Amarok Trans Warning: Radiator Pressure Behind Issues

Having worked on my 2015 VW Touareg with similar transmission cooling issues, I can share some relevant experience. With a moderate level of car expertise, I encountered comparable symptoms, transmission warning lights and rough shifting. The radiator coolant system in these VW models is quite similar, and the transmission cooling is integrated into the main radiator. In my case, the pressure sensor was showing incorrect readings due to a faulty cable connection near the cooling fan assembly. The workshop diagnosed the issue through systematic leak detection and pressure testing of the entire cooling system. They found that the connection to the transmission oil pressure sensor had deteriorated, causing false readings and putting the transmission into safety mode. Total repair time was about 3 hours, costing 95€ for the electrical repair and testing. This was significantly cheaper than replacing the entire sensor unit, which was initially suspected. To provide more specific advice for your Amarok: What transmission fluid temperatures are you seeing? Has the cooling fan operation been consistent? Are there any visible leaks around the radiator area? When exactly does the grinding noise occur during shifting? This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or if it might be something different in the transmission system.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My latest service was just 2 weeks ago at 109792km, and they did not flag any transmission issues at that time. Since posting, I have noticed some additional symptoms. The transmission warning only appears after 15 minutes of driving, and there is now a small puddle under the car each morning. A basic pressure gauge test showed inconsistent readings when the engine is warm. The grinding noise happens specifically during shifts between 2nd and 3rd gear, and the radiator coolant level keeps dropping even though I have topped it up twice this week. I am starting to suspect a possible internal leak between the transmission cooler and main radiator system. Before booking a workshop appointment, I would like to know if checking the transmission fluid level and pressure readings myself would help diagnose the issue.

Based on your description of the fluid loss and inconsistent pressure readings, this sounds very similar to what I encountered before my repair. Those symptoms align perfectly with what I experienced on my Touareg, particularly the delayed warning activation and fluid loss. The dropping radiator coolant level combined with puddles strongly suggests a leak in the transmission cooling system. When I faced this, the pressure gauge readings were also erratic, which turned out to be a clear indicator of a failing seal between the transmission cooler and main radiator. While checking the transmission fluid level yourself can provide some insight, I would advise against extensive DIY diagnosis in this case. The interaction between the cooling systems is complex, and proper leak detection requires specialized equipment to accurately pinpoint the source. In my case, delaying proper diagnosis led to more extensive damage. The initial small leak eventually caused coolant contamination in the transmission fluid, which could have been prevented with earlier intervention. Key points from my experience: Document the fluid loss rate, Note the color of the leaked fluid, Check if the puddle has both coolant and transmission fluid mixed, Monitor your transmission temperature readings if possible The repair cost will likely be higher than my previous electrical issue, as this appears to be a mechanical failure rather than a sensor problem. Getting it checked soon would be wise to prevent potential transmission damage.

Thanks for the detailed responses. The leak is definitely getting worse, and your feedback helps confirm my suspicions about the transmission cooler issue. I checked the puddle more carefully this morning, its reddish brown and has a distinct sweet smell, which sounds like mixed fluids just as you described. The cooling fan seems to run more frequently now, and the radiator coolant level dropped another 2cm since my last check. Using a basic pressure gauge showed readings fluctuating between 12-15 when warm, which seems quite unstable. I will stop trying to diagnose this myself and book a workshop appointment tomorrow. The transmission fluid mixing with coolant definitely has me worried about potential damage. Given what you shared about your repair experience, I should probably get this fixed before any major transmission problems develop. In the meantime, I will document the fluid loss and keep monitoring temperatures. Do you think its safe to drive short distances to the workshop, or should I arrange a tow to prevent further damage?