DSG auto while stationary

Stooby2

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.

I have no idea about DSG boxes but for "normal" autos your advice flies in the face of every driving manual and all the driver training I've had. And if correct - how is the autobox still running fine on my 150,000 mile Discovery that I never take out of drive unless I'm parked? By your reckoning it should have failed years ago.

However, you should apply the handbrake when stationary at lights etc, so that in the event of an accident, the car is still braked, even if you're no longer pressing the pedal.

colino

Workshop Foreman. Promoted above your incompetence then.

fwor

colino wrote: »

Workshop Foreman. Promoted above your incompetence then.

Ouch.

But thanks to all for the input - I've learned some new things from this thread.

Last quick question: Does engaging the handbrake have the same effect as planting your foot on the brake pedal (i.e. making the box select Neutral rather than dragging the clutch)?

From the answers so far I'd guess not, but I can't offhand think why not.

anotherbaldrick

fwor wrote: »

Ouch.

But thanks to all for the input - I've learned some new things from this thread.

Last quick question: Does engaging the handbrake have the same effect as planting your foot on the brake pedal (i.e. making the box select Neutral rather than dragging the clutch)?

From the answers so far I'd guess not, but I can't offhand think why not.

NO, its the footbrake that does the neutral , its electronically linked to the DSG . The handbrake is not, although a lot of VW's (Golf, Tiguan atc) are going electronic parking brake that will change.

daveyjp

No, just using the handbrake is like holding a manual on the biting point with the handbrake on.

oldagetraveller

"Last quick question: Does engaging the handbrake have the same effect as planting your foot on the brake pedal (i.e. making the box select Neutral rather than dragging the clutch)?"
It does on Toyota's MMT but whether this applies to the DSG I don't know. It doesn't make the box select neutral but fully disengages the clutch as does pressing the footbrake.

daveyjp

Toyota, smart etc auto clutch systems require gas input before engaging the clutch, so handbrake in D is not an issue. DSG is completely different and clutch is engaged as soon as footbrake is released.

anotherbaldrick

daveyjp wrote: »

Toyota, smart etc auto clutch systems require gas input before engaging the clutch, so handbrake in D is not an issue. DSG is completely different and as soon as footbrake is released, box selects gear (1,2 or R) lifts RPM to 900 and engages clutch. .

Have altered daveyjp post a little, from lifting foot off brake to getting drive into accelerator about half a second . First gear is not totally direct, there is an initial amount of transmission slip built in to give driveability.

oldagetraveller

"Toyota, smart etc auto clutch systems require gas input before engaging the clutch,"
Not fully true, the clutch is partially engaged when the brake is released which causes "creep" like a true auto. But yes the clutch is fully engaged only when more accelerator is applied. Care has to be taken in slow moving and stop/start traffic for prolonged periods or the clutch will overheat due to this partial engagement!
The Toyota system is truly awful though, I have one! The DSG system seems to be much better thought out.

CTcelt1988

I have a DSG VW Golf and I always leave handbreak on and in 'N' at traffic lights.