VW Transporter Gearbox Slipping and Rough Shifting

Had a similar issue on my VW Tiguan 2015 gasoline. The transmission symptoms matched exactly what you describe, rough shifts and slipping sensation. The transfer case went into limp home mode due to a failing ABS sensor, which triggered multiple fault codes in the control module. The root cause was actually not the transmission itself. The ABS sensor malfunction caused the traction control system to misread wheel speeds, making the transfer case behave erratically. Once the control module detected these inconsistencies, it activated limp home mode as a protection measure. The repair required: Full diagnostic scan, Replacement of faulty ABS sensor, Recalibration of the control module, Reset of all fault codes, Testing of the transfer case operation This was a serious issue that needed immediate attention to prevent damage to the transmission components. Important to note that driving too long with these symptoms can cause actual mechanical damage to the transfer case. Would strongly recommend getting it properly diagnosed with a scanner that can read transmission fault codes. The symptoms you describe align closely with ABS-related issues rather than internal transmission problems.

I read through your previous reply and it sounds identical to the issue I experienced with my slipping transmission. The torque converter started giving me trouble too. How much did you end up paying for the full repair? After the ABS sensor and control module fixes, has everything been running smoothly? Want to make sure I budget correctly before heading to the shop.

Fortunately, after getting everything checked out, the fix was surprisingly simple and cost-free. The gear selector and transmission issues cleared up completely once the mechanic addressed the ABS sensor fault. The diagnostic trouble codes showed it was triggering the transfer case limp mode unnecessarily. The mechanic confirmed my initial suspicion that the ABS system was causing consequential faults, making the transmission behave erratically. After resetting the control module and clearing the error codes, the transfer case resumed normal operation. No torque converter replacement was needed. Its been running perfectly for the past 6 months with no signs of slipping or rough shifting. The transmission shifts smoothly now and the limp home mode hasnt reactivated. This really highlights how interconnected modern vehicle systems are, what seems like a major transmission issue can actually stem from a simple sensor problem. Your symptoms sound identical, so there is a good chance youre dealing with the same root cause. A proper diagnostic scan should quickly reveal if its also ABS-related in your case.

Took my VW to the mechanic last week after reading about these similar symptoms. The diagnostic scan revealed exactly what was suspected, a faulty ABS sensor triggering the transfer case limp mode. Total repair came to 450€ including labor and parts. The mechanic showed me how the control module was getting confused by the bad sensor readings, making the transmission act up. They replaced the sensor, reset the system, and ran several tests to ensure the gear selector was responding correctly. Been driving it for a week now and the difference is incredible. No more rough shifting or slipping sensation. The transfer case is working perfectly and there are no warning lights on the dash. Really glad I got this fixed before any serious transmission damage occurred. Thanks for sharing your experience, it helped me avoid potentially expensive repairs by pointing to the real issue. Would have never guessed a simple sensor could cause such problems with the transmission.