VW Passat Hybrid Transmission Issues & Grinding Noise

Having moderate experience with hybrids, I dealt with a very similar issue on my 2013 VW Golf Hybrid. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I experienced, transmission warning, emergency mode, and rough shifting. The transmission sensor indicated a fault, but the actual problem turned out to be low gearbox oil level affecting the pressure sensor readings. The oil level sensor was giving incorrect readings, making the transmission control unit think there was a major fault. The workshop performed: Complete transmission oil level check, Pressure sensor diagnostic, Oil level sensor replacement, Transmission oil refill with correct specification fluid Total cost was 365€ including parts and labor. The fix completely resolved the grinding and irregular shifting. The transmission has worked flawlessly since. To provide more specific guidance, could you share: Current mileage, When was the last transmission service, Are there any other warning lights active, Does the problem occur more when the engine is cold or warm, Have you noticed any oil spots under the car These details would help determine if your issue is identical to what I experienced with the oil level and pressure sensor system.

Had my last service at 142000km approximately 3 months ago. The transmission fault started showing up shortly after cold starts and persisted even after warm-up. After reading through the replies, I checked underneath and found small oil spots near the transmission area. The oil pressure sensor seems to be the common culprit in similar cases. The oil level appears normal on the dipstick but the transmission pressure readings are inconsistent. Will have it properly diagnosed but wanted to verify if the repair cost estimate around 350-400€ for sensor replacement sounds reasonable based on your experience. Thanks for sharing your detailed repair information. The symptoms match exactly what I am experiencing with the transmission fault warnings and emergency mode activation.

Based on the oil spots you found, your case sounds identical to what I experienced with my VW. The transmission pressure sensor can give erratic readings even when the dipstick shows normal levels, which is exactly what happened in my situation. The 350-400€ estimate aligns with what I paid (365€) for the complete fix. However, the oil spots you mentioned suggest you might also need additional seals replaced, which could push the total cost slightly higher. Since your transmission fault occurs during cold starts, its very similar to how my pressure sensor issues manifested. The transmission sensor would trigger warnings more frequently before the system reached operating temperature. One thing to note, while my oil level appeared normal on the dipstick initially, we discovered the transmission pressure sensor was actually failing intermittently, causing the erratic pressure readings you mentioned. The small leak only became apparent after a thorough inspection. The workshop should definitely perform a complete transmission sensor diagnostic along with checking all seals around the pressure sensor mounting area. This comprehensive approach prevented any recurring issues with my transmission fault warnings. The investment in fixing this now will prevent potential long-term transmission damage and eliminate those concerning grinding noises during gear changes.

Thank you for providing those details. Since finding oil spots near the transmission area after cold starts, I am more convinced its related to the transmission pressure sensor like what happened with yours. The repair estimate between 350-400€ seems fair considering my symptoms match your case exactly. My transmission fault warnings and emergency mode are identical to what you experienced, occurring mainly during cold starts and causing grinding during shifts. Good to know the pressure sensor diagnostics solved the issues completely in your situation. I will schedule the repair soon, making sure they check both the sensor and surrounding seals thoroughly given the visible oil spots. Better to address the transmission sensor problem now before it leads to more extensive damage. The comprehensive diagnostic and repair approach you described gives me confidence about moving forward with the fix. Will update once I get the final diagnosis and repair completed. Your detailed explanation of the similar pressure sensor failure and repair costs has been extremely helpful in understanding what I am dealing with.