Symptoms

Most people arrive here with a feeling, not a fault code: a shudder pulling away, a clunk into gear, a flashing display. Each page starts with what you notice from the driver's seat and works back to the likely causes.

The same symptom can come from software, old oil, a worn clutch or a failing mechatronic unit. The pages show how to tell them apart and which cheap checks to do first.

DSG judder when pulling away: causes and fixesA shudder from standstill is the most common DSG complaint. Learn what causes it on dry and wet clutch gearboxes and the order in which to test the fixes.Flashing PRNDS or gear display on a DSG: what it meansWhen the PRNDS gear letters or the D flash on a DSG, the gearbox control unit has stored a fault. See the common causes and what to do right now.DSG limp mode: why it happens and what to doLimp mode protects the DSG by limiting gears or speed after a serious fault. See what triggers it, what to do on the road and how it gets repaired.DSG clunk or bang when changing gearA clunk when a DSG engages or changes gear usually has a simple cause first. Learn what to check on DQ200, DQ250 and DQ381 gearboxes before replacing parts.DSG delay when selecting D or R: why the car waits to moveA pause between selecting D or R and the car moving can come from low pressure, old oil or drifted adaptation. See the causes and how to separate them.DSG whining, rattling or grinding noise: what each one meansWhining, rattling and grinding from a DSG car have different causes, from the dual mass flywheel to the clutch release bearing to low oil. Match the sound to the likely part.Dual mass flywheel or DSG clutch: how to tell which is failingBoth a worn dual mass flywheel and a worn DSG clutch cause shudder on pull-away. See the differences in symptoms and how to tell which part needs replacing.