VW Beetle Transmission Grinding Between Gear Shifts

Had similar transmission issues with my VW Golf GTI 2016. The symptoms match exactly what I experienced, warning lights, rough shifting, and that distinctive grinding noise between gears. The transmission oil level was critically low, caused by a faulty transmission sensor that was giving incorrect readings. The transmission temperature sensor failed to alert about low oil levels until the situation became severe. When left unchecked, low transmission fluid can cause permanent damage to internal components. This is definitely a serious issue requiring immediate attention. Continuing to drive with these symptoms risks causing extensive transmission damage. In my case, the repair involved: Replacing the faulty transmission temperature sensor, Performing a complete transmission fluid flush, Replacing the transmission filter, Recalibrating the transmission control module The gear shifting returned to normal after the repair, and the warning lights cleared. The entire job took two days at the shop, mainly because they needed to run multiple diagnostic tests to ensure the transmission had not sustained internal damage. Would strongly recommend getting this checked immediately by a certified transmission specialist. The symptoms indicate this is beyond a simple repair and needs professional diagnostic equipment to properly assess the transmission issues.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Golf GTI. My Beetle had almost identical transmission issues last year. The grinding noise and rough shifting were quite scary. Good to hear your repair worked out well. After reading about your fix, Im now wondering, did any other problems surface after the transmission sensor and fluid replacement? And if you dont mind sharing, what was the total cost for the complete repair? Its helpful to know what to expect price-wise before heading to the shop. The overheating problems and automatic transmission warnings have been worrying me, especially after seeing how severe your case was. Really appreciate the detailed breakdown of what was done to fix it.

Just wanted to follow up on your questions about post-repair issues. After getting the faulty transmission oil temperature sensor fixed last month, everything has been running perfectly smooth in my GTI. The transmission repair shop did a thorough job addressing both the sensor and the low gearbox oil level, which were causing those concerning overheating problems. The total cost came to 365€, which included replacing the temperature sensor, adjusting the transmission oil level, and running several diagnostic tests. This was actually less expensive than I initially feared, given how serious the transmission issues seemed at first. No additional problems have surfaced since the repair. The grinding noise completely disappeared, and the automatic transmission now shifts seamlessly. The warning lights havent come back on either, confirming that fixing the temperature sensor and oil level truly resolved the core issues. The shop explained that catching transmission problems early, especially when related to oil levels and temperature sensors, helps prevent more extensive transmission repair needs down the road. Getting it fixed promptly definitely saved me from more costly repairs.

Thanks for the input. After reading the responses, I decided to get my Beetle checked by a different transmission repair specialist. Turns out the transmission temperature sensor was indeed malfunctioning, causing those scary warning lights and rough shifting. The repair was straightforward, got a new transmission sensor installed and they did a complete fluid change since the old fluid showed signs of overheating problems. The whole job came to 425€ and took just one day. The grinding noise is completely gone and the transmission shifts perfectly now. Really glad I asked here first and learned about the sensor issue. Could have ended up with major transmission repair costs if I had kept driving it. The new shop did great work, they showed me the faulty sensor and explained everything clearly. Been driving for two weeks now without any warning lights or shifting problems. For anyone else seeing similar symptoms, definitely get it checked right away. The transmission sensor issue is apparently pretty common and much cheaper to fix before it causes bigger problems.