Is it a DSG?

[BlackRabbit]

Help - I have a 2004/05 VW Golf 2.0 FSI Auto. Engine code BLX gearbox code HFT. Been having problems with clunky gear changes and similar symptoms to a worn clutch in a manual car. Car has done 155,000 and is in immaculate condition, I am the second owner and it has been VW serviced at the correct intervals all it's life. I've heard that early Golf Vs were tiptronic rather than DSG, is this true? Is there a difference in the ability and cost to service or repair. Our local VW dealer has told us its a sealed unit and the whole gearbox needs replacing at a cost of $11,000!!. Having spent our money on the car I haven't got the money to spend on a gearbox that is the same cost. Is it a DSG?

[GTI4ME]

The vehicle will be a tiptronic 6 speed automatic, so no it is not a DSG. The auto boxes do have a technical bulletin for auto trans fluid getting into the wiring looms, this causes the clunky gearchanges and uncomfortable driving performance. Its recommended to check the auto fluid however, if its burnt or discoloured then the internals of the gearbox will most likely have been damaged, and thus will require either a rebuild or replacement. In the past we have seen this fault where the looms and valvebody has been replaced, only for the fault to reoccur not long after the repair.
Personally, I would speak to an auto specialist for a price on a rebuild as this usually comes out cheaper. Good luck with it, let us know how you get on.

[vdubmotorworx]

Yes its AUTO not DSG, and they can be rebuilt by a auto trans specialist if they have the correct tools. They are not sealed! There is a guy that does them up here in Brisbane, think repair is about half the price of a new box by the time the jobs done...VDUB...

[BlackRabbit]

Yes its AUTO not DSG, and they can be rebuilt by a auto trans specialist if they have the correct tools. They are not sealed! There is a guy that does them up here in Brisbane, think repair is about half the price of a new box by the time the jobs done...VDUB...

Thanks for the quick replies Gents. It makes me feel somewhat relieved that it is not DSG but also worries me somewhat that the VW dealership said it was and recommended a new gearbox! One wonders how well trained they are. The tools you talk of I assume are VW specific so only someone who has or is working on them and who has invested in the tools would have them. I've learnt so much more in the last week from reading posts here than some of the people I have spoken to for advice. The problem here, in Tas is that I have to factor in costs and time to get the car to the mainland. Melbourne wouldn't be so bad if I can't find a a competent tech here. Apart from that the car is great, it's actually better made than the 2013 TSI I drove as a loan while the dealer had it as far as build quality and specs.

[vdubmotorworx]

The thing is that dealers don't recon auto's as its really a big job and its a sublet to a auto specialist, most good auto places will have the tools....I dont think any dealers recon auto boxes..

[Umai Naa!!]

I've put valve bodies in them before at the dealership, nothing more than that.

Often as cost-effective to buy an exchange transmission though Volkswagen.