DSG woes in The Age

[mythik]

I'm trying to find out if the powerdown in gear on a manual would effectively stop the car, quickly

no. it would behave exactly the same as deceleration fuel cutoff when you lift your foot off the accelerator at speed and the engine is driven by the drivetrain. it will slow down, slowly. disengaging the gear wil allow an intertial coast. either way you are not stopping quickly like described.

[Tob35]

I'm trying to find out if the powerdown in gear on a manual would effectively stop the car, quickly

Wouldn't you push the clutch in and disengage the power train?

[cmrtig]

I'm trying to find out if the powerdown in gear on a manual would effectively stop the car, quickly

Who cares. If you can be objective for just one second you have to admit that it was most likely the truck driver's fault. You and others are so angry that you makeup anything to blame the car! Leave it alone for now and wait for the coroners report!

[Transporter]

Leave alone and wait for the coroners report!

I agree with that. When the accident happens, people often reach for the lies to shift the blame, and since they can't blame the road - the one always have to drive to conditions, that's the law, right? So, only what is left to blame is the other party or the car.

[muli]

I ran out off diesel in a BT50 few years ago and it just sorta went more quieter than normal but really it was just like slowing down as if I had lifted off the throttle, obviously not knowing what would happen I put the car in neutral. Honestly unless you looked at the revs one wouldn't know.

It was on the m1 about 2mins from a servo..

[golfandtiguan]

Appears I was ninja'd

I'm trying to find out if the powerdown in gear on a manual would effectively stop the car, quickly

In general, cut the power or energy to most moving items, friction and physics will stop it.

Yes, a car in gear will eventually come to a stop. Speed will play a part, and for a little while, the speed/velocity from the rotating wheels will push the energy back through the drivetrain, gearbox, and back to the engine, overpowering the engine compression. Eventually, when the car slows enough the compression of the engine will slow the car enough that it 'seizes' and the car will 'violently halt'

Now, this assumes that no other intervention is made. If you were to down-change, you run the risk of a big compression lock, possibly violently cracking the car sideways.

With the greatest respect and appreciation for your experience, I appreciate 3 seconds is not a lot of time, but I believe my first instinct would be to hit the clutch and get the thing out of gear.

(As for qualified - no I'm not. As for knowledgeable, yes. I've spent 15+ years as a Race Engineer and Lead Data Analyst - I've heard many stories from Drivers, only to disprove it with data and/or vehicle dynamics)

[wai]

Now I know it is probably a much simpler issue, but Chrysler/Fiat have just initiated a recall of Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass vehicles because the fuel transfer tube is defective which can lead to a restricted fuel flow under some circumstances causing the engine to stall.

The Statement of Hazard is "If the vehicle stalls unexpectedly, this can pose a safety hazard to the driver and other road users.".

So it comes down to providing information to show that it is a fault with the vehicle that causes the VW vehicles to lose power/speed. There is a precedent set now, so it is now a case of showing that this sudden loss in speed is a result of a failure of something which VW is responsible for.

No more heresay. It has to be what is considered as evidence. The fact that a vehicle loses power does not mean it is a VW design fault. People with the problem need to report the matter to VW (not the dealer), clearly stating the problem, the circumstances under which it occurred, etc. This needs to be in writing, and preferable by registered post where you request a signed receipt. The person with the complaint should then CC the information to the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, again preferably by registered post requesting a signed receipt.

Registered letters do cost, but I don't think that owners are going to mind the $7.20 it will cost for the registered letters.

Absolutely no point in writing to the newspapers or going to online sites and trying to make a noise. It MUST be in writing by registered post, and a CC sent to the Department of Infrastructure and Transport.

So it can be done, but it does require jumping through hoops along the way. We have a name to whom to send the registered letter at VW.

[mythik]

Can anyone who is a mechanic or highly knowledgeable confirm this? Based on my experience with manuals, many years ago, the braking effect would be very large.

I'm a master technician.

[cmrtig]

Now I know it is probably a much simpler issue, but Chrysler/Fiat have just initiated a recall of Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass vehicles because the fuel transfer tube is defective which can lead to a restricted fuel flow under some circumstances causing the engine to stall.

The Statement of Hazard is "If the vehicle stalls unexpectedly, this can pose a safety hazard to the driver and other road users.".

So it comes down to providing information to show that it is a fault with the vehicle that causes the VW vehicles to lose power/speed. There is a precedent set now, so it is now a case of showing that this sudden loss in speed is a result of a failure of something which VW is responsible for.

No more heresay. It has to be what is considered as evidence. The fact that a vehicle loses power does not mean it is a VW design fault. People with the problem need to report the matter to VW (not the dealer), clearly stating the problem, the circumstances under which it occurred, etc. This needs to be in writing, and preferable by registered post where you request a signed receipt. The person with the complaint should then CC the information to the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, again preferably by registered post requesting a signed receipt.

Registered letters do cost, but I don't think that owners are going to mind the $7.20 it will cost for the registered letters.

Absolutely no point in writing to the newspapers or going to online sites and trying to make a noise. It MUST be in writing by registered post, and a CC sent to the Department of Infrastructure and Transport.

So it can be done, but it does require jumping through hoops along the way. We have a name to whom to send the registered letter at VW.

Best piece of advice thus far. Let the relevant authority decide and keep it out of the hands of fairfax.

[cmrtig]

Ok so here's the scenario:

1. Car dies/shuts down
2. Driver hits brakes in panic
3. Car slows rapidly until it 'seizes' and 'violently halts' as described above.

Mods I think it is time to step in! This is beyond a joke!!!!