VW Bora Transmission Failure: Shifting and Sensor Issues

I had a very similar issue with my 2005 VW Jetta diesel automatic. As someone with some experience working on VWs, I initially thought it was just the gear selector display acting up, but it turned out to be more complex. The symptoms were nearly identical, erratic gear shifting, grinding sounds, and a completely dark digital display on the instrument panel. The automotive electronics were severely affected, particularly the control unit managing the transmission system. After thorough diagnostics, the workshop found that the transmission control unit was defective. It was causing both the gear selector issues and the instrument panel malfunctions. The repair involved replacing the control unit and recalibrating the entire transmission system. Total cost was 1000€, including parts and labor. For a more accurate diagnosis of your Bora, could you provide: Current mileage, When the problem first started, Whether the check engine light is on, If there are any other warning lights on the instrument panel, Whether the problems occur more in certain weather conditions This information would help determine if your issue is similar to what I experienced or if it might be something else.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My problem started about a week ago. The check engine light turned on yesterday, along with the transmission warning light on the instrument panel. My last service was just 2 months ago at 14000km. The shift knob feels completely loose now and the sensor problem seems to be getting worse. The grinding noise is especially bad when shifting from park to drive. The digital display on the dashboard stopped working completely this morning. Based on your description, it sounds very similar to what you experienced. I will have it checked for the transmission control unit. Hopefully the 1000€ repair cost will be enough to cover it.

Based on those new details, I am even more convinced your issue matches what I experienced with my Jetta. The progression of symptoms, especially the loose shift knob and complete failure of the digital display, mirrors exactly what happened in my case. The fact that your check engine light only appeared recently suggests the automotive electronics are progressively failing. When my transmission control unit went bad, it also started with intermittent gear indicator issues before developing into full gear selector and shifting problems. Since your car was recently serviced, have the workshop check their diagnostic logs. The error codes stored in the control unit memory could reveal if the transmission problems were already developing during the service. My repair shop found early warning codes they missed during routine maintenance. The 1000€ estimate should cover the basics, but be prepared for potential additional costs if they find damaged wiring or need to replace the instrument panel display. My final bill included some extra work on the electrical connections between the gear selector and the main control unit. Quick tip: Until you can get it repaired, try to minimize shifting between gears. The grinding noise you mentioned when shifting from park to drive could indicate the problem is getting worse and might cause additional damage to the transmission components.

Based on your reply, things are sounding more serious than I initially thought. At first I was hoping it was just a simple sensor problem with the electronic display, but hearing about the grinding noise from park to drive really worries me. The fact my car started having issues just after a service seems odd. I will definitely ask them to check those diagnostic logs you mentioned. Maybe they can find those early warning codes you talked about in your case. The loose gear selector and dead instrument panel display match exactly what you described. I guess I should prepare for the worst regarding repair costs. If fixing the transmission control unit alone costs 1000€, I better budget some extra for possible additional repairs to the gear indicator system and wiring. I will stop driving it until I can get it to the workshop. Those grinding noises when shifting gears definitely sound like they could cause more damage. Really appreciate your detailed feedback about your similar experience, it helps a lot with understanding what I might be dealing with.