DSG Engine Braking

[bulberrys]

Hi, I have owned my new 90tsi wagon for about 2-3 months now, other than the amount of oil it uses , that i have been told is normal?? (still cant believe it though)

I have a question about the DSG gear box, when i approach the top of a hill im in say 6th or 7th, DSG as i go down the hill with my foot off the accelerator i notice that it starts changing down, it changes down to 3rd by the time i have reached the bottom of the hill, to counter this i either have to accelerate down the hill or shift it over to manual shift.
so my question is, is this normal ?

i'd rather ask here as i know what the dealer will say, "yes thats just vw its normal"

thanks in advance

bulberrys.

[Candyman]

Normal - engine braking

[Ryan_R]

If you read the manual you'll see they even suggest manually shifting down (tiptronic) to third for long/steep descents.

[Klink1313]

My 6spd dsg only downshifts on a hill if I touch the brake and is a design feature. Not sure if the 7 spd is different though

[Candyman]

The R 6 speed DSG, by design, downshifts on hills.

The number of downshifts is regulated by vehicle speed and engine speed

Mine will downshift to 5th, to 4th and to 3rd depending on conditions

Without touching the brake.

Some changes were made to mech units during the last three years and particularly mid 2011 which impact this behaviour

[Alok]

I have a 90TSI. I can confirm it will only downshift if the break is touched. If I just release the accelerator on a decline then it wont downshift.

[bulberrys]

Thanks for all your input, i cant help but feel im going to have issues with this dsg box, id much prefer a manual but my domestic manager
requested auto this time.....time will tell..

bulberrys

[Candyman]

You'll be fine mate.

I'd be worried if it didn't downshift !

Despite what is said on forums, the DSG box is incredibly robust.

Most complaints are from slush box drivers not aware that you need to drive the DSG differently in some respects

[Sir_GTI]

I have a 90TSI. I can confirm it will only downshift if the break is touched. If I just release the accelerator on a decline then it wont downshift.

Same for my GTI. I usually shift into S on downhills so it can downshift and hold speed. Very handy and does a great job. Just pop it back to D once at the bottom and keep on going.

[Tobes_WIR35]

Thanks for all your input, i cant help but feel im going to have issues with this dsg box, id much prefer a manual but my domestic manager
requested auto this time.....time will tell..

bulberrys

As Candyman says, the DSG is great once you learn to drive it properly. Think of it more as an automated manual gearbox, as mechanically it has more in common with a manual box, but with a computer and some clever mechatronics operating the clutches and the shifting.

[Dan_3MPS]

Same for my GTI. I usually shift into S on downhills so it can downshift and hold speed. Very handy and does a great job. Just pop it back to D once at the bottom and keep on going.

This is exactly what I do as well, works great.

[Zogger]

I just tap the brake with no pressure and it downshifts in D. It will progressively downshift further without any intervention unless I start to accelerate. This us common on all 6 speed DSG's, not sure on the 7 speed version but then one sits in a bath of oil and the other is dry (by memory here ). Anyway about to purchase a scirocco r and noted the same characteristics.

[rossw]

IMHO, the 7 Speed DSG is the first so-called "intelligent" auto I've driven that actually does this correctly, in that if it senses you braking a lot it will change down, as far as 3rd depending on the speed. That's what it's supposed to do. It reduces the amount of heat generated by the brakes and mimics the behaviour of a competent manual driver descending the same hill.

Most autos, particularly older ones, rely on you to change down manually or (as most people seem to do) use the brakes excessively. Some newer ones have some kind of "grade logic" control, but the reality is that they still get it wrong on descents more often than not.

Also, FWIW my 90TSI has not needed any oil top-ups since new. I bought a bottle just in case, having heard that it's common for them to use a bit. I haven't needed to open the bottle yet. It will be due for its 15,000km service soon.

[Tobes_WIR35]

IMHO, the 7 Speed DSG is the first so-called "intelligent" auto I've driven that actually does this correctly, in that if it senses you braking a lot it will change down, as far as 3rd depending on the speed.

My 6 speed does the same. As did the 6 speed in a 103TDI that I had for a loan car.