Trans dramas (not DSG)

[Kahlerisms]

Hi Guys

I have a 2005 Mark 5 with 77,000 on it. It's a 2.0 FSI Sportline, auto. It's a six speed.

For a couple of weeks now gear changes between 1-2 and 2-3 have seemed kinda chunky. Like the gear change takes a few seconds longer than usual or happens slightly off the time you'd expect. It reminds me of what dodgy transmission mounts feel like.


I took it to my mechanic (non dealer) and his advice was pretty much sell the car before it gets worse, as it's new transmission time. I only bought it a year ago and owe more than it's worth on it so this isn't an economical solution for me (though I understand it seems like there might not be one). It's also what I'd consider low K's so a new trans seems like a ****ty idea to me.

A bit of Googling today reveals a lot of people with this problem, especially in the 70-80,000ks range. I can't find anything definitive though, just a lot of people asking about it.

Do any of you guys know anything about this? I'm thinking about getting the stealership to give me a second opinion before deciding what to do. I guess the dream scenario there's a TSB or recall for a common problem and I'm somehow saved.

Appreciate any experience or thoughts that people can share.

[Transporter]

Take your mechanic recommendation. That's what I would do. Maybe trade it on a new car and let VW deal with their own ....

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[GTI4ME]

6 speed autos have a history of leaking trans oil into the wiring looms internally, then through the connectors to the exterior loom. If you can, remove both connectors to the gearbox, and have a look for oil in the plugs. If so, then it should be a case of replace internal wiring looms, normally a 2 to 3 hour job if done correctly.
Hope this helps

[Kahlerisms]

6 speed autos have a history of leaking trans oil into the wiring looms internally, then through the connectors to the exterior loom. If you can, remove both connectors to the gearbox, and have a look for oil in the plugs. If so, then it should be a case of replace internal wiring looms, normally a 2 to 3 hour job if done correctly.
Hope this helps

That sounds very similar to what my mechanic was telling me. He tells me it's about a grand to replace the looms, but chances are once they're replaced they'll reveal that the real damage and the cause of the symtom is the transmission.

Can you tell me more about this? or link me to something more on the problem?

[Fatherless One]

Sorry to hear of your transmission issue.

I've just (a month or so ago) spent $5000 on my non-dsg transmission, according to the specialists a very common problem is with the valve body which was the problem with mine, now it drives beautifully.

I was having the same idea about trading the car in, but I'd only get $7000 and that's if the transmission was working properly, my choice was clear, spend $5000

I could have tried to sell it privately, but anyone who test drove it would soon realise something was wrong.

[Kahlerisms]

Thanks for the replies guys. I owe about $4k more on the car than it's worth (even without the Trans issues) so it looks like the more economical option is to have it sorted out. My mechanic suggested doign the loom first and seeing if the symptoms go away.

I'm off to Germany in two weeks until January so it can wait until after that.

I love my Golf, really disappointed to hear all these incessant reliability problems and upset that it looks like I need a new trans after less than 90,000ks