VW Up Auto Trans Issues: Converter Lock-up Failure

I dealt with a nearly identical automatic transmission issue on my 2015 VW Polo TSI. As someone with some basic mechanical knowledge, I first noticed similar symptoms, rough shifting and warning lights, which turned out to be a converter failure. The torque converter was completely worn, causing the lock-up clutch to malfunction. The workshop diagnosed it as internal wear in the automatic gearbox converter. They had to remove the entire transmission to replace the torque converter assembly. Total repair cost was 2120€, which included: New torque converter, Transmission fluid change, Labor costs, Required gaskets and seals The repair took 3 full working days. Since the fix, the transmission has been shifting smoothly with no warning lights. To better assist with your situation, could you share: Current mileage, When the symptoms first appeared, Whether you notice any fluid leaks, If the problem is worse when the engine is cold or warm, Any unusual sounds during specific gear changes This information would help determine if your auto transmission issue matches what I experienced with my converter failure.

Just had my 14129km service last month. My symptoms started about 2 weeks ago, right after a cold start. No fluid leaks visible, but the grinding noise is most noticeable when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. The transmission repair quote I received was actually higher at 2400€, which seems steep considering similar converter fault issues reported in the forum. The auto transmission works fine when warm, but those first 10 minutes of operation are pretty rough. Really hoping to avoid a complete converter failure and transmission rebuild. Getting a second opinion tomorrow from another transmission specialist.

Thanks for the mileage details. My VW Polo had exactly the same cold-start issues before the complete failure. The engine surge and rough shifting during warm-up definitely points to a failing lock-up clutch in the torque converter. The 2400€ quote is high but not unreasonable for a complete automatic gearbox repair. My total was 2120€ but prices have gone up since my repair last year. Consider that labor rates keep increasing for transmission work. One thing I learned from my experience, dont wait too long. My initial symptoms were similar with the rough cold shifts, but I kept driving. This led to metal particles from the degrading converter contaminating the entire automatic transmission system. What started as a lock-up clutch issue turned into a bigger transmission problem. The clean shifts after warm-up are typical of early converter fault stages. The transmission fluid expands with heat which temporarily masks the wear. But the underlying damage continues even when symptoms improve. I would take it to that second specialist but be prepared to approve the repair soon. Waiting typically leads to more extensive automatic gearbox damage and higher costs.

The grinding symptoms during cold starts are concerning, especially since they match what others experienced before complete converter failure. After hearing about similar automatic transmission issues and repair costs, the 2400€ quote makes more sense, though still higher than expected. Just spoke with a second transmission specialist. They confirmed the torque converter is likely failing, with the lock-up clutch showing typical wear patterns during cold operation. They explained how the engine surge and grinding noise during gear changes point to progressive converter fault issues. Their diagnosis matches what others mentioned, continuing to drive with these symptoms risks metal particles contaminating the whole automatic transmission system. While the transmission performs better when warm, that temporary improvement is misleading. Getting the work scheduled for next week. The quoted repair time is 3-4 days for the complete torque converter replacement and transmission service. Rather fix it now than risk more extensive transmission damage and higher repair costs later. Will update the forum once the repair is complete.