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liamswift4

VW Passat Hybrid Transmission: Grinding & Warning Light

My 2021 VW Passat Hybrid has been acting up lately with the transmission warning light on and rough shifting. The gearbox keeps going into emergency mode and makes grinding noises during gear changes. After some research, I suspect a faulty transmission oil temperature sensor might be causing these issues. Has anyone dealt with similar symptoms and got them fixed? I would really appreciate hearing about your repair experiences and what the actual problem turned out to be. Did replacing the transmission sensor solve the issue, or was there more to it? Looking forward to your insights before heading to the workshop.

4 comment(s)

tobiasberger83

Having dealt with similar transmission issues on my 2019 VW Golf GTE Hybrid, I can share my experience as someone with moderate car repair knowledge. The symptoms you describe match what I encountered, rough gear shifting and transmission warnings. After the car went into emergency mode, I took it to a certified workshop. The initial diagnosis pointed to transmission sensor issues, but the actual problem turned out to be much simpler: low gearbox oil level. The repair included: Complete transmission oil level check, Oil top-up and system reset, Transmission sensor diagnostic test, System recalibration Total cost was 365€ and fixed all issues. The grinding noise disappeared completely, and normal gear shifting resumed. However, to provide more specific advice for your case, could you share: Current mileage, When was the last transmission service, Does the problem occur more during cold starts or after the car has warmed up, Any recent repairs or maintenance work The temperature sensor and oil sensor systems in these hybrid transmissions are quite sensitive to oil levels, so its worth checking the basics before replacing components.

liamswift4 (Author)

Last service was done at 90000km, and since then the transmission repair has been working perfectly. The mechanic explained that our Hybrid transmissions are particularly sensitive to oil temperature fluctuations, which can trigger these symptoms. The automatic transmission warning disappeared after a complete system reset and transmission oil change. The grinding noise was actually related to low oil level causing overheating problems in the gearbox. My total repair cost was similar at 385€. Worth mentioning that the oil sensor readings were indeed off, but replacing it wasnt necessary, proper oil level and fresh fluid resolved all transmission issues. The car now shifts smoothly with no warning lights.

tobiasberger83

Thanks for the update! The outcome of your repair matches my experience with the VW hybrid transmission exactly. After my repair, I also learned that these transmissions need precise oil levels to prevent overheating problems and maintain proper gear shifting performance. A key lesson from both our cases is that transmission sensor readings can be misleading when oil levels are low. The system often interprets low oil as a sensor fault. Regular transmission oil checks have helped me avoid any repeat issues over the past year. My mechanic actually showed me how the transmission temperature sensor interacts with the oil level, too little oil causes inconsistent temperature readings, triggering those warning lights we both experienced. Since the proper oil service, my transmission has maintained smooth operation without any emergency mode incidents. Good to hear you also got it resolved without needing expensive sensor replacements. These hybrid transmissions really do require more precise maintenance than conventional ones, but they work flawlessly when properly serviced.

liamswift4 (Author)

Thanks everyone for the helpful feedback. This really puts my mind at ease knowing others have successfully resolved similar transmission issues without major component replacements. The temperature sensor warnings and rough shifting turned out to be symptoms of low transmission oil, not actual sensor failure. Regular maintenance with correct oil levels seems to be crucial for these sensitive hybrid transmissions. Since getting the proper oil service and system reset for 385€, my automatic transmission has been shifting perfectly with no warning lights or grinding noises. Its worth noting for others with similar symptoms that transmission issues in these hybrids often relate to oil level and temperature management rather than faulty sensors. A thorough oil check and service should be the first step before replacing any components. My car now runs like new after addressing the basic maintenance needs.

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