The Peugeot 308 is a compact family car that comes with both manual and automatic gearboxes. It also has a 4-speed, 5-speed, 6-speed, and 8-speed automatic gearbox to pick from. But what are the Peugeot 308 automatic gearbox problems?
Some of the common Peugeot 308 automatic gearbox problems are lack of transmission fluid, faulty valve body assembly, gearbox jerking & clunking, harsh shifts, and getting stuck in 5th gear. Additionally, some Peugeot 308 owners have also reported having delayed downshifts clutch problems, and slippage or loss of 3rd & 4th gear.
What are the common Peugeot 308 automatic gearbox problems?
Lack of transmission fluid
This is one of the major causes of automatic gearbox issues in the Peugeot 308. This issue is usually caused by negligence by the owner of the car. Lack of transmission fluid leads to gearbox problems, such as erratic shifts, slipping gears, damaged bushings & bearings, and delayed gear engagement.
The transmission fluid plays a vital role in lubricating and cooling the internal parts of the transmission system. To fix this issue, you should replace the damaged parts and ensure the transmission fluid is filled to the recommended level.
Jerking and clunking
Another common problem with the Peugeot 308 automatic gearbox is jerking. Some of the things that cause the transmission to jerk are low transmission fluid, bad shift solenoids, and a blocked transmission filter. So, if your car is jerking or producing a clunking noise, you should have these transmission parts inspected and fixed.
Faulty valve body assembly
The valve body or transmission control unit oversees regulating the flow of fluid and other parts throughout the system. However, when the valve body becomes damaged or blocked, various problems can come up, such as jerking during gear shifts, difficulty shifting gears, and even complete loss of gear selection.
To fix this problem, you will have to clean and replace the bad individual valves. Nonetheless, it is always important to have a professional inspection and diagnose the issue.
Stuck in 5th gear
This issue is normally caused by low or dirty transmission fluid. However, in some situations, it can be due to torque converter failure, a bad solenoid, or even limp mode. That’s why it is vital to have a professional Peugeot mechanic diagnose your car and pinpoint the problem.
If the torque converter or solenoid are damaged or bad, they should be replaced to fix the problem.
Clutch problems
Most Peugeot 308 automatic gearbox clutch problems are caused by worn-out clutch or band. As a result, the torque converter may not be able to transfer power from the engine to the transmission. This makes it hard to engage gears well when shifting.
Some of the signs of clutch problems are difficulty changing into some gears, jerky driving, or even complete failure of gears. Fix the underlying issue to avert the problem. You may have to change the clutch.
Harsh shifts
Several Peugeot 308 owners have also complained about having harsh or hard shifts. The main culprit behind this problem is dirty or low transmission fluid. But in some cases, it can be due to a clogged or leaking vacuum, faulty speedy sensors, or a bad solenoid. Ensure to fix the underlying problem to avert this problem.
Slippage or loss of 3rd and 4th gear
Another issue that Peugeot 308 owners have complained about is the slippage or loss of 3rd and 4th gear. In most cases, the issue will be sporadic and more prominent when the car reaches running temperatures. Note that this issue is normally caused by damaged pistons. Ensure to replace the bad pistons to fix the problem.
Delayed downshifts
Delayed downshifts in automatic transmission are normally caused by low transmission fluid, a bad solenoid, a faulty transmission control module, or a bad torque converter. So, if you want to fix this problem, you will have to take the car to a professional mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
FAQ
Are Peugeot automatic gearboxes reliable?
Yes, the Peugeot automatic gearboxes are very reliable. This is because they use the latest direct shift gearbox (DSG) technology. This gearbox enables rapid gear changes for quicker acceleration, seamless downshifting during overtaking, and improved responsiveness in tricky driving conditions.
What are the signs of a faulty automatic gearbox?
It is easy to know if the gearbox in your Peugeot 308 has issues. Some of the common signs of a faulty gearbox are a smell of burning rubber, strange sounds, gearbox fluid leakage, and gears becoming responsive. Furthermore, you may notice ger shaking, jerking, or even grinding. You may also see the dashboard warning light come on.
Can a faulty automatic gearbox on the Peugeot 308 be repaired?
Yes, a faulty automatic gearbox on the Peugeot 308 can be fixed. However, it also depends on the problem that the gearbox is fixing. Some issues like fluid leaks, sensor malfunctions, or solenoid problems can be fixed. On the other hand, fixing serious problems is not only cumbersome but also costly. As a result, it may be wise to replace the gearbox instead of repairing it.
How long will the Peugeot 308 automatic gearbox last?
The period that the Peugeot 308 automatic gearbox lasts depends on how well the owner repairs and maintains the transmission. With proper care and maintenance, the automatic gearbox can last more than 150k miles. However, if it’s neglected or not well maintained, it may not clock more than 100k miles.
Is it worth fixing the automatic gearbox on the Peugeot 308?
In some cases, repairing the gearbox can be a cost-effective option, more so if the rest of the car is in a good state and the repair can extend its lifespan. Nevertheless, it is crucial to consult with a professional Peugeot mechanic and find out if replacing or fixing the gearbox is the best choice going forward.
Summary
The Peugeot 308 may be a nice and efficient compact family car, but it also experiences several automatic gearbox problems. Some of the gearbox issues reported are lack of transmission fluid, clutch issues, faulty valve body assembly, and delayed downshifts.
Knowing the automatic gearbox problems that you will face along the way is crucial if you’re to prolong the lifespan of the gearbox. This is because fixing the Peugeot automatic gearbox is not only costly but as well as cumbersome.
