VW Touran Auto Trans Failure: Symptoms & Solutions

Had almost the exact same issue with my 2006 VW Golf with the automatic transmission. As someone with some experience working on VWs, this sounds very familiar, especially the symptoms with the gear indicator not showing on the instrument panel and the rough shifting. After multiple attempts to diagnose it myself, I took it to a specialized transmission workshop. The main problem was a defective control unit that manages the gear selector and transmission communication. The sensor problem was causing the system to lose track of gear positions, leading to those grinding noises and rough shifts you described. The repair involved: Complete diagnostic scan, Removal and replacement of the transmission control unit, Recalibration of the gear selector system, Software update for the new control unit Total repair cost was 1000€ and took about 2 days to complete. The car has been running perfectly since then, with smooth shifts and proper gear indication on the car dashboard. To help you further, could you provide: Current mileage, Any transmission fluid changes in the past, Whether the check engine light shows specific error codes, If the problems started gradually or suddenly This information would help determine if your issue is identical to what I experienced or if there might be additional factors to consider.

Thanks for the detailed info. Just had my service done last week and currently at 61526km. Sounds exactly like my problem, especially the gear selector issues and missing display readout. Was hesitating about taking it to a specialist shop, but your experience makes me feel better about that route. Did they mention if any additional sensors around the shift knob needed replacement while the control unit was being swapped? The automotive electronics in these models can be tricky, and Id rather fix everything at once to avoid multiple repair visits.

Good to hear you just had service done. Based on my repair experience with the same issue, the shift knob and surrounding sensors were actually checked during the control unit replacement. The mechanic found that while the main issue was the control unit, the gear shift position sensor near the shifter assembly also needed replacement since it was showing intermittent failures. The total for my repair including the additional sensor was around 1200€. The extra component only added a few hours to the job since they were already accessing that area. The automotive electronics system required a complete recalibration after both parts were installed to ensure proper communication between the shift knob, gear indicator, and the instrument panel. From what I learned during my repair, these transmissions have multiple interlinked sensors that work together. When one starts failing, it can cause a cascade of issues. Getting everything checked and replaced at once definitely saved me from future workshop visits. My transmission has been shifting perfectly for over 18 months now, with accurate gear indication and no more error codes. At your mileage, this is a fairly common issue. Make sure the shop does a thorough diagnostic scan of the entire transmission system to catch any other potential sensor issues while they have it apart.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the same transmission problem. My mileage is relatively low at 61526km, and while the recent service was helpful, the electronic display and gear shift issues persist. Your suggestion about the specialist shop makes sense, especially given the complexity of the instrument panel systems in these models. Im going to contact the transmission specialist tomorrow and mention both the control unit and the gear shift position sensor issues you experienced. The 1200€ total cost seems reasonable if it ensures all the sensor problems are fixed in one go. Its reassuring to hear your car has been running well for 18 months after the repair. Will definitely request a complete diagnostic scan of the transmission system. Rather spend a bit more now to avoid multiple visits and potentially bigger issues down the line. Having accurate gear indication and smooth shifting again will be worth the investment. Just hoping they can fit me in soon since the grinding noises are getting worse.