Vauxhall Calibra V6 Auto

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Sun 4 Feb 2001 12:43
Vauxhall Calibra V6 Auto - Martyn Rogers
My 1998 Vauxhall Calibra V6 automatic has developed an intermittent gearbox fault. During cold weather, after the car has been standing for a while, when I start and attempt to select 'Drive' the auto warning light comes on and I am unable to use automatic gears, the car remains driveable via manual gear selection. I reported the problem to my local dealer and when they attempted to diagnose they were unable to read from the ECU. They advised that the ECU unit would need to replaced before any further diagnosis. I was discussing the problem with a friend who suggested that this might be a simple problem of low fluid levels in the automatic gearbox. I would appreciate your thoughts and suggestions. The problem seems to occuring more frequently and whilst I don't relish the thought of replacing the ECU I am concerned that continued use of the vehicle might cause damage to the automatic gearbox. Are there any specialists who might be able diagnose the problem at less cost than the main-line dealers?

Thank You,

Martyn
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Sun 4 Feb 2001 22:18
RE: Vauxhall Calibra V6 Auto - Andrew Hamilton
I remember honest john recommending auto box experts about 6-12months ago in the telegraph motoring section. I never lost fluid from my marina auto and could check the levels easy. Similarly with an auto Bedford CF panel van.
Ever since they brought in ECU and electronic ignition the problems have become more difficult and hugely expensive in parts.

One simple cause of ECU not working was the back acts as a heatsink. If contact was poor (eg loss of white heat conductive goo) it stopped working. Hey presto new ECU with proper heatsinking worked. The old one was still OK and could be reused by the garage!
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