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leonie_eule1

VW Crafter Gearbox Control Module Failure Alert

Having serious trouble with my 2014 VW Crafter automatic gearbox. The transmission control seems completely off, gears wont engage properly with paddle shifters, experiencing gear slippage and grinding sounds during shifts. The gearbox has gone into emergency mode and the car computer is showing error codes. Im suspecting a faulty control module but want to confirm before taking action. Has anyone dealt with similar symptoms on their Crafter? Particularly interested in what the actual problem turned out to be and the repair solution your workshop implemented. Also wondering about typical repair costs for the automotive ECU replacement if thats indeed the culprit. Any firsthand experience would be greatly appreciated.

4 comment(s)

achimsturm66

Having some experience with transmission repairs, I faced almost identical issues with my 2012 VW Transporter. The symptoms were exactly as you describe, automatic gearbox malfunction, gear engagement problems, and the car computer showing multiple error codes. After diagnostic testing, the workshop confirmed the transmission control unit was defective and needed replacement. The repair involved: Complete diagnostic scan, Removal and replacement of the gearbox control module, Recalibration and coding of the new unit, Testing all transmission functions Total cost was around 1000€ including parts and labor. The repair resolved all issues and the automatic gearbox has worked flawlessly since. To provide more specific advice for your case, could you share: Current mileage, Any recent transmission maintenance, Specific error codes showing on your car computer, Whether issues started suddenly or developed gradually This information would help determine if your Crafter is experiencing the same control unit failure that was common in this generation of VW commercial vehicles. Remember that transmission repair costs can vary significantly based on the exact cause. Having a proper diagnostic test done first can save money in the long run.

leonie_eule1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. My Crafter has 95718KM and just had its annual service last month. The transmission problems started quite suddenly, one day it was fine, the next day the transmission control system went haywire. The diagnostic scan showed error codes P0722 and P0715, pointing to output speed sensor issues. But given how the automotive ECU is behaving, I suspect the problem might be more complex than just sensors. Think I will follow your advice and get a complete transmission diagnosis done before proceeding with any repairs. The cost reference is really helpful for budgeting. Did your repair come with any warranty on the new control module?

achimsturm66

Thanks for the additional details. Those error codes on your Crafter match exactly what I saw on my Transporter before the repair. Initially, my workshop also thought it might just be speed sensors, but the comprehensive diagnosis revealed the transmission control module was the root cause of all gearbox issues. The new control module came with a 24-month warranty covering both parts and labor. Make sure to get this warranty guarantee in writing from your workshop. Since repair, my vehicle has run over 60000KM with zero transmission problems or error codes. One important detail, if your automotive ECU is indeed failing like mine was, delaying the repair could lead to more severe gearbox damage. The grinding sounds you mentioned are particularly concerning, as they were early warning signs in my case of the transmission control system not properly managing gear engagement. The price I quoted earlier included the extended warranty, but prices can fluctuate based on parts availability. Some workshops may offer reconditioned control modules as a more affordable option, but I opted for new to avoid potential future issues.

leonie_eule1 (Author)

Thanks for this detailed follow-up about your Transporter repair experience. The info about the 24-month warranty is particularly good to know. Based on all this, seems pretty clear my Crafter is showing identical symptoms to what you experienced with the failed transmission control module. Given my vehicle has similar mileage and the same error codes you saw, I will proceed with getting the control module replaced. The automatic gearbox symptoms match perfectly, especially that sudden failure mode you mentioned. Will make sure to insist on a new unit with full warranty rather than a reconditioned one. Will book it in next week for the full diagnostic check and likely transmission repair. The 1000€ cost reference helps a lot with planning. Really appreciate you sharing the complete details of your repair experience, its given me confidence about the right way forward to fix these electronic issues.

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