DSG Gearbox: Good or Bad? How to Take Care & Get It to Last? 

Thank you Uncle YS sharing the DSG mechanism, characteristic and the right method of driving dual clutch gearbox.

No one can explain about DSG better than this.. thanks once again.. highly appreciated

very informative about DSG gearbox and this video will shut those who said never buy a DSG car (Volks, etc). Most of them failed to drive a DSG properly.

Sir, I learned a lot from you today. Thank you!

I like this video much on the explain, and especially the main point “ now is 2020”. There’s many Malaysian are still have a mind that at 10years way back to comment on something they actually dun experience with. Maybe Mr Khong can share some talk about other unfavourites brand car like PSA Peugeot and Citroen that kind in future.

Amazing, 8 years with DSG from Polo GTI to the Beetle. Wonderful memories

A few days ago I thought of requesting you to talk something about DSG lol. Now here it is.

Cool video :) I have a Golf mk5 gti DSG awesome car. The way you explain how DSG works in comparison wth AT was very good. Even with the funny drawings. Thankyou!

Great stuff, Malaysian engineering explained.

Splendid video and provide good explanation and experience sharing about the myth of VW Malaysia DSG issues. Hopefully, there will be a follow up video telling viewers how to spot for a faulty unit if they are buying used VW cars with DSG.

Hi uncle Khong I'm driving elentra also DCT & today I've learnd more abt DCT. Thank You

I have been hesitating to get a used mk6 gti for quite a while due to too many overseas users complaining about the DSG. Now after i hear from a local pro Malaysian driver review, I think i might not hesitate anymore to get one. TQ Mr Khong.

Good video, very informative and can learnt new knowledge!

Very nice instruction video,thanks for the information

good suggestion for driving DSG 👍🏻

Thank you, great work.

Very good lesson uncle 😎 And don't forget the revmatching/autoblipping in manual mode when you downshift 😍, so addicting especially when you have the catless downpipe 😅 it's sounds like you drove a GT3RS hahaha

Despite the durability issue, I am still grateful that VW designed and built such gearbox for me to enjoy every driving experience

I love the DSG coz it provides the seamless gear change experience that other gearboxes can't give. The feeling is that the car never seem to loose any of the build up power during the gear changes. Love it! 😎👍

Best explanation of DSG gearbox so far. On a separate note, i do agree on the low speed of DSG. It is clunky and almost frustrating to use in traffic. However, when at speed, it just come to its own.

Very good simple explanation on how gearbox works. Wish there was such RU-vid video many many years ago when I was faced with AT gearbox issues (not a VW but a different European brand using the AL4 autogearbox). The AT gear oil getting too hot and going into "safe" mode, which will not change gear anymore, until it cool down. (Later, adding an external gear oil cooler solved that problem). So, just to add a little comment: 1) Always use the car manufacturer recommended AT gear oil. 2) As for the earlier VW gear issue, which was quite widespread, even in China (I search the Internet a long time to find that out). After some time, VW managed to find out and announced that in certain hot weather places, the synthetic gear oil used that time, somehow affected the sensor (sort of melting out some rubber/plastic stuff), resulting in unable to monitor the oil temp & causing the gear box getting too hot and jammed. Simple solution, they use a different gear oil (mineral) and recalled their cars to check/replace the gear oil and the sensor. After that, I had 2 VWs, for 10 & 7 yrs, without any gear issues. I sold the 10yr Cross Touran to go for the new Tiguan Allspace. Yes Sir, Uncle YS, we all love VW, don't we? Cheers.

Beautiful - Very well explained.

Thanks Uncle Khong for sharing before i get 1 VW SRC

Do a video on suspension about multi link and double wish benefits and disadvantages

thank you i think i learned something new

that's why people say, bad reputation is hard to remove, and it stays. Like Proton and its power window, still got people saying Proton power window not good. Perodua MyVi gotten ANCAP 5 stars, but people still feel riding with Perodua is like sitting in Milo tin. Takes a long time to restore confidence. Thanks for sharing.

thank you sir for the info. and stay healthy. btw, is there any rx7 owner out there that would be happy to let Mr Khong go for a spin in their car? because that would be awesome.

Great tutorial Uncle YS. I will try to better take care of my Gen 7 Golf GTI from now and hope it is not too late. I like the Karmann Ghia best from your collection! It would be cool to get to see the real car one day....

VW B8 Passat owner here! ✌️

Excellent breakdown. I have a tdi that is about due for service

Very good technology. But I also didn’t expect AT has breakthrough too... since the ZF gearbox from f30, you know the performance...

Uncle jalan g genting kurang kereta musim covid ni.... buat la drift challenge sambil bawak taufu faa naik sampai firstworld hotel.. 😅😅

very nice informative video! can uncle talk abt how to tk care tourqe converter gearbox?

Well explained uncle khong 👍

Good sharing. Danke

I'm VW fan here as well..since 2012 own polo, cross touran and passat b8 all tsi+dsg..Conventional transmission never excites me..especially those CVTs

Thank you uncle. But I still worry to drive in the heavy traffic with DSG :D

Awesome

Give me 5 uncle YS! I just wrote an article yesterday, and also shot a vlog for this too!

Summary, in jam let front car move off some distance before stepping lightly on accelerator. By not following too fast or close, we avoid frequent braking or frequent switch between accelerator/braking which involve constant gear engagement and disengagement. Other sources said changing to manual or sports mode during jam also help to hold the gear longer to reduce wear. Cheers.

Thank you YS. Great knowledge. I have one question. I have the habit of changing the gear from D to S especially when I'm overtaking in the highway. Then back from S to D once im done overtaking. Will this damage the gear?

Hi. Really enjoyed your video. Do you have any other tips for going up the genting road and also coming down, without using manual and paddle shifter. I am driving a 2019 1.0 VW polo. Thank you.

I refer DSG SOP 5.0 for how to properly use DSG

Nice. Always wanted to get a MK5 Polo GTi. How has the twin charged engine been Uncle Khong? Any major issues? and what to especially look out for given that its a more sophisticated engine to the other 1.4 engines. Would love to hear your experience!

Hi Uncle Khong, can you help me understand why did the 6 speed DSG dropped gears from 3rd to 2nd with roughness? Is there a way to minimise this by driving habbits or is it time to get a new clutch?

Our home has 2 vw's... Another tip I would like to add on using dsg well is to ensure the handbrake takes the load of the car instead of the gearbox P mode regardless if you are on an incline or not. To accomplish this, as you come to a complete stop with legs on the brake change gear selection to N, pull handbrake, lift off brake pedal, press brake pedal again and put to P.

uncle YS, im new to dsg, does it have strong engine braking when we downshift? does dsg has auto blipper technology equip? thx

First time I drove a car with DSG, I had the same 'woah' feeling. Was a Sharan TDI MPV so nothing exciting but I was loving the DSG. I have a car with DSG now and I brilliant except in certain situations where it's kinda laggy, like slow roundabout approach etc. Newer TC auto boxes are very close to feel as DCTs now but I just feel something is not the same, like there is some slip still although they all lock up the same as a DCT. Maybe just subjectively in my mind, not sure or its the slip during gear changes. Just feels less direct. DCT, in my case DSG just feels like a super duper fast manual transmission.

Can you also do a similar video for CVT? And lastly your take on conventional slushbox automatic transmission vs DCT vs CVT.

Hi uncle! Thumbs up on the DSG explanation video! How about a video detailing the various real-life maintenance costs for the upkeep of a DSG gearbox/ VW cars in general? Since you've got quite a few VWs there, there's no one more qualified to give us these insights!

I'm very interested in the golf mk7 with the dry 7spd dsg (dq200), just worried about reliability issues. Would you suggest getting a manual instead or is the dry dsg ok as long as I drive it like a manual.

Hi Uncle YS, is there noticeable improvements in the DQ381 vs the DQ250 in terms of immediate take off from standstill, low speed creep, smoothness in gear shifts (up and down), any jerks in traffic driving, etc?

Uncle YS. Say i am crusing on the highway at a comfortable speed then i wish to attain better FC and i release my accelerator for it to cruise along under speed drops and i tap accelerator again and repeat this. Is this ok for the dsg gearbox? Thanks..

Thank you Uncle.. Such an helpful video. And we all want to see you collect all VW models in 1:18 scale😁 A huge respect to you from Bangladesh🇧🇩 👍 And uncle one question is it ok if we always use auto hold option in DSG gearbox?

Uncle, since you have experiences in many VW cars before, do you mind sharing on average lifespan of the VW wet and dry clutches? I noticed most owners with dry clutches DSG gave their feedback of pre-mature wear at around 2 to 3 years. I owned a Passat B8 HL with 6-speed DSG with wet clutches, and I do almost 90% of KL city drive with traffic jam. My car is creeping in traffic jam most of the time, and I wonder how long my DSG clutches will last? Thank you.

Hi Uncle YS, so is it ok to drop gear by using engine braking when going downhill in my VW? Btw first time user of a VW

when traffic jam, i only press brake to stop and no on pedal accelarations as it will move while in D gear slowly.. Is this actions correct ?

300% agree with you Uncle. VW cars are great !!!

Is it correct if traffic is crawling at ~10kmh, I'll just keep one car distance with the car in front and lightly tap throttle to keep up and only press the brake when traffic stops? Is the clutch fully engaged at 10kmh and not slipping? Thanks

Hi uncle. I heard from someone to avoid damaging the dq200 dsg ( dry clutch ) when in a jam is to manually put the gear at Gear 1 and roll it when in jam. Instead of putting it in D and let it stall or roll with the jam. Is it?

Mr Khong, I just bought myself a proton x70, it's transmission happens to be a DCT wet clutch type. You mentioned in your narration that in the event of the car in a traffic jam, one mustn't inch the car along with the slow moving vehicles in front, and doing so would shorten the life of the clutches. However, there are times approaching traffic lights juction, I would be forced to slow down the car by light stepping the brake pedal over a distance until it comes to a complete stop. Would you also call this inching the car along? And will this be bad for the clutches? Any other way of doing this better?

dsg come with dry or wet clutch right? the dry clutch is the problematic one? is it resolve now?

Hello Mr. Khong. Great video. Just wondering if it's okay during start stop heavy traffic I changed to manual mode? Like I manually change to 1st gear when it moves a little then when it stops I manually change to Neutral.

Uncle for downshifting from gear 4 to gear 3 must I remove my foot from accelerator if I wanna accelerate to gain power....

For DSG gearbox it is highly not recommend to inch forward in traffic for long time to avoid staying in half clutch. For those who may concern what is the cost of changing clutch pack of DSG, VW Malaysia quoted about RM 4k while external workshop using genuine part cost nearly half RM 2k. Dual clutch machenism design will somehow damaging clutch but very little. DSG (best referring to wet type) was designed to last long or probably till we sold the car after 7 or 9 years time without need of changing clutch pad. What Uncle YS Khong sharing is to even prolong the life of dual clutch. Dual clutch got problem on clutch it can always change a new one in less cost but if automotic gearbox got problem it will cost even more and most likely replaced with used part.You can always check out with the gearbox repair specialist.

Uncle Khong, just asking out of curiosity. Would it be better if we use manual shift mode during traffic jam?

Sir, how do you cope up in a down hill with a dct transmission? Also when you mean decelerating to lift off and let car decelerate on its own? Or use breaks at all times when decelerating, got confused since there is always stress between brakes and clutch. Also in a traffic when you keep a distance and move is it okay to just roll over without stepping foot on acceleration? TIA for your guidance on this

DSG is only good for sports car since it has less transmission losses. However, the good old slushbox auto is catching up fast in terms of efficiency and shift speed . ZF's 8 speed auto gearbox model ZF8HP sold 3.5 million units in year 2017. For Honda , the reason why DSG works is because there is no need to slip the clutch in very slow traffic, it is mated to a hybrid powertrain. The electric motor creeps forward in slow traffic, bypassing the need to slip the clutch to avoid engine stalling. The same goes for Hyundai Ioniq. That is why their dry clutch system works. Auto transmissions are not rated based on horsepower, it is rated on max torque application. It is too much torque from the engine that kills weak transmission.

Hi uncle, does a 1.2 Tsi Polo DSG , dry clutch, is there oil that needs to be changed? If not, what kind of preventive maintenance can be done for the gear box? Thanks In advance for your knowledge and explanation on the video too

Hi uncle ys, thank you for sharing your knowledge. I have a question, how much hp and torque the 7speed dry clutch able to handle? Those people tuning for stage 2. Does it make the gearbox caput because higher hp and torque? Thank you for reading my question.

Just switched from automatic transmission Toyota to a DSG Tiguan 2021. Confused about DSG and inching forward in traffic jams. When i am stopped in traffic jams, my foot is on the brake. When the car in front if me moves, should i be A) Lifting off my foot fully from the brake, letting the car move forward by itself? And then braking again when i'm close to the car in front. Or B) Lifting off my foot fully from brake and then stepping lightly on the accelerator to move car forward, then braking when i'm close to the car in front. I'm used to driving style A having come from an AT toyota.

Is it better to put a dsg in neutral with handbrakes up while in a long waiting traffic light to prolong the life?

With DSG, would your recommend putting the gear in neutral when stationary? Or just leave it in gear like the automatic transmission. Thanks

Hi Mr Khong, I am a fan of your genting drive videos and back in around 2010 I drove my friend's Golf GTI for about a month and yes DSG is fantastic but after a few years the GTI gave him lots of problems from engine to gearbox. So till today I still advoid buying DCT cars. I agree with your video that the clutch works like a manual and we all know manual clutches will wear and need replacement so isnt it the same for DCT clutches? Wouldn't it need replacement? Clutch replacement for DCT is a more complex and expensive procedure. As mentioned in your video, the dry DSG have overheating prob on bigger or higher performance car so wet DSG is used. From what I understand, wet DSG have the issues of clutch dust/flakes from wear being circulated in the transmission oil and logically that is not a good thing. Let me know if I am wrong cos if DCT have solved these issues then I will gladly get a DCT car next!

Hi uncle I m fateh from India can u please tell me that here in Delhi(India) would the dsg-dq200 be successful in bumper to bumper traffic and in heat as I m going to purchase Volkswagen t roc 1.5 TSI please suggest

Hi Uncle Khong, what do you think of the Golf R mk7? I am considering to get a used unit but very concern on the reliability of a VW brand. I've used to owned a 2010 Polo 1.2 tsi and that car has given me lots of problem after driving it for about 3 months. If I am not mistaken the service advisor at that time mentioned its due to some mechatronic / gearbox issue which causes the car engine to shutdown once it goes above 40kmh. They had even did the necessary replacement and the problem still persist. Since then the car has been in and out of the workshop once every 2-3 months. Sold the car not too long after. I believe more and more customers are experiencing a similar / other issues to a point that there is a dedicated Facebook community to share their DSG defects haha.. Nevertheless, I would like to once again revisit this brand as I heard many good reviews on the Golf R. This is also the only performance car which fits my criteria and budget. Hope to hear some of your inputs. Thanks in advance!

Planing on getting the 1.2 tsi polo 2013 any feedback for this car? Worth buying?

hi sir , im planing to buy a volkswagen passat B7 1.8L tsi second-hand for ard 40k myr . Do you have any adivice and tips on checking the car and lookout for in testing the car .... Pls guide me...

Should i get an a4 2017? Any problems with the stronic trans?

Uncle YS I’m buying a used VW with DSG. How to check if the gbox still good? Any reliable workshop technician to recommend ?

uncle khong which dsg is the best in reliability and less problematic 6 or 7 or 8?

Changing fluid is the key to prolong the life.

Hi Uncle Kong, is a used V Touran still worth to own now? What about the rest of the used V model which is worth owning with a low maintenance. Please suggest a few used model for an every day driving. Scirocco?

How ab those DSG with coast function? Wouldn’t it keep the clutches engagement even busier? 😧

Hi mr khong..I owned a skoda superb 2009 (1.8 turbo),recently I encounter the AFT issue,when I on the engine,all the lights of P/R/N/D

What about long term reliability? I'm thinking of buying a Volkswagen transport with 4matic and DSG transmission it has 120.000 kilometers

This is year 4 im using dsg, still no problem, but mekatronik oil always change at 30k km. Only abs sensor replace few times 🤣🤣🤣

But my issue is when you're pulling out of a slope from parking mode. It doesn't give you auto hill descent or ascent control. As you move your foot from the brake to the accelerator, it creeps forward/backwards depending on the slope and that it very scary. So you have to continuously use auto brake switch.

Uncle mk7 gti 2013 ada gearbox issue ke? Is it reliable. Pernah bawak mk5 gti sedap tekan huhu

How about the cvt and zf transmission

I always went into neutral at the traffic light from a fear of someone hitting me from behind and damaging my transmission while in drive. Now I know not to do that

Can i engage my dsg to manual in traffic jams and use the gear shifters?

VW DSG (in the Tiguan MK2) is great for fast and sporty driving but not so good when crawling in a traffic jam. Can be rather jerky and unpleasant in such situations.

uncle saya nak tahu satu je, antara myvi dgn bezza mana yg sedap bawak?

does putting Neutral in traffic helps to prolong the clutch?

Hello uncle, could you please enable community translation for your videos (closed captions)? I would like to translate your video so I can show it to my dad, since he doesn't speak English that well. And I'm sure that I'm not the only one in this situation, and this way your knowledge could reach more people. Have a great day!

At traffic jam/light isit better to put AT gear on neutral?

Hi Sir, Plan to buy Tiguan, any advice?

Mr Khong is really a VW fans

Hard to be economical once you have tasted the shifting speed. Will get addicted on pressing the pedal. 😂