erikschmidt87
VW Passat Hybrid Gearbox Issues Causing Rough Shifts
4 comment(s)
erikschmidt87 (Author)
Had my latest service just 2 weeks ago at 63138km. After reading your experience, I checked the dashboard again and noticed the ABS warning light flashing occasionally. The transmission behavior definitely worsens after about 15 minutes of driving, especially during highway merging. The symptoms started gradually, but the transfer case seems to be more severely affected now. The control module might need a complete reset since no basic diagnostic trouble clearing has helped so far. When in limp home mode, the car barely reaches proper highway speeds. Appreciate your input about the ABS connection, that gives me a solid starting point for the workshop visit.
aaron_crystal34
Thanks for the additional details about the ABS warning light and driving behavior, this matches exactly what my Arteon showed before the repair. The powertrain malfunction became most noticeable during heavy acceleration, similar to your highway merging issues. The fault codes in my case showed the transmission control unit was getting incorrect signals from the ABS sensors. This triggered the limp mode as a protective measure. Once the sensors were cleaned and recalibrated, the traction control system started working properly again. The service took about 4 hours in total, most of that time was spent on diagnostic testing and reprogramming the control modules. They had to: 1. Clean all wheel speed sensors 2. Reset the transmission control unit 3. Update the ABS module firmware 4. Perform a complete calibration sequence After the repair, my transfer case returned to normal operation and the gear selector behavior improved significantly. The total repair cost was around 450€ since it wasnt covered under warranty anymore. Given your symptoms are nearly identical, I suggest having them focus on the ABS system first rather than immediately assuming major transmission issues.
erikschmidt87 (Author)
The connection between ABS and transmission issues makes a lot of sense. Glad to hear your experience was similar, helps narrow down what I should expect at the workshop. The flashing ABS light combined with the rough shifting definitely points toward sensor problems rather than mechanical transmission failure. Since my car is still under warranty at 63138km, hopefully the repair costs will be covered. The 4-hour service time you mentioned helps me plan the workshop visit better. From what you described, my torque converter and transfer case symptoms match your situation closely, especially how the limp mode kicks in after the car warms up. Will have them check those wheel speed sensors first. Really hoping a good cleaning and recalibration will solve the issue like it did for you. Thanks for the detailed explanation, this information helps me avoid potentially unnecessary transmission work and focus on the likely root cause in the ABS system. The powertrain malfunction symptoms are quite concerning, but knowing this could be fixed through sensor maintenance and module updates rather than major mechanical work is reassuring.
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aaron_crystal34
I encountered similar symptoms with my 2018 VW Arteon Hybrid. Based on some experience working on hybrid powertrains, these symptoms often point to transmission control issues. The rough shifting and delayed engagement you describe matches what I experienced. The transfer case went into limp mode, which is often a safety measure when the system detects potential issues. My torque converter was also behaving strangely. Took it to my regular workshop where they diagnosed multiple fault codes related to the ABS system. Interestingly, these were causing consequential faults in the transmission control module. After they cleared the fault codes and reset the system, the transmission started working normally again. The repair was covered under warranty, so no cost involved. To better assist with your situation, could you share: Are there any warning lights on the dashboard? When did these symptoms first appear? Have you noticed any unusual noises from the powertrain? Does the problem get worse after the car warms up? This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or if its something different requiring further investigation.