The ownership proposition and what goes wrong
As the single-clutch automated manual gearbox needs more time to disengage the clutch and select the appropriate gear ratio, using its programmed software, the gear changes can seem ridiculously ponderous to drivers more used to twin-clutch (Dsgtype) automated manuals, CVTS or even conventional torque-converter automatic gearboxes. Sometimes, this can be improved by main dealer software updates, although it cannot alter the characteristics completely. For this reason, many drivers prefer to use a manual mode, so they can be sure that the transmission has actually engaged first gear, just prior to the vehicle accelerating from a standstill, for example. This is because some of the pre-programmed shift points are not always ideal for every real-life situation.
Driving techniques that may not damage torque converter-equipped automatic gearboxes, such as holding the car on a hill using the throttle, will cause rapid clutch wear in automated manuals, for the same reasons they do with a manual gearbox. Similarly, keeping the throttle pedal depressed fully when accelerating and not backing-off during a gearchange can put the gearbox assembly under additional stress. While electronic safeguards are in place to cut the throttle on upshifts, full-throttle applications can lead to a sudden and jerky clutch reengagement. Car-makers will insist that the transmission is designed to tolerate this punishment – presumably until the warranty expires, that is.
While the manual gearbox part of the system tends to be reliable, the automated components tend not to be as dependable. Problems vary between different applications, but, generally, the clutch and gear actuators fail, as do the electronic control units (ECUS) that control them. The results can range from the car selecting only certain gears, to suffering a complete loss of drive.
As most problems are related to the electronic hardware, we consulted ECU Testing of Heanor, Derbyshire, which has developed its own test rigs and bespoke repair methods for the most common automated manual gearboxes on the UK market. While a DIYER might be able to conduct some basic repairs at home, the actuators can be removed quite easily and posted to a suitable mail-order specialist for testing, or repair. The cost of this will be considerably less than at a main dealer workshop, which tends to advocate replacing complete components, the price of which can exceed four figures quite easily. For an older car, the final invoice can exceed the car’s market value.
To demonstrate typical dismantling, testing and overhauling techniques, ECU Testing advised us on Vauxhall’s Easytronic system, which is not only one of the most common systems on UK roads but is also prone to several specific faults.