DSG woes in The Age

[nomadx38]

The TPI (vw speak for "explanation of the problem") doesn't state of any damage that has/had or could happen to the engine so I think it's purely a "comfort" fix, no serious mechanical change

[gavs]

Most manufactures (bmw, Porsche ,merc, renault,vw, ford) employ a wet clutch design which are "practically" flawless . The problem is that in the need for lowering fuel consumption VW have gone for a dry clutch design - the first of its kind in the world (until recent with gatrag DCT).

It usually takes 5-10 years for new technoligy to work out the kinks and sometimes these things can't be found right away. You have to remember the extensive amount of testing they did on these gearboxes would have been done in Europe where a very hot day is 30 degrees. They sell these cars as a "world car" and its not until they get to places like Australia with its 50 degree summers when the problems show up.

Knowing what I have seen from these gearboxes I would recommend the 7sp dry clutch for country and suburban driving not bumper to bumper traffic - It's just the fact that the country is too hot. In Europe you can get away with it.

It has to be said though the replacement clutches I got since the original started shuddering have been perfect so its all trial and error and testing...VW's biggest problem is their PR. there default answer for everything is "that's normal" even though they know they have problems. Seriously vw we don't care that you have peoblems but if we ask to get it fixed just do it withou us having to beg like dogs!!!

The sales people should explain this (though I know they won't becuase people will ask the question why buy the car then?)...or they should offer the 6 sp for all models in hot climates.

And don't think this are VW specific problems. I have read for a few weeks in a row now of people with the ford DCT dry and wet clutch gearboxes having shuddering and no operation (I would assume the same as the faluse neutral)

I'd forget the whole temperature argument mate, you obviously haven't been in southern Italy in the middle of summer, or Spain, or Croatia etc because they regularly get temps up near and above 40C. Heck, even Berlin when I was there last August was over 30 the first day and then raining and high 20's the other days.

[gavs]

New gearbox? It's the mechatronics unit they MAY replace. Why MAY... well, the unit may have already been replaced with a newer model during previous warranty work. If that is the case then there would be no need to replace it again.

Sorry mate but untrue. If a specific model unit comes out then exactly the same unit type goes in because its software is specifically matched to it's part number. Type 3 won't work with type 6's software and so on...

[Rawcpoppa]

Sorry mate but untrue. If a specific model unit comes out then exactly the same unit type goes in because its software is specifically matched to it's part number. Type 3 won't work with type 6's software and so on...

Can you explain what the differences between mechatronic units are? Like differences between those fitted to a 1.4 tsi jetta vs say one fitted to a passat 1.8t? Also if the exact same type has to go back in how would this recall fix things?


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[Hail22]

VWA has confirmed last week to myself that all vehicles recalled will have their mechatronics unit removed and replaced with the new spec version (prevents heat corrosion or so they say) as well as physically checking the gearbox and clutch packs...my only problem is apparently the gearbox is meant to be "sealed for life"...so that's a little unsettling if an apprentice gets his hands on it and completely stuffs it up.

[brad]

Sealed for Life is usually an expression meaning the fluids in that component don't have to be changed during the expected life of the vehicle. it doesn't actually mean you can't service the component.

Usually with campaigns like this they ensure the correct service tools & training materials are on hand.

If it's a straight R&R regardless of symptoms then a 3rd or 4th year won't have trouble with it. It's only when there is some diagnosis & subjective opinion that you'd want a tech with experience on the job.

When i was an apprentice, I got most of the recalls as it was a case of the tradie showing me what to do on vehicle 1, then me showing him I had an understanding of the process & getting him to check my work on a few subsequnt vehicles & eventually they left me to it.

I worked in a government workshop in the middle of nowhere, so it was easier for us to do our own warranty, workshop campaigns or recalls. We had a good relationship with most of the dealership workshops & they would give us the TBs & parts & often provide training.

We usually bought our vehicles in lots of ten so it was 10x carby adjustments in a week, or 20 rear wheel cylinders or 10 transmission filters + adjustment, 10x steering shafts, 10x revised wheel alignment settings, 20x brake hoses, 10x fuel hoses, 20 universal joints, etc. I'd usually get a bollocking if I didn't have it right after the 3rd vehicle.

[johnw]

could vw possibly use the agreement that the replacement mech unit, while the same, was manufactured at a later date elsewhere or with different parts, thus no longer belong in the recall? ie source of the solenoids changed etc

[ziggyboy]

Not sure if this has been posted here before but this article is a VERY GOOD read:

Comment: Why VW inaction over reliability will dent sales | carsguide.com.au

As a World Car of the Year judge I've voted for the past three Volkswagen winners over the past four years — because the cars are superb to drive and a well executed design. What's becoming increasingly apparent, however, is that Volkswagen cars are not as superbly made.

...

Australians take Japanese reliability for granted because about half of all new cars sold here are made in Japan. But the reality is Japanese cars routinely top quality surveys around the world. It's not the norm, it's the benchmark. When we visit the factories of European car makers it's not uncommon to see Japanese cars stripped to pieces in the back corners as they learn how to make theirs better.

Over the past 10 years more and more Australians have been treating themselves to a European car expecting better reliability, but many have been dumbfounded and disappointed to find the opposite is true.

My motoring media colleagues and I see it every day. A friend, a family member or someone in the office wants to buy a VW or another posh brand. Most of us warn them about the feedback we regularly receive about iffy reliability and high service costs. But few of us can change their minds.

[Phil_Polo77TSI]

The car that resulted in the unfortunate woman's death probably suffered the 'wastegate' problem and dropped into 'limp home' mode. Both my brother and I bought Polos late in 2010, mine DSG and his manual. At around 20-25kkms, after down hill or run down, it seems the wastegate sticks and engine losses power. Mine did it several times and once couldn't get up a hill, changed down to first, eventually coming to a stop with clutch slipping. My brother's city dealer knew the problem immediately, had parts and repaired promptly (Bulletin 24V9). My country dealer knew nothing about it and took three weeks to get the part. It's a great little car with cutting edge technology but owners can't be expected to pay for on road R&D after warranty. At least now VW Australia have taken their head out of the sand and prepared to fix known production problems so I'll give them a fair go and keep the car.

[pologti18t]

Sorry mate but untrue. If a specific model unit comes out then exactly the same unit type goes in because its software is specifically matched to it's part number. Type 3 won't work with type 6's software and so on...

What are they going to replace them with then???