DSG auto while stationary

forgotmyname

Even in an old slushbox auto you should be put into Neutral or Park when stopped for more than a few seconds.

TradePro

fwor wrote: »

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...)

If you know these things are so much trouble, why are you buying one?

I truly cannot understand how people are drawn to the VW badge like a big magnet - there are MUCH better vans out there, for less money too.

fwor

TradePro wrote: »

If you know these things are so much trouble, why are you buying one?

I'm not sure that they really ~are~ trouble, but I'm aware that they are complex - so more things to potentially go wrong - and that VW parts are expensive.

I'm going for a T5 because that's the only base vehicle that my converter of choice uses. I need an automatic as an elderly family member only drives auto vehicles, and they may need to use it occasionally.

Like any choice of this sort it's a gamble. I'm hoping that because I won't do high mileage in it and my style of driving is mechanically "sympathetic" I will get good reliability - but accept that I may be one of the (relatively few) unlucky ones.

anotherbaldrick

With the DSG when you come to a stop and press the footbrake the electronics put the box into complete neutral , their will be no creep , and the revs will drop to disengaged tickover. On releasing the footbrake the box will select gear as appropriate and clutch re-engage this all happens in a split second so fast you do not realise it. You can check this by moving the selector from neutral to first or reverse with the footbrake on and you will see the rev counter stay on tickover, lift your foot from the footbrake and revs will rise and drive re-engage. At the lights keep in D or snoick to neutral as the mood takes you , it will make no difference to the box.

B00st

forgotmyname wrote: »

Even in an old slushbox auto you should be put into Neutral or Park when stopped for more than a few seconds.

So why does the manual of every auto that I have owned state that the box should always be left in drive unless it is obvious that you will be stationary for extended periods of time. It is constantly shifting the box in and out of neutral that causes wear.

With the DSG boxes I believe that they will select neutral when stationary and with the foot brake on. This does, of course, mean that you will be annoying the person behind with your brake lights.

TradePro

fwor wrote: »

I'm going for a T5 because that's the only base vehicle that my converter of choice uses.

That's totally understandable then, and I appreciate and understand that you don't have a 'choice' as such.

I hope it works out for you, really I do, but please be under no illusions, the majority of these things give problems, rather than the minority.

anotherbaldrick

TradePro wrote: »

That's totally understandable then, and I appreciate and understand that you don't have a 'choice' as such.

I hope it works out for you, really I do, but please be under no illusions, the majority of these things give problems, rather than the minority.

They are not that bad. If the onging maintainance after warrenty worries you there are companies doing cover for your peace of mind.

nickcc

Having repaired and driven autos for the best part of 50 years, including HGVs, Coaches/Buses, I have never selected neutral when waiting at traffic signals etc. I have never seen any instruction from any vehicle manufacturer, Institute of Advanced motorist or various company's I have worked for that advises selecting neutral ( or park) whilst waiting in traffic. I can understand other drivers being inconvenienced by the glare from brake lights but if a 21 watt bulb bothers you that much perhaps you shouldn't be driving in the first place. I have no knowledge of the DSG box but if the manufacturers advise to move into neutral when stationary, and with all the problems associated with this box, then this must be the correct advice.

fwor

anotherbaldrick wrote: »

With the DSG when you come to a stop and press the footbrake the electronics put the box into complete neutral , their will be no creep , and the revs will drop to disengaged tickover. On releasing the footbrake the box will select gear as appropriate and clutch re-engage this all happens in a split second so fast you do not realise it.

Thanks - that's interesting. I've only driven one once and didn't notice that behaviour.

Of course it means that if you've just done a hard braked stop you risk distorting the brake disks by holding the pads on, but easy enough to engage the handbrake in that specific situation.

I think I might look at extending the warranty for a third year, as my understanding is that a replacement DSG is around £5k and rebuilds are not generally a good idea on boxes that complicated.

I've owned the current conventional auto for 8 years and in that time I have never put it in Neutral while stationary. If the wait is likely to be long I turn the engine off.

anotherbaldrick

Having repaired and driven autos for the best part of 50 years, including HGVs, Coaches/Buses, I have never selected neutral when waiting at traffic signals etc. I have never seen any instruction from any vehicle manufacturer, Institute of Advanced motorist or various company's I have worked for that advises selecting neutral ( or park) whilst waiting in traffic. I can understand other drivers being inconvenienced by the glare from brake lights but if a 21 watt bulb bothers you that much perhaps you shouldn't be driving in the first place. I have no knowledge of the DSG box but if the manufacturers advise to move into neutral when stationary, and with all the problems associated with this box, then this must be the correct

They do not, VW in their handbook recommend keeping it in D with your hoof on the brake ( and tough if you are behind at night)