Ive got a Prestigio 2005 with auto box problems, thought what a great car it until recent problem, cars done about 77k missing changes when warm, phoned specialist who says its likely to be full box overhaul , known problem on the early Aisin gearbox, which I think is type TF-80SC (AF40-6). He says a design change was implemented on later models, improved solenoid, original early ones crack (?) causing symptoms I've got. He also says some specialists may change the solenoid block with gearbox in situ for about £1000 ( £650 plus labour) which may help, but he recommends full gearbox overhaul at around £2000 (!!!! ) inc fitting VAT etc.
I'm a home diy'er, but change of auto box too big a job for me outside house , so looking for cheaper solution if possible, look forward to any advice and if above makes sense. I'm thinking of local garage changing box for me if I can find a good used one. It looks like the vauxhall vectra and insignia use the Aisin AF40 auto boxsame model number box and there's a few more of these around, but is the auto box box the same and interchangable??? Any advice greatly appreciated thanks John

Have you changed the oil recently? If you have, you may have not put enough in or maybe used the wrong oil? If not then an oil change may help. Fiat say it's a sealed box and doesn't require an oil change, but general opinion on this and other forums is that it does! I changed mine and it made a difference, even though I didn't have any problems with gear changes. The oil that came out definitely needed changing. Get the oil from Vauxhall as it's much cheaper.

Thanks for this, yes I agree a gearbox change is probably due got to help with hydraukic servos etc .What i ve found out since for other users is that the vauxhall box or saab for that matter are not interchangeable, casings etc different although internals virtually idetical. Also had a specialist diagnose and says the valve block is faulty needs changing also at least one clutch, so sounds like a full gearbox overhaul at around £2k !! car not worth too much more so just working out what to do , likely to have it overhauled though as like the car Thanks again

I'd be inclined to buy a Vauxhall one from somewhere that will accept returns, after checking that the part numbers all match. If it won't work you haven't lost anything.