Common DSG problems

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Driving and Shifting behaviour

The DSG gearbox has various problems and irritations regarding to drivability and shifting behavior. These can often be solved with TVS DSG software or may indicate hardware related problems. If one or more of the following driving and shifting behaviour issues are familiar to you, we advise you to immediately make an appointment for an in-depth DSG diagnosis at TVS / DSG Dokter headquarter:

The “D” mode shifts very fast / early to the next gear and downshifts (too) late
The “S” mode is too aggressive which results in very late upshifting and (too) early downshifting
The DSG transmission shifts down when accelerating (“kickdown”) while the driver wants to stay in the same gear
The DSG transmission skips gears randomly
The DSG transmission only uses the even or odd gears
The DSG transmission does not upshift to the highest gear
The DSG transmission does not upshift automatically, but only manually (“M” mode)
The DSG transmission shifts randomly to an illogical gear
The DSG transmission pops out of gear during driving
The DSG transmission sporadically changes to neutral, interrupting the drive
The DSG transmission does not activate reverse (“R”) or does not drive backwards
The DSG transmission drives / crawls away in the neutral ("N") position
The DSG transmission does not move / crawl smoothly in “D” mode
The DSG transmission does not automatically drive / crawl away in “D” mode
The rev-counter does not increase smoothly, but incrementally during constant acceleration
The rev-counter increases abruptly during or immediately after upshifting
The rev-counter increases abruptly during an acceleration
The rev-counter fluctuates during drive off
The rev-counter fluctuates while driving at constant speed (cruising)
The DSG clutch seems to be slipping

Unpleasant Noises

Performing an in-depth DSG diagnosis by TVS is not only based on data logging and analysis of DSG related parameters and error messages. It also requires a lot of knowledge and experience to observe uncommon sounds and determine the cause of this. If one or more of the following unpleasent noises are familiar to you, we advise you to immediately make an appointment for an in-depth DSG diagnosis at TVS / DSG Dokter headquarter:

Rattling, ticking and/or scratching noises from the DSG transmission
Uncommon noises from the DSG transmission during upshifting
Uncommon noises from the DSG transmission during downshifting
Uncommon noises from the DSG transmission during braking, just before the vehicle is stationary
Uncommon noises from the DSG transmission during full load
Uncommon noises from the DSG transmission during cornering
Uncommon noises from the DSG transmission in higher gears
Uncommon noises from the DSG transmission while activating reverse (“R”) or drive (“D”)
Scratching noises from the DSG transmission while engaging reverse (“R”) or drive (“D”)
Scratching noises from the DSG gearbox during standstill
Ticking noises noticeable when upshifting to 5th gear
Rattling noises when starting and/or switching off the engine
Rattling noises from the DSG transmission during idling
Scraping (bearing) noises from the DSG transmission noticeable
Resonances from the DSG transmission noticeable while driving in higher gears

Unpleasant Vibrations and Bumps

If one or more of the following unpleasent vibrations and bumps are familiar to you, we advise you to immediately make an appointment for an in-depth DSG diagnosis at TVS / DSG Dokter headquarter:

Shock, bump or bang from the DSG transmission noticeable during upshifting
Shock, bump or bang from the DSG transmission noticeable during downshifting
Shock or bump from the DSG transmission noticeable just before standstill
Shock(s) noticeable while releasing the accelerator pedal
Shock(s) noticeable during drive off
Shock(s) noticeable during full load acceleration
Shock(s) noticeable during acceleration from standstill
Vibrations noticeable during upshifting (from first to second gear)
Vibrations noticeable during downshifting
Shocks noticeable when switching the gear lever to the “D” position
Shocks noticeable when switching the gear lever to the “R” position and during reverse driving

Dashboard and Error Messages

An overview of the most common DSG fault codes are described here. If one or more of the following dashboard and error messages are familiar to you, we advise you to immediately make an appointment for an in-depth DSG diagnosis at TVS / DSG Dokter headquarter:

The shift indicator (“PRNDS”) on the dashboard blinks
The shift indicator (“PRNDS”) on the gear lever blinks (DQ500)
Wrench visible on the dashboard (notification in MFA)
Gear wheel visible on the dashboard (notification in MFA)
The transmission control unit (TCU) displays error messages related to the oil pressure
The transmission control unit (TCU) displays error messages related to the oil pump
It is not possible to perform DSG basic settings successfully
The current position of the DSG gear lever is not recognized
The gear lever of the DSG transmission blinks or does not light up
The gear lever of the DSG transmission is locked in the “P” position and could not switch to the “D”, “S” or “R” position.
The car key is stuck in the ignition and cannot be removed
Error message(s) regarding the drivetrain after which the vehicle delivers reduced power and/or stops running
Error message(s) regarding to the DSG transmission after which the vehicle no longer starts
Error message(s) regarding to the DSG transmission after which only the odd (1-3-5-7) or even (2-4-6) gears can be used

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