K13 automatic gearbox problems

[Jamesclarke1]

Hi everyone. Desperately looking for some help/advice. I’m trying to source an automatic gearbox for a 2012 micra. I understand this is the k13 model. The box that has come out of my mums car is knackered. We understand that it needs a new valve body fitting and we’re looking at £1500. Most recent quote £2000. I was hoping to source a reconditioned box and have a local mechanic fit it. I have noticed there are lots of k12 auto boxes for sale. Failing all else, would a k12 box potentially fit a k13? Any help/advice would be hugely appreciated. Ps, I’m no mechanic and I can’t seem to find anyone who wants to take on the job. Many thanks, James.

 

[SplanK]

I am not sure if a K12 CVT box is compatible with the K13 engine/wiring or TCU (Transmission Control Unit). Even if they are similar (as in, could bolt in), there maybe other differences within the box that make it less desirable or not compatible with the K13.

Unfortunately, CVT gearboxes are expensive to maintain and repair, and are considered more 'fragile/sensitive compared to a manual gearbox. I dont know if £1500-2000 is reasonable value, but I would personally be tempted to opt to get your gearbox refurbished by a gearbox specialist - some ringing would identify that. I would be weary of allowing a garage to replace a valve body unless they were able to tell me why they thought it was that and have run through the appropriate diagnostics rather than applying the 'parts cannon' rule in the hope it fixes the problem.

Buying a 2nd hand unit from a breaker/not refurbished maybe cheaper, however you are also taking a gamble in terms of getting a good one or not and potential unknown service history or how long it has been sat around.

 

[Jamesclarke1]

I am not sure if a K12 CVT box is compatible with the K13 engine/wiring or TCU (Transmission Control Unit). Even if they are similar (as in, could bolt in), there maybe other differences within the box that make it less desirable or not compatible with the K13.

Unfortunately, CVT gearboxes are expensive to maintain and repair, and are considered more 'fragile/sensitive compared to a manual gearbox. I dont know if £1500-2000 is reasonable value, but I would personally be tempted to opt to get your gearbox refurbished by a gearbox specialist - some ringing would identify that. I would be weary of allowing a garage to replace a valve body unless they were able to tell me why they thought it was that and have run through the appropriate diagnostics rather than applying the 'parts cannon' rule in the hope it fixes the problem.

Buying a 2nd hand unit from a breaker/not refurbished maybe cheaper, however you are also taking a gamble in terms of getting a good one or not and potential unknown service history or how long it has been sat around.

Thankyou very much for you reply. Completely agree with all of the above and have spent a lot of time going round in circles. I have been biding my time to get hold of a different box from a breaker but it appears the prices are the same as getting the work done ourselves which defeats the object. Perhaps worth biting the bullet and getting it mended.

 

[ktween]

Hi everyone. Desperately looking for some help/advice. I’m trying to source an automatic gearbox for a 2012 micra. I understand this is the k13 model. The box that has come out of my mums car is knackered. We understand that it needs a new valve body fitting and we’re looking at £1500. Most recent quote £2000. I was hoping to source a reconditioned box and have a local mechanic fit it. I have noticed there are lots of k12 auto boxes for sale. Failing all else, would a k12 box potentially fit a k13? Any help/advice would be hugely appreciated. Ps, I’m no mechanic and I can’t seem to find anyone who wants to take on the job. Many thanks, James.

Hi James, what was the problem with your gearbox? Regards, Keith 078 111 999 47