VW Up Transmission Woes: Bad Sensor Warning Signs

I had a similar transmission issue with my 2021 VW Polo last year. Based on my experience working on basic car maintenance, the symptoms you describe match what I encountered. My transmission was also shifting roughly and had warning lights. The workshop diagnosed a low transmission oil level, which was causing the transmission sensor to send incorrect readings. The gearbox sensor was actually fine, but the low oil level triggered the emergency mode. The repair involved: Complete transmission oil level check, Oil top-up with the correct specification, Diagnostic system reset, Test drive to confirm proper operation Total cost was 365€ including parts and labor. The whole process took about 3 hours at the workshop. Before suggesting specific solutions, could you provide: Current mileage, Last transmission service date, Type of transmission (DSG/automatic/manual), Any unusual noises or vibrations, Recent work done on the transmission This information would help determine if your transmission issues match my experience or if you might be dealing with a different problem. Consider checking the transmission oil level first, as this simple issue can trigger multiple transmission-related warnings.

I had service done last week actually at 84244km, and the workshop did check both engine and transmission oil levels. The problem only started after that service, which makes me think they might have disturbed something while working on the car. The grinding sound happens mostly during gear shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear. Looking through the service records, the transmission sensor was never replaced and no previous transmission problems were logged. Going to need a proper fix since this shifting issue is getting worse and those warning lights are concerning. A friend suggested it could be the faulty gearbox sensor causing overheating problems, but I want to hear from others who actually had similar repairs done before booking a workshop appointment.

Thanks for the additional details about the post-service issues. My experience was very similar, my transmission problems also started right after routine service on my VW Up. In my case, the transmission oil temperature sensor had been damaged during the service work. The technician confirmed that these sensors are sensitive and can be affected when working in tight spaces around the transmission. The faulty sensor caused my transmission control unit to receive incorrect temperature readings, which led to: Rough shifting between gears, Warning lights, Emergency mode activation, Similar grinding noise between 2nd and 3rd I got the transmission sensor replaced for around 280€ including labor. The repair took about 2 hours and completely resolved all symptoms. The workshop also performed a transmission control unit reset and test drive to ensure everything worked properly. One important note, if your transmission oil temperature sensor is indeed faulty, driving too long in this condition can cause the automatic transmission to overheat since it cant properly regulate temperature. Best to get it checked soon to prevent potential damage. If the symptoms match mine exactly, Id suggest having the workshop specifically check the transmission sensor connections and mounting. They should be able to verify if it was disturbed during the recent service.

Thanks for sharing your repair experience. The transmission sensor issue you described sounds exactly like what Im experiencing with my VW Up. Its reassuring to hear the repair was straightforward and relatively affordable at 280€. Given how my transmission issues started right after the service and the symptoms match perfectly, especially that specific grinding between 2nd and 3rd gear, Im now confident its likely the same problem. The automatic transmission behavior and warning lights seem identical to your case. Ill book the workshop appointment first thing tomorrow. Will have them focus on checking the transmission sensor and its connections, plus request a full transmission control unit reset after the repair. Really hoping to avoid any potential transmission damage from running it too long with a faulty sensor. Good to know the repair should only take about 2 hours. Thanks again for the detailed feedback, its super helpful to hear from someone who dealt with the same transmission repair successfully.