
2013 508 uses a transmission manufactured by Aisin. Founded in 1969, Aisin is a world-renowned professional developer and manufacturer of automotive automatic transmissions, affiliated with the Toyota Group of Japan, and holds a high market share in the transmission field. The 2013 Peugeot 508 is equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. Essentially, a manual-automatic transmission is a traditional AT or CVT transmission with added manual shifting functionality. The purpose of a manual-automatic transmission is to provide more driving pleasure for automatic vehicles. For the 2013 Peugeot 508's transmission, the following points should be noted during daily use: Do not delay changing the transmission fluid for too long. Prolonged failure to change the transmission fluid can damage internal components such as bearings and the housing. Avoid coasting in neutral for extended periods. While driving manual transmission vehicles, many experienced drivers may coast in neutral, but for automatic transmission vehicles, coasting in neutral can cause the transmission to overheat, and shifting back into D (Drive) mode may produce a noticeable jolt. Never shift into D or R (Reverse) before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Many drivers, aiming to demonstrate smooth operation, shift into reverse while the vehicle is still moving, which can cause significant damage to the transmission gears and, over time, lead to gear grinding and other failures. Avoid frequently climbing steep slopes in D mode. When facing steep inclines, automatic transmission vehicles may overheat due to high load or shift prematurely, resulting in insufficient power. In such cases, use manual mode to lock in a lower gear or switch to sport mode to protect the transmission. Do not tow the vehicle over long distances. If the automatic transmission vehicle breaks down, use a flatbed tow truck and move the vehicle onto the tow bed while it is in N (Neutral) mode. Do not use a tow rope or drag the vehicle directly.

I previously researched the 2013 508, and its transmission configuration is quite interesting. The 2.0L naturally aspirated engine was paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic manual transmission, mainly used in the base models. The higher-end 2.3L naturally aspirated engine uniformly came with a 6-speed automatic manual transmission. The most special was the 1.6T turbocharged version—despite having more power, it still used the same 6-speed automatic manual transmission. This transmission performed quite smoothly; although its shifting speed couldn't match today's dual-clutch transmissions, it was quite reliable for its time, with responsive reactions when switching to manual mode for overtaking. In daily driving, gear shifts were hardly noticeable, though there might be occasional slight jerks during cold starts in winter.

I once drove my friend's 508, and the 2.3L version paired with the 6AT transmission left a deep impression on me. The transmission and engine were well-matched, with almost no noticeable jerking during low-speed gear shifts. When flooring the accelerator, the downshift was slightly slow, but the manual mode compensated for this issue. The 1.6T version also uses the same transmission but feels more energetic when the turbo kicks in. The older 508 models have good reliability—I've seen some with over 200,000 kilometers without major transmission repairs, highlighting the importance of timely transmission fluid changes. The entry-level 2.0L version with a 5MT has a heavier clutch feel but reasonable travel, which might be tiring in city traffic but suits those who enjoy driving.

The 2013 508 offers several transmission configurations. The 2.0L naturally aspirated engine is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the 2.3L and 1.6T models come standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. This Aisin transmission is known for its reliable quality, smooth operation at low speeds, and decent shift rhythm during aggressive driving. However, it may frequently shift gears during continuous uphill driving, leading to faster transmission oil temperature rise, so regular maintenance checks are recommended. Many long-term owners have reported that the gear lever leather cover tends to age and crack easily, but fortunately, replacement is inexpensive.

I've worked on quite a few older 508 models during repairs. Regarding the transmissions, the 5MT gearbox paired with the 2.0L engine has a simple structure and relatively long clutch lifespan. A common issue with the 6AT models is that the transmission fluid tends to deteriorate after 80,000 kilometers, and delayed shifting may occur if not replaced promptly. The valve body in this 6AT is quite sensitive - using counterfeit fluid often triggers fault codes. Some vehicles exhibit slight jerks when shifting from R to D during cold starts, which is considered normal if it disappears after warming up. The failure rate of micro switches in the electronic gear selector is actually higher than that of the transmission itself.

As an owner of the older model, I've been most satisfied with the transmission performance of my 508 over six years. The 6AT in the 2.3L variant delivers exceptionally smooth daily driving, proving more comfortable than dual-clutch transmissions in traffic jams. The manual mode responds quickly, adding fun to mountain road driving. The transmission's cooling design is excellent, with no overheating protection triggered even during summer traffic congestion. Fuel consumption is lower than expected, maintaining around 7L during highway cruising. The downside is the relatively long downshift delay during aggressive driving, though switching to sport mode helps. Regular 60,000km oil changes with genuine transmission fluid are crucial, and repair shops often note this transmission rarely develops major issues.


