Galaxy automatic gearbox reliabilty

[Joey P]

Had a old Galaxy MK1 (manual box) for years & thanks in no small way to this forum, managed to have great use & service from it.

Looking to buy another one & considering a auto.

Advice please
General questions re Ford automatic gearbox in Galaxy MK3

1. is it the same gearbox in the mk3 regardless of year, or did any of the years have different boxes. I know next to nothing about them, but! read about ford automatic boxes with dry and wet internal clutch systems! and the latter being problematic.

Budget I have means I'm looking at approx 2012 down.

2. Are the auto boxes reliable,  is there a servicing part that is critical to longevity.
Again I read of a sensor that needs to be changed every 6 or so years, but???

Appreciate any advice especially from actual experience owners of Galaxy automatics?

[SirDavidAlhambra]

I would go for a MK2 Alhamb. I have one with an automatic gearbox and the mechanic said it?s one of the best cars he has ever seen. It purrs along nicely and just works really. What more could u want from a motor car.

[brianh]

There are several posts on here about changing the fluid in a regular basis in the powershift type gearboxes, and if considering one, its usually recommended to have service history showing its been changed when its due. There should be some further replies soon with any luck as a fair number on here have had or still have mk3's

[johnnyroper]

The powershift needs servicing every 40k with expensive oil,although there might be cheaper alternatives out there now. I know bmw DCT oil used to be mental money ?40 a litre and you need 8-9 litres for a change. But these days meyle and febi do correct spec oil for fraction of price.

As for are all auto box?s the same I have no idea if they did a conventional auto or if all are the dual clutch types.

[SirDavidAlhambra]

Does anybody know what type of gearbox my mk2 Alhamb has please? It is a 2006 model, 5 gears I think. I had the oil changed at around 110,000 miles but the gearbox specialist said those gearboxes apparently never need their oil changing in theory. But he also said it?s good to keep it all fresh and clean. Is this true, that they rarely need their oil changing, or should I be doing regular gearbox oil changes on it? Thank you

[Mirez]

I would hazard a guess its an AG4 box but VCDS will tell you for certain in the identifier.

60k max for gearbox oil - remember "Filled for life" is what the manufacture deems 'life' to be, typically 8 years or 100k miles - certainly not my definition

[Chrispb]

AG5?

[SirDavidAlhambra]

Thank you very much, I will get it changed religiously at 50k mile intervals!

Sometimes the car makes a little shudder when I come to a sudden stop from over 25mph and the engine is cold (like stopping abruptly for a traffic light). I did wonder if it?s a sticky solenoid or if keeping the oil clean and fresh would help. I suspect both? what do you think too?

I just can?t believe how all most garages do is an oil change when there is so much more to servicing and maintaining in good condition a quality motor car.

Yesterday I used that feature where the headlights stay on for 30 seconds after exiting the car. I never fail to be impressed at how thoroughly the designers of the Alhamb considered the needs of the motorist. Such a fine, fine vehicle.

[Joey P]

Many Thanks all.