Holden Commodore Gearbox & Transmission Problems

The VY oil cooler is in the radiator and is generally trouble free, but the guys at AW Automatics recommend an external cooler for all towing applications.

The ECU might have detected a low pressure at some point and set off a warning, but it might have been a one-off. Once the ECU was rebooted everything reverted to normal. That said it might occur again at some time in the future. If you are concerned about it, take it to an auto transmission specialist and have it tested. If the transmission hasn't been serviced before you could also consider having that done as well.

The problem is more likely to be with the clutch rather than the gearbox, and the dealer has tried to adjust the clutch cable. Given that the car is so new the best course of action is to persist with the dealer and push to have him fix it. If he says he can't fix it then ask him to call in his local service rep to get factory help.

Without actually driving the car it's hard to say what could be causing then problem, but it sure sounds like an issue with the transmission. I would have a transmission expert drive the car for you, he should be able to tell you if it is the auto or not. Refunds are almost unheard of in this country; our consumer laws are pathetically weak. In fairness Holden has tried to fix it, but having failed, I would enlist the help of your state consumer affairs people.

There's no widespread issue with the transmission, but like everything they can have troubles. It's impossible to say if the new transmission will give you any trouble, consult your crystal ball for that one. Fitting an external cooler can help if the cause of the transmission failure was related to overheating. In theory the transmission was filled-for-life at the factory and doesn't need servicing, but auto transmission experts will tell you it's wise to have the transmission regularly serviced, possibly once a year, particularly if you are towing.

The torque convertor is clearly locking up too early causing the vibration and the best way to fix it is to have the transmission recalibrated as you've been told.

It could be the diff itself or the diff mounts. Check the mounts first, if they check out ok, consult a diff specialist.

Without driving your car it's hard to make a comment, but I would suggest you find other cars of the same specification and drive them. That way you'll know if it is "normal". You could also take it to a transmission specialist for an independent assessment.

There is no Holden recommendation, as far as the company is concerned the transmission has been filled for life in the factory and needs no further servicing. The trade has a different view, however, and generally recommends an oil change service every year, and a major service, which would flush the transmission every two years. There’s no hard and fast rule, it comes down to common sense. In your case, at least get the oil and filter changed.

INTERESTING reading. The VE V8 ute I am driving has the problem. It's evident at about 30km/h, but is also there when taking off from the lights. There's no clunking in the driveline; its a deep slump in acceleration and then a surge.