7 Speed DSG Problem

[Fatherless One]

Yep, what Rory said, fingers crossed for you bro.

[anders]

Thanks will keep you posted

[anders]

Update:

I have had the car checked by an independent VW specialist to get an unbiased report and check - it appears my worst fears are valid - the Mechatronics unit has shorted internally and blows the 30A fuse when connected. Fuse intact when disconnected.

Have emailed VW Australia but have not had a reply (Will call tomorrow) - according to some research I have made may not either - next contact VW Germany

My tip - if you have a car with DSG - SELL IT

[Fatherless One]

They'll definitely contact you, but it may take a day or so, still worth making the call, you'll probably be asked to get the car to a VW dealer rather than the independent.

[Fatherless One]

They'll definitely contact you, but it may take a day or so, still worth making the call, you'll probably be asked to get the car to a VW dealer rather than the independent.

Make sure you use all the other problems you've had as leverage, list everything.

[anders]

Have now had independent system scan and found all the faults in a report (for my present benefit and potentially later use) - VW Australia had still not contacted me, so I called today - I also went to the dealer with my log book and a copy of the email I sent to VW Australia - Have now transported the car to Solitaire Automotive for action and (hopefully) good will warranty cover

Funny thing was they were trying to find a reason in the logbook to do an early cop out I think as I was asked - is there any reason you have not had the major 4 year service done, as this is very important when going to VW Head office

My Answer - because it is only 3 years and 4 months old

Their response - yep that's a good reason

Here is what I emailed to VW

Volkswagon Jetta 118TSI (7 Speed DSG)
VIN: WVW2221K29U021084
Date of Delivery 18th September 2009 (Purchased NEW)
Solitaire Automotive - Adelaide

Tuesday, 19 February 2013

I today contact you raising some extremely serious concerns regarding my Jetta.

While driving home yesterday (fortunately only a couple of blocks from home), I turned a corner, pressed on the accelerator to continue along the road and nothing happened. The car was essentially rendered useless.

The engine was running, the gear selection was set and pressing on the accelerator did not increase revs or speed, however, the engine malfunction light illuminated and all gear selection lights began flashing. All I could do was get to the side of the road. I disengaged the gear and was able to rev the engine at least, but the warning lights continued – subsequent attempts with gear selection were ineffective. _ I was then forced to push my car home with the assistance of my wife while my 4 yo son sat in the back car seat.

I am not a diagnostic mechanic, but all the evidence based on what I am reading is that there is a DSG - possibly the Mechatronics unit failure.


Now I have a concerning history with this car, and one that is severely testing my love of the car and my original reason for purchasing the car – reliability.

The first 15,000 kms were largely uneventful

In February 2011 (at only around 16,000km) the engine failed - I understand as a result of a failure of the TSI engine coping with the fuel supply for which a chip update was supposed to correct (too late in my case) – I am satisfied that VW was able to replace the engine

At around 30,000km I reported a gear change issue to the dealer – this resulted in the replacement of some parts associated with gears 2 and 4 as was explained to me

I have also had a failure in the rear door locking mechanism - several concerns with the working features of the iPod adapter in this car (I have given up on the solution to that) – 1 being a faulty cable which was replaced.

My last service was lengthy as the bonnet release cable became dislodged under the hood and a tool had to be fabricated to open the hood – it was found that the cable had separated where there is a join. This was fixed and service completed at the same time.

I have also been concerned about road noise, mentioned several times to the dealer in an unofficial capacity but with the constant answer of - yes these tyres are very noisy, I had learned to live with it until I get the chance to replace them.


I now find that I am out of warranty BUT at only 55,000kms it represents just over half of what the warranty would have covered. In time, this is just over 4 months over the allocated time.

The questions I have been asking myself following several hours of research is

Why does this gearbox raise so many concerns – and on a worldwide basis it seems?
Is it possible that VW will in fact in good faith repair in this instance?
Should the car be recalled for checks or is there in fact no warning signs for this problem?

[anders]

UPDATE:

Have just had a call from Solitaire Automotive - They are covering the repairs FULLY

[stickshift3000]

Good outcome, glad to hear it.

I think your well-structured, firm but polite letter certainly would have helped matters.

[Fatherless One]

UPDATE:

Have just had a call from Solitaire Automotive - They are covering the repairs FULLY

Well done, and so they should imo.

[rory]

Great to hear, Anders. (My Jetta with 7 speed DSG was also built 2009. Ugh! )