Automatic gearbox is slowing me down

I have a Renault Scenic 1.5 DCI automatic, which is 13 months old and has had no major problems so far. I do however have a nagging concern about the auto' gearbox as it seems reluctant to change down through the lower gears. If I lift off the throttle it will eventually get there, but recently it has been bringing me to a virtual halt on hairpin bends or small roads. Do you know if there have been any recurrent problems with this gearbox?

Asked on 22 December 2012 by EF, via email

Answered by Honest John

This is an EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) transmission, like a VAG DSG or Ford/Getrag Powershift. It preselects the next gear up or down the 'box and should not 'stick', but in really arduous conditions such as uphill hairpins it's always best to manually change down anyway. I hadn't heard of the other problem. Too soon for it to need a change of fluid, but I wonder if there has been some leakage. Probably a good idea to get that checked.

Tags: automatics technical issues

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