DSG auto while stationary

fwor

Just about to change my "conventional" auto for a VW 7-speed DSG in a 140PS Transporter (yeah, I know, probably going to regret that in the long term...).

One thing I've been told about these boxes is that, unlike a "normal" auto box, you aren't supposed to leave them in Drive while the car is stationary. Apparently it can wear and/or overheat one of the clutches.

So - how assiduous are drivers supposed to be about this? If stopped at traffic lights for 30 seconds, are you supposed to put it in Neutral?

If so, in real life, do DSG drivers actually bother?

harveybobbles

DSG'a are shoxking.

Lots of people will tell you how wonderful they are, but these will be the ones who have them in their company cars, so when (not if) it goes wrong, its just one phone call.

We stopped buying cars with this type of gearbox as they would eat into your margin.

daveyjp

Neutral every time, especially with a DSG.

fwor

daveyjp wrote: »

Neutral every time, especially with a DSG.

I guess even with a normal auto you probably should for best economy - though I doubt it would be a large difference.

But I'm thinking more about reliability than economy...

neilmcl

harveybobbles wrote: »

DSG'a are shoxking.

Lots of people will tell you how wonderful they are, but these will be the ones who have them in their company cars, so when (not if) it goes wrong, its just one phone call.

We stopped buying cars with this type of gearbox as they would eat into your margin.

Doesn't really answer the OP's question though, does it!

OP, have you had a look over on the various VW Owner forums?

fivetide

fwor wrote: »

I guess even with a normal auto you probably should for best economy - though I doubt it would be a large difference.

But I'm thinking more about reliability than economy...

I thought that too but Mercedes tell you to keep the car in drive (well used to, i don't know how stop/start technology might have changed that).

Apparently disengaging and re-engaging the clutch put more wear on it so you should just stay in D unless you are stopped for a long time.

Also, personally I always shifted to neutral so I could apply the parkign brake and wasn't dazzling those behind me with the brake lights all the time!

The DSG boxes are something else entirely though and i don't have experience of them. I would go with Neil's suggestion on reviewing owner's club forums and also checking the actual manual for the official VW advice.

colino

The DSG at idle will not be wearing its clutches so just leave it in drive. Likewise the vast majority of autos should be left in drive even at a standstill. Manually moving the selector from D to N(or P) will cause (albeit slight) wear in the brake bands, leaving it where it is with the built in slippage will not.

daveyjp

colino wrote: »

The DSG at idle will not be wearing its clutches so just leave it in drive.

Wrong advice. The manuals specifically state neutral when stationary as the clutch is engaged as soon as D is selected. The system is monitored and if the clutches overheat the system shuts down.

Torque convertor autos don't have this problem and can be left in D.

Strider590

TBH the gearboxes are probably made of chocolate and the manufacturer says this, so that when it breaks they can just say "well it's your own fault". Just like when clutches go, they turn around and blame the driver for riding the clutch.

fwor

So - two conflicting views in two successive posts. I will try raising the question on one of the VW owners' forums, but will probably find the same there.

I suspect that the consensus on this may be clouded by the number of DSG drivers who can't be bothered to shift to Neutral, but refuse to admit that they might be doing something wrong. The majority of those are probably company car drivers, who don't care about long-term reliability anyway...

Robisere

colino wrote: »

The DSG at idle will not be wearing its clutches so just leave it in drive. Likewise the vast majority of autos should be left in drive even at a standstill. Manually moving the selector from D to N(or P) will cause (albeit slight) wear in the brake bands, leaving it where it is with the built in slippage will not.

I have read some poor and/or incorrect advice on this forum, but this really takes First Prize!

I worked as a workshop foreman for many years, so I have the experience and technical knowledge to support what I say - which is do not leave an auto 'box vehicle in Drive when stationary. No matter what type of 'box, but especially in regard to a DSG 'box.

And what is easier than selecting N, waiting for the traffic to restart and select D to drive away? If it's a long wait and/or a hill, apply parking brake. Most auto 'box vehicles now have "Hill Start" anyway. If it's traffic lights and vehicles in front of you, watch the ones in front an their reactions will tell you when to move off.

"Wear in the brake bands" happens when you are stationary and in D, not not in N. The bands are actually around the main shaft in the 'box. it does not apply to a DSG 'box anyway. That is actually dangerous information, ignore it. Once again, someone giving incorrect advice on this forum. I always remember the words of my first workshop foreman: "If you can't say it right, say nowt!"