achimsturm1

Seat Tarraco transmission issues

I think my Seat Tarraco (2018 gasoline) is about to bankrupt me. It's done 173572 km and I'm getting a check engine light and a transmission indicator light. The gearbox is slipping, and there's this horrible grinding noise when it shifts. The error code points to a defective lock-up clutch in the auto transmission converter. Think it’s a converter fault? Any ideas?

4 comment(s)

Whoa, that sounds rough! Grinding noises are never a good sign with an auto transmission. You're sure it's the lock-up clutch? I had similar symptoms in my old car once engine surge and slipping but it turned out to be just low transmission fluid. Have you checked the fluid level and condition? It might be worth a shot before assuming the worst.

Yeah, I did check the fluid level. It's fine, maybe a little dark. But if it was just the fluid, wouldn't the problem be more consistent? This seems to happen mostly when the engine is under load, like going uphill. Could it still be the fluid if it only occurs at certain times?

Okay, if you've already checked the fluid, and you're still getting those symptoms, especially with the grinding noise and error codes, then yeah, it definitely sounds like a clutch problem with the torque converter in your auto transmission. That lock-up clutch can cause all sorts of havoc when it starts to fail. Engine surge under load is a classic sign. It’s probably best to get it checked by a workshop.

Thanks for confirming my fears! I took it to the local garage. You were spot on the auto transmission converter was broken. 2120€ later, it's running like new again!

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