T5 Auto transmission gearbox advice

[Transporter]

You've done well to get to 258,000 without transmission problems in one of these.

I agree, I'd be very happy to get 250,000km, no matter what brand of car it is.

...and just to remind you guys (some may not know), the T5 vans have Aisin (Toyota own company) automatic transmission. I know quite a few Toyota Tarago owners whose A/T didn't last even 160,000km.

[Sunny43.5]

Here you go this one I found AFTER ours was supposedly serviced by VW if I had found it before I would be $8.5 k better off How to change T5 Auto Gearbox Oil - The Brick-yard

[Umai Naa!!]

Close enough.

[Sunny43.5]

Do you remove the sump Umai to change the filter ?

[Umai Naa!!]

Yes. Always.

The pan had already been off for the filter change.

[jets]

Any suggestions for companies in VIC to carry out the work would be greatly appreciated. But recommendations for companies Australia wide would be good, if reasonably priced and reliable.

There is a company in Dandenong called A&B Automatic transmission service that from memory is the company that T4 transmissions were sent to for reconditioning from South Aust. when I owned a T4 Auto. Do a search on this forum as this has been discussed before.
I don't think I would buy a gearbox from the UK in case you had any problems with it.

[huwnative]

Hey dubbers!

Just joined, so please bear with me!

Vehicle Details: VW Transporter T5 tdi
Odometer: 278000
Build Date: 2005
Vin # WV1ZZZ7HZ6H008525
Engine# AXE046713
Trans Code and Type Box code: HGE

Purchased my 2005 Transporter TDI Dec 2014 - odometer reading: 258200 - I noticed that occasionally, especially during city/town driving, gear changes were very clunky was not at all smooth going through the low gear ranges. Then the serious problems started back in June 2015. The first sign of these problems, the vehicle would go into limp home mode. So decided to get the gearbox scanned, updated the software and gearbox oil changed. Which improved the low gear changes and overall gearbox performance for a short while.

But unfortunately after a few months of good running, the van started going into limp home mode again. Managed to get away with re-scanning and erasing fault codes, which worked for a few weeks. But this now does not make any difference and vehicle is not driving at all well. Seems to be constantly running in limp home mode, It will eventually go through the low gear range and If it does manage to get out of the low gear range and into 5th, 6th gear it seems to run reasonably well, responds to revving etc.

Last vehicle diagnostic/scan test result: Faulty shift solenoid, conductor plate
Basic scan: 2nd,3rd gear incorrect ratio

Any suggestions on the best way to move forward in sorting the problem would be greatly appreciated, seem to be running out of options! Have had a number of varying prices on used gearboxes and quotes on repairing the valve body etc. Both options seem expensive and potentially problematic? A number of auto specialists have suggested contacting VW direct as apparently, they now offer reasonably priced rebuilt/reconditioned gear boxes?

But after a number of calls and email messages to South Yarra VW Commercail centre, Melbourne and thanks to VW's level of customer service, I am still none the wiser on that query!?

One final question, this may be a case of wishful thinking! but If the box was low on oil or wrong oil used - could this potentially cause a problem? or could it be an electrical, sensor fault?

Let me know what you think.

Thanks in advance

*GEARBOX UPDATE*

I want to thank everyone for their input and sound advice into all of my auto gearbox queries. After many weeks of research and pondering on the varying ways of dealing with this faulty gearbox, I finally decided to go for a low km's salvaged gearbox with a 10,000 kms/3 month warranty. Decided on this option as I was advised on a number of occasions against a rebuild and/or a repair as apparently these aren't always successful!?

Was also put off the rebuild/repair option as to the cost. So took a gamble and went for the salvaged gearbox option. Got gearbox fitted and fully serviced by A&B in Melbourne (thanks to Jets for the recommendation)! for a reasonable price. All in, a cheaper option than the repair/rebuild option.

Regarding the old gearbox, A&B conducted some live tests on the old gearbox before removing it and they stated that the auto gearbox was just slipping? Did not pick up on any of the other faults from previous test results that had been conducted. These being 2nd - 3rd incorrect ratio and faulty conductor plate and solenoid.
So now wondering whether the previous auto gearbox was beyond economical repair?! So I am now considering either taking the autobox somewhere for a strip and quote so as to determine the exact faulty part(s) and then consider either going for option A: Repair gearbox if cheaper than what had been previously quoted on the potentially incorrect diagnosis. Or option B: Find out what parts are faulty and then sell any salvageable parts from the old gearbox? If I do end up going for plan B what working parts are worth keeping and/or selling from the old auto gearbox, if any?!

Thanks in advance!