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Worsening DSG downshift clunkiness / poor rev matching over time

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tringo007

Passed Driver's Ed
Location
Hatfield, UK
I bought a used VW Golf 2014 TSI with 60k miles. I noticed the downshift was clunky (not smooth) with poor rev matching. I exchanged this Golf after a month for a 2013 (same model) with 20k miles. I drove replacement in cold weather & downshift seemed smoother. But mostly when hot outside, I noticed the same clunky downshift but less bad than the one with 60k miles. Reading online it seems increasing clunkiness of downshift over time is common in the Golf and that when car is new, its a lot smoother. The dealer has given the 'typical of DSG' excuse. If this is the case then why does DSG clunkiness / poor rev matching increase over time?

It's a sealed 7-speed no maintenance gearbox and many people write that a DSG service does nothing. Most posts end up inconclusive with a fight between 'it's typical of DSG' vs 'not typical' with little information on conclusive steps for resolution.

Seems there are many sensors for engine speed etc. that contribute to DSG shift point. Should I clean MAP to start maybe & what other sensors can be cleaned? Maybe some sensors get dirty over time? Any advice welcome to fix as the clunky downshift while not horrible is quite annoying & the clunk/poor rev matching many times comes with clunk during downshift. FYI I drove both Golfs in 'Normal' mode. Also tried Economy in both occasionally but still wasn't smooth.
 
The Fed

The Fed

Old Guys Rule
Location
Florida
tringo007 said:
I bought a used VW Golf 2014 TSI with 60k miles. I noticed the downshift was clunky (not smooth) with poor rev matching. I exchanged this Golf after a month for a 2013 (same model) with 20k miles. I drove replacement in cold weather & downshift seemed smoother. But mostly when hot outside, I noticed the same clunky downshift but less bad than the one with 60k miles. Reading online it seems increasing clunkiness of downshift over time is common in the Golf and that when car is new, its a lot smoother. The dealer has given the 'typical of DSG' excuse. If this is the case then why does DSG clunkiness / poor rev matching increase over time?

It's a sealed 7-speed no maintenance gearbox and many people write that a DSG service does nothing. Most posts end up inconclusive with a fight between 'it's typical of DSG' vs 'not typical' with little information on conclusive steps for resolution.

Seems there are many sensors for engine speed etc. that contribute to DSG shift point. Should I clean MAP to start maybe & what other sensors can be cleaned? Maybe some sensors get dirty over time? Any advice welcome to fix as the clunky downshift while not horrible is quite annoying & the clunk/poor rev matching many times comes with clunk during downshift. FYI I drove both Golfs in 'Normal' mode. Also tried Economy in both occasionally but still wasn't smooth.
Click to expand...

What did the dealer's scan show? Any fault codes? Did you invest in a VCDS so you can check for yourself? Any sensor that is faulty will show up.

Is you car over 4 years old? Was the DSG fluid and filter changed at the 4-year mark? It's necessary to keep the warranty in force. Did a VW do the work? Is the car tuned?

I never heard of DSG's get clunky when they're older. Who told you that?

If you don't know what you're doing, playing around with sensors won't help.

Did you try talking to another dealer?
 
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G

George Ab

Drag Racing Champion
Location
Pacific NW
You may look into resetting DSG. It resets the clutch packs and allows it re-adapt. Here are a couple threads concerning.

http://www.golfmk6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73409

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/7-Speed_Direct_Shift_Gearbox_(DSG/0AM)

Information below is provided courtesy of CarlosCanizares: http://www.golfmk7.com/forums/showth...light=eurodyne

DSG Adaptation Procedure
Defined Test Drive

Suggested test drive after replacing the mechatronic or successful basic setting.

Prerequisites:


  • Fluid Temperature 30...100 °C (86...210 °F), see Measuring Blocks, Group 019.
  • Do Not use Cruise Control.
Drive in Tiptronic Mode from stand still up to 6th Gear.
While doing that make sure to drive in Gears 3 or 5 for approx. 5 minutes and also in 4 or 6 for approx. 5 minutes.
The engine speed window for all gears is 1200 - 3500 RPM (for clutch calibration).
Perform one sharp braking followed by a full throttle acceleration (oil return check) while in Drive, Not Tiptronic Mode.
Evaluate creep and starting-off points.
Check for leaks.

NOTE: If the test drive cannot be performed in the recommended way or the necessary time, any remaining adaptations will be performed automatically during normal driving.
Special Notes


  • Some modules do not require the use if the [ON/OFF/Next] button. If an Error is displayed after clicking the button, or the Basic Settings status does not switch to On, let the selected group and procedure finish on its own.

  • It is normal for the transmission to make noise while the tolerances are adapting. Do not exit or abort the Basic Settings sequence prematurely if you hear clacking noises.

  • Customers with TDI's have reported that an RPM range of 2000-2500 rpm is sufficient.
 
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T

tringo007

Passed Driver's Ed
Location
Hatfield, UK
Thanks for the replies. I'm trying to find the least expensive path to troubleshoot. Will try to start with a VCDS. The 7-speed DSG's are no maintenance dry clutch & don't require fluid changes unlike the 6-speed wet. Confirmed this with 2 dealers.

From my experience with a 20k vs 60k VW golf, the latter being much more clunky & reading online, I assumed this happens with a number of Golfs. The dealer did not do any checks as their perception is it's normal so didn't want to start paying for things until I was sure of the best way forward. Will probably try with another dealer also.

The reset seems quite involved and looking around where I am, I can't find anyone that does this:(. Will keep updated. Still open to more solutions from anyone on prioritised steps to take.
 
T

tringo007

Passed Driver's Ed
Location
Hatfield, UK
The clutch pack has been replaced and these problems have now been resolved. I also had juddering when coming out of 1st gear to 2nd and noisy downshifts which are also seemingly resolved. I drove 2 other Golf Mk7 dry clutch TSI's while my car was in for service as they had to wait for parts to come in from Germany and both had about 20k miles and showed signs of judder when starting off as well as very mild (not as severe as mine when it went in for clutch replacement) clunkiness on downshift and imperfect rev matching. It seems this is a common issue. The mechanic said they normally do a DSG reset /recalibration / adaptation first as part of diagnosing this issue and only if the reset does not resolve the issue, then they go for clutch replacement, the latter of which was the case with mine. He said VW is always improving the clutches and the later golfs or replacement clutches are better than the old ones.
 
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