I have a 1998 VW 2.6 V8 automatic Sharan. It struggles to change up through the gears and revs quite badly before it changes gear.It has been parked up for a couple of weeks and there is a large oil patch under the lefthand side of the car. I have been quoted 9,000 euros to have it repaired (I live in France). Can anyone suggest anything I can look at first?

Den, November 2010

V8??4 speed level bung under sump, filler pipe is at front of case. Remove anti tamper seal you will have to make filler tube due to restricted access. Check idling should come out of level bung 5mm allen. 5 speed 5mm allen bung under casing (for level) fill at top left of front cover. DO NOT OVERFILL

mags, November 2010

when filling an automatic gearbox, after putting in correct type/amount of auto trans fluid, you have to start the car and keeping the brakes ON, move the gear lever though the gears to allow the fluid to settle thought out g/box, or you will find the gears will "slip". when this happened to me, the gearbox sump seal was leaking, replaced this, and put 5lts of fluid in, went though the gears, no problems since. about £25-00 for rubber seal and £6-50 per litre of fluid. all from motor factors, NOT main dealer.

hope it helps, November 2010

top up your gear box with fluid and check for a leak

mm, November 2010