The Torque Converter Auto (NOT DSG) T5 thumps into drive when cold

**Rebuild** · 09-09-2018, 03:09 PM

This has only recently started the last 1000-1500 km, that i have noticed.Have 160K on it
Gearbox has had partial fluid and filter changes at 75K and 137K with Penrite DX-VI(dexron 6)

04 T5 with Tiptronic auto 6sp
The gearbox thumps into drive or sport, straight from cold.When i select drive there is 2-3 seconds before it selects and thumps.
Doesn't do it into reverse.Selects reverse almost instantly.
Once slightly warm, say 5-10 mins doesn't do it.
No other drive probs.No codes on engine or gearbox through my Autel VAG reader.
Disconnected and reconnected the multipin near selector on top of gearbox, no change.

A quick google seems to point to solenoids or lesser possibly valve body.
At this stage will keep an eye on it, may look into replacing solenoids on next oil change around 200K
Any ideas?

**Sunny43.5** · 09-09-2018, 06:19 PM

Apparently the Americans have replacement solenoids for those boxes made from better material , ours was doing that from about 60000 kays but only on upshift and down shift beteween 3rd and 4 th , VW reckoned a software update would fix it but alas they F*****d it all together , but thats another story and I don't want to open that wound again .

**Umai Naa!!** · 09-09-2018, 07:57 PM

Sounds like solenoids, but whatever it is, get onto it quick.

I've seen an old auto Golf (conventional auto like these), go unrepaired for months still being driven around. By the time they decided to book it in, the internals were trashed.

Also double-check you're putting the right oil in it.

**BrianJ** · 09-09-2018, 10:00 PM

Not sure if it will fix it, but its worth doing this reset procedure periodically. I always do it after getting the oil replaced. If it doesn't have smooth changes after its done then try it a few times until its like new. I think it calibrates the fly by wire accelerator pedal position for the auto changes. If this doesn't fix it then there may be a real fault in the box.

T5 FAQ and How to THREAD (up to August 2009).

**Rebuild** · 10-09-2018, 10:57 AM

Oh yeah, tried the reset thingy.Forgot to mention it.
I have the datasheet for the oil as of Feb2008, which shows VW/Audi G055025
Will look around for solenoids.

Umai, you think this is a don't wait thing?
It only does it going into drive cold, all gears are fine, and it's ok once warm
Thx

**Transporter** · 10-09-2018, 01:10 PM

Try talk to Automatics of Marion. Also scanning it with a dedicated scanner rather than generic one may reveal some faults.

**Tornado T5** · 11-09-2018, 07:56 AM

Originally Posted by Transporter

Try talk to Automatics of Marion. Also scanning it with a dedicated scanner rather than generic one may reveal some faults.

Perfect advice...a transmission specialist was able to more accurately see what error codes were coming up then narrow down issues.

You soon find out there are known issues with these auto's when the first thing a VW dealer asks when shopping for new is "what are the gear changes like in your T5?" How many kays wasn't as important a question.

I had similar issues in our auto that eventually led to a repair quote of near $8000 in Feb which led to me trading in asap. Mind you when first diagnosed I still got 15,000km out of it however I had a new Transit Custom ready to pass on to my delivery driver for when the T5 stopped.

**Rebuild** · 12-09-2018, 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by Transporter

Try talk to Automatics of Marion. Also scanning it with a dedicated scanner rather than generic one may reveal some faults.

Yeah, PM'ed them already, not had a reply yet.
did notice this morn that going into drive was relatively normal.Was a bit warmer ambient though

**Transporter** · 12-09-2018, 06:33 PM

Originally Posted by Rebuild

Yeah, PM'ed them already, not had a reply yet.
did notice this morn that going into drive was relatively normal.Was a bit warmer ambient though

Is the fluid level correct?

**Sunny43.5** · 12-09-2018, 11:19 PM

I would imagine thats a bit hard to do being like lots of things modern boxes don't have dipstick , at least in the old days you could see the level and its condition . A bit like no temp gauge or voltage gauge any more in the Vans , where will it end ? At the cost of the fluid the box would have to be drained and then refilled to check volumes .