In 1937, the National Socialist (Nazi) Party formed a state-owned automobile company, which we know today as Volkswagen. Operated by the German Labor Front, a Nazi organization, Volkswagen had its headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany. The mission was to create an affordable and quick car that was designed “for the people”. 

The first car was released at the Berlin Motor Show in 1939 but shortly stopped production after World War II began. When the war was finished the factory was destroyed, and the Allies used Volkswagen to start the German auto industry once again.

Because of its history, Volkswagen sales in the United States were slow initially. In 1959, there was an advertising campaign that named the car the “Beetle” which had it take off. Over the next few years, VW became one of the top-selling imported vehicles in the United States. 

What Does a Transmission do?

Not everyone understands how their transmission works. This is most likely because it is complex and can be difficult to understand this part of your vehicle. Essentially, the transmission works to take power from the engine and deliver it to the wheels. This means that your transmission plays an essential role in controlling your vehicle. It pushes the power to where it needs to be.

Converting Speed

The transmission in a car works to maximize the efficiency of the engine. It reduces fuel consumption while avoiding any negative effects on actual driving. For example, when you take off from a stoplight, you will need to go into a lower gear. This is essential because you need to have lower RPMs in order to have enough power so the wheels begin to move. When driving on the highway, you must use gear with a higher ratio to move the car at a faster speed. At the same time, the transmission must keep the RPMs low as well.

What is a Manual Transmission?

Automatic transmissions are often more popular than manual transmissions because they are easier to drive. When you work on a manual transmission, it can be easier to understand. This is because the transmission is made up of gears, as well as output shafts, and input shafts. The gears of one shaft engage the gears from other shafts. 

Manual transmissions select a gear by moving a lever, this is called shifting. This link then connects to an element that controls the gear movement. Each link should work the two gears and the links can be changed by shifting the shift lever.

The gear can only be engaged by pushing the clutch pedal. This is necessary in order to disconnect the engine and the input shaft. Then the gears on the shaft will be able to move and disconnect power between the transmission and the engine. Finally, the gear is selected and the clutch is released which allows the engine to power forward.

What is an Automatic Transmission?

Automatic transmissions essentially work as a manual transmission, but they are easier to drive. You do not have to shift in order to drive, and instead, there is a torque converter rather than a clutch. You will not need to physically shift with an automatic transmission, because it does all the work for you.

Common Volkswagen Transmission Problems

Diagnosing transmission problems is not always easy, but you should be able to know if it is running well. Sometimes, transmission issues can develop and become extremely expensive. When you detect a problem you need to find out what is the cause in order to resolve it. Some common transmission problems with Volkswagens include the following.

Unresponsiveness

When your Volkswagen is hesitant to go or if it won’t shift into gear, then you have an issue. When it comes to an automatic transmission, there should be a smooth shift. Whether this is between Park or any other gear, delays mean there is a glitch. Manual transmissions can have the same issue, but it is usually an issue with the clutch.

Whining, Humming, Clunking

There should never be any type of odd noises coming from your transmission. Automatic transmissions that are making abnormal noises need attention immediately. Despite this, manual transmissions may sound a bit like a humming when they have a problem, but this is typically due to CV joints or differentials. As soon as you notice a strange noise coming from your car, you should have it looked at.

Low Fluid Levels

Automatic transmission fluid, known as ATF, is bright red and has a sweet smell. In the event you have a leak, you will see this on the ground under your vehicle. This fluid is a necessary component in your transmission because it keeps it lubricated. If the parts are not lubricated, then they will grind and damage. This can eventually cause your engine to seize up.

The transmission level should never be low. This is because transmission fluid is different from oil and it is not burned off.  You can check the level of your transmission fluid by driving your Volkswagen a short distance on a flat service. Then take out the dipstick and check the level, and top off the fluid if it seems to be low. Then you will need to find out where the leak is, and fix it. If the fluid is red then this means you may have a simple crack, but if the fluid is brown or seems to be burnt, In this case, it can be a serious issue and you may need to get some repairs done.

Manual transmission fluid can be checked at the transmission case through the fill plug.

Shaking and Grinding

You should never hear grinding noises from your car, nor should the car shake or jerk you around. These symptoms mean that you are having trouble with the gears. In a manual transmission, there might be grinding noises when you are trying to shift. This means you are having trouble. It may also mean that you need to replace the clutch or that the gear synchronizers are worn out. Automatic transmissions may seem that they are struggling to shift, but you should never hear them grind. Instead, you may feel it shake or struggle to move into gear.

Weird Smells

All transmissions have transmission fluid, which is needed in order to lubricate all the parts involved. When it gets too hot, it may burn. Loss of fluid causes the parts to overheat and eventually break down. It may also increase the debris and sludge that often accumulate in the transmission. This might mean that the entire transmission needs to be replaced. 

Unable to Shift

If you are unable to shift your car and the fluid is not low, then you may have the wrong type of fluid in your car. When there is a fluid that’s too thick it may prevent you from shifting. You might also need a shift cable or clutch linkage adjusted. 

In some cases, your computer may not function properly which means that you can reset the computer. This is essential so that Volkswagen’s system can reset itself. If that does not work, then you will need to bring it to a dealership.

Check Engine Light Coming on

If you ever see the check engine light come on, it most likely means that something is not working properly. It is a sign that the computer in your Volkswagen is having an issue. The transmission has sensors on it, that transmit information to the computer. This light will dictate that there is a code to be read in order to find out what the problem is.

You can attempt to do your own diagnosis if you wish, but you will need to have a diagnostic tool. You can then plug it into the driver’s side instrument panel and read the code. This will then tell you where to look for the problem. 

Noisy When in Neutral

If your transmission makes noise while in neutral then this might mean you need to add transmission fluid. If this doesn’t change anything, then you should check for both worn parts like bearings, as well worn-out gear teeth.

Slipping Gears

Slipping gears means that they are changing on their own. If this occurs, then you most likely have a broken or old link that is supposed to be holding your gears in place. This must be fixed immediately it is very dangerous. 

Dragging Clutch

When it comes to a manual transmission, one of the most common issues with a transmission is a dragging clutch. This happens due to a clutch disk that is failing to disengage from the flywheel. It happens when you press the clutch pedal and can cause a grinding sound. In this case, the clutch disk may be unable to pull the clutch disk off the flywheel.

In addition, you need to keep your transmission properly maintained. This is because it can prevent common problems. Replacing your transmission can be expensive, so, therefore, you need to focus on sounds and the overall running of your transmission to avoid the high cost of repairs.

What Volkswagen models most commonly have transmission issues?

The Volkswagen transmission has been known to have multiple issues preventing it from being known as a great transmission. The Volkswagen models that have been affected include Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GTI, and Eos. They have even been recalled by VW. These problems occur due to the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) system that is faulty. Volkswagen has also had problems with its high-end paddle gearbox, as well as the Tiptronic transmission system.

Solenoid N89 Failure

N89 is an important solenoid, and some VWs experience a failed N89. This can cause the gear to jump from four to one suddenly, and when the gear goes from three to four, it can get stuck. This can cause a sudden deceleration, almost as if the brakes were pressed very suddenly.

Faulty Temperature Sensor

If there is a faulty temperature sensor in the DSG system then this can give a false negative and light the warning light. This occurs in models of the Jetta and in many instances, this sensor can result in transmission slips, causing the vehicle to shift suddenly into neutral. Despite this, any affected vehicles have been recalled.

The Tiptronic Transmission

Volkswagen's Tiptronic transmission is well known for being modern and brand new technology. Despite this, there are various weak areas that were found by VW, and they have said to attempt to resolve them. Some of these problems show themselves as a difficult shift from gear one to two, as well as an erratic shifting from gear three to gear four. You may even notice a shudder when the torque convert activates.

Faulty Clutch Component

When you have a faulty clutch component then it can cause random downshifting. This is extremely dangerous, and you should be aware of any vehicle that suffers from this issue in the mechatronic unit.

Is Fixing Your Volkswagen with Transmission Problems Possible?

Although it can be possible to fix your Volkswagen with transmission problems, oftentimes it is better to simply replace it. This is because a repair might be as simple as replacing fluids, but it could also cost as much as a $5000 reconstruction. Minor transmission repairs might include replacing defective solenoids, or re-sealing for leaks. Regardless of what issue you have, it is essential that you get it checked by a mechanic before it causes you harm.