Gearbox in emergency mode Tiguan 2017

[Nickfj]

Great information MIG - thanks for your input. I just don’t have the technical knowledge of how my car works at this level but I do know when I smell a rat.

I think my best bet given how this is unfolding is to request a copy of the release notes or whatever documentation comes with the update from VW Australia to assure me it is genuine.

In fact they should be crowing from the rooftops that all along it was just a matter of tweaking the software and there is in fact nothing wrong with the control units.

I would likely be one of the first lucky Tiguan owners to not require a lengthy and expensive procedure to fix the issue and then be eternally grateful to the amazing local dealership.

Or…. I’m not driving that car off the lot until they replace the part.

The plot thickens…

[MIG]

I think my best bet given how this is unfolding is to request a copy of the release notes or whatever documentation comes with the update from VW Australia to assure me it is genuine.

Good idea, if they have access to a change log or TPI (Technical Product Information) it would have the reported problem and what version of the software it was fixed in.

There has to be some evidence that VW Germany knows of the issue and has a fix, be that software or a revised part.

[Guest001]

30 sec of typing shows this might answer your queries

Service Campaigns and Recalls | Volkswagen Australia

[Nickfj]

Watercooled is a real gem

30 sec of typing shows this might answer your queries

Service Campaigns and Recalls | Volkswagen Australia

Thanks for the information. I was not aware that VW Australia published such a way.

Looks like there is no current Campaign or Recall active for my vehicle…

This forum is such a valuable resource and I thank all the individuals who take part in the community. I’m not sure what the other car brand communities are like but Watercooled is a real gem.

[TSIfanboi]

I would likely be one of the first lucky Tiguan owners to not require a lengthy and expensive procedure to fix the issue and then be eternally grateful to the amazing local dealership.

Or…. I’m not driving that car off the lot until they replace the part.

The plot thickens…

Can you share an update on the software fix?
Did it resolve the issue?
Our MY19 Allspace R-line with 70k kms has been throwing up the error.

[Delewin]

My 2017 162 TSI Highline (70Km travelled) has just started to show this error message, and I was stuck in 1,3,5,7 with no reverse. We travelled from Sydney to Cataract Dam. It was a hot day. After sitting at the side of the road for about 10 minutes we were "back to normal" and able to gently drive back home. I ran a scan when we got back from the first trip and cleared ALL fault codes to try to eliminate erroneous error codes. That was on 9/2/25. Everything seemed fine until 1/3/25 when we travelled to Campsie from Chatswood. It happened again. The same error with no reverse and only 1,3,5,7 manually selectable gears.

Also just had it serviced where I replaced the battery with a new AGM battery. 24/2/2025. Is this a factor?


After the Campsie trip, I carried out a scan (VCDS) and it showed

1 fault found.
10668 - Position Sensor for Clutch 2
P1736 00 (00101000) - Electrical Malfunction
Intermittent - Confirmed - Tested since Memory Clear
Freeze frame data
Fault priority: 0
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 70205 Km
Date: 2025.03.01
Time: 13:26:47

Engine speed; 0.00 /min
Vehicle speed: 0 km/h
Coolant temperature: 104 oC
Clutch: Primary Stat : Neutral
selected gear: GANG_1
Driving position: d
Engine Torque: -12 Nm
Control module temperature: 109 oC
Accelerator pedal position: 14.8%
DTC Memory status: 38

I live in Artarmon. This car is well out of its warrantee period. I did the first 6 services at Alto VW Northshore in Artarmon and the last 2 services at Tyre Power in Artarmon.

What are my chances of receiving a good will Mechatronic replacement from VW?

It is bog standard in every respect.

Which VW Service franchise to i use, as I have read very negative feedback regarding virtually every VW outlet?

The problem seems to be temperature "sensitive". That is on a hot day going for a reasonable run, it will trigger the problem. Has anyone "received" the Software Update and was it successful?

Every assistance gratefully accepted.

Thank you,
David

[h100vw]

All you can do is ask, if there wasnt a dsg service at tyre power. I think you'd have a reasonable chance of good will. No harm in asking. I have sent a few Tiguan owners direct to VW in the past year or 2, all got sorted out. They were 2018 upwards cars though

[Delewin]

Thank you, h100vw for your reply.

Tyre Power did an oil change on the Gearbox on 9/4/2024. They used the genuine VW oil which cost a bomb.

I am happy to ask (nothing ventured, nothing gained), but based on what I have read, I am very wary to go back to Alto Northshore. I could claim some validity from Alto, as they did my first 6 regular services.

Is it a case of if rejected by Alto, go to the next closest VW Service and try my luck?

OR go direct to VW Australia in the first place?

Thank you,
David

[Delewin]

Hi h100vw,

My Tiguan runs fine for short trips. It appears it only goes into "limp mode" (No reverse, and 1,3,5,7 manually selectable) if the oil temperature goes over a certain value.

Is it reasonable to keep using it while a replacement part is ordered? That way I am not "off the road" for longer than absolutely necessary.

Thank you,
David

[Delewin]

Today I sent off an email to VW Australia requesting their generosity to provide me with a replacement Mechatronic Unit (Free of charge).

I provided details of all regular services (6 from Alto VW Northshore and 2 from Tyre Power Artarmon). I also included 2 full diagnostic log files. One pre last occurrence where All faults were cleared and one after the latest "limp mode" episode.

I await their reply. I will endeavor to keep everyone updated.

Best wishes,
David

[lloydus67]

Don’t hold your breath. It’s a common fault across the Vw fleet that use dsg gearboxes.
I paid Vw in Brisbane to do a service on the gearbox, they told me that I was wasting my money as they are sealed for life, but did the job anyway. 10,000klms later mechatronic died.
Vw wanted $3800 (I think) plus labour.
10 years old and 120,000 klms so no chance of warranty.
Consumer rights say that you should expect more klms before a critical gearbox failure, but Vw Australia wouldn’t even entertain the idea.
If you google search dsg failure kilometres it’s 80-120,000 is pretty common.
I ended up getting a Volkswagon specialist mechanical workshop to fix it for $3600 fitted and programmed.
This was a Jetta, not a Tiguan.


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[Delewin]

Hi lloyddus67, I agree, I am not holding my breath, but it is the first step in a journey. I am fortunate that this problem is still "intermittent" and not terminal. I can use the car freely for short trips. As the old saying goes. "Time will tell".

[lloydus67]

I think I got 4 trips of intermittent before full failure.


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[Delewin]

Oh dear. Gently, Gently I must go.

[Delewin]

Hi All, Just a bit of an update.

I received a reply from VW Australia requesting me to take my Tiguan to a VW Dealer for a Dealer Diagnosis. I took it to Mccarroll's in Waitara today and they performed the diagnosis confirming the need to replace the Mechatronic unit. They also asked for the full-Service history (Not my Log book, but the actual Service receipts detailing exactly what was done and when it was done.)

Fortunately, I have kept these going back to the original service.

I am now "sitting" patiently waiting for VW Australia to examine my service history to hopefully agree to supply and install a replacement Mechatronic unit at no cost to me.

BTW, I have currently paid for the diagnostic. ($220 + $2.42 credit card surcharge) I have been told, this is nonrefundable.

Also, the Tiguan is still working fine.

I will keep everyone updated as more info becomes available.