DSG Problem, dealer can't find it

[MaccaTSI]

Hi Guys,

I'm after some advice on how I should proceed with this. I've got a problem with my DSG in that it doesn't change gears properly intermittently. It mostly happens in sport and manual mode where it sticks when it changes down a gear, upshifts can be a bit rough too but the real problem is in the downshifts.

It really sticks and I get thrown forward in the car a little sometimes because the car decelerates and it takes 2 seconds for it to go back into gear. It's like it's not actually in a gear for 2 seconds.

I've had it at the dealer for the past 2 days but they haven't been able to fault it. They said I can take it back to them in 8 weeks and get a loan car and they'll just drive mine until they fault it.

Problem is, my wife is due to have our first baby in 8 weeks so we need our own car and baby seat fitted etc.

The dealer said they have to inform VW but that they will just say 'have you found a fault?' and it's pointless. I said I want them to do it anyway.

I understand that there isn't much that the dealer can do if they haven't found the fault, but I need to get this fixed.

Can anyone offer any advice?

Thanks!!

[Corey_R]

If you had a VCDS cable and laptop, I'd suggest having that plugged in as you drive around so that you can capture the logs of the gearbox and a few other key parameters whilst they occur. You could then provide the logs to the dealer to demonstrate that the issue is occuring. Other than that, I don't see what other choice you have than leaving them with the car so they can find the fault. Intermittent issues suck.

[MaccaTSI]

That's a good idea....

I know it's unlikely but the service rep did mention that they have 'portable diagnostic equipment' that they used on the car... maybe they'd leave that with me for the weekend... doubt it, but it's worth asking.

Yeah it sucks, it was actually occurring more often, then the day before I took it in and the day of it seemed perfect, typical. I just know it's going to happen on my way home from the dealer as well...

[Syd118TSI]

Take a note of exactly where it happens (road condition, slope etc) and exactly what you're doing at the time, that may help in being able to reproduce it.

This sounds quite similar to my experience going up a steep driveway, part of the way up the driveway it downshifts in order to maintain speed against the gradient of the hill. Once back on flat ground I experienced very similar behaviour where it almost feels like you're free-revving.

If you can try to find somewhere with a steep incline that will induce a down shift from the DSG then see how it behaves when you're no longer on the incline.

I may be off the money, but thought I would mention it anyway because it does sound quite similar. I'm going to test it out myself on my parents driveway where I have experienced the issues 2 out of 2 times (only once was I driving). If the dealer is driving the car around on flat ground they may never experience the issue, as the only time it has occurred has been under those circumstances. I haven't even given M or S a run as yet.

[MaccaTSI]

Yeah I might go for a drive near the service centre and see if I can reproduce it on any roads nearby before taking it back, it's not my local dealer so different roads to my usual drives. It does happen on inclines, I mentioned that to them. Most of the time on an incline it will downshift, but smoothly, not like these rough shifts.

I've booked it in for next month when a loan car is available.

[Syd118TSI]

For me the downshift on the incline is fine, it's after an incline when back on flat ground that it has behaved oddly.

[Mr_Bob]

might be related to gearbox temp?
does it happen after aggressive driving, or when you first drive it?

[Umai Naa!!]

The best thing you can do is road test the car with the technician that is going to be working on the car. Drive it yourself, and show them the fault so that they understand exactly what they're dealing with. If the technician isn't experiancing your concerns first-hand, you may as well be playing chinese whispers.

I understand that this is an intermittant thing, that may take some time to nut out. Be patient with the dealership, they're obligated to fix it, and have the resources to do so.

P.S, congrats on the baby, ours is due around the same time!

[MaccaTSI]

might be related to gearbox temp?
does it happen after aggressive driving, or when you first drive it?

Pretty random unfortunately... cold and warm

The best thing you can do is road test the car with the technician that is going to be working on the car. Drive it yourself, and show them the fault so that they understand exactly what they're dealing with. If the technician isn't experiancing your concerns first-hand, you may as well be playing chinese whispers.

I understand that this is an intermittant thing, that may take some time to nut out. Be patient with the dealership, they're obligated to fix it, and have the resources to do so.

P.S, congrats on the baby, ours is due around the same time!

I took a technician out but the problem didn't occur unfortunately. I'll have to do some decent driving this weekend and find some roads around the area to try and replicate it. The techs were really nice and helpful, just a pity the problem didn't happen while they had the car.

Thanks mate, congrats to you too! Very exciting : )

[MaccaTSI]

Dropped the car off again this morning to leave with the dealer for a few days, fingers crossed they can find the issue, just wish it was easier to replicate.

On the plus side, I have a Passat 118TSI Wagon for the next few days. It's a nice car! Feels quicker than I expected it too as well!

Can anyone confirm it's the same gearbox that's used in the Passat and Golf? I know it's a 7 speed so I'm assuming it is. If so, it just confirms that my gearbox isn't right, cos this one is just so much smoother than mine.