Vitara Gear Display Dead, Transmission Trouble Signs

Having dealt with a nearly identical issue on my Suzuki Grand Vitara 2013 automatic, I can share some relevant experience. As someone with moderate experience in car repairs, this problem initially seemed like a simple sensor issue. The symptoms were very similar, faulty gear indicator display, problematic gear selector behavior, and transmission warning lights on the car dashboard. The automotive electronics seemed completely confused about gear positions. After multiple diagnostic tests, the workshop identified that the transmission control unit was defective, causing communication issues between the gear shift mechanism and the transmission itself. This explained both the mechanical symptoms and the incorrect gear indicator readings. The repair involved: 1. Complete diagnostic scan 2. Replacing the faulty control unit 3. Reprogramming the new unit 4. Testing all gear selector functions 5. Calibrating the transmission sensors Total cost was around 1000€, including parts and labor. The repair completely resolved both the mechanical and electronic issues. Before suggesting specific solutions, could you provide: Current mileage, Any recent transmission service history, Specific error codes shown, Whether the issue appeared suddenly or gradually, Any previous transmission repairs This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or might be something different.

Thanks for all the input. Just had the car in for diagnostics at 103614 KM. The issue turned out to be a combination of electronic display malfunction and a faulty sensor problem in the instrument panel. The transmission control module shows three separate fault codes, but interestingly, the actual gear shifts feel smoother after cleaning the connectors of the automotive electronics module. This suggests the mechanical parts of the transmission might be okay. Surprising that your repair costs were that high. The shop estimates around 600€ for my case, including labor and replacing the faulty car dashboard components. Will update once the work is completed next week.

Based on your experience, 600€ seems optimistic for this type of repair, even focusing just on the instrument panel and sensors. When I had similar issues with my Suzuki, what initially appeared as simple automotive electronics problems often revealed deeper transmission control issues. The smoother shifting after connector cleaning is encouraging, but in my case, this improvement was temporary. The gear shift problems gradually returned within a few weeks, and the digital display began showing unusual gear positions again. One thing to watch for: if you notice any grinding noise returning after the sensor replacement, or if the gear shift indicator starts acting up again, it could indicate the transmission control unit is failing like mine did. The initial diagnostic codes might not show the full extent of the problem. Since your mileage is similar to what mine was, consider having them check the transmission control module connections while they have the instrument panel apart. This preventive step could save you from a second repair if the issue turns out to be more than just sensors and displays. Request a thorough test drive after the repair to verify all gear positions register correctly on the car dashboard and the transmission shifts properly through all gears.

The diagnostic results are encouraging since they point to electronics rather than mechanical issues. The transmission still engaging after cleaning the connectors makes me feel better about avoiding a full transmission rebuild. Just spoke with the shop again and they mentioned the 600€ estimate covers: New digital display unit for the instrument cluster, Gear selector position sensor, Labor for removing/installing the car dashboard, Full electronic system reprogramming, Test drive verification They said the transmission control module itself tests fine, which explains why the mechanical shifting improved with just connector cleaning. Will definitely have them do a thorough test drive focusing on the gear indicator accuracy and shift quality. Planning to drop the car off Monday morning. Based on the responses here, I'll make sure they verify all gear positions register correctly on the electronic display and document any other codes that pop up during the repair. Will update once I get it back.