Volkswagen (VW) Multitronic DSG / CVT Transmission Controller (TCM / TCU) Repairs

Volkswagen (VW) Multitronic DSG / CVT Transmission Controller (TCM / TCU) Repairs

Have you had trouble with your Volkswagen losing power? Or does it start jerking in and out of gears? Did you know that these could be symptoms of a faulty Automatic Transmission Control Unit, or more commonly known as the Gearbox ECU? This problem can be diagnosed on all gearbox types, automatic or semi-automatic, S-Tronic or Mechatronic, a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) or a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), and can occasionally be repaired once the problem has been identified with a simple gearbox oil change or a software update, however if it is a Transmission Control Module (TCM) fault, this will either need to be repaired or replaced. If you want the background first, our guide to what a transmission control module does and how it fails explains the unit itself in plain terms.

Common Volkswagen (VW) DSG / CVT Transmission Controller Concerns

There have been a number of common faults reported to us by customers in the past regarding the DSG/CVT Transmission Controllers, and in most occasions the faults can be rectified. However, there are occasions where the problem starts to worsen depending on the nature of the problem, and you will notice this when the faults are irregular. If your car is suffering from any of the issues below, you may have an issue with your Transmission Control Module.

• Gearbox Fails when it Overheats
• Gearbox going into Neutral
• Not going in to Gear
• Loss of Reverse Gear
• “PRNDS” Light Flashing
• Limp Mode (Fail-Safe).
• Power Loss
• Jerking In/Out of Gears

Regular TCM related DTC Fault Codes

Some of the errors related to a faulty DSG Controller can be problematic to identify as warning lights and fault codes will not always appear to warn you of the problem. While the issue can be difficult to locate or diagnose, we have compiled a list of the DTC Fault Codes that have been reported to us from customers regarding DSG Transmission Controller Units:

• 18226 P1818 Pressure Control Valve 2 N216 Electric Error
• 18222 P1814 Pressure Control Valve 1 (N215), Open / Short to Ground
• 18223 P1815 Pressure Control Solenoid 1 (N215), Short to B+
• 18227 P1819 Pressure Control Solenoid 2 (N216), Open / Short to Ground
• 18228 P1820 Pressure Control Solenoid 2 (N216), Short to B+
• 18231 P1823 Pressure Control Solenoid 3 (N217), electrical malfunction
• 18232 P1824 Pressure Control Solenoid 3 (N217), Open / Short to Ground
• 18233 P1825 Pressure Control Solenoid 3 (N217), Short to B+
• 18236 P1828 Pressure Control Solenoid 4 (N218), electrical malfunction
• 18237 P1829 Pressure Control Solenoid 4 (N218), Open / Short to Ground
• 18238 P1830 Pressure Control Valve 4 (N218), Short to Plus
• 18241 P1833 Pressure Control Solenoid 5 (N233), electrical malfunction
• 18242 P1834 Pressure Control Solenoid 5 (N233) Open / Short to Ground
• 18243 P1835 Pressure Control Solenoid 5 (N233) Short to B+
• 18246 P1838 Pressure Control Solenoid 6 (N371), electrical malfunction
• 18247 P1839 Pressure Control Solenoid 6 (N371) Open / Short to Ground
• 18248 P1840 Pressure Control Solenoid 6 (N371) Short to B+
• 19143 P2711 Unexpected / Implausible Mechanical Gear Disengagement, Intermittent
• 17134 P0750 Control Valve 1/Solenoid Valve N88 Function Disturbance
• 17137 P0753 Control Valve 1/Solenoid Valve N88 Electric Error
• 17114 P0730 Gearshift-/ Transmission Surveillance Wrong Gear Transmission Ratio
• 18165 P1757 Power Supply, Interruption
• 17111 P0272 Rounds Count Signal From Engine ECU, No Signal
• 17090 P0706 F125 Drive Position Sensor Signal Implausible
• 17106 P0722 Gearbox Speed Sensor G195 No Signal

As there are so many to list, we have only highlighted the most common. If you are unable to find a fault code on the list above, get in touch for more information.

Volkswagen Vehicles Affected by the Common DSG Gearbox ECU Problems

Below you will find a table that lists all the models of Volkswagen DSG / CVT vehicles that have been known to have had issues with the Transmission Control Module:

General Part Numbers for Volkswagen (VW) Transmission Control Unit (TCU)

If you have done your research, you will be aware that to replace or repair a faulty DSG Gearbox ECU from local dealers can cost in the excess of £1000 + VAT, and this will not include any programming which you will have to pay extra for. It will generally come with a standard 12 Month Warranty, unless of course it is irreparable, in which case you may be offered to replace your DSG/CVT Transmission ECU with a second-hand used part which will only come with a 30-90 day limited warranty. Again, you will still need to pay extra for programming!

The list below outlines the most common repair and exchange units that we have repaired or replaced for customers in the past. If you have identified the problem with your DSG Transmission Control Unit and require a part number that is not on the list below, please call us on 0203 815 9441 and we will be able to provide further information about testing and repairing your unit.

My Volkswagen Has a DSG TCM Module Fault – How can SINSPEED Assist Me?

Whether you’ve identified the exact issue with your DSG TCM Module or are having difficulty locating the problem, we are pleased to advise that here at Sinspeed, we hold the latest Automatic Transmission Controller Testing equipment as well as all major components in stock, so we can fully bench test all transmission controllers as well as carry out all the repairs, including programming/coding ensuring that it is fully plug and play!

In order to take advantage of our fantastic service, all you need to do is post out your part to us and we will quote you to repair or replace the unit, including all the programming and coding cost within the final cost, then post the part back out to you fully coded and functional, ready to plug and play!

Not only this, but we also provide LIFETIME Warranty on all of our DSG / CVT Gearbox ECU’s! So if you want further information about how Sinspeed can help you, give us a call today on 0203 815 9441.

Supplementary Remapping Services for  DSG Transmission Controllers

So you’ve repaired your Gearbox ECU, but do you want better performance and an enhanced driving experience? Imagine smoother gear changes with zero hesitation and a 20% increase in gear shift speeds with zero lag – well we can help you there as well! Not only do we offer a full  DSG Transmission TCM Repair + Replacements service, we also offer Remapping services for VW DSG Transmission controllers, where we can fine-tune the mapping of your DSG Controller to provide a greater driving experience. It will be applied to your unit at the same time as your repair, therefore, it will still be fully plug and play. If you want more information on our Volkswagen DSG Remapping Service, please click here.

Give us a call today on 0203 815 9441 for further information regarding repairing or replacing your DSG Gearbox ECU.

To get started, send us your unit through our repair form, or contact us if you are not sure which part has failed.