VW Lupo's Transmission Nightmare: Warning Signs & Fix

Having dealt with a similar transmission issue on my 2001 VW Polo diesel, I can share my experience. Like your case, my transmission warning lights came on and the car went into limp mode. After some rough shifting and grinding sounds, I knew I needed to get it checked professionally. The workshop diagnosed low transmission oil level, which was triggering the transmission sensor warnings. The pressure switch readings were inconsistent due to insufficient oil levels, causing the transmission issues you described. The fix involved: Complete transmission oil level check, Replacement of faulty oil sensor, New transmission oil and filter, Diagnostic system reset Total cost came to 365€ including parts and labor. However, before jumping to conclusions, it would help to know: Current mileage on your Lupo? When was the last transmission oil change? Are there any oil leaks visible under the car? Does the grinding noise happen in specific gears? These details would help determine if your situation matches what I experienced. The symptoms you describe are classic signs of transmission pressure issues, but its best to get a proper diagnosis to avoid unnecessary repairs.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My Lupo has 23662km and just had its service last month. The grinding noise mainly occurs when shifting into second and third gear. I have not noticed any oil leaks underneath the car, but the transmission warning persists despite the recent maintenance. The pressure gauge readings are unstable according to my mechanic. The transmission sensor fault seems increasingly likely based on the symptoms you described with your Polo. I will have the transmission oil level checked as you suggested before proceeding with any major repairs. Did your transmission warning lights clear immediately after the oil and sensor replacement, or did it take some time for the system to normalize?

Thanks for those additional details. The situation with your Lupo sounds nearly identical to what I experienced with my Polo. When the pressure sensor fault was fixed on mine, the warning lights did not clear immediately. It took about 3-4 complete drive cycles before the system fully reset and the warnings disappeared. The unstable pressure gauge readings your mechanic mentioned are a strong indicator of a faulty transmission sensor. In my case, the sensor was giving erratic signals to the control unit, causing those inconsistent pressure readings even though the oil level was correct. If your oil level checks out normal despite the recent service, focusing on the pressure sensor replacement would be the logical next step. The grinding noise in second and third gear matches exactly what I experienced before the repair. Just make sure they perform a complete transmission diagnostic scan before changing parts. My repair ended up being straightforward, just the oil sensor replacement and system reset fixed all the symptoms. The total repair time was about 2 hours, and the transmission has worked flawlessly since then.

The grinding noise in second and third gear is particularly concerning. Based on your explanation about the pressure sensor and warning lights needing multiple drive cycles to reset, I will have my mechanic perform the complete diagnostic scan you mentioned. The similarity between our cases gives me more confidence about the likely repair path. My last transmission service cost 280€, so budgeting around 365€ for the oil pressure sensor replacement and associated work seems reasonable. Since the car was just serviced and shows no visible leaks, I agree we should focus on the sensor itself rather than assuming a more serious transmission issue. Will book the car in next week and request they specifically check the transmission oil level and pressure switch readings first. Hopefully a simple sensor replacement will resolve both the grinding and warning lights like it did in your case. Thanks again for sharing your repair experience, it has helped narrow down the likely cause and avoid potentially unnecessary transmission work.