VW Touran Trans Issues: Rough Shifting & Slipping

I had a very similar issue with my 2014 VW Tiguan automatic transmission, and based on my some experience with transmission problems, I can share what worked in my case. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I experienced, rough shifting, slipping gears, and the transmission going into limp mode. The traction control light was also flickering occasionally, which was a key indicator. I initially thought it was the torque converter, but it turned out the ABS sensor was sending incorrect signals, causing the transmission control unit to behave erratically. The gear selector would sometimes feel unresponsive as a safety measure. The workshop diagnosed it using their diagnostic tool and found that the ABS sensor fault was triggering several consequential transmission errors. They cleared the fault codes and the system returned to normal operation. The total repair cost was 0€ since it only required a diagnostic reset. Before giving more specific advice, could you share: Are you seeing any warning lights on the dashboard? Does the problem occur more when the engine is cold or warm? Have you noticed any unusual noises from the transmission? When exactly did you first notice the gear slipping? This information would help determine if your issue is similar to what I experienced or if it might be something else.

Last service completed at 63240km showed no transmission issues. Since then, the warning light started flickering and the powertrain malfunction became more evident. The transmission definitely goes into limp mode when the engine is warm, usually after 15-20 minutes of driving. The gear selector becomes sluggish and unresponsive during these episodes. To answer your questions: Check Engine light flashes intermittently, Problems worsen with warm engine, Clunking noise during gear changes, First noticed gear slipping about 2 weeks ago The torque converter symptoms you mentioned match my experience exactly. Will ask the workshop to specifically check the ABS sensor connections when I bring it in.

Thanks for the additional details. Based on what you're describing, your symptoms differ slightly from what I experienced with my Tiguan, and I suspect you might be dealing with a different root cause. While my issue was resolved with an ABS sensor reset, the clunking noise you mention during gear changes wasnt present in my case. This combined with the check engine light and powertrain malfunction warnings suggests your transfer case might be experiencing more than just a sensor issue. In my follow-up experiences, I learned that the transmission control module often triggers limp mode as a protective measure when it detects irregular shift patterns. The clunking noise particularly concerns me as this wasnt part of my symptoms. I recommend having the workshop perform a complete diagnostic trouble scan. When my Tiguan had a subsequent issue months later, it turned out the traction control system was responding to a failing solenoid in the valve body, not the ABS sensor. The repair in that case cost around 800€, but prevented more extensive transmission damage. Given your symptoms are progressing and include mechanical noises, addressing this sooner rather than later would be wise. Would you be able to describe the clunking noise in more detail? Is it consistent during every gear change or only specific gears?

The clunking occurs mainly during 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th gear changes, though not every time. Its more pronounced when accelerating uphill or under heavy load. Its a solid thump rather than a grinding noise. The fault codes information will be really useful, will definitely have them check both the transmission control module and solenoid issues you mentioned. The fact that your repair bill was 800€ gives me a good baseline for what to expect. What concerns me is that my gear selector sometimes gets stuck momentarily between positions, which wasnt happening when the problems first started. The transfer case symptoms also seem to be getting worse, yesterday it went into limp mode twice during my commute. Will book it in for diagnostics this week. Really hoping its just a solenoid issue like in your second case and not a complete transmission rebuild. Thanks for sharing your experience, helped narrow down what to have them look for.