VW Touareg Transmission Failure + Dead Gear Display

Had the same gear selector issues on a 2005 VW Phaeton V8. The electronic display failure and transmission problems were indeed connected through the control module. The sensor problem turned out to be more than just a display malfunction. The automotive electronics controlling the gear shift were compromised due to a failed transmission control unit. When the electronic display stops working, it often indicates a deeper communication issue between the transmission and the main computer. In my case, the grinding and slipping happened because the control unit wasnt properly communicating gear positions to the transmission. The technician found that water had damaged the control module connections, causing both the display failure and erratic transmission behavior. This required replacing the entire transmission control module and recalibrating the gear shift sensors. While not a complete transmission rebuild, it was still a serious repair that needed specialized diagnostic equipment and programming. The symptoms you describe match exactly what happened with my Phaeton, from the dead instrument panel display to the transmission engagement issues. Would recommend having the control unit checked first before assuming its a full transmission problem.

Thanks for sharing those details about the Phaeton repair. Your experience sounds very similar to my Touareg issue. The gear indicator and transmission problems got resolved about 6 months ago, and the car runs perfectly now. Just like in your case, the root cause was the faulty control module affecting both the digital display in the instrument panel and the transmission operation. The electronic display failure was definitely a warning sign of the bigger control unit problem. How much did you end up paying for the complete fix? In my case, the transmission control module replacement and reprogramming came to 2300€. Just wondering if that was in line with your repair costs. Has your car been trouble-free since the repair? No issues with the gear indicator or transmission behavior?

Since getting the repair done on my Phaeton, the gear shift system has worked flawlessly. The instrument panel displays gears correctly, and the transmission shifts smoothly without any grinding or slipping issues. The automotive electronics were completely restored after replacing the faulty control unit. The total cost for my repair was actually lower at 1000€, which covered both the control module replacement and reprogramming. Prices can vary quite a bit depending on parts availability and labor rates. The gear indicator display fault hasnt returned in over two years of driving. Its good to hear your Touareg is running perfectly now. While 2300€ is higher than what I paid, it seems reasonable given these complex electronic components often require specialized diagnostic equipment and expertise to repair properly. The key was identifying that the control unit was the root cause rather than a full transmission issue.

Thanks everyone for your input. I wanted to share how my repair experience turned out. Last week, I took my Touareg to an independent transmission specialist. The car dashboard was showing the same symptoms, dead gear indicator and rough shifting. The mechanic confirmed it was the control module causing both the sensor problem and transmission issues. Getting parts took a few days since they had to order a new module. The actual repair was done in about 4 hours. They replaced the control unit and recalibrated all the automotive electronics. Total cost came to 2300€, which included parts, labor, and programming. While not cheap, it beats having to replace the entire transmission. The gear selector now shows correct positions and the transmission shifts perfectly smooth again. Really glad I asked here first, saved me from assuming the worst about needing a full transmission rebuild. The car has been running great for about 6 months now with no issues.