VW Taigo Gearbox Slip: Transfer Case Oil Issues Fix

As someone with some experience working on VWs, I had a very similar issue with my 2019 VW T-Cross, which shares many components with the Taigo. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I experienced, rough shifting and slipping between gears. After inspection, my workshop found defective gears in the transfer case caused by mechanical wear. The issue was accelerated by deteriorated gear oil that wasnt changed according to schedule. The complete repair including a transfer case oil change and replacement of worn components cost me 330€. Before jumping to conclusions though, could you share: Current mileage, Service history, especially previous oil changes, Does the issue occur more when the transmission is cold or warm, Any unusual noises during gear changes, Check engine light status The transfer case on these models is generally reliable, but proper maintenance with regular oil changes is crucial to prevent premature wear. Getting it checked early can prevent more extensive damage to the transmission system. Based on your description, it sounds like you caught it relatively early. I suggest having a certified transmission specialist inspect it, as these symptoms can sometimes indicate different issues requiring different solutions.

Just had my last service at 15708km. In response to your questions: The shifting problems are definitely worse when cold, especially in the morning. There is a slight grinding noise during shifts from 2nd to 3rd. No check engine light so far. The transfer fluid hasnt been changed yet since its my first service interval. After reading about similar cases, I am worried about potential gear wear causing more damage. Would you recommend doing the transfer case oil change now rather than waiting for the next scheduled service?

Thanks for the detailed follow-up information. Having experienced nearly identical symptoms in my T-Cross, I strongly recommend getting the transfer case oil changed now rather than waiting. The cold-start symptoms and grinding noise between 2nd and 3rd gear mirror what I experienced before my repair. The grinding noise specifically indicates potential gear wear is already occurring. While 15708km is relatively low mileage, transfer case oil degradation can happen faster than expected, especially with frequent cold starts and short trips. In my case, waiting longer allowed the initial wear to progress, leading to more extensive repairs. A preventive transfer case oil change now (around 150€) could help avoid the more expensive 330€ repair I ended up needing when my gears showed significant mechanical wear. Key points from my experience: The grinding noise during gear changes is a clear warning sign, Cold-start issues often indicate degraded oil performance, Early intervention prevents accelerated gear wear, Fresh gear oil can significantly improve shift quality Have the workshop perform a transfer case oil analysis during the change. This will reveal if metal particles are present, indicating whether gear wear has already started.

Based on your expertise and similar experience with the T-Cross, I will schedule a transfer case oil change right away. Better to spend 150€ now than risk more severe mechanical wear and a costlier repair later. The grinding noise during gear shifts definitely has me concerned, and your point about cold-start issues makes perfect sense. I will also request the oil analysis to check for metal particles, that should give a clear picture of any existing gear wear. Really appreciate the detailed comparison with your case, as it helps put the repair costs and potential outcomes in perspective. Will contact my workshop tomorrow to schedule the transfer case oil change. Hopefully catching this early will prevent the more extensive transmission repairs you experienced. Thanks for helping me understand the importance of early intervention with these symptoms.

VW Taigo has no reverse lights, the service center says it needs a new lamp, but maybe it can be repaired differently. The cost of even a lamp is 1500 PLN

(Translated from Polish)

Before replacing the lamp, check if the issue might be related to a simpler problem like a blown fuse or a faulty reverse light switch. Inspect the fuse box for any blown fuses related to the reverse lights and replace them if necessary. Also, ensure the reverse light switch, usually located on the transmission, is functioning correctly. If these checks don't resolve the issue, then replacing the lamp might be necessary. Let me know how it goes or if you have further questions!