Just askin like

[Pudsey Bear]

I thought maybe £3-5k PHEW!!!

Here’s a realistic estimated total cost to fit a used automatic gearbox into a 2007 Fiat Ducato that currently has a manual gearbox — based on UK market prices and typical labour rates.

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1) Parts Cost – Used Automatic Gearbox​

You’ll need to source a used or reconditioned automatic gearbox that fits a Ducato (likely a late‑model automatic unit). A couple of price examples from UK/EU part listings:

• Used 9‑speed automatic gearbox (tested, in stock): ~£425–£515
• Other automatic gearboxes for Ducato (varies by year/spec): £1,500+
  (auto boxes for newer models or higher spec vehicles are more expensive)

Realistically, for a decent used/reconditioned automatic gearbox, budget £600–£1,800+ depending on condition, warranty and source.

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🛠 2) Labour & Fitting Costs​

This isn’t a simple drop‑in like replacing a gearbox with the same type.

Important feasibility note​

Converting a Ducato from manual to automatic isn’t just swapping the gearbox — it likely requires:

• Different transmission mountings
• Torque converter (not part of a manual gearbox)
• Modifications to bellhousing / engine coupling
• Possible ECU remapping or replacement for automatic control
• Change to pedal box, shifter linkage, wiring harness, possibly sensors
• Possibly different driveshafts and electronics
• Road‑worthyness / certification concerns

Many owners simply conclude it is impractical and very expensive compared with selling and buying a van that already has an automatic transmission.
Because of this complexity:

• High street garage labour could be 40–100+ hours of specialist work
• Labour rates for skilled transmission work in the UK commonly £60–£120/hr (varies by region)
• A shop might need to source or fabricate parts, programme the ECU, test and adjust everything

Estimated total labour cost:
£3,000 – £8,000+ depending on workshop and complexity.

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3) Total Estimated Cost​

Cost Component	Estimated UK Cost
Used automatic gearbox	£600 – £1,800+
Transmission ancillary parts (mounts, sensors, linkage, wiring)	£300 – £1,000+
Labour & programming	£3,000 – £8,000+
Total Estimated Cost	£4,000 – £11,000+

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Important Practical Reality​

Based on discussions among Ducato owners and mechanics:

• A manual‑to‑automatic conversion on a Ducato is very complex and rarely done simply because it’s so expensive (many advise it’s not worth it compared with selling and buying an automatic van).
• The parts may be available, but the integration of electronics, driveline, and control means significant custom work.

 

[mark61]

I think you'd have a problem even finding someone who would take the job on, even for 11k.

Well, someone who doesn't want the 11k up front.

 

[alcam]

I think you'd have a problem even finding someone who would take the job on, even for 11k.

Well, someone who doesn't want the 11k up front.

Geeza job . I can do that

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Only if you're self funding.

 

[wildebus]

My ex-neighbour has a Ducato with a comfortmatic gearbox. it failed to be able to driven one day without any warning. It cost her around £6k to get drivable again. The gearbox was initially blamed but I can't remember if that ended up being the only, main or not the actual problem, but it certainly created a big and expensive diagnosis problem.
That put me off the idea of having one let alone spending money to change a manual box to one.

 

[colinm]

£3k will get you a 'duck clutch'.

 

[Wooie1958]

Have you thought about an Autoclutch ?

Lion Vehicle Systems | Autoclutch

AutoClutch is approved by Motability . It is ideally suited for motorhomes and also fits most popular makes of car and light commercial vehicles.

www.lionvehiclesystems.co.uk

 

[ricc]

Back in the old days the practical way to such a conversion was to buy an accident damaged donor vehicle so you had all the bits, now there's so many sensors an computers involved it's got to be impossible to find someone competent to do such a conversion

 

[Pudsey Bear]

My ex-neighbour has a Ducato with a comfortmatic gearbox. it failed to be able to driven one day without any warning. It cost her around £6k to get drivable again. The gearbox was initially blamed but I can't remember if that ended up being the only, main or not the actual problem, but it certainly created a big and expensive diagnosis problem.
That put me off the idea of having one let alone spending money to change a manual box to one.

Me to David, it'd be a full auto or no point, I Mercedes was the first to dump it in 2006.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Have you thought about an Autoclutch ?

Lion Vehicle Systems | Autoclutch

AutoClutch is approved by Motability . It is ideally suited for motorhomes and also fits most popular makes of car and light commercial vehicles.

www.lionvehiclesystems.co.uk

One of the couriers I worked with used one. He only had half a left leg (bottom half). I tried it, and while it was okay, I don't think it's for me, no idea of price.

 

[Robmac]

One of the couriers I worked with used one. He only had half a left leg (bottom half). I tried it, and while it was okay, I don't think it's for me, no idea of price.

If he only had the bottom half of his left leg Kev, how was it attached to him?

 

[Pudsey Bear]

He had one of those pathetic legs Rob.

 

[marchie]

If he only had the bottom half of his left leg Kev, how was it attached to him?

Pete & Dud One Legged Man Sketch:

PC: 'Your right leg is fine, a good leg; I have nothing against your right leg - but there again, neither do you ....'

Steve

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Pete & Dud One Legged Man Sketch:

PC: 'Your right leg is fine, a good leg; I have nothing against your right leg - but there again, neither do you ....'

Steve

Good sketch that Steve, seen it many times.

 

[mariesnowgoose]

I know someone local who is a genuine expert with automatic engines - the old-fashioned fossil fuel driven motors, not your modern electric jobbies.

And he can repair them (not just replace with whole new engines or parts) without always needing a computer to tell him where the problems are.

He could whip that engine out and have the auto one fitted and back in.
Happens to be an expert in diagnosing and repairing automatic gearboxes and is also reliable, very honest and conscientious.
I know, shock and amazement in equal measure - especially in the world we find ourselves living in these days.

Message me, but only if this is something you might seriously consider doing with a van like this

 

[Pudsey Bear]

The cost of finding all the parts kills it Marie, it's a complicated job going from manual to automatic.

 

[mariesnowgoose]

The cost of finding all the parts kills it Marie, it's a complicated job going from manual to automatic.

Not according to this guy.

Garages scrap automatic vehicles rather than repair or replace because, even if they had the expertise to fix them, it is the mechanic's time that is the true costly part of the exercise.

I stress the word "mechanic" here, because it is my understanding that most modern garages employ fitters these days (who rely almost entirely on computer systems to diagnose all problems), not experienced old-fashioned mechanics. (The guy I know also happens to be a circuit board genius as a bonus)

 

[mark61]

Not according to this guy.

Garages scrap automatic vehicles rather than repair or replace because, even if they had the expertise to fix them, it is the mechanic's time that is the true costly part of the exercise.

I stress the word "mechanic" here, because it is my understanding that most modern garages employ fitters these days (who rely almost entirely on computer systems to diagnose all problems), not experienced old-fashioned mechanics. (The guy I know also happens to be a circuit board genius as a bonus)

Glad I read your post before replying. Was gonna say that I reckon it's a complicated job and involves many skills, mechanic, gearbox and electrics, but yes, if you found the person who has all those skills, you are in a very good position.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

The issue then would be is it worth putting however much he charged into a van this old, probably not.

 

[mark61]

The issue then would be is it worth putting however much he charged into a van this old, probably not.

I think you are right, probably. Now idea if this is valid or not, but what happens if you breakdown abroad, you have a chassis and engine number relating to a manual, ECU and all. No idea what sort of issues that's going to cause, may be none, but I'd want to know before going ahead.