VW Bora Transmission Sensor Troubles & Warning Lights

A few years back I had similar transmission issues with my VW Golf 1.6 from 2002. As someone with moderate experience working on VWs, those symptoms instantly reminded me of my case. The grinding sounds and poor shifting were identical to what you describe. After the transmission warning lights came on, the transmission repair turned out to be related to low transmission oil level, which was causing overheating problems. The transmission oil sensor was actually working correctly, it was warning about the real issue. The workshop did a thorough transmission inspection, replaced the transmission oil and filter, and found a small leak that was causing the fluid loss. Total cost was 365€ including parts and labor. Since the repair, the transmission has been shifting smoothly with no warning lights. Before giving more specific advice, could you share: Engine size and type, Current mileage, When was the last transmission oil change, Any previous transmission issues or repairs, Does the grinding noise happen in specific gears This information would help determine if your case might be similar to what I experienced with my Golf.

Last service was 2 months ago at 143500km, and I am now experiencing these exact symptoms. Your detailed experience with the transmission oil issue matches what I am seeing. The grinding occurs mainly when gear shifting from 2nd to 3rd. My VW has been reliable until now, but these transmission sensor warnings are concerning. During the last service they actually checked the transmission oil level and said it was fine. That makes me think the temperature sensor itself might be the culprit rather than low fluid. Did your repair shop test the transmission sensors specifically before doing the oil change?

Based on my Golf experience, I would still lean towards getting the transmission oil level rechecked even though it was fine 2 months ago. Transmission issues can develop quickly, and sensor readings alone dont always tell the full story. When my transmission sensor warnings appeared, the shop first diagnosed the gearbox sensor system entirely. They found the transmission oil temperature sensor was actually working correctly but registering genuine overheating due to internal friction. The grinding between 2nd and 3rd gear often indicates mechanical wear that can create excess heat. The transmission oil they found in my car looked darker than normal and had metal particles, signs of wear even though the level was technically ok. A full transmission oil change with the correct spec fluid resolved both the sensor warnings and the harsh gear shifting. Current prices for transmission repairs on these models run about: Sensor testing and diagnosis: 80-120€, Transmission oil and filter change: 280-350€, Temperature sensor replacement if needed: 150-200€ I would recommend having both the transmission sensors and oil condition properly tested before replacing parts. In many cases like mine, the transmission sensor is accurately reporting an underlying issue rather than being faulty itself.

Thanks for the detailed information about your Golf repair experience. The fact that your transmission oil was found darker with metal particles is especially relevant to my situation. Your repair costs breakdown is also really helpful for setting expectations. After hearing about your case, I think I will have the workshop do a complete diagnostic of both the automatic transmission sensor system and the oil condition, even though they checked the level recently. The similarity between the grinding from 2nd to 3rd gear in both our cases seems too close to ignore. Better to catch any transmission oil problems early before they cause more damage. Will book it in next week and request they specifically test the transmission oil temperature sensor and check for metal particles in the fluid. The 350€ range for a transmission service seems reasonable if it prevents bigger issues. Thanks for helping me understand this could be more than just a faulty sensor.