Update on supposed VE A6 problems

[CalaisRider]

Hi all

Just an update on my gripes and whines about my Calais V auto, continually hunting all over the place and in manual mode not not shifting at anything above 3000 rpm.

Its been two weeks since I had all sorts of problems with the A6 and was very disappointed in its performance to say the least. Last week Armstrong Holden went over everything with a fine tooth comb by their head mechanic and the only thing they could find was low gearbox oil level (how low, who knows). They reset all the control units and since then I have been extremely happy with the A6. Probably doesnt shift in manual as quick as I would like , but thats a personal thing.

Goes like a dream now and has no issue changing in manual up around 5,500 as opposed to 3000 being the limit!!

I believe it was as a result of a very poor pre-delivery service issue by the dealer I bought the car off (not Armstrong). Just as a suggestion, if anyone is having probs with VE series A6 with gear shift issues, engine warning lights, or limp mode as I did, check the gearbox oil levels first. Overall a bloody simple fix that caused me heaps of grief in a brand new car.

Pete

[SV99]

So if the oil level is low then that means the auto wont shift properly.

Did it do any other dammage.

[jordan23]

Good to see your problems have been sorted, and thanks for the heads up. Sounds as thought it might be something to keep an eye on

[mmciau]

Makes you wonder what volumes are added at the "fluids" part of assembly line - eg coolants, engine oil, brake fluid, etc - just before the car goes onto the roller dyno for systems check!!!

[CalaisRider]

So if the oil level is low then that means the auto wont shift properly.

Did it do any other dammage.

I am no mechanical guru on the new techno autos in any way; and hopefully someone else can comment. I know on older cars there are a bunch of galleries that the oil runs through and relies on these oil pressures to change the gears which are actually bands, if the oil level is low enough it seems reasonable that it would affect the shifts, if its real low would affect the band wear.

Mine got really confused at times but the manual mode downshift lockout at 3000 was really frustrating. Truth be known is I thought it was normal for the car. If the warnings lights didin't come on I would have known no better and still be driving it - pretty hard at times.

All seems fine now under all sorts of revs and drive conditions - absolutely no complaints since taking it to Armstrong. Not sure about longer term damage - they suggest bringing it back for another full going over in the new year - i assume pull the box out and have a look.

Similar issue on a brand spankin new manual of mine many years ago. Bearing sort of noise in the box and a tad crunchy on a long holiday/run-in drive - turned out to be low gearbox oil - had that car for 8 years and no further gearbox probs.

I just posted the issue as an experience/awareness thing as this was one of the last things holden looked for on my VE .:) Hopefully all stays good :yup:

[davidred]

Any ideas on how to check the fluid level? Book just says that Holden will do it in the servicing and I couldn't find anything under the bonnet.

[CalaisRider]

Any ideas on how to check the fluid level? Book just says that Holden will do it in the servicing and I couldn't find anything under the bonnet.

Have no idea but I know they let mine cool for 5 hrs after their extensive test driving so that the box/oil was exactly 30 degrees when they did the check. All I know is there has been absolutely no probs since!!

Why - maybe the wise ones out there can help explain:diddy:

[cholo]

Hi all

Just an update on my gripes and whines about my Calais V auto, continually hunting all over the place and in manual mode not not shifting at anything above 3000 rpm.

Its been two weeks since I had all sorts of problems with the A6 and was very disappointed in its performance to say the least. Last week Armstrong Holden went over everything with a fine tooth comb by their head mechanic and the only thing they could find was low gearbox oil level (how low, who knows). They reset all the control units and since then I have been extremely happy with the A6. Probably doesnt shift in manual as quick as I would like , but thats a personal thing.

Goes like a dream now and has no issue changing in manual up around 5,500 as opposed to 3000 being the limit!!

I believe it was as a result of a very poor pre-delivery service issue by the dealer I bought the car off (not Armstrong). Just as a suggestion, if anyone is having probs with VE series A6 with gear shift issues, engine warning lights, or limp mode as I did, check the gearbox oil levels first. Overall a bloody simple fix that caused me heaps of grief in a brand new car.

Pete

Hi Pete

Im having problems with my car now. Once in a while and quite often lately the check engine light comes -> shakes like crazy -> then safe mode warning -> then limp mode. 2 hrs later or so its back to normal. :cussing:

Took it to Holden service and all they did was clear the codes and that was 3 days of having my car in there. :cussing:

They printed out an error code list and it had something to do with the actuator. I dont know what they did in those past 3 days but its driving me nuts now. Are you able to shed some light on this for me?

Cheers

Cholo

[Sonnymad]

Hi all

Just an update on my gripes and whines about my Calais V auto, continually hunting all over the place and in manual mode not not shifting at anything above 3000 rpm.

Its been two weeks since I had all sorts of problems with the A6 and was very disappointed in its performance to say the least. Last week Armstrong Holden went over everything with a fine tooth comb by their head mechanic and the only thing they could find was low gearbox oil level (how low, who knows). They reset all the control units and since then I have been extremely happy with the A6. Probably doesnt shift in manual as quick as I would like , but thats a personal thing.

Goes like a dream now and has no issue changing in manual up around 5,500 as opposed to 3000 being the limit!!

I believe it was as a result of a very poor pre-delivery service issue by the dealer I bought the car off (not Armstrong). Just as a suggestion, if anyone is having probs with VE series A6 with gear shift issues, engine warning lights, or limp mode as I did, check the gearbox oil levels first. Overall a bloody simple fix that caused me heaps of grief in a brand new car.

Pete


Pete,

I can tell you that thats a load of crock ! firstly i can tell you first hand that a new A6 ve will last approx 3000km's with low oil,secondly if it wasnt low enough to blow up,it certinaly would have done damage and thirdly do you really think the dealer knows how to actually check the oil on a a6 ve ? i say no,goto the dealer in person without any warning and ask for the mechanic who worked on ur car and hit him with it with no warning "how did you check the oil on my gearbox"...there will be lots of ammming and arring...and lastly all they did is upload the latest a6 calibration...thats about it.

regards sonny

[leadfoot]

yeah like the sort of underhanded shit dealers do daily...alot of them rank up there with lawers:vpo:

[shepp0]

Pete,

I can tell you that thats a load of crock ! firstly i can tell you first hand that a new A6 ve will last approx 3000km's with low oil,secondly if it wasnt low enough to blow up,it certinaly would have done damage and thirdly do you really think the dealer knows how to actually check the oil on a a6 ve ? i say no,goto the dealer in person without any warning and ask for the mechanic who worked on ur car and hit him with it with no warning "how did you check the oil on my gearbox"...there will be lots of ammming and arring...and lastly all they did is upload the latest a6 calibration...thats about it.

regards sonny

spot on sonny,

"topped up oil level and reset control units" is standard dealer speak for "we thrashed your car till the box came good"