Automatic gearbox problem on v6 cav.

[V6CAVMAD]

Hi,

Can anyone help with a problem I have with my V6 cavalier.

It is low mileage at just 56000 miles on a 'k' plate and in mint condition.Recently it developed a fault with the gearbox in that it intermitantly goes into limp home mode with the s light flashing in the dashboard.

I have had the selector switch removed and cleaned up twice which helped for a while, and have now had fitted a brand new switch. Unfortunately the problem is still here. Does anyone have any ideas on what to investigate next? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

It is spoiling an otherwise brilliant car.

Thanks,
Nick.

[Envoy CDX]

Sounds like it could be a fault with the wiring harness (especially if you like puddles), ECU or the autobox itself.

[Gaz]

have you tried some contact cleaner on the wiring plugs?

[Robsey]

I would clean up the contacts in the selector switch, and then pack the switch with white grease to keep any moisture out.

It may be worth checking all your connectors for damage or corrosion.

[HAIRIBO]

Also mate, I'd keep an eye on ebay and the differnt forums, I've managed to pick my self up a spare Autobox, ecu, selecta switch and pipe work for little over £55. Just so that good forbid somesthing did go wrong I'd have bits to fix it. I also keep a spare f20 manual for my other cav. Alone with engine sensors, air mass sensor, etc etc.
Just keep your eye for bits that you know would be an expensive fix if you went to a garage.


Hope your problem is as simple as a loose connection mate.

[HAIRIBO]

There's a box on ebay at the mo, but its £125 buy it now . I know some one that scrapped one for £30 weigh in. They are getting rarer, so if you find one at the right price I'd get it bud.

[V6CAVMAD]

Hi everyone

Many thanks for your answers on this. I am currently trying to sort it out and appreciate all your help.

Nick.

[humbucker]

you could always do a manual conversion? there is a "vectra gsi f25 bearbox" on mig at the moment for £10

http://www.migweb.co.uk/forums/items-sa ... d-lot.html

[Robsey]

Auto to manual conversion is doable, but a bit of a pain..
as you would need to
1) Fit a manual pedal box , in place of the auto pedal box.
2) Fit and adjust the Clutch cable
3) Do a Partial rewire of the gearbox ecu (especially grounding the neutral position wire to allow engine starting)
4) oh and swap the auto box for a manual box.
5) And as a guess, is there difference between the front exhaust down pipe for the V6...I know this is the case for the C18NZ.
and whatabout the mountings...?

I almost forgot to say, all the gear lever components, gaiters and linkages to suit.

Think I would stick with the auto

[HAIRIBO]

Exhaust is the same as far as I know on the both v6s.

I'd keep the auto, as I really do love the lazy power of them for day to day driving. and its fun being able to go from cruising speed to acclerating hard with out having to move your hands off the wheel. Just wish I could repostion the sports button to the steering wheel.

[cav4x4]

Has anyone read the fault codes? Can be done in the same way as reading engine codes, but earth a different pin.

[V6CAVMAD]

I am currently having the codes read at a small Vauxhall garage local to me. All the big ones didn't have a machine old enough to read my car's gearbox. Tech 1 I think.

Thanks Nick

[humbucker]

nick whereabouts in the country are you?

[Robsey]

Just wish I could repostion the sports button to the steering wheel.

If you don't have a fuel computer, then you could do this via a fuel computer stalk.
Just run a pair of flying leads down to the contact points of the s switch.
You could even run another wire for the snow-flake button.

I'm a fan of mis-using and abusing switches for alternative functions...

Alternatively, if you don't have cruise control, you could use a cruise control stalk instead... just an idea.

Now - Back to the thread in hand

[V6CAVMAD]

Hello,

I am in Rotherham in South Yorkshire.

Nick

[V6CAVMAD]

Hello Everyone

I have now found out what was wrong and had it repaired.

It was the 2-3 solenoid that wanted replacing. It is now running well and I am back driving my favourite car once again.

I would like to thank everyone who took the opportunity to offer advice, it was very much appreciated.

regards,
Nick

[humbucker]

ah nick, i was about to reply with a replacement autobox i found for you! might have needed couriering, but maybe someone else can find the link of use if theyre reading this:

http://www.clubcalibra.net/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=45455

[V6CAVMAD]

Thanks for your time and help.

Nick

[HAIRIBO]

Glad you sorted mate. Tho I have no idea what the 2-3 solenoid is

[planetc]

I replaced a solenoid on one some years back. A pressed steel plate on the front of the box comes off and it was behind that. Seem to remember that although it was a messy job to do, the hardest part really was identifying which solenoid was which as there are 2 or 3 in there. There is probably a diagram on TIS somewhere.