Resolved Jerky 1st and Reverse - DSG 6 speed DQ250

[jashunter]

Hello, I have a Golf GTI Mk5 2008 with the above transmission and ~108k miles. Gearbox has been serviced at ~60k and ~105k miles.
When warmed up it hesitates/jerks when pulling away in 1st, and kangaroos in reverse gear. No other issues - all up/down changes are super smooth.

I scanned for codes and there was no fault recorded on 02 Auto Trans control module. Next tried a DSG reset followed by the recommended test drive, no change. So I've ordered a new Borg Warner clutch pressure solenoid and plan to replace n215 controlling clutch K1 (responsible for 1st, reverse, 3rd, 5th gears).

Couple of questions:
(1) has anyone had success fixing the described issue by replacing n215 ?
(2) do I need to drain the trans oil through sump before removing mechatronic cover, or can I just remove the mechatronic cover without draining (on the basis most of the trans oil will be in the sump) ?

Many thanks in advance

definitely sounds like problem, if i can possibly clarify… from standing start, just pulling away from stop in 1st at any speed (no gear changes) applying power even somewhat gently in 1st feels lurchy/ bunny hoppy and hard to really pull away smoothly? once up to speed and normal driving around town is fine and smooth, just just low speed manoeuvring / gentle power application feels like subtle bunny hopping a manual? thx again

 

[G0lfgt!]

definitely sounds like problem, if i can possibly clarify… from standing start, just pulling away from stop in 1st at any speed (no gear changes) applying power even somewhat gently in 1st feels lurchy/ bunny hoppy and hard to really pull away smoothly? once up to speed and normal driving around town is fine and smooth, just just low speed manoeuvring / gentle power application feels like subtle bunny hopping a manual? thx again

Exactly this. I believe that the clutch control solenoids get lazy with age/miles, so clutch application becomes less smooth and you get the symptoms you describe.

 

[jashunter]

great to know .. i can’t TELL you how long it’s taken to find a grain of information on this issue online!

and you say you replaced them both without removing the mecha assembly! just remove the fluid pan / gasket!

 

[G0lfgt!]

I also found info online hard to find. There is a really good VW document online that describes the operation of the gearbox. It seems VW's solution to any faults is simply to replace the whole mechatronics unit. Which makes sense from a no comeback point of view but works out super expensive for cars with this gearbox nowadays as they are getting old.

Yes, just the pan and its gasket. The solenoids can be replaced with the mechatronics unit remaining in place. I have had my pan off twice, I replaced the clutch solenoid that controls the clutch for 1st,3rd,5th,reverse gears (n215), which fixed the jerky/hesitation in 1st and reverse. But I then noticed hesitation in 2nd gear when doing low speed rolling starts e.g. at roundabouts. Replacing the solenoid that controls the clutch for 2nd,4th,6th gears (n216) fixed that problem as well.

 

[jashunter]

thx again for all the info! i’ll be doing this job as soon as the parts arrive.. after i’ve replaced the noisy left hand drive shaft, and done the performance pack VAQ diff service and….

 

[jashunter]

I'm pleased to say replacing just the n215 solenoid has cured the above fault -super smooth now pulling away in 1st and reverse.

The tricky parts of the job were removing the screws from the mechatronics cover, mine were rusty so the torx bit needed tapping in to fully engage, but there's not much room to swing a hammer for a couple of them.

Also getting the cover off where it goes around the mechatronics connector. Mine was stuck due to rust around there (the cover was rusty in general). To get the cover off the connector it took plenty of penetrating oil, wiggling, patience, then it popped off.

I replaced the cover, cover screws (x5) and wish I had also replaced the x2 o-rings that seal the mechatronics connector where it passes through the cover, but had to reuse those.

I bottom filled the gearbox, reusing the old oil which I'd drained into a clean container as was only a couple of thousand miles old, bought 1L of new oil to account for any spillages.

After refilling the gearbox and doing a reset, on the test drive the gearbox was jerky at first, but by the end of the test drive (holding 4th and 5th gears for 5 minutes each then a full throttle acceleration from rest) the gearbox was super smooth so I'm well Happy.

Total cost was £30 for 1L of VW DSG oil, £13 for the oil fill tool, £90 for the borg warner n215 solenoid, £70 for the new mechatronics cover, screws and sump plug seal (all genuine VW parts).

ok i don’t want to jinx it but after 3hrs or so today replacing the N215/216 solenoids i THINK… my issue is also fixed. after putting up with it for a couple of years and trying a few things along the way, I think that yes my issue is finally gone too. So thanks to you for posting this single solitary post mentioning this issue and potential fix, as I have not seen mentioned anywhere on the entire intertubes. The virtual beers are on me. Many thanks.

 

[Cameron spiteri]

Hi just found this post recently. I’ve got a r36 with the same issue. Mechanical side of stuff im fine with and can do that but the programming side I’m fairly new too. For the adaptation afterwards what groups do I do for the basic settings?

Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[Uwe]

Hi just found this post recently. I’ve got a r36 with the same issue. Mechanical side of stuff im fine with and can do that but the programming side I’m fairly new too. For the adaptation afterwards what groups do I do for the basic settings?

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Please start your own thread and include a complete Auto-Scan for context.

-Uwe-