Automatic gearbox AL4 / DPO
Citroen, Peugeot and Renault introduced this joint venture gearbox in
Citroen ( Xantia and Xsara ) and Peugeot ( 306 and 406 ). On the Renault models the box was called DPO, but is basically the same box.
The gearbox soon got a, not undeserved, negative reputation.
The PSA-group response and actions were all wrong, which only added salt to the customers wounds.
The later updates actually got this gearbox sorted out but its reputation still suffers, more from the wrong actions by PSA regarding the introduction models than the failing of the gearbox itself.
Even today ( 2016 ) the vehicles are being mistreated by workshops and often towed to scrapyards - because of a typical fault that can cost less than 200€ to fix. The irony in this is, that the gearbox fault that ends the vehicle, often comes as a a consequence of prior maintenance work.
The rather sensitive AL4/DPO gearbox is a smooth shifting gearbox, not without faults, but with a high reliability - if it's treated right.
The AL4/DPO gearbox is today mounted into several vehicle brands and makes, not only French PSA-group vehicles.
and links to how the gearbox was repaired on a year 2004 Peugeot 307XS.
Four forward gears and one reverse gear.
"Fuzzy logic" auto-adaptive ECU controls the converter.
ECU controlled gear changes and specific programs.
The maximum torque capacity is 210 mN.
Lubricated for life, but also has an oil quality measuring system
- Transmission Oil too hot ( warning not shown when the oil has cooled ).
- Transmission Oil too old ( oil counter value at calibrated maximum ).
- Break in serial link between the Transmission ECU and Control Panel
- Transmission ECU
- ECU Supply
- Oil pressure sensor
- supply to sequence valves ( EVS1 - EV6 ) or valve fault
- regulation fault in main hydraulic pressure or valve fault
- multifunction switch
- main pressure modulating valve ( Pressure EVM )
- converter lock-up modulating valve ( Lock-Up EVM )
- oil flow valve in heat exchanger
- acceöerator pedal not programmed or incorrect value
- input speed in relation to output speed or engine speed
- output speed and engine speed
- engine speed information
- pedal position
- supply line to analogue sensors
The choice of oil in an Automatic Gearbox is essential for the gearbox performance and reliability, especially if the gearbox is "picky" like the AL4.
Mobil Synthetic ATF LT71141 ( frmr Esso LT71141 ) has not been chosen by chance for the AL4 by the manufactor.
Mobil ATF LT 71141 is a high performance ATF with long drain-performance and excellent thermal properties.
For areas with cold weather, the choice of right oil for your gearbox is even more important.
Based on available information, this product is not expected to produce adverse effects on health or environment when used for the intended application.
Direct contact with skin or eyes should still be avoided using protective clothing and devices.
Appropriate containments should be used to avoid environmental contamination.
Use suitable barriers to prevent oil from spreading or entering drains, ditches or rivers.
Peugeot 307 XS
2004, 2.0 16v, 90tkm
- Rough shifting
- Irregular performance when starting off from standstill
- Intermittent downshifting from 4th to 3rd gear
- SNOW and SPORT indicators illuminated
- Gearbox refusing to shift into 4th gear
After the vehicle was turned off and restarted, it could work properly for various periods of time
The Green Mile
The cost for the repair of the gearbox was, by two independent workshops, estimated to 2.000 - 2.100 €, and despite of low mileage and otherwise excellent condition, the repair cost related to the value of the car - put it on Death Row.
2016 a 2004 model, Swedish plated 307.. is barely worth more.
Given Grace
The reports from both workshops and the diagnostic tool used on the vehicle, indicated to the Main Pressure EVM and the Converter Lock-Up EVM, which made sense considering the above mentioned symptoms. These two valves are a weak spot in the AL4, and are still, after several production years causing trouble.
Even though changing the valves is a surprisingly simple operation and doesn't take more than a couple of hours to carry out, both valves should be changed even if only one is faulty.
For the simple reason that the other valvi probably is soon follow, and having to reopen the gearbox exposes it to unnecessary risks of contamination.
This vehicle is back on the road, leaving only a 125€ gap in the owners wallet..
PSA-group still seems to let themselves and/or the workshops ruin their vehicles reputation..
Calculating a 300€ cost / hour + parts + VAT.. adding cost for mosquito oil, Norrlandsguld and Moonshine.. and i still have a hard time getting the price tag over 1.000€.
I might be wrong, but the estimated price 2.100€ seems like nothing but a ripoff..
If you already saved up a pile of money for the garage to fix the gearbox, follow the link below and fix it yourself.. then use the rest to take a few days off and buy a trip to the French Riviera...
