Hi everyone,

I’d like to share a recent issue I encountered with my 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe 4.7 Sportshift II, in case it helps others who might face the same frustrating situation.

🔧 Context:
After performing the annual service (oil, filters, fluids, etc.) and having the car parked for a while due to work, I went to start it to take it for its annual inspection (MOT). Suddenly, the dreaded message appeared:
“NO GEAR CHANGE POSSIBLE”

The car was stuck in 1st gear, couldn’t be shifted into N, and therefore wouldn’t start (as we know, this model only starts in neutral).

I could hear the hydraulic pump running continuously as soon as I opened the door — that usual pre-start noise — but it never stopped. Based on what I read on forums, I checked:

• Battery: OK
  
• Fuse 8 (30A) for the hydraulic pump: OK
  
• Tried manual override combinations for neutral (as per the manual): no response.
  

Then I checked underneath and saw fluid on the garage floor, right between the seats and the rear axle. That’s when it clicked: a hydraulic fluid leak in the clutch actuator line. The system had lost pressure, couldn’t disengage the clutch, and therefore couldn’t select neutral to allow startup. The pump was running dry the entire time. (See attached photos: leak in hydraulic line.)







🛞 Recovery challenge:
To make things worse, my car was in a shared underground garage, so the flatbed couldn’t reach it. With the car stuck, no engine power, and the steering extremely heavy (no power assist), I was considering putting wheel dollies underneath and pushing it manually up the ramp…

But then something unexpected happened — a real stroke of luck. While trying to push the car manually with the tow truck driver, the system suddenly managed to engage Neutral, and the engine started. Still no gear changes possible, but at least it was movable.

Once the car was running and steering assist returned, we pushed it up to the garage exit. From there, the flatbed was able to tow it by attaching to the front tow hook, using a cable trolley system ("festoon") for proper alignment.

🧪 Workshop diagnosis:
The dealer workshop told me that although they had performed the recent service (the car had done less than 40 km since), they couldn't have predicted this failure because the rupture started from the inside of the hose and leaked outward.

Frankly, the explanation felt weak — the hoses were clearly deteriorated (see photos). Still, no option but to fix it.



🧰 Repairs performed:

• Replacement of full hydraulic hose set:
   Part No. BG33-7H394-AA
  
• Hydraulic fluid refill (OEM Aston Martin fluid):
   Part No. 6G33-19H373-BA
  

Parts source: Eurospares – Aston Martin Parts

💶 Total cost (labour included, with 21% discount):
943€

✅ Conclusion:
After the repair, everything is working perfectly again.

⚠️ Key takeaway:
If your Sportshift II Vantage shows “No Gear Change Possible” and the pump keeps running constantly, check the clutch hydraulic circuit for leaks. It might just save you a lot of time, nerves… and money.



While researching the issue, I came across an aftermarket hose upgrade kit offered by Velocity AP:
👉 VelocityAP Sportshift Feed/Return Hose Kit

They manufacture upgraded, high-quality feed and return pipes for the ASM (Sportshift) system using custom specialist tooling and an OEM hose supplier — specifically to address a well-known problem:
The original OEM hoses are notoriously substandard, prone to cracking from the inside out, eventually splitting and causing a complete loss of hydraulic fluid. Once that happens, the Sportshift system becomes inoperable, leaving you stranded wherever it fails.
I wish I had known about this earlier — it might have prevented the whole issue.
If you own a Sportshift V8 (or V12), I highly recommend considering this upgrade as a preventive measure, especially if your car still has the original hoses installed.

Hope this helps anyone facing a similar issue!

Stay safe and keep shifting!

Best regards,

 

I am dealing with this right now, this happened to me last Sunday after a spirited drive out with the boys.
Previous owner already had these hoses replaced back in OCT 2024 but the shop used some subpar hoses which failed already (i have receipt)
Cars at the shop, i ordered those upgraded DAE Hoses from AP Velocity should arrive today or tomorrow.

 

this pure spanish attitude, while the worker who checked your car has no formation at aml, they never even looked there, the boss may be celebrating fiestas with his familly or even the "conquista", for me both in spain are the same, lot of greed, lot of ego and south american worker without paper...to work on your beautiful car. I say no to the tortilla. for me i had to contacted quadis the other aml dealer for 3 weeks, 3 calls 5 emails and no response they laughed at you. i spent 26k with them.

 

So a quick question: what pressure are these hoses (they are not really pipes) under? While I very much respect DAE and VAP, $449 for about 10 ft of high pressure hydraulic hose seems like a lot. I understand they are molded to fit but..... Anyway, what am I missing? Just curious.

 

I had a similar issue with my sportshift. I purchased an upgraded set of hoses from Sequ parts out of Germany for much less $$. Very happy with the quality.

 

You're are right, not missing much. I very much was tempted to buy a set of hydraulic hoses from a local manufacturer but the fact that they are "pre formed" persuaded me to purchase an aftermarket set.

 

She is indeed! The day I got it out of the workshop I went straight to the yearly technical inspection (ITV in Spain). Zero problems there.
I just hope these new ones last longer… though they’re still AML OEM, and that’s scary.

 

That looks like a DIY job. Apart from what looks like the incorrect hoses, those worm clamps should never be used for a critical hose connection.

 

My response was to the second poster.(smile)

 

Yeah i agree, its a terrible job.

 

Those clamps look like the official AM : https://www.astonstore.co.uk/product/lp-pipe-kit/

 

No he was referring to my post #2

 

due to all the images its hard to understand all, maybe for spain its good, maybe if they found it out at the service it will have cost you the same, me i send a message with whatsapp to explain what happenned in valencia, he responded he never could heard my message, you know, its like this in spain, even if whatsapp was working he may not understand me anyway...so...but it doesnt mean they are bad, they are just not into prevention, in france or other places often the dealer comments tells you whats good to do next time etc they do check your car. here in spain i guess they are used to make it the cheapest possible, they charge 45 e the liter of oil and then skip all the steps. they conquier the service witha 45 e charge a liter and then are tired for the rest lol...i m joking

 

Sounds like a frequent issue so for the service dept to not even look for obvious issues like this is negligent at best.

 

now you know how to behave with the car blocked this way next time