I'm overdue for the transmission fluid and filter change. At what point (mileage wise) is it too far gone, and I shouldn't do it? VW recommends every 40,000 miles. Thanks.
Yes you need to change DSG fluid every 40,000 miles. This is not your typical automatic transmission where you run a risk of changing old fluid and causing more issues; you need to change the fluid as soon as possible if you don't want it to fail anytime soon. Basically it's the complete opposite of what you would normally do for an automatic transmission. These Direct Shift Gearboxes/Dual Clutch Transmissions go through a lot of strain due to their extremely fast shifting and high transmission temperatures, which is why they need constant fluid drains and refills along with changing the filter. You'll be doing a favor changing it soon than leaving it alone.
@razmigb
Ok, that was my fear, that if I do it now with miles and miles on it, it will harm the transmission like a normal automatic. I'll have the dealer change out the fluid and filter ASAP. Thanks!
I always say its around the 175k mile mark. If you just bought it and it has 100k then change it right away. It could prolong the life of the transmission.
Your VW DSG is a mechanical gearbox. It uses clutches and gears like a manual gearbox, not torque converters and planetaries like non-DSG automatics. I will let someone else with DSG experience chime in here, but the usual warnings that Scotty gives do not apply to you.
Now on the off chance, I have a regular automatic transmission, should I do a fluid and filter change?
@floridachris
Yes, but only do a fluid drain, filter replacement, and refill with new ATF (OEM only) with the exact amount that was drained out. Don't do a fluid flush, it's not necessary and can cause you more trouble than good. If it's never been changed before, the fluid is brown and smells burnt, and is more than 150,000 miles old while still shifting really good, I would refrain from touching the fluid. It may cause transmission slipping because of how worn out the clutch-packs are inside while the old "contaminated" fluid is maintaining friction for those worn out clutch-packs. New fluid may cause them to slip since it has less friction.
Yeah, I'd have the dealer do it anyway so it's all OEM, and my veh has about 97,000 on it.
@floridachris
Perfect time to do a fluid change on the transmission. What vehicle?
2016 VW Passat. I'm going to call the dealer tomorrow to find out if it has a DSG or regular automatic. I don't have the owner's manual.
@floridachris
I believe that also has the DSG, but confirm it with the dealer because they use regular automatics in the Passats as well.
I looked through the online VW manual that comes up using my VIN but it doesn't specifically say whether I have a DSG or regular automatic. I'll call the dealer tomorrow and see.