Piston Slap: DSG = Das Sticky Gearbox?

Sajeev Mehta
by Sajeev Mehta

Arun writes:

Sajeev,

I have a 2011 VW CC (2.0 turbo) with DSG that is currently at 35000+ miles without any issues. I love the car and take care of it as much as a first time VAG owner and a first time car owner can take care of it. Problem is that over the last 200 miles or so, I have been noticing that the shift lever moves rough/ hesitates to move as quickly as I am used to it moving.

I am not talking about the actual shifts themselves but the shifter itself being rough to move within the case when upshifting or downshifting in DSG model.

I drive around 35 miles a day but only around 6-7 miles in DSG/ semi-automatic mode per day. So around 200 miles/ month in semi-automatic mode. All services have been done on time and there are no issues otherwise with the car. Posting on vw vortex revealed nothing.

  1. The factory warranty expires in 400 odd miles so I would like to have it seen by the dealer if it is something concrete. Unfortunately with the shifts themselves being smooth as butter, I fear they will just show me the door.
  2. I have the 40000 mile transmission oil change coming up. If this issue is something that can/ will be resolved by the same, I don’t mind pushing the service ahead and doing it at like 37500 miles or so. Again since it feels like the shifter is physically moving roughly (like it needs lube), I am not sure if that service will do anything to resolve this problem.

Suggestions? A speedy resolution is requested because my factory warranty will expire in 400 miles or about 2 weeks from now.

Sajeev answers:

Hey Arun, ask the Service department to lubricate or replace the shift assembly. These things are mostly made of plastic (usually) and asking them to check the plastic for jamming or debris isn’t a big deal. Go get it done before the warranty goes out.

Arun replies:

Hey Sajeev,

Much appreciated! I have a scheduled a session with the Service Dept for this Saturday. I will update you once its done.

>>>FOUR DAYS LATER

Arun replies:

I got the job done and it was indeed some lube that was needed. The dealership was at a loss as to how that could have happened, speculating that it could have been something that may not have been applied to spec at the factory itself. Somehow I doubt that’s the case considering how fastidious the Germans are about initial quality.

Oh well..I have driven the car just 10 miles since but so far so good.

Thanks once again for the help!

P.S. someday I will drive a Panther just to see what the hype is all about! :-)

Sajeev concludes:

Oh yes, nobody is as fastidious about initial quality like the Germans! Then again, German initial quality is certainly superior to their overall lifetime value here in the US. But I digress…

There are probably countless reasons why this happened, as perfection is something we strive for but can never own. And most dealerships are used to customer concerns like this, hence why they were happy to check. And you were happy to ask since it’s still under warranty!

Better drive a Crown Vic Sport or Mercury Marauder soon, when your next post-warranty repair bill comes, you’ll be more inclined to embrace DPL (Das Panther Love) over DSG.

Send your queries to sajeev@thetruthaboutcars.com. Spare no details and ask for a speedy resolution if you’re in a hurry…but be realistic, and use your make/model specific forums instead of TTAC for more timely advice.

Sajeev Mehta
Sajeev Mehta

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  • Spartan Spartan on Feb 11, 2014

    What did you learn? Everyone say it with me...Next time, buy the manual transmission model, not the DSG.

  • Cabriolet Cabriolet on Feb 11, 2014

    I have two GTI's with DSG. I used to love manual transmissions but the DSG is the best of both worlds. I have never driven a car that shifted so smooth. I get better gas mileage with the DSG then the manual. Yes the transmission oil has to bbe changed at 40,000 miles. Not that tough a job if you follow the directions. The entire kit can be had for around $120.00. Jack up the car read the directions. Drain the transmission oil into a container and measure what you drained. Remove the filter and replace the same amount of oil you drained with fresh oil using the filter opening, tighten everything up and you are ready to go. You can also purchase oil & filter kits to change the engine oil for about $34.00 on line (VW approved oil). It takes me about 20 minutes for each car to change the oil. For the transmissions approx 1 1/2 hr. As far as spark plugs go most manufacturers fell on their face with the 100,000 mile schedule. Many owners could not remove the plugs without taking out the spark plug threads in the head. Turned out to be quite a costly job.

    • Brettc Brettc on Feb 19, 2014

      I like my DSG as well, and that's after having both a 2003 Jetta TDI and a 2002 Golf TDI with a manual transmission (as well as an 85 Jetta Diesel and 89 Jetta TD with manuals before the TDIs). So I had been driving manual VWs for about 14 years up until I got my DSG equipped Sportwagen TDI in 2012. I thought I would really miss the manual and the feeling of control. But, I don't miss the manual at all, especially in stop and go traffic. If I ever do want to shift like a manual, the option is there but I've rarely used it. I'm at about 23000 miles so I'm coming up on the 40K service probably in a year or so. Service kits can be had in the $120 range like you said. Just get a large container that will tell you how much you drained, and put roughly the same amount back as the myturbodiesel.com how-to specifies. It's not rocket appliances. Make sure you have the 14mm hex socket and the 24mm filter socket before you start the job and it shouldn't be a big deal to perform the service and save a lot of money in the process.

  • Joe This is called a man in the middle attack and has been around for years. You can fall for this in a Starbucks as easily as when you’re charging your car. Nothing new here…
  • AZFelix Hilux technical, preferably with a swivel mount.
  • ToolGuy This is the kind of thing you get when you give people faster internet.
  • ToolGuy North America is already the greatest country on the planet, and I have learned to be careful about what I wish for in terms of making changes. I mean, if Greenland wants to buy JDM vehicles, isn't that for the Danes to decide?
  • ToolGuy Once again my home did not catch on fire and my fire extinguisher(s) stayed in the closet, unused. I guess I threw my money away on fire extinguishers.(And by fire extinguishers I mean nuclear missiles.)
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