Astra 2.0Dti 2003 - Sticky Gearchange

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Sat 12 Feb 2011 17:43
Vauxhall Astra 2.0Dti 2003 - Sticky Gearchange - Sussexmick

Hi

This is my first post- lots of 'almost' answers in old threads but not quite what I want.

I have just bought a well maintained 2003 2.0Dti that was with the Fire Brigade- has 67k genuine. It has a 5 speed box and the shift is not bad when cold but gets very stiff as the car warms up. My suspicion is it needs topping up-can you still do this (long time since I serviced my cars. Any other ideas why it shouold get stickier as it gets warmer (double de-clutch helps but does not solve it).

Any advice appreciated.

Edited by Sussexmick on 12/02/2011 at 17:44

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Sun 13 Feb 2011 09:39
Vauxhall Astra 2.0Dti 2003 - Sticky Gearchange - Railroad.

Topping up the transmission oil level on a vauxhall is done from the top, and the level plug is on the side. On the top gearbox turret is a plug with a plastic breather cap on it. Use a 17mm open-ended spanner to remove this plug. On the side casing near the driveshaft is another plug. Remove this with a 13mm spanner or socket. On some transmission units the level plug is near the right hand driveshaft inner joint, and on others it's by the nearside so you'll just have to look. This plug should have a magnet on its inside to collect swarf. Clean this magnet while the plug it out.

Don't be fooled into thinking the level's ok if oil comes out of the level hole because it is possible that the oil level in the final drive is ok but the gearbox could still be empty. That's why you fill up from the top. Oil first fills the gearbox and then spills over into the final drive. When that is correct oil will spill out of the level hole. So in any case if oil comes out the level hole just watch it till it stops. Then add oil at the top until it starts coming out of the level hole again. This way you know both the gearbox and the final drive are at the correct levels.

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Mon 14 Feb 2011 19:44
Vauxhall Astra 2.0Dti 2003 - Sticky Gearchange - Sussexmick

Thats really helpful-thanks. Do you think the symptoms I have detailed suggest its low on oil? Do you know the capacity and oil type. The handbook makes no mention and I dont want to buy a Haynes- I wont be doing much more than the very basics!

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Tue 15 Feb 2011 12:41
Vauxhall Astra 2.0Dti 2003 - Sticky Gearchange - Chuckie888

DMF?

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Tue 15 Feb 2011 12:46
Vauxhall Astra 2.0Dti 2003 - Sticky Gearchange - Peter D

I suggest you check all the gear box linkages and the kit under the gaiter. Regards Peter

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