Volkswagen Transporter Gearbox & Transmission Problems

Are you having problems with the transmission of your Volkswagen Transporter? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest Volkswagen Transporter transmission issues & faults. We have answered all of the most frequently asked questions relating to problems with the Volkswagen Transporter transmission.

Ask Smithy Xtra T5 auto issues
Answered by Graham Smith · 13 Jul 2010

You didn’t tell us how many kays your T5 had done prior to the rebuild, but because you used the extended warranty I can assume the factory warranty had expired. VW, like all carmakers, will refuse to cover any car that has been worked on outside the dealer network, which is understandable given they have no control over the quality of that work or the competence of the person doing it. It’s perhaps also worth considering having the auto serviced once it’s clocked up 100,000 km-plus; a change of oil can work wonders for the life of an auto trans.

Delayed gears on VW Transporter
Answered by Graham Smith · 17 Jun 2010

Despite the finding that all was well on the diagnostic check I   would suggest the auto could be in need of a service. The computer,   after all, can't assess the quality of the shifts. Changing the oil   was a good first move, even though it hasn't proven to be the fix. As   for the warranty you would have to read it to check what it covers   and what it doesn't.

Delayed gears on VW Transporter
Answered by Graham Smith · 17 Jun 2010

Despite the finding that all was well on the diagnostic check I   would suggest the auto could be in need of a service. The computer,   after all, can't assess the quality of the shifts. Changing the oil   was a good first move, even though it hasn't proven to be the fix. As   for the warranty you would have to read it to check what it covers   and what it doesn't.

No help from VW
Answered by Graham Smith · 09 Nov 2012

Most manufacturers have what they call "Filled for Life" transmissions, but they can still be serviced. Like you we believe VW should be more transparent when it comes to problems instead of adopting a head-in-the-sand approach, as they appear to do when confronted with a problem.

Dipstick on diesel
Answered by CarsGuide team · 10 Feb 2011

It should have a dipstick to check the engine oil; it should be identified by an orange knob. But it doesn't have a dipstick to check the auto trans fluid, the trans is a filled to life at the factory, and theoretically doesn't need changing. What that means is beyond me, as "life" could mean anything. Like you I like to keep track of oil levels and oil condition and I would be changing the trans fluid on a regular basis.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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