DSG performance - Need a Physio?

[richdave]

I am for the most part happy with the smooth operation of the DSG in my Passat... however I cant master the smooth take off at all and it is really pissing me off! It's a neck jerking experience 98% of the time.

I expect a car of this price/quality to be better than a camry et al.

Is there a trick to getting a smooth take of from a stop?

I've tried with the "Auto hold" on and off. On seems to make some take offs smoother but not all.

I guess if I nailed it at every set of lights it may be less jerky but then I'd go broke filling the tank..

[Mischa]

in what way is it jerky? are you referring to the initial lag and then the sudden kick of turbo boost? just lift your foot off the accelerator slightly when you feel the power start to come. its just the characteristics of a turbocharged engine. no power when off boost, necksnapping power when it hits boost. gotta modulate the right foot a little apologies if you know this already, not trying to be condescending lol.

[richdave]

Thanks Mischa for your post.

Nah not the lag... well I dont think so.

Gentle acceleration always gives rise to a jerky take off and it's really anoying.

If I was doing inner city commute stop/start every day I'd want to sell the car it anoys me so much. Thankfully I dont do too much stop/start driving in heavy traffic.... but I am not too sure I'll get another DSG

[drbass]

Hi Dave,

Know exactly what you mean.

I personally find that the Autohold makes it slightly worse. The smoothest way to get going (that's my experience anyway) is to just ease off the brakes, and once the car starts rolling forward accelerate as necessary. You won;t be the first off the lights, but of course you won't be the first to stop at the next set, either !

This is obviously difficult on a hill - there you still get the jerk. Otherwise, I'm happy.

Not sure if this helps.

Seeya,
Michael

[Cupra]

I'm guessing this is a 125tdi/passat thing as my 2.0tdi dsg golf is smooth as silk all the time.

Phil

[richdave]

Yeah Cupra seems so.

Thanks drbass... I'll try that and see if I can tame this monster somewhat.

Wonder if VW will have a better solution i.e. s/w update or something for the control modules???

[drbass]

Not a problem.

Seems that the engagement of the clutch is an issue with this particular combination (engine/software/DSG).

I find it much worse when reversing, by the way. Backing out of the driveway leaves me and the family with whiplash - OK, not quite but it's definitely not smooth.

Anyway, apart from that I'm still extremely happy. Great performance, lovely economy figures (6.9/100 after more than 11,000km, plenty of commuting in the hilly northeastern suburbs), only minor rattles (I take that as a positive ;-!), and so very practical.

Have a nice weekend!

Seeya,
Michael

[SmutsGTI]

Maybe look at getting it chipped, would this make the changes a little smoother?

Smuts

[drbass]

Hi Smuts,

Once you're rolling the changes are absolutely immaculate, silky-smooth. I have no issue with those.

It's the initial "getting off the line" thing that Dave referred to, and it's basically the clutch engaging rather roughly and abruptly.

Don't think that chipping will help ... .

Seeya,
Michael

[SmutsGTI]

Bummer Michael that would annoy me as well!

[STV4SYT]

I find gentle does it. unless im in a hurry its best to take brake off, let the car start moving itself and then accelerating gently.


i know what u mean about reverse, its at its worst when u are on a single lane road trying to reverse park with traffic behind u, then it really gets the kangaroo juice going.

[richdave]

Bummer Michael that would annoy me as well!

Yep it is starting to ruin what is a great car for me.....

[drbass]

Come on, Dave, can't be that bad !

Try the "easing in" method (that was confirmed by steve-tdi), and you should be OK most of the time.

While it is not the nicest thing (and seemingly occurring only in combination with the 125 kW engine) there are way to many great things about the package to make this a showstopper.

Anyway, good to see some rain here in Melbourne - that'll keep the traction control busy.

Have a nice weekend,
Michael

[guthrie]

Can confirm that my 103kW tdi has a similar trait - reasonably smooth once into second gear, but pretty jerky or snatchy if you arent perfect with the throttle from a standing start...

The Golf I had as a loaner the other day didnt do it, so I wonder whether the extra weight of the Passat has anything to do with it?

[balkanac]

There is a reason why people have 2 legs...