[X204]

Hello all. I have a 2017 V6 Sport. The engine/transmission combo is generally smooth but at low speeds (25 mpg and below), in rush hour traffic, the engine or transmission vibrates. It is only when slowing down and when the car is close to downshifting to next lowest gear. Once it downshifts, it's fine. And I can make the vibration stop by hitting the gas. So its like a "lugging" to me. We have lots of fast then slow roads here. So like 70 mph, then down to stop and go traffic. Upshifts are perfect. It's just low speed downshifts (or lack of) that make the car lug/vibrate.

Would this lugging concern you? Can it be damaging something? I have tried the transmission reset and it didn't do anything. I don't see how it could anyway. I think the driving around here would confuse any transmission that is supposed to adapt. Going 70 then down to 25 then up to 70 then down to 30 all in 20 minutes surely confuses the computer.

Should I take it in to dealer, or is it "normal" for the Touareg? Thanks!

 

[noobytoogy]

Try a gearbox reset:

Turn the ignition on but do NOT start the car.

Press the accelerator pedal firmly to the floor and hold it there for a full 10 seconds.

Release the pedal.

Turn the ignition off and remove the key.

The gearbox should relearn how you drive.

It may fix it, it may not - but try it.

Then go to your dealer if you're not happy.

 

[Spiegelglatt]

I can't say for sure as my year and transmission is totally different...but in your scenario you might try sport or manual. I find drive aggravating in stop and go. I grew up driving manual transmissions so it is a natural thing for me. The transmission can never predict the future so it shifting is always going to be based on past data...with manual I can run first or second for slow creeping traffic and not have to worry about it shifting into third or fourth when I am just going to be stopping again in a few hundred feet.

Not sure on this for you, but you might also consider having the transmission in ROW (rest of world). ROW has better options and driveability (at least for my year)

 

[X204]

I will try the reset again, but I didn't notice any difference. Assuming the reset works with the keyless start option by just pressing the start button WITHOUT pressing the gas (so the car doesn't start, only makes the ignition come on). Is that correct? Or do you have to use the actual key? I will have to investigate how the key works in the ignition slot.

I have tried putting it in Sport but I've noticed Sport mode doesn't seem to hold gears like it has in past cars. Keeping the car in 2nd gear does help, but of course also keeps revs really high at certain speeds.

If no one is concerned about damage, I will try to just live with it, and either it will completely break, or get so bad that that the car rattles enough to really annoy me. I've spent so much time at dealer already I can't stomach more time there if its not absolutely necessary.

Thanks for the replies!

 

[noobytoogy]

If the ignition was on then the reset should work if that function is still allowed by the software.

I think there was a TSB (technical service bulletin) for your gearbox with a software update and you should ask about the TSB's.

You may not like the dealer but, from the sound of things, your car is not performing as it should.

Make an appointment to see the Service Manager, not the minions, and go and talk to him about it.

 

[FinallyTDI]

I have the exact symptoms you describe in my 2017 Wolfsburg VR6. I was beginning to think that it was all in my head, but I get noticeable drivetrain “judder” when coasting in drive at lower speeds (really below 40mph). If I pop the trans into neutral for a second it goes away completely, and it gets worse as it holds a gear while coasting down in speed, then gets better for a second when it drops to the next gear down then gets worse again as it winds down.

My 2012 TDi did not exhibit this and used the same transmission, transfer case and differentials so I don’t think it’s normal.

I’ll bring it in when I have some time in January but I seriously doubt the dealership will be able to do much about it. Let me know if you find anything out and I’ll do the same.

 

[X204]

I have the exact symptoms you describe in my 2017 Wolfsburg VR6. I was beginning to think that it was all in my head, but I get noticeable drivetrain “judder” when coasting in drive at lower speeds (really below 40mph). If I pop the trans into neutral for a second it goes away completely, and it gets worse as it holds a gear while coasting down in speed, then gets better for a second when it drops to the next gear down then gets worse again as it winds down.

My 2012 TDi did not exhibit this and used the same transmission, transfer case and differentials so I don’t think it’s normal.

I’ll bring it in when I have some time in January but I seriously doubt the dealership will be able to do much about it. Let me know if you find anything out and I’ll do the same.

Thanks for the reply! Your symptoms are exactly like mine, agreed! I too don't know what the dealer will be able to do. On the one hand it would be great if there was a software TSB, but at the same time, the engine/trans combo was out since 2011, so I figure they have the components pretty much perfected by now.

 

[Spiegelglatt]

I really think what you gents are talking about is related to shift points and programming...as opposed to an issue fault.

My Treg is in getting a recall taken care of (fuel filter flange issue) ---naturally the dealer doesn't stock the part so two days with a 2017 Jetta loaner...talk about lugging the thing wants to be as close to 1,000 rpm as it can at all times...shakes like a Honda with a bad engine mount. Blame the fuel milage regulations...

 

[EAnglum]

My 2013 VR6 does the same thing (now has 46k miles) If you pay attention, it will do this around 1,200 rpms while decelerating. Mine has done this since I bought it and from I have read, is a normal characteristic of the VR6, due to how its balanced based on the near inline cylinder configuration.

Please let us know what your dealer says, but mine told me its normal when I brought it up while picking up some parts. When I was test driving other Touareg's before I bought mine, I seem to recall noticing this as well.

 

[X204]

My 2013 VR6 does the same thing (now has 46k miles) If you pay attention, it will do this around 1,200 rpms while decelerating. Mine has done this since I bought it and from I have read, is a normal characteristic of the VR6, due to how its balanced based on the near inline cylinder configuration.

Please let us know what your dealer says, but mine told me its normal when I brought it up while picking up some parts. When I was test driving other Touareg's before I bought mine, I seem to recall noticing this as well.

Thanks for the reply. I feel like mine did it not from day one, but after about 1500 miles. Maybe the engine needed to break-in. Has yours gotten any worse or better over 46k miles? Is it the type of thing you don't even think about now? Or do you anticipate it and watch the tach?

 

[X204]

My 2013 VR6 does the same thing (now has 46k miles) If you pay attention, it will do this around 1,200 rpms while decelerating. Mine has done this since I bought it and from I have read, is a normal characteristic of the VR6, due to how its balanced based on the near inline cylinder configuration.

I did an experiment today, and you are exactly right. It flutters between 1200-1400 RPM, even in Neutral or Park! I can make it do it consistently 100% of the time. If it was a "misfire" I'd get a CEL though I suspect. I've held it at that RPM and it doesn't stop until a gear change or a throttle change.

 

[FinallyTDI]

My 2013 VR6 does the same thing (now has 46k miles) If you pay attention, it will do this around 1,200 rpms while decelerating. Mine has done this since I bought it and from I have read, is a normal characteristic of the VR6, due to how its balanced based on the near inline cylinder configuration.

Please let us know what your dealer says, but mine told me its normal when I brought it up while picking up some parts. When I was test driving other Touareg's before I bought mine, I seem to recall noticing this as well.

Thanks for this! It’s really minor so as long as I know they all do it I’m going to ignore it, move on and not worry about it being an issue. The VR6 is really smooth in most other aspects so I can get over this.

 

[gazaflash]

It not because the transmission is downshifting when decelerating when you feel the slight judder. A normal cheap slush box doesn’t downshift, just freewheels until you increase throttle and then it engages in an appropriate gear or inappropriate gear?
If there is a genuine problem then the dealer should find and fix the issue. It is still under warranty, isn’t it?

 

[kjmass1]

Anyone have any updates to this?

I have a '14 Sport CPO with 60k miles. Mine exhibits the same behavior at 1200 RPMs- awkward downshifts when coming to a light, and 20-40 mph or going up a hill get this rumbling as well @ 1200RPM. Obviously you can hit the gas to get out of it but really annoying in stop and go traffic. So bad that my wife mentioned something about it. Gearbox reset seemed to fix it once, but it came back a couple days later. I guess I always envisioned it popping in to neutral and coasting rather than this behavior.

Anyways, I took it to the dealer under warranty. No computer faults, and they couldn't replicate it on a test drive. Seems to drive a little better but knowing that I'm not the only one and it's as recent as 2017 does give me some comfort.

I was thinking of flushing the transmission fluid at 60K to see if that would help things.

 

[kjmass1]

I'll switch over to manual mode sometime when I'm around 30mph or even less, and I'll be in 8th gear. That normal?

 

[2017Wulfsburgblue]

Anyone solve this issue yet? I'm experiencing the same thing.