Galaxy Automatic Gearbox Problem?

I have a 2001/Y reg Ford Galaxy Zetec 2.3 petrol auto 62K on the clock.

The problem started afew months ago. The engine light came on the dashboard, I had the OBD checked and it came back as a general powertrain problem. The car is sluggish pulling away and struggles above 60mph revving at 4Krpm. I have taken it to a garage and they have diagnosed it as the car is stuck in "get you home" mode , 3rd gear. I had the engine management unit (EMU) reset but the fault returned. They also inspected the powetrain to EMU for connector corrosion but this was not the case.

Can anyone confirm if they have had this problem before and what the fix was. The garage said I need a new gearbox (ahhhhhh!) £1500 to change.

Anton H
August 2008