AL4 gearbox trouble's

If you have Automatic gearbox problems or issues that would only affect an Auto, please ask here.

Please provide as much information as possible including photos you have taken and uploaded directly to the topic.
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Think: Auto not changing up or down, snowflake/sport flashing, flappy paddles, actuator fault and sensodrive not changing gear.
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My Name: Arfur Dent

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Posts: 3546
Joined: Sat Jul 23, 2011 3:47 pm
Model: C3 2002-2005, Original shape model
Year: 2002 (52)
Engine Size: 1.4 (16v)
Fuel Type: Diesel
Mileage: 100000
Trim Level: Exclusive
Gearbox: Manual 5 speed
DPF: No
LHD or RHD: RHD (UK)
Engine name: DV4 16-valve diesel (90 PS)
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swampies wrote:I managed to find the time to get the car on the ramps to have a good look under the gearbox.
There does seem to be a drain plug in the bottom but it's different to the one in the diagram.
Looks like you have the 'sealed for life' AL4.
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My Name: swampies

Contributor
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Mar 15, 2014 5:53 pm
Model: C3 2002-2005, Original shape model
Year: 2004 (04)
Engine Size: 1.4 i
Fuel Type: Petrol
Mileage: 80000
Trim Level: VTR+
Gearbox: Automatic PRND
DPF: No

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I got the car up on the ramps again today and removed the plug.
As it turns out the Haynes manual seems to be wrong when it says that the plug is for level checking and that the transmission cannot be drained.
Upon closer inspection there is a plastic tube inside the gearbox that is used to check the level exactly the same way with the older style transmission, however you can unscrew this tube with an 8mm allen key and remove it to drain the transmission.

Hopefully this information will be of some help to others who are faced with the same drain plug that I have.

Here is a photo of the drain plug and the plastic tube side by side.
oil drain plug and tube Citroen C3 automatic
oil drain plug and tube Citroen C3 automatic
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My Name: swampies

Contributor
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Mar 15, 2014 5:53 pm
Model: C3 2002-2005, Original shape model
Year: 2004 (04)
Engine Size: 1.4 i
Fuel Type: Petrol
Mileage: 80000
Trim Level: VTR+
Gearbox: Automatic PRND
DPF: No

Post

Looks like its time to give up and get it sorted by a pro.
I've drained it and refilled it and checked to make sure it was at the correct level, but still playing up.
We managed about 15miles before she started playing up again although now its only intermittent.
No faults present in lexia either.
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User avatar
My Name: Arfur Dent

Guru
Posts: 3546
Joined: Sat Jul 23, 2011 3:47 pm
Model: C3 2002-2005, Original shape model
Year: 2002 (52)
Engine Size: 1.4 (16v)
Fuel Type: Diesel
Mileage: 100000
Trim Level: Exclusive
Gearbox: Manual 5 speed
DPF: No
LHD or RHD: RHD (UK)
Engine name: DV4 16-valve diesel (90 PS)
Has thanked: 355 times
Been thanked: 139 times

Post

swampies wrote:Looks like its time to give up and get it sorted by a pro.
I've drained it and refilled it and checked to make sure it was at the correct level, but still playing up.
We managed about 15miles before she started playing up again although now its only intermittent.
No faults present in lexia either.

Thanks for the picture of the level/drainer.

Please keep us posted on how this goes.
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My Name: swampies

Contributor
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Mar 15, 2014 5:53 pm
Model: C3 2002-2005, Original shape model
Year: 2004 (04)
Engine Size: 1.4 i
Fuel Type: Petrol
Mileage: 80000
Trim Level: VTR+
Gearbox: Automatic PRND
DPF: No

Post

Latest update.....
In the end the gearbox and torque converter had to be replaced due to mechanical damage.
Total cost for recon gearbox and torque converter plus collection and delivery with VAT was £1704.
She now seems OK. Fingers crossed.
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User avatar
My Name: Arfur Dent

Guru
Posts: 3546
Joined: Sat Jul 23, 2011 3:47 pm
Model: C3 2002-2005, Original shape model
Year: 2002 (52)
Engine Size: 1.4 (16v)
Fuel Type: Diesel
Mileage: 100000
Trim Level: Exclusive
Gearbox: Manual 5 speed
DPF: No
LHD or RHD: RHD (UK)
Engine name: DV4 16-valve diesel (90 PS)
Has thanked: 355 times
Been thanked: 139 times

Post

swampies wrote:Latest update.....
In the end the gearbox and torque converter had to be replaced due to mechanical damage.
Total cost for recon gearbox and torque converter plus collection and delivery with VAT was £1704.
She now seems OK. Fingers crossed.
Thank you for the update. Not cheap :(
You can add an avatar to your account - Avatar or change your vehicle details - Car Bio or even add a signature to your posts - Signature. But this is not all you can do in the User Control Panel :)
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