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kevinwilson20

VW Sharan Transmission Failure After Recent Service

My gearbox has been acting up lately with rough shifting and grinding sounds. The transmission warning light came on and now the car is stuck in limp mode. The oil pressure gauge seems normal but I suspect a faulty transmission sensor might be the culprit. Had some questionable work done at my last mechanic visit, so I am hesitant to go back. Has anyone experienced similar transmission fault symptoms? Looking for advice on diagnosis and repair estimates before choosing where to take it. Car details: 2008 VW Sharan diesel, 65254km on the clock.

4 comment(s)

laurataylor1

Had similar transmission issues with my 2011 VW Touran TDI. The symptoms you describe match exactly what happened, rough shifting, grinding, and limp mode activation. The oil pressure gauge reading can be misleading. My transmission oil level was critically low despite normal pressure readings. The transmission pressure sensor was giving false readings, masking the actual problem. The repair involved: Complete transmission oil level check, Replacement of faulty transmission pressure sensor, Oil filter replacement, System diagnostic reset This turned out to be a serious issue that required immediate attention. Continuing to drive with low transmission oil can cause permanent damage to internal components. The grinding noise typically indicates metal-on-metal contact due to insufficient lubrication. The transmission issues cleared completely after proper oil level restoration and sensor replacement. Important to note these symptoms should not be ignored, as transmission repairs become significantly more extensive if internal damage occurs. Would strongly suggest getting it checked by a transmission specialist who can properly diagnose using specialized diagnostic equipment. The oil sensor and pressure readings need professional verification to prevent further damage.

kevinwilson20 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. Having dealt with a very similar transmission fault on my Sharan, I was wondering how the repair has held up for you since then? The oil sensor and pressure gauge issues can sometimes mask deeper problems that show up later. Would you mind sharing what the total repair cost was in your case? Currently monitoring mine closely after the fix to make sure no other transmission fault codes pop up.

laurataylor1

After getting the repairs done 3 months ago, the transmission has been performing flawlessly. The mechanic confirmed the main issue was indeed a faulty transmission oil pressure sensor that was giving incorrect readings, combined with low gearbox oil level. The total repair bill came to 365€, which included: New pressure sensor, Transmission oil top-up, Diagnostic scan and reset, Labor costs No transmission fault codes have appeared since the fix. The shifting is now smooth and all grinding noises have completely disappeared. When the pressure switch was replaced, they also did a thorough inspection of other transmission components and found everything else to be in good condition. Regular monitoring is definitely smart, but if your symptoms were similar to mine, addressing the oil level and pressure sensor issues should resolve the problem completely. The key was catching it before any internal transmission damage occurred.

kevinwilson20 (Author)

Really appreciate the detailed follow-up. Just wanted to share how my repair went. Finally took it to a transmission specialist who found a faulty pressure sensor and low oil level, exactly as you described. The repair cost me 420€ total. The mechanic used specialized diagnostic equipment to verify the pressure sensor fault before replacing it. They also discovered a small leak that was causing the oil level drop. After two weeks of driving, the transmission shifts perfectly now. No more grinding sounds or warning lights. The pressure gauge readings are stable and accurate. Actually glad I didnt go back to my previous mechanic who might have missed the real issue. The specialist documented everything clearly and showed me the faulty parts. Much better experience than my previous repair attempts. Will definitely stick with them for future transmission work.

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