Problems with Vz 5 Speed AutoTransmissions

[Rocketman74]

My 2006 Vz Calais V6 5 Speed Auto ONLY Done 113,000 Klms the Auto Transmission has just recently started to play up, issue is under load or up a hill it makes a moan or groan noise, took it to holden and was advised a clutch pack has gone and caused the trans fluid to turn black and smells burnt, i was really shocked at how this could of happened when it was serviced only 12 months ago by Holden on time as stated by Holden log book at 105,000 klms, in a car with such low klms, anyway did a little calling around at various commodore wreckers and everyone i spoke to advised they where crap gearboxes and they have a shelf life of 90,000 to 120,000 klms and then they start to fail and need Replacing or rebuild, he advised no point putting a second hand box in cause the same thing could happen and you're done your money, put a claim into holden and they advised No Way, so does anybody know of cheap transmission place who does Rebuilds around Brisbane, Ipswich or Gatton Areas ??
Please let me know on Rhett
Ph 0417719776

 

[Benboy]

Have the transmission checked by an accredited Auto Transmission Specialist. It is most likely the only way you will obtain an honest and reliable assessment of the condition of the unit. Holden do NOT recommend servicing of the auto trans for the VZ (and later models) as they consider it is sealed for 'life' !
Holden Dealers generally no longer have the skilled (qualified) personnel to service auto trans. Any mechanic should be able to drop the pan, replace the filter and re-fill with fluid. (I say SHOULD) be able to do so. Hence my advice for you to consult with an Auto Trans Specialist now and in the future. Good luck.

 

[diysv6]

Can you get an RACQ preferred specialist to do the inspection? I found Dean Automatic Transmission Service at Capalaba was helpful. Bit far to drive from Gatton.

Did my A5 gearbox at 9 years and he said to change the oil/filter every 2 years (from memory) from now on. In his opinion, the 10 year service interval was excessively optimistic. In my ignorance, I asked for the "Holden" handbook service. After the job was done I asked if the oil cooler and lines were flushed out, was the oil dirty etc. - told no not done. I was a bit annoyed that I had not asked for the flush at the time. Maybe in about a year's time I might ask for the "works" - flush and filter etc.

He said my original oil had moisture in it, and that caused problems if left too long. The gearbox shifts were getting a bit firm, noisy and grabby. New oil did fix that up.
(For the record he used all Holden lubricants, not third party suppliers).
Added comments:
Transmission 40,000Km service or two years
Differential 80,000Km service

 

[Rocketman74]

Thanks for your reply mate, guess paying $300 for a service is worth a try to paying $3000 for a rebuild, thanks for the advice, yeah Holden where pretty useless they said they take there vehicles to a Transmission specialist to get worked on and dont do that at holden

 

[torana355]

You are correct about the 5 speed autos being a crap box, i serviced my every 30k and i had to get mine rebuilt. The gearbox rebuilder said they are terrible boxes and they have issues with them in the BMW where they are used aswell.

 

[Philmecrackun]

My 04 Calais V6, has 326K on motor and transmission, I did a service (new trans filter and new oil) about 5K ago, the old oil looked normal and haven't had a problem with either, as long as services are kept up and regular.

 

[Rocketman74]

Ok, is that the 4 Speed Vy Model? You've got? Those gearboxs you have no dramas with, mines the 5 Speed auto vz with flappy gears on steering wheel crap

 

[Philmecrackun]

Not sure if asking me, but mine is the VZ 190KW with 5 speed and steering controls which are a waste of time.

 

[Rocketman74]

Hi Phil, you must of got lucky with yours, if you google "Vz 5 Speed Transmission issues" lots of dramas

 

[Rocketman74]

Paid $250 for a Transmission service and seemed to fix the noisey gearbox, but only serviced at Holden 12 months ago, thats if Holden actually did the service on it?
Only thing to decide on is to keep it or move it on?