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DSG gearbox buzz!

Andy Graham

Andy Graham

VIP Member
Messages
14
Location
Ilkley
Vehicle
T5 SE 180 4Motion
Help needed please

My DSG gearbox on my 14 plate 180 4 motion has suddenly started making a very random noise when driving. There will be a noise less than 1 second long - zzzzzzzzzdd - with no other symptom noticeable. It is normally when simply driving at a constant speed without any particular load.

I have been trying the world of Google and most posts are for constant noises and issues. Nothing on my buzz!

Can anybody help me and point me in the right direction to getting this fixed. Nothing worse than an intermittent noise as it never appears when you try and show a technician.

Thanks
 
Very good question. TBH I went through all the permutations in my head and couldn’t think of anywhere else that could make such a noise without seeing other symptoms.
Now you have asked - open to any ideas!

Thanks
 
I have the same vehicle. How many miles has it done and have you ever had the DSG and Haldex oils/filters changed. I know there is a milage limit for this but I'm not sure if there is a time limit as well.
I'm about to have my 2nd oil/filter change at 4 years and 80,000 miles.

Do you use the Coast function? and do you get the same noise when Coasting?
 
I have the same vehicle. How many miles has it done and have you ever had the DSG and Haldex oils/filters changed. I know there is a milage limit for this but I'm not sure if there is a time limit as well.
I'm about to have my 2nd oil/filter change at 4 years and 80,000 miles.

Do you use the Coast function? and do you get the same noise when Coasting?

Hi

I have done 34k miles and just had the Haldex oil/filter change and it is only after the change has the noise started. I do use the cost function but I honestly couldn't tell you if it was during coasting - my gut tells me not.
 
Hi

I have done 34k miles and just had the Haldex oil/filter change and it is only after the change has the noise started. I do use the cost function but I honestly couldn't tell you if it was during coasting - my gut tells me not.
I could be wrong but I have a feeling it is probably not the DSG, more likely something that is resonating with vehicle vibrations, possibly a Wiring loom rubbing. There are some underneath to the rear of the front N/S wheel towards the centre of the vehicle- just to the rear of the engine.

Pictures in this thread.
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/thread...wiring-from-damage-caused-by-foxes-etc.10864/
 
Just found this on youtube - exactly the same thing


Could well be something other than the DSG but I think it is too distinct, infrequent and clipped to be a vibration.
 
Hi @Andy Graham the noise that’s happening in the clip is indeed from the gearbox and is caused by a software error your vehicle will require a software update and adaption drive.
Hi VW Guru,
Many thanks for your help and I can now explain exactly what needs sorting.

Do you know if this causes any damage when it occurs?

Thanks again

Andy
 
I have a 2013 VW T5 California 180 DSG. Soon after buying the van I picked up on a noise from the floor below where the gear box is situated ish. This noise was apparent when changing gear from 4-5th normal driving. After 3 years of having a main dealer investigate the noise they could not find anything wrong despite two GEAR OIL SERVICES, ECU updates, one carried out under warranty. I had purposely reported the noise every time it’s been serviced, the last time was last week following a brake system service. Where I drove with a technician with me and yes the noise was heard!!!
After a second visit they inspected the fault and found a broken engine mount however even after replacing this the noise was still apparent... they have had four opportunities to do this more thorough check and have sent a report back to VW Uk for advice..
if I am faced with a huge bill for a new mechatronic unit will VW as an act of good faith assist? Bearing in mind they have failed to locate and rectify the fault up to now.
Any advice appreciated thanks.


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I have a 2013 VW T5 California 180 DSG. Soon after buying the van I picked up on a noise from the floor below where the gear box is situated ish. This noise was apparent when changing gear from 4-5th normal driving. After 3 years of having a main dealer investigate the noise they could not find anything wrong despite two GEAR OIL SERVICES, ECU updates, one carried out under warranty. I had purposely reported the noise every time it’s been serviced, the last time was last week following a brake system service. Where I drove with a technician with me and yes the noise was heard!!!
After a second visit they inspected the fault and found a broken engine mount however even after replacing this the noise was still apparent... they have had four opportunities to do this more thorough check and have sent a report back to VW Uk for advice..
if I am faced with a huge bill for a new mechatronic unit will VW as an act of good faith assist? Bearing in mind they have failed to locate and rectify the fault up to now.
Any advice appreciated thanks.


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Hi is the noise you’re experiencing a buzz when the box changes gear ?
 
Yes it is, I have had the VW dealer back on the phone today and they are going to carry out the test you mentioned above. Failing that their talking about a new gearbox potentially


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Hello.
I just had my 2012 california in for the buzz and the problem was solved with a software update.
Sounds like the same problem as described above. Between 4 and 5 gear.

There used to be a video with sound showing the problem but it seems like its down. See link below:



Skickat från min iPhone med Tapatalk
 
Hi,
I think i have this problem with my 2013 t5.1, could someone reload the video with. The sound?

Thanks
Ken
 
I have had the main dealer look into the fault and despite an adaption test the noise is still there.. they recommend a new gearbox at £5320 fitted I am gutted as I ploughed a lot of my life savings into the van as it was one of my dreams to own one. However with 40,000 miles and less than six year old van to be faced with this bill is devastating and I have lost faith in VW and the lack of other solutions from the dealer. They must think that’s it acceptable to expect customers to pay up to replace what is a fixable fault that I have had for two years. Thanks to VW Guru for the advice. I would like to hear that noise again as I cannot find it.
 
I think you need to go to another dealer or a gearbox specific specialist. VW Guru said its a software upgrade required not an adaptation reset if thats what they have done. Does the gearbox function fine apart from the buzz ?
 
If you want to discuss with a really good outfit which I appreciate is not local for you then call Chester Automatic transmission centre. These guys do just autos and have a very good rep around here. Worth a call if nothing else.
 
I have had the main dealer look into the fault and despite an adaption test the noise is still there.. they recommend a new gearbox at £5320 fitted I am gutted as I ploughed a lot of my life savings into the van as it was one of my dreams to own one. However with 40,000 miles and less than six year old van to be faced with this bill is devastating and I have lost faith in VW and the lack of other solutions from the dealer. They must think that’s it acceptable to expect customers to pay up to replace what is a fixable fault that I have had for two years. Thanks to VW Guru for the advice. I would like to hear that noise again as I cannot find it.
Visit VWguru?
 
I have a 2013 VW T5 California 180 DSG. Soon after buying the van I picked up on a noise from the floor below where the gear box is situated ish. This noise was apparent when changing gear from 4-5th normal driving. After 3 years of having a main dealer investigate the noise they could not find anything wrong despite two GEAR OIL SERVICES, ECU updates, one carried out under warranty. I had purposely reported the noise every time it’s been serviced, the last time was last week following a brake system service. Where I drove with a technician with me and yes the noise was heard!!!
After a second visit they inspected the fault and found a broken engine mount however even after replacing this the noise was still apparent... they have had four opportunities to do this more thorough check and have sent a report back to VW Uk for advice..
if I am faced with a huge bill for a new mechatronic unit will VW as an act of good faith assist? Bearing in mind they have failed to locate and rectify the fault up to now.
Any advice appreciated thanks.


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Did you raise this as an issue whilst it was still under warranty? If so I would expect VW to treat it as a warranty issue, albeit one the we’re unable to fix ... until now.
 
If its the buzz as it was for me then it will cost you about 100 euros for a software update. May be worth a shot?


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Hi is the noise you’re experiencing a buzz when the box changes gear ?
Did you raise this as an issue whilst it was still under warranty? If so I would expect VW to treat it as a warranty issue, albeit one the we’re unable to fix ... until now.
It was covered by an RAC warranty for twelve months issued when I purchased it from the dealer VW Camper sales. It went into VW dealers then and they said no fault found despite it (the noise not going away). It has taken me four visits for them to eventually find the fault.
 
I think you need to go to another dealer or a gearbox specific specialist. VW Guru said its a software upgrade required not an adaptation reset if thats what they have done. Does the gearbox function fine apart from the buzz ?
Going to a gearbox specialist on Friday nearer home so hopefully may get a better outcome.
 
Hi @Andy Graham the noise that’s happening in the clip is indeed from the gearbox and is caused by a software error your vehicle will require a software update and adaption drive.
Hi, bit of a thread revival in the hope someone can advise. My gearbox has developed what I think is exactly what is described in this thread as a buzzing sound when downshifting and is slowly but surely becoming more frequent. The buzz has only started after a gearbox oil change. The Indy who carried out the oil change has checked for a software upgrade but one isn’t available so is it just a software re-flash that is required?
He is reluctant to reset the adaptive drive as he has seen instances when the gearbox develops clunky gear changes and hesitations after an adaptive reset.
The gearbox is fine apart from the annoying buzzing sound.
 
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