VW Up Transmission Issues: Oil Sensor Warning Signs

I had almost the exact same issue with my VW Polo 2013 with the 7-speed DSG transmission. As someone who does basic maintenance but leaves complex repairs to professionals, this situation taught me a lot. The symptoms matched yours exactly, transmission fault warnings, rough shifting, and emergency mode activation. Initially, I also suspected the oil pressure sensor, but the actual problem was much simpler. The workshop diagnosed a critically low transmission oil level, which caused the pressure switch to trigger warnings. The transmission was losing pressure because it simply didnt have enough fluid to maintain proper operation. The complete service included: Transmission oil level check and top-up, Pressure gauge testing of the system, Oil sensor inspection, Computer diagnostic scan, Test drive to confirm proper operation Total cost came to 365€ including parts and labor. After the repair, all shifting problems disappeared and the warning lights never came back. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you provide: Exact transmission type (manual or automatic), Current mileage, When was the last transmission service done, Any unusual sounds or vibrations when shifting, Whether the issue happens when the engine is cold or warm This information would help determine if your case matches what I experienced.

Last service was done at 58084km and found out the pressure sensor was not the actual problem. The transmission oil level check revealed significant wear in the valve body assembly. The repair included replacing the entire valve body unit and recalibrating the transmission control module. The oil pressure readings were erratic because metal particles from the worn valve body were interfering with the transmission sensor operation. After checking with factory specs, we discovered the transmission pressure switch was functioning correctly but giving false readings due to contamination. The repair cost totaled 890€ which included: New valve body assembly, Full transmission fluid flush, Control module recalibration, System pressure testing All shifting problems resolved after this repair. System maintains proper oil pressure throughout all gears now.

Thanks for sharing your repair outcome. Your experience with the valve body matches what I found with my VW Polo too. After my initial diagnosis focused on the transmission oil pressure sensor, I also discovered metal debris was the root cause. The transmission sensor readings can be misleading when contaminated with metal particles. The workshop showed me how the valve body wear created a cascade of issues, causing both sensor faults and shifting problems. A transmission fault like this often masks itself as a simple sensor issue. The erratic oil pressure readings were actually a symptom of the bigger valve body problem. Getting the full transmission fluid flush was crucial, it removed all the metal particles that were causing the false sensor readings. My repair ended up costing 920€ with similar work done: Valve body replacement, System flush, Control module updates, Pressure testing The higher cost was worth it since the transmission now shifts perfectly and maintains consistent oil pressure across all gears. These valve body issues seem common in our transmission type once they reach higher mileage. Have you noticed any other improvements in performance since the repair?

My VW Up is running perfectly since the valve body replacement. The initial sensor fault readings were definitely misleading, I wish I had known about checking the valve body wear first. The full transmission flush made a huge difference in shift quality. The workshop explained that the pressure sensor readings are really just indicators of deeper issues. In my case, the failing valve body assembly was creating metal particles that disrupted normal oil pressure and sensor operation. Getting the pressure gauge testing after the repair confirmed everything was back to factory specs. The 890€ repair cost was justified given the extensive work needed: Valve body replacement, Full fluid flush, Control module work, Pressure testing Most importantly, all shifting problems are gone and the oil level stays consistent. The transmission maintains proper pressure in all gears without any warning lights. Really glad I got the complete repair rather than just replacing the oil sensor, it saved money in the long run by fixing the root cause. Based on my experience, I recommend anyone with similar symptoms get the valve body checked even if the initial diagnosis points to a sensor fault. The proper repair might cost more upfront but prevents further transmission damage.