VW Sharan Transmission Slip & Grinding: Converter Issue

Had almost the exact same automatic transmission issue with my 2013 VW Touran diesel last year. Being somewhat experienced with transmission repairs, I initially thought it might be just a fluid change, but the symptoms matched a converter failure. The transmission warning light came on, followed by rough shifting and that distinctive grinding noise during gear changes. The automatic gearbox started acting up especially when cold. Took it to a transmission specialist workshop. They confirmed my suspicion, the torque converter was failing. The diagnosis showed metal particles in the transmission fluid, indicating internal wear in the converter. The complete repair included: New torque converter, Transmission fluid change, New filter, Control module reprogramming Total cost was 2120€, which included parts and labor. The repair took about 3 days, but the automatic transmission has worked flawlessly since then. To help provide more specific advice for your case, could you share: Current mileage on your Sharan? When was the last transmission fluid change? Does the problem occur more frequently when the engine is cold or warm? Which specific error codes are stored? This information would help determine if your issue is identical to what I experienced with my VW.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the converter failure and repair costs. My Sharan has 53415km on the odometer, and the last service was done just 2 months ago, including a transmission fluid change. The transmission problems occur mainly when warm, especially after 15-20 minutes of driving. The grinding noise during gear changes becomes more noticeable, and the automatic transmission seems to slip more frequently at higher speeds. Unfortunately, I did not write down the specific error codes, but given the similar symptoms you described, particularly the lock-up clutch behavior and grinding sounds, it does sound like a comparable transmission repair might be needed. The estimated repair cost you mentioned is helpful for budgeting. Given your positive experience with the transmission specialist, would you recommend going directly to a specialized shop rather than a general VW dealer for this type of clutch problem?

Thanks for those additional details. Your symptoms definitely align with what I experienced, particularly the warm-up related issues. The fact that problems worsen after 15-20 minutes actually strengthens the torque converter theory, as that is when the lock-up clutch typically becomes more active in our VW models. In my case, going to a transmission specialist proved to be the right choice. They had deeper expertise with automatic transmission issues and specialized diagnostic equipment for converter fault detection. The general VW dealer initially quoted me 2800€ for the same repair that the specialist did for 2120€. Since you recently had a fluid change, I can almost certainly rule out transmission fluid as the primary issue. The timing of your problems, the grinding noise, and the slipping strongly point to the same torque converter failure I dealt with. The automatic gearbox behavior you describe is nearly identical to what I experienced before the repair. One tip from my experience: if you decide to proceed with the repair, request they check the transmission cooler lines while the unit is apart. In my case, they found minor wear that could have caused issues later, and replacing them added minimal extra cost since everything was already disassembled. Would you like me to share the list of specific checks the transmission specialist performed during diagnosis? That might help you ensure you get a thorough assessment wherever you decide to take it.

The transmission specialist route seems like the smarter choice, especially given the significant price difference you mentioned. The engine surge and transmission problems I am experiencing match closely with your case, and the comprehensive repair you described sounds like exactly what my car needs. The additional tip about checking transmission cooler lines during the repair makes a lot of sense. Since the automatic gearbox will be opened up anyway, it would be worth having everything inspected while accessible. Yes, I would appreciate if you could share the list of diagnostic checks. It would help ensure I get a proper assessment of the converter fault and not just a quick look. Having this information will make me feel more confident when discussing the repair with the shop. I will start contacting transmission specialists this week. After learning about your experience with the lock-up clutch repair, I feel better prepared to handle this situation. At least now I have a clear idea of the likely repair process and approximate costs involved.