VW Caravelle 2.5TDi (132kW) Auto Gearbox Issues

[SAV1234]

Good day all.

We (company) has a 2007 VW Caravelle T5 2.5TDi (132kW-AXE Motor), with the 6 speed Auto/Trip Tronic. (Front wheel, not AWD). Our company has had the vehicle from new.

Car currently has 360,000km on, Turbo has been re-done twice, the second time the Inlet Manifold had to be "beefed" up as it was also leaking. The motor still has lots of grunt and torque, so no motor issues. Car was serviced regularly over the years, mostly at VW.

Now the Gearbox decided to play up. It feels as if it is slipping, struggles to pull away, and after a while (once engine has warmed up etc.) it gets stuck in 5th gear. Thank God it is a diesel, as it can still pull away in 5th and I made it back to the office. (Was not far from office).

I have noticed that the coolant level drops a bit after driving, and I have to keep re-filling. I do not see any water leaks. Please correct me if I am wrong, but these radiators are 2 in one, one for engine, and bottom section for the gearbox. Could it be possible that water is getting into the gearbox?

I have contacted Mayfair gearbox, but they told me that they do not repair vehicles older than 2010, as they struggle with parts.

We were thinking, if we drain the gearbox oil, and fill it with new oil, would this help? I am not sure if VW has ever changed the oil over the period of the services. Draining the oil is easy, but where does one re-fill it? I remember on older cars with auto boxes, they used to have a dipstick, but I cannot find one on the Caravelle.

Secondly, the vehicle is a great vehicle to drive (besides the horrid turbo-lag when trying to overtake). A new one is just way too expensive now.

We are based in Bedfordview, Johannesburg. (Yes driving high altitude mostly). Can anyone here recommend a decent Gearbox over hauler in the area?

Yes the vehicle is old, high mileage, inner is starting to fall part (seats will need re-covering soon etc.), but mechanically (besides the box now) there are no issues.

Would it be worth it to spend the money for repairs, or to call it a day with the vehicle? If so can the vehicle be sold at all?

I was also thinking of maybe converting it to a Manual, but these days with everything controlled by the ECU, would it actually be possible? Would it be worth it? (I was thinking of buying it for myself lol).

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Have an awesome weeknd!!