Vauxhall Corsa: Transmission Nightmare, Help Needed

Hey there! I had a very similar issue with my 2007 Vauxhall Astra (I have some experience working on cars, but mainly basic maintenance stuff). The symptoms you're describing sound exactly like what I experienced. Turned out my transmission fluid was critically low. Took it to my trusted local workshop, and they did a thorough inspection followed by a transmission fluid change and top-up. The whole thing cost me about 365 Euro, but it fixed those nasty grinding noises and shifting problems completely. Could you share more details about your Corsa, like the transmission type (manual/auto) and mileage? This would help me give you more specific advice based on my experience. Trust me, don't wait too long on this one, low transmission fluid can cause serious damage if left unchecked.

Thanks for chiming in! Yep, I've got 183419 KM on the clock, and it's a manual transmission. Had my last service about 4 months ago, but they didn't mention anything about the transmission fluid then. Those symptoms you described with your Astra sound spot on with what I'm experiencing. I'll definitely get it checked out ASAP, don't want to risk any major damage. Might give that same workshop you mentioned a shot. Did theyage to sort it out in one day for you?

Hey again! Yeah, I remember when I took my Astra in, they actually did manage to sort it out in just one day. I dropped it off first thing in the morning around 8 AM, and they called me to pick it up by late afternoon, around 4 PM. The whole process was pretty straightforward. Just to add to my previous experience, after they changed the fluid, they also found that my transmission mount was a bit worn (probably why I was getting those extra vibrations), but that wasn't urgent to fix right away. With your Corsa being at 183k km, it might be worth having them check your mounts too while they're at it. One thing I forgot to mention earlier, after they did the fluid change, they recommended I take it easy for the first 100 km or so, just to let everything settle in properly. Made a huge difference in how smooth the shifts became after that break-in period. Hope you get it sorted soon! Let me know how it goes, I'm curious if you end up having the same issue I did. These Vauxhalls can be pretty similar when it comes to transmission quirks!

Thanks so much for all the detailed info! That's really helpful to know about the same-day service and the break-in period. I've actually just called a local workshop and booked it in for tomorrow morning. Will definitely ask them to check the transmission mounts too, good shout on that one! I'm really hoping it's just the fluid like in your case, and not something more serious. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, it's made me feel a lot more confident about getting this sorted. I'll update you once I get the car back and let you know if it was the same issue. Fingers crossed for a straightforward fix like yours! Thanks again for all your help!