The Torque Converter Auto (NOT DSG) T5 thumps into drive when cold

[Rebuild]

This has only recently started the last 1000-1500 km, that i have noticed.Have 160K on it
Gearbox has had partial fluid and filter changes at 75K and 137K with Penrite DX-VI(dexron 6)

04 T5 with Tiptronic auto 6sp
The gearbox thumps into drive or sport, straight from cold.When i select drive there is 2-3 seconds before it selects and thumps.
Doesn't do it into reverse.Selects reverse almost instantly.
Once slightly warm, say 5-10 mins doesn't do it.
No other drive probs.No codes on engine or gearbox through my Autel VAG reader.
Disconnected and reconnected the multipin near selector on top of gearbox, no change.

A quick google seems to point to solenoids or lesser possibly valve body.
At this stage will keep an eye on it, may look into replacing solenoids on next oil change around 200K
Any ideas?

[Sunny43.5]

Apparently the Americans have replacement solenoids for those boxes made from better material , ours was doing that from about 60000 kays but only on upshift and down shift beteween 3rd and 4 th , VW reckoned a software update would fix it but alas they F*****d it all together , but thats another story and I don't want to open that wound again .

[Umai Naa!!]

Sounds like solenoids, but whatever it is, get onto it quick.

I've seen an old auto Golf (conventional auto like these), go unrepaired for months still being driven around. By the time they decided to book it in, the internals were trashed.

Also double-check you're putting the right oil in it.

[BrianJ]

Not sure if it will fix it, but its worth doing this reset procedure periodically. I always do it after getting the oil replaced. If it doesn't have smooth changes after its done then try it a few times until its like new. I think it calibrates the fly by wire accelerator pedal position for the auto changes. If this doesn't fix it then there may be a real fault in the box.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/f136/t5-faq-how-thread-up-august-2009-a-32995.html#post846365

[Rebuild]

Oh yeah, tried the reset thingy.Forgot to mention it.
I have the datasheet for the oil as of Feb2008, which shows VW/Audi G055025
Will look around for solenoids.

Umai, you think this is a don't wait thing?
It only does it going into drive cold, all gears are fine, and it's ok once warm
Thx

[Transporter]

Try talk to Automatics of Marion. Also scanning it with a dedicated scanner rather than generic one may reveal some faults.

[Tornado T5]

Try talk to Automatics of Marion. Also scanning it with a dedicated scanner rather than generic one may reveal some faults.

Perfect advice...a transmission specialist was able to more accurately see what error codes were coming up then narrow down issues.

You soon find out there are known issues with these auto's when the first thing a VW dealer asks when shopping for new is "what are the gear changes like in your T5?" How many kays wasn't as important a question.

I had similar issues in our auto that eventually led to a repair quote of near $8000 in Feb which led to me trading in asap. Mind you when first diagnosed I still got 15,000km out of it however I had a new Transit Custom ready to pass on to my delivery driver for when the T5 stopped.

[Rebuild]

Try talk to Automatics of Marion. Also scanning it with a dedicated scanner rather than generic one may reveal some faults.

Yeah, PM'ed them already, not had a reply yet.
did notice this morn that going into drive was relatively normal.Was a bit warmer ambient though

[Transporter]

Yeah, PM'ed them already, not had a reply yet.
did notice this morn that going into drive was relatively normal.Was a bit warmer ambient though

Is the fluid level correct?

[Sunny43.5]

I would imagine thats a bit hard to do being like lots of things modern boxes don't have dipstick , at least in the old days you could see the level and its condition . A bit like no temp gauge or voltage gauge any more in the Vans , where will it end ? At the cost of the fluid the box would have to be drained and then refilled to check volumes .

[Transporter]

I would imagine thats a bit hard to do being like lots of things modern boxes don't have dipstick , at least in the old days you could see the level and its condition . A bit like no temp gauge or voltage gauge any more in the Vans , where will it end ? At the cost of the fluid the box would have to be drained and then refilled to check volumes .

It's still worthwhile to do, considering the alternatives.

[BrianJ]

I would also use the correct VW brand oil, not an alternative brand. I get my auto oil changed every 100,000km, and can pick the difference in the change from old oil to the new lot. The oil could be critical in these boxes.

The other thing I thought of was whether your engine still idles at 800 rpm ?

[jets]

I would imagine thats a bit hard to do being like lots of things modern boxes don't have dipstick , at least in the old days you could see the level and its condition .

I am sure Rebuild is quite capable of checking the level.
How to change T5 Auto Gearbox Oil - The Brick-yard

[Sunny43.5]

I have read that post some years back , still think some sort of part could have been made to inspect either level or condition as once it deteriorates the damage would already be started . I am still certain to this day that if there had been a way to check condition and change the filter I would not be still as angry as I am towards VW . I believe VW knew they had made a mistake with that model tranny as two things changed , DSG has a 60000 service schedule and the filter is on the OUTSIDE . Call me supicious but what does that tell you ? Also the post shows that unlike the old days you could check and replace oil in a very short time unlike the post which told how he had to wait overnight for the oil to drain so he could replace with the correct amount not to mention all the bits required just to refil it .

[Rebuild]

i should check the level, thinking about that the other day.Probably this weekend.
I am more than happy with my choice of oil, Penrite DX-VI. Rather than the exhorbitant $$ VW want for genuine
Engine idles at 800