159 JTD - Auto - Gearbox problem - Won't change above 3rd gear (RESOLVED)

[Jords.L]

Whilst driving yesterday my auto gearbox failed (not Selespeed), as it refused to change higher than 3rd.

The car was being driving under normal conditions and all of a sudden the car seemed to not engage 4th gear or higher and the car just revved.

I tried changing gears through the different modes (Stick/Paddles) and still it won't engage 4th gear, then a warning message on the dash read "have gearbox checked" and then car beeped when trying to change above 3rd.

After parking the car overnight the problem seems to have disappeared, which makes me think it's a problem with the ECU. Naturally this comes as a bit of a shock, as the auto gearboxes are well regarded and having looked through the forum I can't seem to find any posts with a similar issue.

I've booked the car in to be looked at Chadstone Fiat/Alfa later this week, but would really appreciate any help or advice you could recommend.

Thanks Jord

[bonno]

Hi Jord
Could be low on transmission fluid (signs of gearbox leaks) or as you say could be ECU issue. If you able to read fault code (ECU scanner) then the following link should help in identifying your problem together with associated remedial action. Should be either P code 07 08 for transmission systems. Did the problem disappear the following morning ie change thru the gears properly or just the warning light went out. Anyway the service that is to be conducted later on in the week should sort it out. Please post result so to help other Alfa 159 owners in the future as this is one aspect of the forum that is beneficial to all.
http://autotroublecode.com/

[Citroënbender]

Is this an AW autobox?

If so, I'd look at the valve body.

[Jords.L]

 Thanks for both your advice


>Bonno,

It's a hard one to pin down, as the warning message flashed up yesterday but has since disappeared along with the problem. I will certainly report back to the forum with the relevant error codes/issues and hopefully the solutions.


>Citoenbender,

I'm not sure if it's and AW autobox, but will have the mechs have a good look at it and report back.

[Citroënbender]

I just had a quick surf in a free moment. Looks like you have an AWTF-80SC tranny.

If you need a new valve body for it, I've found "One Stop Gearbox Shop" to be cheaper than local agents and very quick in the post.

[Jords.L]

I just had a quick surf in a free moment. Looks like you have an AWTF-80SC tranny.

If you need a new valve body for it, I've found "One Stop Gearbox Shop" to be cheaper than local agents and very quick in the post.

Thanks very much, it's getting looked at tomorrow. Would you have an idea of cost of the unit?

[Citroënbender]

This is it. Remember that the price you see includes VAT but not freight to Australia. A phone call will sort that out, they should be able to email you a quotation for a tax-free valve body and FedEx to your door.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191457443245

Based on similar jobs with French cars and the same transmission, I'd suggest another thou-and-a-bit, for R&R and fettling - if it is the faulty item.

[bonno]

Hi Jord
For information purposes only, the 6 speed auto gearbox fitted to your 159 JTD 2.4L is manufactured in Japan and is fitted to a multitude of makes/models. Attached below is a link to the wiki site on the transmission details. From what you described initially and the fault disappearing the next day, I would be very surprised that a major g/box component has failed. I would just wait and see what the Alfa guys diagnose when hooked up to the cars computer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AWTF-80_SC

[Jords.L]

Hi Jord
For information purposes only, the 6 speed auto gearbox fitted to your 159 JTD 2.4L is manufactured in Japan and is fitted to a multitude of makes/models. Attached below is a link to the wiki site on the transmission details. From what you described initially and the fault disappearing the next day, I would be very surprised that a major g/box component has failed. I would just wait and see what the Alfa guys diagnose when hooked up to the cars computer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AWTF-80_SC

Thanks Bonno, I took it into a auto-transmission specialist this morning and they couldn't find a specific issue with the gearbox, but did run a diagnostic on the car and found the following error codes....


Not sure if they represent a major issue, but I'm gonna take it into Alex Doninni the Alfa specialist recommended by the club and hopefully he can shed some light on the issue.


I'll keep you everyone updated with the progress

[bonno]

Hi Jord
Just check the link I provided you with the codes ( I am at work at present so not much time to go thru all of them). It appears P0500 might be the culprit, specific to Alfa Romeo. Suggest you just go thru each of the codes and record information with possible solutions for your own piece of mind.
bonno 

[Jords.L]

Hi Jord
Just check the link I provided you with the codes ( I am at work at present so not much time to go thru all of them). It appears P0500 might be the culprit, specific to Alfa Romeo. Suggest you just go thru each of the codes and record information with possible solutions for your own piece of mind.
bonno

Thanks very much, really appreciate your help

[bonno]

No problem Jord. Please note that you have a duplicate post involving the same subject under the 159 category. Can be a little confusing for newbies to the forum and it might be advisable to either delete it or at least cross reference to this post. Remember this forum is viewed worldwide and when people are searching for information, they use the vehicle category rather than state.  Just my point of view.
cheers
bonno 

[bonno]

Hi Jord
How did you go with sorting out the auto gearbox problem on your 159?

[Balmaino]

+1
i am having same problem. 2006 159 1.9jtdm auto. looking to take it to Alex Donnini/Alfa Donnini start of December.
How'd it go what was the problem/cost mate?
Cheers

[bonno]

Hi Balmaino
Don't know whether this helps, but I had a similar problem with my 2006 Peugeot 307 recently, were the car would go into limp mode after 5 minutes driving. Had the local auto transmission specialist check out the problem and it recorded an error code identifying faulty gearbox solenoids. Both gearbox solenoids were replaced and full service carried out involving oil change and re-calibration of ECU and gearbox is working perfectly again. Please note that this automatic gearbox is fitted across a wide range of vehicles including the Alfa 159 refer to previous thread on wikipidea link. It is a shame that Jord who raised the original post has not posted an outcome/update which would have been beneficial to other forum members.
cheers
bonno