Gearbox shudders on down change.

[lucky phil]

I have a 2.0 FSi automatic MK V Sportline. When in drive and slowing down the gearbox is very clunky as it automatically changes down gears due to the reducing speed (mainly 3rd to 2nd and 2nd to 1st).
Has anyone else had this problem do you know what needs to be done to fix it?
Thanks.

[Fatherless One]

Yep, I did !!!

Sorry for the bad news.

Get it into a transmission specialist (or VW themselves) ASAP.

I recently had the very same issue with my 2005 Sportline, it's tiptronic transmission had a failed valve body, the end result was a $4700.00 bill.

According to the two specialists I spoke to this is VERY common, common enough to ask VW for some sort of good-will assistance imho.

Some of my repair costs were covered by an extended warranty from the dealer I bought the car from, VW wouldn't help me unless it was inspected by one of their own dealers/service centres (fair enough).

Is your car under any kind of warranty?

[Ryan_R]

Mine used to do it but it was an engine mount that needed replacing - you could fell the engine move which felt like a clunk each time it downshifted at low speeds.

[Sharpy]

Mine was doing the same, especially when trying to slowly cruise in 2nd or reverse up an incline. I had the mechatronics replaced under statutory warranty (mine was also one of the defective valve units from factory) which has fixed the violent shudder but is now doing a slight shudder as I drop down from 3rd to 1st. I had a VW tech drive it a couple of months ago after the mechatronics was replaced and he explained that the "clunk" sound and feel through the brake pedal was "normal" and just the selector within the box. At this point though it wasn't shuddering.

It's due for a service in a month so i'm going to have it checked out then and hearing the good news of the updated 5 year driveline warranty it should be fixed up with no drama's.

Could the shudder be the clutch pack rather than mechatronics unit?

[VW Convert]

Guys, just so the OP gets the information he is seeking, he is not referring to a DSG transmission, his car is fitted with a conventional auto.

Cheers

George

[Sharpy]

Ah good pick up! Apologies.

[stickshift3000]

As fatherless said, valve body issues are extremely common with the 6 speed tiptronic transmission (not dsg).

The best thing to do would be get it to an auto transmission specialist for evaluation.

[lucky phil]

As fatherless said, valve body issues are extremely common with the 6 speed tiptronic transmission (not dsg).

The best thing to do would be get it to an auto transmission specialist for evaluation.

As suggested above, I spoke to an auto transmission specialist last week. He concurred with your coments ....... It is a common problem. I simply said "I've got a Golf and it's making clunking noises in the gearbox as the auto changes down as I slow down". He then said, "about 70,000 km's on it?" I answered, "yes 68,000". He then asked "it gets worse as the motor warms up?" I said "I dont drive it enough to notice its the wife's car." He said "its the electronic shifters in the gearbox, common problem, approx $2,000 - $2,500 to fix.". Amazing hat a gearbox with less than 70,000 kms on it needs $2,000 - $2,500 spent on it.

Thanks for the comments guys.

[Fatherless One]

That's actually good news, cost me a lot more (as you know).

Did you try VW themselves?

[lucky phil]

As fatherless said, valve body issues are extremely common with the 6 speed tiptronic transmission (not dsg).

The best thing to do would be get it to an auto transmission specialist for evaluation.

Picked up the car on Friday. They installed a new valve body and solenoid unit for $2,355 he said he does a lot of them for dealers.
Car is running very smoothly now hopefully for a long tine.
Is this a common problem in that will it need replacing in another 70,000 km's ?