VW Up Trans Issues: Slipping Gears & Jerky Shifts

I had a similar issue with my 2019 VW Polo with the automatic transmission. Having some experience with transmission problems, I noticed comparable symptoms. The torque converter lag and rough shifting turned out to be consequential faults stemming from the ABS system. When the control module receives incorrect signals from faulty ABS sensors, it can trigger transmission protective measures, causing the car to enter limp home mode intermittently. Initially thought it needed transmission work, but my workshop ran a complete diagnostic trouble code scan that revealed the actual root cause. The good news, it was covered under warranty, so the repair cost was 0€. The fix involved updating the control module software and verifying the ABS sensor readings were correct. After that, the transmission behavior returned to normal with smooth shifts and proper response. To help diagnose your specific case, could you share: Current mileage, Whether any fault codes are stored, If the issue happens when the engine is cold or warm, If you notice any unusual ABS behavior, Whether the car has been serviced recently This information would help determine if your Up is experiencing the same underlying issue.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Latest service was done at 65000km, currently at 68873km. The transmission issues only started after the most recent ABS sensor replacement. A diagnostic trouble scan revealed fault codes related to the powertrain malfunction, specifically the traction control system. The problem occurs mainly when the engine is warm, after about 15 minutes of driving. No unusual ABS behavior noted, but the transmission definitely feels worse during turns when the traction control engages. Workshop quoted 850€ for a complete control module replacement, but based on your feedback, might be worth getting a second opinion focused on the ABS sensor calibration and software updates first.

Thanks for providing those details. Your symptoms match exactly what I dealt with on my Polo, especially the timing of issues starting after an ABS sensor replacement. The connection between fresh sensor install and transmission behavior is a known pattern. The fault codes from your diagnostic trouble scan linking powertrain malfunction to traction control strongly suggest we had the same underlying issue. In my case, the new ABS sensor needed proper calibration and the control module required a software update to correctly interpret the signals. I would definitely hold off on the 850€ control module replacement. When the transfer case goes into limp mode due to mismatched sensor data, it can mimic more serious transmission problems. A competent workshop should be able to resolve this through recalibration and software updates at a much lower cost. Since you mentioned the transmission acts up mainly during turns with traction control active, this further confirms the ABS/traction control system is likely the root cause rather than internal transmission issues. Consider getting that second opinion focused on: ABS sensor calibration verification, Control module software updates, Full system diagnostic trouble scan, Transfer case sensor alignment check This systematic approach helped resolve my similar issues without major component replacement.

Based on your analysis of the ABS sensor connection, I will seek a second opinion. Your case really helps explain why the transmission started acting up right after that sensor work. Just scheduled an appointment with another workshop that specializes in powertrain malfunction diagnostics. They mentioned they would start with recalibrating the ABS sensors and checking for any needed software updates before considering the control module replacement. Makes complete sense that the limp mode activates during turns when traction control engages. Looking back, the transmission definitely shifted smoothly before the recent ABS work. Hopefully this saves me from that 850€ repair quote. Will update once I get the results from the diagnostic trouble scan and sensor calibration check. Really appreciate you sharing your experience, helped me understand the likely root cause rather than jumping straight to major transmission repairs.