DSG Replaced Under Warranty

**3Putt** · 03-02-2010, 09:53 AM

Just had DSG replaced ubder warranty after a few problems with it.

Anyone not happy with theirs PM me and i will give you the lowdown.

It seems a few 'key words' when reporting DSG problems really gets their attention.

Problems i had included -

1. Upshifts getting harsher.
2. Harsh operation when cold.
3. Clunking from rear diff when going from 4th-5th.
4. Car going into neutral unexpectedly and losing drive, sometimes at very inconvenient, even unsafe times. Like in roundabouts or in heavy traffic situations.

New DSG has fixed everything except the 4th-5th clunk. They are getting back to me on that.

It's amazing how much smoother the new box is. I thought it was just me being fussy over it, but the thing really did deteriorate over time wrt smooth gear changes. I recommend to anyone else not happy with their DSG to investigate - these things are, afterall, very new technology. Longevity of these units must be a bit of an unknown.

Fairways and greens...

**drbass** · 03-02-2010, 10:44 AM

Hi 3Putt,

My MY08 TDI 125 Wagon exhibited similar issues from early on:

clunky 1st gear engagement (not like a clutch, more like: "here's two sets of cogs, let's just push them together");
similar when reversing;
in one instance loss of drive as well;
BUT
reasonably OK when cold, worse when warm;
no rear diff issues (not sure why there would be, it's a front wheel drive car

); - disregard, please see P.S. below!!
once moving, gear changes were smooth and competent.

I mentioned this to the dealer on several occasions resulting in a reset (which seemed to help for a while) and ultimately in replacement of the Mechatronic unit.

As far as I know the actual gearbox was not replaced.

What a difference - happened just before Christmas (about 46,000 km) and I felt like I was given a new car!

Definitely worth persisting with the dealer when experiencing symptoms like the ones described. And yes, if you make your case using the right words things are much smoother - isn't that true for everything else in life as well? A little courtesy goes a long way.

Anyway, related but slightly off-topic: When stopped uphill I found that slowly (and I mean slowly) releasing the brake pedal will result in very smooth clutch engagement on take-off. No rolling back (well, initially there is but once you get the hang of it there shouldn't be), and very smooth takeoff.

Enjoy the new driving experience - I know I am.

Seeya,
Michael

P.S.: 4Motion should have given it away - sorry, takes a little longer sometimes!!

**3Putt** · 03-02-2010, 02:15 PM

Cheers Michael,

yes, I went thru all of what you have alluded to, software, mech replacement etc. No joy though, so they went the whole nine yards with a new dsg fir me.

It's funny how for some people the new mech unit does the trick. For me though it was a total waste of time.

**Lance B** · 03-02-2010, 02:19 PM

Hey Andrew,

Glad to hear you got your DSG woes sorted.

**Joel** · 03-02-2010, 04:36 PM

I was only thinking about this today.
whenever i first leave in the morning its seems really jerky and undecisive, seems to be especially when im just pressing real lightly on the throttle

didnt know if all the cars were like this as ive never driven another one.

bit worried as ive only got about 3 weeks warranty left, do you reckon this is something i should look into?

**3Putt** · 03-02-2010, 04:43 PM

Go 'test drive' one at a dealer to compare.

If performance is inferior, start making noises (don't forget the key - read highlighted - words)!

**Joel** · 03-02-2010, 05:19 PM

haha yeah i was thinking about doing that, though i dont think they readily hand the keys out, especially to a 17 year old red P-Plater

if i just take it in for a service will they pick up on it and mention it, or will they just brush it aside?

**3Putt** · 03-02-2010, 06:52 PM

They will never say anything, its all up to you unfortunately.

As a guide, upshifts under full or partial throttle should be seemless. There should be no harshness to it at all. By harshness i mean that jolt through the car like a mistimed gear change in a manual (the kind your Mum makes!).

If your car has harsh gear changes when cold but then smooths out, this is also not good. Thats what mine used to do before it just became fulltime harsh on upshifts. My new box is silky smooth when cold - just a bit slower to upshift.

In case you missed the hidden meaning in my original post.... VW seems very concerned about DSG's that drop into neutral uncommanded. There are obvious safety and liability issues there with this new type of gearbox.

Even though they couldn't replicate it on a test drive, VW Australia still came to the party and replaced my DSG because I had REPORTED this behaviour.

Nudge nudge, wink wink...