Problems with VW DSG

HonestJohn

I have a Golf Plus 1.6 Tdi 7 speed DSG Bluemotion, bought new 8 months ago. You have commented several times on the VW DSG and a hestitation in the transmission when moving off. I have what I believe is a more serious problem, (can supply correspondence with VW), who simply do not acknowledge there is anything wrong and won't answer my questions regarding how to control the car.

In a nutshell the problem is when moving slowly or creeping forward, stop start, on an upward incline, typically in traffic approaching a junction or traffic lights. As the car becomes stationary it will hold on the accelerator for a few seconds, but then without warning the transmission will completely disengage allowing the car to roll back. Ones immediate instinct is to push more accelerator, but this won't arrest the roll back for a few yards; the 'clutch' will then bite and the car will move forward but not in a controlled manner. The obvious solution is to hold the car using the handbrake, but in my case there is another problem! The optional armrest I had fitted completely blanks the handbrake, that is when the the armrest is in its forward position. In other words, I can have an armrest, or useable handbrake, but not both! (can supply pics). Incidentally, the alternative solution of switching from accelerator to footbrake is not practical and makes control virtually impossible, further compounded by the other technologies of 'Start-Stop' and 'Hill Hold'. There is no warning in the Manual of this potentially dangerous problem, nor in fact any advice as how to manage the situation. I believe the problem may be unique to the DSG 7 spd dry clutch version, but no comment from VW! I'm at a loss where to go now.

I'm happy for you to publish this letter.

SP
Cheltenham

Asked on 3 November 2011 by dsg guy

Answered by Honest John
Ask HJ is nothing to do with The Telegraph. Responses are only published on www.honestjohn.co.uk . But basically VAG does not have an answer to this. It is a characteristic of a DSG twin shaft, twin clutch transmission when not fitted with a 'hill holder'. My answer is that, assuming you have the use of both feet, to control the car by left foot braking. If you don't, then lift up the armrest when in traffic and use the lever operated parking brake
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