Top 5 Opel Transmission Problems

Is your Opel have transmission problems? Learn the top 5 Opel transmission problems by following the procedures below.

Opels with a 6-speed 6T40 transverse automatic transmission designated Hydra-Matic can suffer from inoperable TCC lock-up. In some cases, the TCC will lock up very harshly. In general, this will hurt fuel economy and can even cause transmission fluid overheating. The TCU will detect if there is an issue with TCC engagement and trigger a check engine light, so there will be a corresponding code.

Possible causes and solutions

• A worn or stuck TCC regulator-apply valve should ensure a smooth TCC engagement. If worn, it will cause a significant loss of pressure, resulting in the lack of ability to engage the TCC assembly. If stuck in the ON position, it will cause harsh engagement. There are oversized kits available, which will restore normal TCC operation.

Slippage when going into 2nd or 3rd gear

Older Opels that use a 4-speed 4L30-E automatic transmission in longitudinal configuration have a fairly common issue that affects upshifts. During accelerations, it will show up as slippage or delay when shifting into 2nd or 3rd gear. This can also cause harsh gear changes and a noticeable shoulder in more severe cases. This issue will likely trigger a check engine light, meaning a code will be stored in the DTC memory.

Possible causes and solutions

• Distorted or deteriorated housing gaskets cause pressure leaks and affect the quality of gearshifts. The root of the problem is the gaskets themselves, as the OEM ones are too thin. As a result, generating enough force to ensure sufficient sealing is impossible. The solution is to install upgraded gaskets made by Interface Solutions Inc., which are thicker than the OEM gaskets (.015”) and more compressible.
• Sticking or clogged solenoids as a result of neglected transmission fluid changes. Performing a thorough transmission fluid flush can sometimes help.

Not starting coupled with an ‘F’ letter on the dashboard.

Smaller Opel cars that use an automated transmission called Easytronic have a common problem, which will render the car inoperable. The symptoms are a letter ‘F’ that will be illuminated on the dashboard, and the car will refuse to start. Usually, one or more related codes will be stored in the DTC memory.

Possible causes and solutions

• Faulty Gearbox clutch actuator control module, which operates the clutch itself. Being a robotized transmission with a dry clutch, this failure will make gearshifts impossible. The most common error codes are P1607, P1732, and P1735. These units are coded, meaning replacing them with a second-hand working part is not an option. Rebuilding the actuator by a specialist is the only feasible option.

No reverse, and some of the drive gears

Opels that use a 6-speed 6T40 transverse automatic transmission, designated as Hydra-Matic, have a fairly common set of issues. They will manifest themselves as a loss of reverse together with 3th and 5th gear. Usually, this will happen suddenly and not disappear when the engine cools down. In most cases, this issue will not trigger any warning lights on the dashboard.

Possible causes and solutions

• Broken 3-5-R waved plate, which is responsible for engaging affected gears. If it breaks apart, it can damage the drum splines and the housing itself. As this is a well-known and common problem, there are rebuild kits that use upgraded and more durable parts. Many transmission specialists recommend replacing affected parts as a preventive measure, even when there are no symptoms.

Shift flares and harsh downshifts.

Opel Vectra and Antara, equipped with Aisin AW55 5-speed automatic transmission, suffer from a quite common issue. This will show up as intermittent shift flares during accelerations that affect upshifts from 2nd to 3rd gear. Sometimes, this will also cause harsh downshifts from 3th to 2nd. At the start, this will be more prominent when the vehicle is cold but might worsen with time. In most cases, this issue will trigger a check engine light, meaning a trouble code will be stored in the DTC memory.

Possible causes and solutions

• Worn valve body bores, causing loss of transmission fluid pressure or valve movement obstruction. The failure mode depends on the position and the nature of the wear. This is a very common problem caused by the fact that the material of the solenoid valve material is harder than the valve body itself. When examining the valve body, check for wear marks and replace them if there are any.
• The wrong type of control valve was installed, as different variants either have or don’t have a control spring. This can easily happen during transmission repairs and can result in sporadic 2-3 gear shift issues.

Opel vehicles are fun to drive and generally inexpensive to maintain. We recommend servicing the transmission at the recommended interval to minimize potential issues.

We hope you find the Top 5 Opel Transmission Problems guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Opel.