DSG Fault on GTI

[snedden9485]

Got my new polo and its got about 120kms on it. Driving it today in manual mode and when i was stopped at a roundabout in 1st gear, i put the foot down to go and it wouldnt go. The car just stayed at idle and D started blinking at me. The car stayed like this for a few seconds with me stranded in roundabout. I then moved the shifter into D and pushed on accelerator again, the car went forward after a second or so and continued on without an issue. Any one had similar issues?

The car was warm, i just left the servo after filling up with fuel.

This vid seems the same problem.
YouTube - ‪2011 VW Volkswagen Polo GTI DSG 'gearbox' fault / problem‬‏

[yas786]

That does not sound good. Never occurred with mine, and I use manual mode quite often.

[snedden9485]

Working fine today and hasn't done it since. Very odd....will send it in to Volkswagen tomora for a look.

[snedden9485]

3 times in 350km now. Always in manual, 1st gear. Car just won't go for about 5 seconds. Took it to dealer yday and couldn't find anything. No fault codes or anything. Frustrating on a brand new car.

[benja]

Same problem over here (in Europe) but without gear blinking and engine running upto 1500 rpm max; I solved switching off and on the car! According to a friend of mine who had same problem as yours, this can be solved upgrading DSG control unit at official assistance/dealer (he's a VW mechanic) for free!

[gavs]

Hmm, what Benja says confirmed my thoughts that it's a software issue more than hardware....

[snedden9485]

I have no doubt it is a software issue. Hasnt done it since (i have been using D mode more often). If it continues, I will contact VW and seek answers. Maybe a reflash or similar of the DSG would fix it.

[Corey_R]

I'd contact them again, give them that video and explain it was exactly like that, and get them to come up with a resolution.
Whether there is a software upgrade, a hardware upgrade of the control unit, or whatever

Let us know how you go.

[gavs]

Corey, you would know more than us (being more familiar with the dsg) but is this a symptom of a faulty mechatronic unit?

[Corey_R]

The tricky thing about the "mechatronics" is that it's the combination of the "mechanical" - the solenoid valves etc which physically operate the gear selectors and clutches, and the "electronics" which are the processors which monitor the gearbox, clutches, operating conditions, and control the solenoids etc.

So it's a pretty safe assumption that if it's not a cooling or oil pressure issue that the problem is the mechatronics. But whether the unit is outright faulty, or whether it just needs a reset or software update is another thing...


I feel that something needs to be done however. Even if there are no fault codes in snedden9485's car, I'd be wanting the DSG software upgraded, if an upgrade is not available then maybe even a downgrade if whatever the latest revisions are for is not a "critical" issue. But then, I'm not a mechanic, so...

[Lams]

my Caddy TDI also did this... very strange. Please let me know how you go at the dealer (I don't get mine serviced there)

[ian]

When i had my car in for a new mechatronics" unit after the soft ware upgrade failed ,they ended up installing a complete new gearbox
as the said the solenoids were the cause , it took 3 visits to barlo before i sent a email to VWA who then approved the mechatronics"
unit but that soon became a new gearbox ,

[Tbone]

Corey has pointed me in this direction. I am experiencing the same problem with the DSG on my MKVI Golf. Happened twice today, both at traffic lights, had no power to take off in manual mode, problems persist when pushed back to D. Had to switch off and restart.

So can anyone confirm whether a software upgrade would fix this? My car is less than a month old so if it's software then maybe it's the latest software which has a glitch. I'd prefer not for them to have to take the car, run tests just to confirm no fault codes, and then I'm left with no car for long periods of time...

As Corey says, will probably be easiest to show them the YouTube video.

[snedden9485]

Mine has been good for the last week, only done it the three times early in the piece. If it continues, I will be knocking on the dealers door again for answers.

[Mr Codger]

Yes. Mine is a 2011 Polo GTI and the same issue. Usually it happens when I have tried to resume after stopping on a hill. As you said, it remains in idle and you cannot move. It feels as though the car has stalled and it is a bit of a worry.
I have found a street in my suburb where you have to stop behind other cars who are at a stop sign facing uphill. Must have tried this course, for want of a better word, about 20 times. The problem is intermittent and you can never be sure when it is going to come up.
Leaving it is Sport mode MAY help as you may have noticed that it will idle at higher rpm in Sport but as I said, it is a worry when it just stays in idle.Have you seen your dealer about it ,?