Service Campaign 37E8 - DSG issues Letter from VWA

**Rocket36** · 19-12-2009, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by gregozedobe

AFAIK the problem is a software bug that in cetain (unspecified) circumstances thinks the DSG is too hot when it isn't. So driving gently probably won't make any difference.

Exactly!

**Malthius** · 19-12-2009, 04:36 PM

I didn't buy mine new, its a 2007 model (late 06 build). I doubt I'll get a letter... will the dealer let me know next time I take it in if this affects me?

I had a scheduled service (45K) last week, and they told me that I'll have to come back for a battery cable replacement. Guess I'll have to remember to ask them at that point if the DSG software needs to be updated.

Thinking of that - is it worth asking them to do it anyway? The car is still under warranty (and I've got an extended new car warranty on top of the normal one which runs out in March next year).

**Pana** · 19-12-2009, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by gregozedobe

AFAIK the problem is a software bug that in cetain (unspecified) circumstances thinks the DSG is too hot when it isn't. So driving gently probably won't make any difference.

do you know the exact details of the software issue?

The letter didn't specify the nature of the bug - I'm just guessing it could be something like the sensor sends back a reading of x degrees - but the software interprets it as y degrees - which is above the DSG protection cut off of z degrees..

So driving gently and not putting any undue stress on the DSG and keeping the temp down could more than likely prevent this issue occuring.

**Rocket36** · 21-12-2009, 08:18 AM

It states exactly what the problem *could* be: "a wrong interpretation of the clutch temperature by the gearbox control unit is possible, and as a result the clutch protection is activated."

Pretty straight forward really. Means it could happen any time. But it goes on to say: "The protective function works as follows: a flashing gear display, juddering of vehicle, reduction of engine torque and opening of the clutch (no drive)."

Which shouldn't really be of any concern as it's never going to cause you to lose control of the car in a bad way. Worst that happens is you lose drive in which case you just slow down and pull over. Since I've had no issues in 11,800km I'm more than happy to get this addressed at the 15,000km service. If a software falt (which is what this is as it's fixed with software) is there, it wouldn't have run perfectly for so long.

**gregozedobe** · 21-12-2009, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by Rocket36

Which shouldn't really be of any concern as it's never going to cause you to lose control of the car in a bad way. Worst that happens is you lose drive in which case you just slow down and pull over. Since I've had no issues in 11,800km I'm more than happy to get this addressed at the 15,000km service.

If it happens to cause you to lose all power/drive just as you've entered a freeway from a slip road then it could definitely cause some concern !

From what I've read not all cars that have been recalled actually have the software fault, but VW are being conservative and checking on all cars that might be affected. Considering this is their second attempt to fix the problem I can see why they are being a bit more cautious this time around (last time they thought the problem was only a batch of faulty temp sensors, then they discovered the software fault as well).

**Rocket36** · 21-12-2009, 11:42 AM

Don't get me wrong. I think it's great to be safe and recall even cars that are unaffected "just in case".

But even if you lose all drive on the freeway, you're not exactly going to stop immediately. Just indicate, pull off to the shoulder etc etc... It won't cause any serious issues for anyone - well I assume that based on anyone with common sense being behind the wheel, unlike that moron in Vic who didn't know how to stop his car!

LOL Keep people like him off our roads I say!

**passatpout** · 21-12-2009, 12:45 PM

Oh, I dunno.. losing the Aussie 4-speed in an HQ on Geelong Road outside Werribee was bad enough, even being in the left hand lane and with a shoulder to pull onto.. losing drive isn't much fun... I wouldn't want to be in the middle of the West Gate bridge at 8am when it happens.. not much room or time there for a considered move and stop...

**Rocket36** · 21-12-2009, 01:05 PM

True about the West Gate bridge. Not something I have to consider though...

lol

Even when I live in Melbourne next January - April I won't be commuting. Got to love a 2br serviced appartment in Eureka Tower!

**Pana** · 21-12-2009, 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by Rocket36

It states exactly what the problem *could* be:

But it doesn't state in what circumstances it could misinterpret the temperature of the DSG. My example was to justify my comment about driving gently - although why I need to justify myself about taking it easy until I get the recall work done is another question altogether.