Is a small clunk normal for 2005 FSI Tiptonic?

[metako]

Partner is considering buying this 2005 FSI 2.0 litre Tiptronic auto. When you coast at 1000 rpm and then lightly touch the accelerator there is a small clunck like there's play in the driveline.

Took it to my usual trusted (non-VW) mechanic and he said all modern autos do that and not to worry. Then I took it to an automatic specialist and he said yes he can feel the valve body starting to go and it'll need a new one at 100,000 KM (it's currently at 50,000KM) but it's 'marginal' at the moment meaning not yet a real problem. He said almost all Tiptronics will need a new valve body by 100,000KM. He was a bit of a hot shot and strongly opinionated so might have been biased against VW.

So two opinions and opposed. Can anyone else with a Tiptronic confirm that this small clunck is normal? Is it really a sign that the tranny is starting to go? Read lots on the web on all sorts of Tiptronic problems but not this specific one. Thanks. (sorry...should be 'Tiptronic' in thread title )

[metako]

Just phoned a major auto specialist rebuilder and he said there should be no clunck at any time. He thought Tiptronics were OK generally but a clunck should be investigated.

I forgot to mention that the car has had a 'Peace of Mind' ECU check by a dealer and no faults were found.

[Diesel_vert]

The Aisin TF-60SN 6-speed transmission (known as the 09G by Volkswagen, as installed on the Golf) isn't exactly trouble free. The valve body tends to need replacing for instance.

The ATF is a lifetime fill in Europe, but needs changing every 60 000 km for "hot climates". The problem was that Australia wasn't initially designated as a "hot climate" at the time of release (god knows why) so many went without ATF changes, ever.

The correct fluid is Mobil ATF 3309, which available from a Mobil distributor (and generally not in retail stores).

You should do more research - a Google search should bring up more information.

I forgot to mention that the car has had a 'Peace of Mind' ECU check by a dealer and no faults were found.

A fault code will only appear if the computer detects something amiss at that instant - it does not predict what may happen down the line.

[metako]

Thanks for the reply. I have done alot of googling but have not come across this specific symptom. Most report a clunk on changing gears whereas mine is when cruising and gently applying accelerator not changing gears.

Thanks for the info re the correct fluid to use. Yes I have read about the need to change fluid more often and my usual mechanic said he changes the fluid on his own car once a year. Are you suggesting by this that if we buy the car and then change the fluid that the clunk will go away?

[Diesel_vert]

Are you suggesting by this that if we buy the car and then change the fluid that the clunk will go away?

I was broadly suggesting that due to the lack of maintenance on these gearboxes (as per the service schedule at the time) there is a certain chance, in my opinion, of coming across gearbox issues in the future. The clunk may or may not be related to the gearbox, and I really don't know if changing the fluid would help.

Generally, if it's reliable, fuss-free, A-to-B transport you're looking for, I don't think a VW Golf with an automatic transmission is the ideal car.

[metako]

OK thanks, understood. After some more searching with the transmission model nr you gave me it seems the fluid change does not solve the problem with clunky shifts

MCSA - Aisin 6 Speed AUTOMATIC, failed at 80K? - North American Motoring

Still my problem is not quite the same. I just took the car for another drive whilst cold and the problem is still there. Now I suspect a faulty engine mount but I could be wrong as there is also a clunk when you brake from a very slow speed just before you come to a stop. Could be related to the clunk at 1000rpm or it could be seperate.

[metako]

We took the car to a VW specialist today and after a test drive he said it was all normal and that the clunk when stopping is the ABS working. Also he said the clunk at 1000 rpm is how these autos are designed and it's not a problem. Not sure what to think now.

[Diesel_vert]

We took the car to a VW specialist today and after a test drive he said it was all normal and that the clunk when stopping is the ABS working. Also he said the clunk at 1000 rpm is how these autos are designed and it's not a problem.

Doesn't sound like a plausible explanation to me.

ABS usually engages when the sensors detect a wheel locking or (only in conjunction with the ESP, if fitted) when it's slipping.

Not sure what to think now.

If in doubt, don't.

There are plenty of other options in the used car market.

[metako]

you're probably right Diesel_vert. Is there anyone on the forum who has a 2.0 litre FSI Tiptronic who can tell me if they experience these clunks in their own car? I have always driven manuals and I'm not used to modern auto trans cars and it seems strange that these small clunks would be a normal part of the design.

[metako]

Well we test drove another example of the same car today and it made all the same noises. It squeeked from the front (suspension?) and made a grinding noise from the brakes when the brakes were applied and has a small clunk when applying throttle whilst cruising at 1000rpm. My partner has bought the original car as it's in excellent condition and low km. Thanks for your input Diesel_vert.