T5 auto not changing gears

[_ds]

Hi,

We've got an early 2006 Multi, with just over 100k on the clock. Last few days the auto has been playing up; just for a bit, then back to normal again. Sunday going around a roundabout it stuck in 2nd and wouldn't shift up for a bit (about 30s or so), and this morning backing out into the very busy road we live on it wouldn't engage 1st (scary!). Both times shifting back to N/R etc (shift into N, then back to D) has made no difference, nor has knocking it into semi-manual mode

At the last service I asked the mechanic to have a look (as a pre-emtive measure) and they said everything was a-ok. The car is out of its original warranty, but still under an extended warranty (the one sold by vw)

The nearest VW dealer is about an hour and a half away, and I'm a bit worried that if I take a day off work and drive out there, the car will perform fine and they'll send me away with a "nothing wrong" comment. Should I be taking the car to them anyway, or do I wait until it happens more regularly?

[Umai Naa!!]

Check that the extended warranty covers the cost of a replacement transimission.

[_ds]

Check that the extended warranty covers the cost of a replacement transimission.

Agh! don't say things like that

That was the sole reason for me purchasing the extended warranty; because I'd heard about the transmission problems and how expensive they are to replace

Edit: I've just had a good read through the extended warranty, and there's nothing I can see that precludes the transmission from being covered. The usual suspects are excluded (brakes, exhaust etc), but no mention made of engine/auto. The document is a bit vague, but seems to indicate that so long as the vehicle's been serviced correctly, hasn't been used commercially and hasn't been modified then we should be ok.

[matandcath]

Hi mate. You can see my post about buying a Multivan, and I have been scared a bit by all this transmission business! I looked into it on advice of the kind people here. It seems VW call the auto T5 'box a "sealed" unit that doesn't need servicing. This MAY be to make the sevicing costs (as per manual) look cheap for new buyers. I have looked at used van which have been meticulously serviced by the book at dealerships, yet gearbox remains untouched at 140,000+. People here seem to recommend regular gear oil changes irrespective of the manual. Some seem to recommend addition of an oil cooler for the tranny too (esp if towing alot). Correct me if I have any of this wrong guys! Hmmm. It's a worry. Let us know about warranty coverage! I'd be really interested to know.

[Tornado T5]

Hi,

We've got an early 2006 Multi, with just over 100k on the clock. Last few days the auto has been playing up; just for a bit, then back to normal again. Sunday going around a roundabout it stuck in 2nd and wouldn't shift up for a bit (about 30s or so), and this morning backing out into the very busy road we live on it wouldn't engage 1st (scary!). Both times shifting back to N/R etc (shift into N, then back to D) has made no difference, nor has knocking it into semi-manual mode

At the last service I asked the mechanic to have a look (as a pre-emtive measure) and they said everything was a-ok. The car is out of its original warranty, but still under an extended warranty (the one sold by vw)

The nearest VW dealer is about an hour and a half away, and I'm a bit worried that if I take a day off work and drive out there, the car will perform fine and they'll send me away with a "nothing wrong" comment. Should I be taking the car to them anyway, or do I wait until it happens more regularly?

It's probably worth noting the precise times your problem occurs, things like if cold/hot, speed, which gear it occur in etc...so that when you turn up at the dealer you have a written record showing your level of detail and giving the dealer some solid backround. It's alot harder to fob you off when you have a "log" so to speak. In the mean time I'd try resetting the box to factory default as exlained in Transporters great tech info here: http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f136...tml#post368688

It may do nothing however it won't make things worse.

Resetting Transmission Control Module (TCM)

1. Ignition ON and Engine OFF
2. Press the accelerator to the floor till it clicks
3. Hold the pedal for 15 seconds
4. Release pedal gently
5. Turn Key to OFF
6. Start engine and drive normally

The TCM will now re-adapt to your driving style.

[_ds]

It's probably worth noting the precise times your problem occurs, things like if cold/hot, speed, which gear it occur in etc...so that when you turn up at the dealer you have a written record showing your level of detail and giving the dealer some solid backround. It's alot harder to fob you off when you have a "log" so to speak. In the mean time I'd try resetting the box to factory default as exlained in Transporters great tech info here: http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f136...tml#post368688

It may do nothing however it won't make things worse.

Thanks for the advice. Van's been running great today, but I've recorded the previous incidents as suggested. I'll reset the TCM in the morning.

[Rebuild]

Does your mechanic have a fault code scanner?
If not, may be useful to visit VW for a scan

[Lasercop]

I had identical problems with my 2000' V5 Bora last year and a freind with a 99' Golf.
My freind fixed his daughters Golf with a gearbox additive made by Audi/VW, I'll try to find out more for you.

Too late for me though, I only found this out a few weeks after selling my Bora.

[_ds]

quick update

transmission died completely early December. Took it to VW dealer who confirmed it. Alianz (people who do the VW extended warranty) said to do a rebuild, so van went to an auto rebuild place. Lots of hassles getting it back to VW dealer to get the computer to take the rebuilt box (they had to time to look at it), and in the end they spend quite a few hours and ran up a huge bill trying, but unable to get it working. When I found out about this, I was able to send a link to Transporter's advice (mentioned above) to the auto rebuild people, and this did the trick. They couldn't believe the VW people didn't know this and that it was so simple.

Bill ended up being about $7,500 but luckily all paid for under extended wty. Van drives great now.

[Umai Naa!!]

Weird. VW generally either replace the valve body, or a complete transmission.