4 Common Volkswagen Transmission Issues

Numerous complaints have been received from consumers regarding the Volkswagen transmission - that it is faulty preventing the car from being a joy to ride. The Volkswagen models affected by this transmission fault are the Jetta, GTI, Eos and Jetta Sportswagen. The problem in transmission emanates from a fault in the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) system. The Tiptronic transmission system had also been affected.

Therefore, it is important to take note of the common Volkswagen transmission issues consumers complain about to be able to ascertain if you are also victim.

Solenoid N89 Failure

In certain cases, a critical solenoid, N89, fails resulting to a sudden shift from gear 4 to gear 1, when the gear gets stuck at the shift from gear 3 to gear 4. The aftermath is an abrupt deceleration, analogous to when the brakes are suddenly engaged.

Faulty Clutch Part

A faulty clutch component of the mechatronic can result to immediate downshifts.

The Tiptronic Transmission

Though very modern and employs cutting edge technology, the Tiptronic transmission has a few intrinsic weak points. Volkswagen identified the weak points and took steps to resolve them. The results of this fault are a shudder in the torque converter, hard shifts from gear 1 to 2 and erratic shifting from gear 3 to 4. Following Volkswagen service bulletin and downloading the latest software can solve the problem.

Faulty Temperature Sensor

This usually occurs in the Jetta model, where a faulty temperature sensor in the DSG system causes a false negative lighting of the warning lamps on the dashboard. In some cases, though rare, it can cause transmission slips, resulting to an unexpected vehicle shift to neutral.

On noticing a transmission problem, don't ignore it as it can develop into a complicated problem, which can be costly. As soon as transmission problem is detected, it should be resolved quickly. Taking note of the following tell-tell signs of a transmission issue, it won't be hard noticing one.

1. Responsiveness

The vehicle is hesitant or won't go into gear. In normal transmission in an automatic transmission, there should be a smooth shift between Park and any other gear.

2. Noise

Humming, clunking or whining noise coming from the transmission. A manual transmission sounds like mechanical humming when experiencing a problem.

3. Shaking and Grinding

Shaking and grinding is a clear indication there is a problem with the gears. A manual transmission produces grinding noises. Automatic transmissions are harder to shift, but don't grind.