Alfa GT Selespeed Failure: Grinding Gears & TCU Issues

I had nearly identical transmission problems with my 2005 Alfa 147 Selespeed. Having some experience with automatic gearbox issues, I recognized similar symptoms, the grinding during shifts and slow response from the transmission control were major red flags. After multiple diagnostic tests, my workshop confirmed the automotive ECU controlling the Selespeed transmission was defective. The transmission repair involved replacing the control unit completely, which resolved the error codes and restored proper shifting function. The total repair cost was 1000 Euro, including parts and labor. Since the fix, the transmission problems disappeared completely and the automatic gearbox has been working flawlessly. To better assist with your situation, could you share: Current mileage, When did the symptoms first appear, Have you had any previous transmission repairs, Exact error codes showing, Oil change history for the transmission This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced and whether the transmission control unit is indeed the culprit. These Selespeed systems are quite particular about maintenance, so knowing the service history is crucial for proper diagnosis.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My car has 71245 KM on the odometer and I wanted to mention the Selespeed transmission problems started gradually over the past month. The control module error codes match what you described exactly. This helps confirm my suspicions about the transmission control unit. The repair cost you shared at 1000 Euro seems reasonable given the complexity of the automotive ECU replacement. Will schedule a proper diagnostic test to verify before proceeding with any repairs. Just had the annual service done 2 months ago where they checked the gearbox fluid levels, but no transmission-specific maintenance was performed then. Starting to think this might have been a missed opportunity to prevent these issues.

Based on your service timing, this really sounds like a classic case of transmission control failure that I dealt with. The gradual onset of symptoms over a month matches my experience exactly, these electronic transmission control units tend to deteriorate progressively rather than fail suddenly. The computer-controlled Selespeed transmission diagnosis can be tricky, but since your error codes match and the symptoms are identical, I feel confident you are dealing with the same transmission control unit issue I had. The car computer typically shows these specific fault patterns when the control module starts failing. One tip from my repair experience: make sure the workshop checks the transmission fluid quality during diagnosis, even though levels were fine recently. Poor fluid condition can sometimes create similar electronic issues that mimic transmission control unit failure. In my case, it was definitely the control unit, but worth checking to avoid unnecessary parts replacement. After my transmission repair was completed, I also started doing more frequent fluid checks as preventive maintenance. The transmission diagnosis and repair process taught me these systems need closer monitoring than standard manual gearboxes. Would be interested to hear what your workshop finds during the diagnostic test.

Following up to close this thread, I had the workshop complete their transmission diagnosis today. They confirmed exactly what you experienced with your Selespeed gearbox issues. The control module has failed and needs replacement. The transmission repair quote came in at 1050 Euro, very close to what you paid. They checked the gearbox fluid as suggested and it was clean, so no additional work needed there. Really glad I could compare experiences before proceeding with the automatic gearbox repair. Will schedule the control unit replacement next week. Having seen your positive outcome after fixing the same issue, I feel much more confident about getting this resolved. The electronic issues with these transmissions seem fairly common once they age. Thanks again for sharing your experience. It helped avoid potentially unnecessary diagnostic steps and confirmed the repair path forward.