finnthunder1
VW Amarok Trans Failure: Shifting Issues & No Start
4 comment(s)
finnthunder1 (Author)
I had a similar gear linkage problem with my Amarok last year. The transmission failure symptoms were identical, rough shifting, engine light, and car not starting properly. My shift lock was completely shot and the mechanic found additional wiring issues in the transmission control module. A specialized VW shop fixed it for me after a bad experience at a regular garage. Very curious about your repair costs since I am still wondering if I paid too much. Has everything been running smoothly since the repair? Any other transmission issues pop up that I should watch out for with my own vehicle?
ellasmith28
Since getting my Tiguan fixed at the VW specialist, the automatic transmission has been working flawlessly. The parking position issue was completely resolved after replacing the defective control unit, which cost 1000€ including labor. The transmission repair has held up perfectly with no recurring problems. The mechanic explained that once the control module is replaced and properly calibrated, these transmission issues rarely return. Just make sure to follow the maintenance schedule, especially for transmission fluid changes. Key improvements after the repair: Smooth gear shifts, Reliable parking position engagement, No more check engine warnings, Proper startup every time Your experience sounds exactly like what I went through. Getting the work done at a specialized shop was definitely worth it, even if the initial cost seems high. The alternative of having recurring transmission issues or incomplete fixes at general shops usually ends up being more expensive long-term. The most important thing is that all the parking mechanism sensors and control unit components are properly diagnosed and repaired as a system, not just individual parts.
finnthunder1 (Author)
Just got back from the VW specialist and wanted to share my repair experience. The transmission failure was exactly what we discussed, multiple failing components in the transmission sensor system. The total repair came to 1200€ which included: New shift lock assembly, Transmission control module replacement, Complete system diagnostics, Labor costs The work took 4 days since they had to order some parts. The gear linkage replacement was more complex than expected due to some corroded connections near the park brake mechanism. The difference is night and day: Transmission shifts perfectly now, No more check engine warnings, Starts reliably every time, Park position engages smoothly Definitely worth paying more for a proper fix at a specialist rather than dealing with recurring issues at general shops. The thorough diagnostic approach caught problems the previous mechanic missed entirely. Will be sticking with this shop for future transmission maintenance. Thank you all for the advice. Really helped me understand what I was dealing with and pushed me to get it done right this time.
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ellasmith28
Having experienced similar transmission issues with my 2014 VW Tiguan 2.0L, those symptoms match what I encountered. The gear shifter would not properly recognize the neutral position, causing startup problems and transmission sensor errors. The root cause was a faulty shift interlock solenoid combined with a deteriorating transmission control module. The park brake system was also not communicating properly with the main control unit. These components work together as a safety feature, preventing startup when the transmission position is uncertain. The repair required: Replacement of shift interlock solenoid, New transmission control module, Full system recalibration, Transmission fluid change This was a serious repair requiring specialized diagnostic equipment. The transmission had to be partially dismantled to access the affected control unit. The entire process took about 3 days at the shop. Key advice: Make sure to get a complete diagnostic scan before any work begins. The parking position mechanism you suspect could be the main issue, but these symptoms often indicate multiple failing components in the transmission sensor network. Would strongly recommend having this checked at a shop specializing in VW transmissions, as generic repair shops often miss the underlying control module issues.