Ford C-Max gearbox problems

JR4

Not sure if anyone can help.

I have a Ford C-Max 2006 auto last week while driving a warning message appeared saying transmission malfunction I managed to get it home took it to the garage who said it was a solenoid sensor ( but also warned me these gearboxs are notoriously unreliable) quoted me £600 so I went ahead with the repair, garage phones while repairing oil in the gearbox is black and has metal particles in it do repair might not work and if it does might not last long. I picked the car up saturday car seems ok for now but garage advised me no long journeys or high speeds but couldn't say what was a long journey or a high speed ( helpful ). What I would really like to know is some people have said get rid ( I don't really have money for a new car ) but then others have said keep it could last years. I need a car so going without is not an option.

Really not sure what to do I have not read good reviews about this car since I have had this problem and does having metal in the gearbox oil mean the gearbox is deteriorating

Also if I do get a new car any advice as to a reliable auto make

Thanks

s_b

get rid even ford dealer tecs dont like these
get a Nissan Qashqai Automatic cvt

AdrianC

Metal in the oil has come from somewhere - and it should still be there, not in the oil. That's internals breaking up. I know nothing about this box, but a quick google does suggest it's a very well known problem.

Your only ethical choice here is to shove it on eBay with the fault declared, or prepare to replace the box and get shot asap. A quick read of google results is enough to make your hair curl.

bigjl

might have been a good idea to take it to a specialist gearbox place rather than a normal garage.

JR4

The garage took it to a specialist. It is just a cost I could without as I really can't afford another car have been offered £500 by a breaker which I di think was too bad. Won't sell the car on with this problem.

forgotmyname

Treat it gently and start saving for another car. At some point its going to need repair or replacing.

A used gearbox is an option, But you need to be careful because you maybe buying another worn out unit. The seller will say it drove OK in the yard. 20 or 30 feet forwards and maybe backwards if your lucky.