Aston Martin Vanquish - 2003 - Gearbox/ASM Fault
Discussion
A quick first post to assist anyone else who have had similar problems.
My 2003 Vanquish - 40,000 miles car developed a gearbox message fault on the screen and when pressing hard it would go into Neutral.
To cut a long story short, I had the pump replaced, thinking it was a weak pump, then the gearbox sensor replaced. It turned out none of these remedied the issues, and it pointed to replacing the very expensive ASM unit, due to an internal leak. The hydraulic system wasn’t keeping pressure.
As some people may know the ASM unit is approx £9k plus VAT, plus fitting which isn’t cheap. After a lot of web surfing I found a chap who can fix or refurbish these units. My unit was sent off and returned in a week with full update and only cost £400 for the repair. The service and attitude of Simon was second to none!!
For other owners with similar issues, the gentlemen’s details are ;
simonstoyce@hotmail.com
My 2003 Vanquish - 40,000 miles car developed a gearbox message fault on the screen and when pressing hard it would go into Neutral.
To cut a long story short, I had the pump replaced, thinking it was a weak pump, then the gearbox sensor replaced. It turned out none of these remedied the issues, and it pointed to replacing the very expensive ASM unit, due to an internal leak. The hydraulic system wasn’t keeping pressure.
As some people may know the ASM unit is approx £9k plus VAT, plus fitting which isn’t cheap. After a lot of web surfing I found a chap who can fix or refurbish these units. My unit was sent off and returned in a week with full update and only cost £400 for the repair. The service and attitude of Simon was second to none!!
For other owners with similar issues, the gentlemen’s details are ;
simonstoyce@hotmail.com
Very interesting thanks - have saved the details.
I’m equally staggered that this relatively straightforward system seems to be considered witchcraft in the Aston world. It must have been running in millions of duo select fiats for 20 years yet has us crossing our fingers every time there is a funny noise or a traffic jam.
On the same note, I just installed the Scud ASM relay replacement emu thing and after 90 miles the smoothness of the shifts is uncanny. But it has indicated a fault with the pump cycle.... every silver lining....
Many thanks
I’m equally staggered that this relatively straightforward system seems to be considered witchcraft in the Aston world. It must have been running in millions of duo select fiats for 20 years yet has us crossing our fingers every time there is a funny noise or a traffic jam.
On the same note, I just installed the Scud ASM relay replacement emu thing and after 90 miles the smoothness of the shifts is uncanny. But it has indicated a fault with the pump cycle.... every silver lining....
Many thanks
Which is why I would never "ring Aston" in this situation. They have neither the skills nor the inclination to fix things but just fit new parts at huge expense. This is why my engine was replaced when all that was wrong with it was a few rattly tappets. I suppose that's fine when you're within warranty but complete madness if you're not. Take your car to a proper specialist who can diagnose it and fix it or knows a man who can, as above.
Hi Daniel,
It's a pleasure to get you back on the road again!
Thank you for the post! If anyone needs any help or repairs to their ASM system, I'd be glad to offer my services.
You can find me at https://www.ssautotech.co.uk/ and simonstoyce@hotmail.com
Regards,
Simon
It's a pleasure to get you back on the road again!
Thank you for the post! If anyone needs any help or repairs to their ASM system, I'd be glad to offer my services.
You can find me at https://www.ssautotech.co.uk/ and simonstoyce@hotmail.com
Regards,
Simon
Hi Daniel,
I'm glad I came across your message. I might have the same issue that you had with your 2003 Vanquish. I also have a 2003 Vanquish, 37k miles. When I press the car hard (say after 5,500 rpm) a gearbox message fault comes up on the screen (orange light) as well as a hard beep. Whilst gear indicator light does still show the gear that it was in (it does not show the 'N' for Neutral), it seems as if it's in neutral because any gas that you give as from that moment will only cause the revs to go up but no further acceleration. Finally, the moment when this happens, the car's tail gives a short sway. At first I thought it might be an ABS glitch or something, but it seems to be more related to the moment where the engine abruptly loses connection with the drive train (I'm not a mechanic so I hope this makes sense). When I pull both paddles to put it into neutral, and then pull the right one to put it into gear again, it does what it should do (so I do not have to come to a full stop on the highway, which would be even more dangerous than it is now).
Similar to you, the pump was replaced and the gearbox sensor was replaced. The issue is not remedied. So far, I understand from the dealer there are no signs of a faulty ASM unit. They have had their fair share of Vanquishes over the years, but have never experienced this before. Basically this is where we are at right now, with currently no viable solution route.
From what you have experienced, is this similar or the same to the issue that you had? Could this indeed be caused by a faulty ASM unit? Your input/experience would be greatly appreciated.
Best,
Steve
I'm glad I came across your message. I might have the same issue that you had with your 2003 Vanquish. I also have a 2003 Vanquish, 37k miles. When I press the car hard (say after 5,500 rpm) a gearbox message fault comes up on the screen (orange light) as well as a hard beep. Whilst gear indicator light does still show the gear that it was in (it does not show the 'N' for Neutral), it seems as if it's in neutral because any gas that you give as from that moment will only cause the revs to go up but no further acceleration. Finally, the moment when this happens, the car's tail gives a short sway. At first I thought it might be an ABS glitch or something, but it seems to be more related to the moment where the engine abruptly loses connection with the drive train (I'm not a mechanic so I hope this makes sense). When I pull both paddles to put it into neutral, and then pull the right one to put it into gear again, it does what it should do (so I do not have to come to a full stop on the highway, which would be even more dangerous than it is now).
Similar to you, the pump was replaced and the gearbox sensor was replaced. The issue is not remedied. So far, I understand from the dealer there are no signs of a faulty ASM unit. They have had their fair share of Vanquishes over the years, but have never experienced this before. Basically this is where we are at right now, with currently no viable solution route.
From what you have experienced, is this similar or the same to the issue that you had? Could this indeed be caused by a faulty ASM unit? Your input/experience would be greatly appreciated.
Best,
Steve
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff