2005 6 speed tiptronic problems

[MPDE]

Hi, my names Mark and I have had my 2.4 diesel Multivan for the past 10 months. We got the Multivan after deciding it would be the most comfortable and economical car to run for a family of six. Bought the car ex-government, 3 year old & 100Km, with a full VW dealer service history. Love the car.

So far I've had to replace the discs but other than that its been good. UNTIL, shifting started to become rough with the dreaded thump when it shifts (6 speed tiptronic (ZF?) box) gears.

First mechanic said sealed box, no need for a service. Researched this and found it to be a load, and went to mechanic number 2. After new filter and oil change, gearbox immediately deteriorated. Sometimes no forward power at all, sometimes massive slipping, increased thumping and activation of limp mode. Has been back to the shop 3 times in two weeks. Currently still in the shop after having a sensor within the gearbox replaced. Has had all solenoids checked, and now suspicion is falling on the torque converter. Car runs beautifully for the first 10 minutes, shifts like a dream but once it warms up the problems start. Has anyone else out there experienced the same problems and found the solution? I dont want to OK a new torque converter if its something wildly different.

Happy to answer any and all questions about symptoms etc if it helps getting my beloved Multi back on the road. I've started to search all the threads but I thought someone out there may know a little more!

Thanks in advance,
Mark

[gregozedobe]

I have no direct experience to help you I'm afraid (I've been a died-in-the-wool manual gearbox supporter for over 40 years), but as well as searching this forum you might have a look around at the T5 section of this forum too:

http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/forum/forums.html

I'm sure there have been threads about auto gearbox problems on both forums recently.

BTW is your engine a 5 cyl 2.5 litre TDI ? (I don't think they put 2.4s in any T5s), if so, you might want to edit your original post so that people know which engine (and therefore gearbox) you are asking about.

[neil]

Do a few searches on here for members who are VW mechanics with their own businesses.
Plenty around Sydney who get good raps from other members.

[Golf Loon]

Probably needs a new box mate.
Just reinforces my prejudice against VW electronic autos I`m afraid.
If you change the oil when the box works, tahts fine. Usually when they have an issue and you change the oil, you make it worse, as you have found.
Its because there are plastic solenoids in an alloy housing. The sediment holds em tight, as soon as you drop the fluid, they loosen up, slop around and the gearbox doesnt work properly.
I reckon you can spend thousands trying to change solenoids, torque converters etc and you will then end up having to change the box anyway.
Sorry to be the prophet of doom, I`m just a realist.
Good luck with it all.

[Tornado T5]

I had my auto replaced under warranty last month. You may have already read this thread : http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newf...ad.php?t=32554

It was perfect before I decided to have the dealer do a fluid change purely as a preventative measure. should have saved my $600 and put it towards an extended warranty after 7/2010. After I got it back it then started to flare, got worse and went into limp home mode while driving to the dealer for the auto replacement. The replacment works perfectly. And next models will have DSG 7 speeds.