Signs Your VW Multitronic Gearbox Needs Repair

 The VW Multitronic gearbox performs excellently and is particularly fuel efficient. However, as with all transmission systems, it can also develop problems if not properly maintained. It is important to catch these problems sooner rather than later, if you want to avoid costly gearbox repairs or even complete gearbox replacement down the line. In this article, we'll look at common signs that may indicate your VW Multitronic gearbox could need repair and how to deal with these problems.

1. Delayed or Sluggish Acceleration

 Of all symptoms of a failing VW Multitronic gearbox, one of the most common is sluggish or delayed acceleration. Perhaps your car is hesitating when you step on the accelerator, and it may initially seem like it won’t pick up speed. Or, if you are trying to pass others on the highway, you may notice more hesitation than you normally would during a normal acceleration when climbing, passing or merging.

 Potential sources: Inadequate acceleration can be caused by issues with the transmission chain, an essential component in the Multitronic system that may have worn or otherwise failed. The other possible culprit is low or dirty transmission fluid, that can impact the transmission’s ability to shift smoothly by restricting it’s capability to maintain proper hydraulic pressure.

 Solution: If you experience slower than usual acceleration, when the engine is cold, check the transmission fluid first (not on many Oldtimers) – is it low and dark-coloured? If so, change it. If the problem comes again, go to your mechanic and ask him to pinpoint the chain and other internal parts.

2. Strange Noises Coming from the Gearbox

 One of the clearest signs to look out for are any whining, grinding or clunking noises coming from your gearbox. These sounds are usually accompanied by issues with the steel chain and pulleys internal to the VW Multitronic transmission.

 Likely Causes: Whining sounds or squeals are often the result of worn out or contaminated transmission fluid causing low fluid pressure within the gearbox, whereas grinding noises might be caused by worn parts inside the gearbox. A worn or damaged chain could also be the cause of weird noises coming from your gearbox.

 Solution: Noises that come out of the usual are to be achieved immediately. Have the transmission fluid checked and replaced if required. Have the gearbox examined by a technician if the noise continues, bearings or gears for excessive wear or damage and then repaired or replaced if necessary.

3. Warning Lights on the Dashboard

 Many cars with the VW Multitronic gearbox have sensors to warn you that all is not well if you find that a red warning light is illuminated on the dashboard, or the check engine warning light is showing.

 Possible Causes: The transmission might be overheating, low on transmission fluid, or the ECU (electronic control unit) that controls the transmission might be faulty.

 Response: If the dashboard light comes on: do not ignore it. Drive the car and have it diagnosed by someone who knows how to read the diagnostic codes and can find out if it is a VW Multitronic gearbox problem. Doing work while the unit is young could avoid a potentially expensive failure when it is older.

4. Jerky or Unpredictable Gear Shifts

 However, if there are jerking or unexpected gear shifts, then there is probably something wrong with the VW Multitronic gearbox because it is designed to shift as smoothly as possible in between gears. If you feel jerking or jolting when the car shifts gears, you definitely should seek help. An even stronger sign of a problem, is if the car does not maintain the correct gear ratio when you step on the gas or brake.

 Potential causes: Jerky shifts might come from an error in the transmission control unit’s (TCU) software, or by wear and tear on the TCU’s internals, the pulleys or chain on the real gearbox. Low transmission fluid can contribute to improper shifts.

 Solution: If you experience jolting changes through gears, have the transmission control unit (TCU) software checked for updates or errors. Check the fluid level and condition. If the problem is a mechanical one, you may need a technician to replace worn parts inside the gearbox.

5. Transmission Fluid Leaks

 If you have leaking transmission fluid, it is a big problem and you will quickly get expensive damages if you ignore it. The symptoms are red or brown liquid underneath the car. If you have cars with VW Multitronic gearbox, this might be related.

 Possible Causes: There may be a leak, typically due to leaky gaskets or seals in the gearbox. Eventually the gaskets/seals can degrade and leak fluid so that the transmission becomes completely drained, overheating and failing.

 Answer: if you notice a transmission fluid leak on your car, then get it to your mechanic right away. Replacing the seals or gaskets where the leak occurred will stop the leak and save your gearbox from further damage.

Conclusion

 Public domainThe VW Multitronic gearbox is designed to provide smooth gear shifting and ensure efficient transmission of power from the car engine to the wheels. In order to work properly, it must be maintained and treated adequately. There are a number of signals to let you know that your gearbox needs repair. If your car takes too long to accelerate, has strange noises coming from the engine, has warning lights displaying or seems to jerk or lurch when shifting gears, has a reddish fluid leaking, or is slipping on occasion when in gear, the gearbox may need an overhaul or, if the problems persist, will need to be completely replaced. If you can catch problems early, then you can prevent costly repairs.