Gearbox problem

**HARRY CHARA** · 19-02-2015, 10:24 AM

Hi Everyone
Just bought a second hand Golf mark 5 1.6L auto for my daughter and have discovered that it has a gearbox problem. It is changing gears very harshly and with a thud. I have been told by the dealer that in needs the valve body reconditioned and it will cost around $1400.
Any suggestions?
The box no is 09G and the code is HFS
The vin no is WVWZZZ 1KZ5U 007580

**BluChris** · 19-02-2015, 11:35 AM

Quite likely to be true, the 6 speed automatic (not DSG) gearbox is prone to that failure because VW indicated to owners it was 'sealed for life' and maintenance free when in fact it really needed 60k maintenance for a long service life.

**HARRY CHARA** · 19-02-2015, 11:54 AM

Thanks for that info. I guess I will have to wear the cost or sell the car as is. I think I will fix it

**brad** · 19-02-2015, 01:24 PM

NB: I don't know much about these specific gearboxes but:

You haven't said the mileage but I'd start with a change of transmission fluid & a new filter (if it has one). Think about using a premium transmission fluid like Castrol Transmax Z (if it's compatible). It could just be the fluid is dead / contaminated.

It's worth a shot, particularly if you can DIY.

**HARRY CHARA** · 19-02-2015, 02:25 PM

Thank you for your reply Brad.
The oil has been changed with a premium oil. The car actually doesn't drive too bad but once it warms up it sometimes changes gear harshly/hangs on before dropping into the next gear/ and every now and then it changes gear with a bang.
There is a general agreement from VW dealer/ automatic transmission specialist and from a guy in Sydney that this is a common problem with this model golf and it normally appears around 80-100000k mark.
Now this guy in Sydney says that he can recondition the valve body and everything will be ok ( his name is Sasha and he owns PARTS 4 EURO in Southgate Sylvania) cost is $1000 for the reconditioned part with 12 months warranty.
The box in question is a 09G and code is HFS
Any thoughts / advice / and other avenues to fix would be greatly listened to

**brad** · 19-02-2015, 05:34 PM

I've given the sum total of my knowledge on the subject but others here will know.

I do think it's funny that I'm unaware of parts 4 euro in a shopping centre 2km from my house but it wouldn't be the first time I've been oblivious to these things.

**Umai Naa!!** · 19-02-2015, 10:13 PM

$1400 is cheap.

Cost me that much, including frieght to have one shipped from the USA last time I did one.

Volkswagen wanted $2700 for an exchange one, of which there were zero in the country, or $3800 for a brand new one.

Then factor in oil, pan gasket, and filter, plus labour.

The oil they require is G055025A2.

**mclifo** · 17-09-2015, 07:05 AM

I had two quotes for valve bodies from VW, $3300 ans 3700. Imported one from usa for just under 2k, including duty and gst. Cost $200 to have fitted at local automatic transmission w/shop.