I have a 2006 VW Golf TDI that I love b/c I can run it on biodiesel.
It has about 125,000 miles and I want to get another 100,000 out of it.
The problem is that the automatic transmission slips sometimes when I slow down to about 10 mph or slow and then hit the gas again before stopping.
I took it to my usual mechanic who checked the transmission fluid and it was full. He then said that there was nothing else really to do; there was no way to fix this other than replacing the whole transmission due to all the computer and electronic gadgetry.
That seems crazy to me that there is nothing between adding fluid and replacing the whole transmission.
Any advice on the possibility of diagnosing and repairing this transmission?
The mechanic said that this is an issue with VWs from around this year.
Any advice greatly appreciated.
The complexities of automatic transmissions are beyond most “regular” mechanics–even some very good ones. You need to take the car to a transmission specialist, who will have both training and equipment that your regular mechanic lacks.
Just be sure that you do NOT take the car to AAMCO, Lee Myles, Cottman, Mr. Transmission, or any other chain-run operation, as they will tell you that you need a new transmission–whether you really do or not. Instead, go to an independent trans shop that has been in business for at least 3 years. They will be likely to give you a more honest diagnosis, better pricing, and better mechanical expertise than a chain-run operation.
Just be prepared for a dire diagnosis, even at the most honest of transmission shops, as your transmission could simply be the victim of lax maintenance. When transmissions have their fluid and filter changed every 3 yrs or 30k miles (whichever comes first), they can function properly for the life of the car.
On the other hand, when that type of maintenance schedule is not followed, trans failure can happen any time after 90k miles, and is pretty much of a sure thing by 120k miles. If your trans has not been serviced as I described above, it is essentially right on schedule for overhaul.
What can you tell us about the maintenance history of your transmission?
VDCdriver is correct. Go to a good local transmission shop and keep your fingers crossed. If it does need to be replaced, that’ll probably be the best place to have it done.
Whoa! This car has the DSG automatic transmission. It is a 6 speed, dual clutch manual transmission that has automatic controls added to it to make it an automatic transmission. These are VERY different from a regular automatic transmission. Different = Expensive! Some forums seem to say they only last about 100,000 to 120,000 miles and cost upwards of $4000. Good Luck finding an independent to rebuild it.
As a low-cost shot in the dark, I’d have the fluid changed, with factory fluid used, and a new filter if so equipped. While I doubt it’ll help, it’s way cheaper than the next step. They did just this to a poor-shifting Porsche Boxster on “Wheeler Dealers”. It had the Tiptronic auto, which I think is another DSG-type transmission. It fixed the shifting problems they were experiencing.
edit - Just found out that year Boxster had a regular automatic, later years had the DSG-type “PDK” transmission.
Still, I’d try a fluid/filter change.
“This car has the DSG automatic transmission.”
I didn’t realize that…
Gulp!