June/July 2013 7-Speed DSG Recall: Frequently Asked Questions

[AdamD]

The recall notice is online at the Product Safety Recalls website. The recall describes the fault being rectified as:

Possible electrolysis in the gearbox control unit that can lead to a short circuit and blow the gearbox fuse. In the majority of cases, the fault occurs when the engine is started with the vehicle stationary. The fault can also occur while driving, however. If the fuse blows while the car is in motion, the clutch will suddenly disengage and there will be no power transferred to the wheels.

The recall is related to the DQ200 7-speed dry-clutch DSG gearbox, installed in some VW Polo, Golf (hatch, wagon, cabriolet), Jetta, Passat, and Caddy (and Skoda, and Audi) vehicles. In the Mk6, it is fitted to:

• 77TSI
• 90TSI
• 118TSI
• 77TDI
• Cabriolet

The recall only affects cars manufactured between June 2008 and September 2011. Cars manufactured after that time are not affected by the fault covered by the recall, and are ineligible for replacement under the recall.

The recall involves replacing the Mechatronic unit, at no cost. The part will be replaced regardless of whether symptoms are exhibited or not - as a precautionary safety measure.

VW will be contacting owners between now and July, to arrange a time to bring your car in to have the work performed. If you do not hear from VGA by then, contact your local dealer to book your car in to have the work carried out.

(VW is offering complimentary (free) vehicle checkups of any VW for the time being, should you have any concerns about your car. This is not limited to cars affected by the recall. If you would like to have anything on your car checked, contact your local dealer and book a time for the free inspection.)

The DQ200 gearbox is known to exhibit other issues from time to time; for a quick rundown, see this post. You can also read through the DSG: Problems, Questions, Likes and Dislikes and http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/foru...ues-45873.html threads for a more detailed commentary.

For ongoing discussion of the recall, the events that lead up to the recall announcement, and so on, see several threads in the General Discussion forum, including the main thread: DSG woes in The Age

If you have any questions specifically related to the recall and the Mk6 Golf, post them here. Otherwise, please post in an appropriate thread in the General Discussion forum, so it may be seen by other affected members who don't drive Golfs.

[z3220086]

Hi Adam,

I was wondering if VW were to replace the mechatronic unit would that affect my APR Stage 1 tune?

If so, do you reckon German Auto would tune it again for free?

Please share your thoughts.

Much appreciated =)

[The One]

Hi Adam,

I was wondering if VW were to replace the mechatronic unit would that affect my APR Stage 1 tune?

If so, do you reckon German Auto would tune it again for free?

Please share your thoughts.

Much appreciated =)

Basic settings of the mechatronics are carried out when replacing the unit, give your tuner a call and ask them. Although to not do this recall because of a tune will be downright negligent. Although I do not think it would as the software is not touched during this recall, no updates or coding are carried out, so you SHOULD be ok.

[Ryan_R]

You'll probably lose your tune (I did last year when mechatronics was replaced), will probably get it reinstalled for free (Volkspower reloaded my APR for free).

[AdamD]

I was wondering if VW were to replace the mechatronic unit would that affect my APR Stage 1 tune?

Don't forget you have a GTI, running the 6-speed DQ250 DSG that is not affected by this recall. So VW would only be replacing your mechatronic if it failed within warranty, or else if you specifically paid them to do it.

However, if you did have the mechatronic replaced, the ECU would only be flashed if an update was available for the ECU that required it be reflashed with VAS - and these updates do happen from time to time. You'd get any update regardless of whether your car was having a mechatronic replaced, or just a general dealer service performed.

If so, do you reckon German Auto would tune it again for free?

I believe that APR's policy is that they will reflash your ECU, although there may be a small charge imposed on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the APR dealer (German Auto in this case), to allow for the workshop time.

[grtuned]

I'm aware of volkswagen letters to owners stating that the replacement time is 3hrs for the mechatronics.
What is exactly being done!!
Could people please advise what parts are replaced in there receipt
After checking removal and installation procedures in Elsa the parts that must be replaced are bolts for mechatronics(7)
Gear oil should be changed as it is a requirement as per Elsa
New mechatronics unit
And a basic calibration
I'm not sure if a adaption drive for clutches is required
I don't think 3 hrs covers this.

[Hillbilly]

I'm aware of volkswagen letters to owners stating that the replacement time is 3hrs for the mechatronics.
What is exactly being done!!
Could people please advise what parts are replaced in there receipt
After checking removal and installation procedures in Elsa the parts that must be replaced are bolts for mechatronics(7)
Gear oil should be changed as it is a requirement as per Elsa
New mechatronics unit
And a basic calibration
I'm not sure if a adaption drive for clutches is required
I don't think 3 hrs covers this.

As the recall says the letters will be sent out in July maybe no one knows yet

Read the threads about the recall That may help your enquiry

[grtuned]

I know of people already having it done.
There concerned it is done the right way no shortcuts taken
If anyone has the time please post what was carried out on your vehicle.

[gavs]

I'm aware of volkswagen letters to owners stating that the replacement time is 3hrs for the mechatronics.
What is exactly being done!!
Could people please advise what parts are replaced in there receipt
After checking removal and installation procedures in Elsa the parts that must be replaced are bolts for mechatronics(7)
Gear oil should be changed as it is a requirement as per Elsa
New mechatronics unit
And a basic calibration
I'm not sure if a adaption drive for clutches is required
I don't think 3 hrs covers this.

3 Hours is plenty. Put car on hoist, remove underpan off car, undo 7 bolts, insert clutch actuator tool thingy, rotate, pull off mechatronics unit, check to make sure all selectors and sleeves are in neutral positions, fit new mechatronic unit, align clutch actuators, fit 7 new bolts, refit underpan, lower hoist, refill lost gearbox fluid, plug in VAS, update software off CD / hard drive, clear all fault codes in vehicle (without bloody investigating them?!) ring customer to pick up vehicle.

I know a DSG tech that confidently informs me that he can repeatedly replace the clutches in a DQ200 in 2 hours. 3 Hours for a mechatronics unit is quite acheivable.

Basic adaptation is carried out on the car as well, yes. Don't worry about how long it takes my friend, there is nothing to worry about

[Ryan_R]

So when are you going to update your signature gav?