VW Tiguan Trans Failure: Electronic & Mechanical Crisis

Had nearly identical issues on a 2014 VW Golf with the automatic transmission. The gear indicator on the instrument panel would show incorrect positions while the gear selector moved roughly between positions. The root cause was a failing transmission control module combined with worn shift solenoids. The sensor problem caused incorrect gear position readings, leading to rough shifts and grinding. When the control unit becomes defective, it cannot properly command the transmission shifts or display accurate gear information. This required replacing both the electronic control unit and mechanical components. The transmission control module, shift solenoids, and associated wiring harness all needed replacement to fully resolve both the electronic and mechanical symptoms. It was a serious repair job requiring specialized diagnostic equipment. The transmission had to be partially disassembled to access and replace the internal components. Unusual gear indicator displays combined with rough shifting almost always points to this combination of electronic and mechanical failure. Would strongly recommend finding a shop with transmission specialists who can properly diagnose and repair both the electronic control systems and mechanical components. This is not a simple sensor swap, it requires comprehensive transmission work to address all related issues.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I had the same problems with my 2012 Tiguan where the digital display was acting up and the shift knob felt noticeably rough. The gear shift indicator was all over the place just like you described. Got it fixed last year and it was definitely the transmission control module plus worn components. The car dashboard is working perfectly now and shifting is smooth again. Did you end up getting it repaired? Would be curious to know the total cost for fixing the sensor problem and mechanical issues in your case. Also wondering if any other problems came up since the repair?

Thanks for asking about the repair outcome. Yes, I went ahead with fixing both the electronic and mechanical transmission issues on my Golf. The faulty control unit was causing the erratic gear indicator display, which is now working perfectly on the instrument panel. The total repair cost came to 1000€ for replacing the defective control unit that was affecting the transmission electronics. The automotive electronics specialist confirmed this was the root cause of both the gear selector problems and incorrect digital display readings. Since the repair, the transmission has been shifting smoothly and the gear indicator shows the correct position at all times. No other issues have surfaced in the last 6 months. The grinding noise completely disappeared and gear engagement is precise now. Glad to hear your Tiguan was successfully repaired as well. These transmission control module failures seem to be a common issue on these models when they reach higher mileage. Getting both the electronic and mechanical components addressed at the same time is definitely the right approach.

Wanted to update everyone on my Tiguan transmission repair experience. Finally took it to a transmission specialist who really knew what they were doing with automotive electronics. The total repair came to 2800€ which included replacing the transmission control module, several worn shift solenoids, and a new wiring harness. The gear shift now moves smoothly between positions and the car dashboard displays the correct gear position consistently. The specialist showed me the old parts, the control unit was completely fried which explained the unusual digital display readings. They also found metal debris in the transmission fluid from the worn components grinding together. Been driving it for 3 months now and the difference is incredible. No more grinding sounds, gear engagement is precise, and the shift knob moves like new. The electronic gear indicator on the instrument panel works perfectly too. Really glad I found a shop that could properly diagnose and fix both the mechanical and electronic issues. Worth every cent to have the transmission working properly again. Thanks everyone for helping point me in the right direction with this repair.