DSG - what is it? Features and problems of the DSG transmission

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Now cars are supplied with different types of boxes. The times when only “mechanics” were installed on cars are long gone. Now more than half of modern cars are equipped with other types of gearboxes. Even domestic manufacturers began to slowly switch to automatic transmission. Concern "Audi-Volkswagen" almost 10 years ago introduced a new transmission - DSG. What is this box? What is her device? Are there any problems during operation? All this and more - further in our article.

DSG Feature

What is this box? DSG is a direct shift transmission.

It is equipped with an automatic gearshift drive. One of the features of the DSG "mechatronic" is the presence of two clutches.

Design

This transmission is connected to the motor through two coaxially arranged clutch discs. One is responsible for even gears, and the second for odd and reverse speeds. Thanks to thisdevice, the car drives more measuredly. The box carries out smooth switching of steps. How does a DSG machine work? Let's take an example. The car is in first gear. When its gears rotate and transmit torque, the second gear is already engaged. She turns around empty. When the car shifts to the next stage, the electronic control unit is activated. At this time, the hydraulic drive of the transmission releases the first clutch disc and finally closes the second one. Torque is smoothly transferred from one gear to another. And so on until the sixth or seventh gear. When the car picks up a high enough speed, the box will switch to the last stage.

In this case, the gears of the penultimate, that is, the sixth or fifth gear, will be in "idle" gearing. When the speed decreases, the clutch discs of the robotic box will turn off the last stage and come into contact with the penultimate gear. Thus, the engine is in constant contact with the box. At the same time, the “mechanics”, by pressing the pedal, retracts the clutch disc, and the transmission no longer contacts the engine. Here, in the presence of two discs, the transmission of torque is carried out smoothly and without a break in power.

Benefits

Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, a robotic DSG automatic transmission requires less load, thereby reducing fuel consumption. Also, unlike a simple automatic transmission, the time between gear changes is reduced. All thanks to the presence of two clutches. In addition, the driver can independently switch to the mode"tiptronic" and mechanically control the gear change. The function of the clutch pedal will be performed by electronics. Now ECT is being installed on Skoda, Audi and Volkswagen cars, which not only controls gear shifting, but also controls the throttle opening. Thus, when driving, it feels like you are driving in one gear. Also, the electronics reads a lot of other data, including the engine temperature. The manufacturer claims that the use of the ECT system can increase the life of the robotic gearbox and engine by 20 percent.

Another plus is the ability to select the transmission mode. There are three of them: winter, economical and sports. As for the latter, the electronics changes the moment of gear shifting to a later one. This increases the engine torque. But fuel consumption also increases.

Transmission problems and malfunctions

Because the robotic DSG gearbox is a complex electromechanical device, it is prone to various breakdowns. Let's take a look at them. So, the very first problem is the clutch. Here it is worth noting the wear of the basket and the driven disk, as well as the increased load on the release bearing. A symptom of a malfunction of these mechanisms is slipping of the clutch. As a result, torque is lost and the acceleration dynamics of the car worsens.

The emergency mode of the DSG box occurs. What does it mean? A light appears on the instrument panel, the car startstwitch and start badly from a place.

Acutators

DSG problems apply to actuators as well. This is an electromechanical gearshift and clutch drive. With frequent use and high mileage, the so-called “brushes” wear out. An open circuit of the electric motor is not ruled out. A sign of a malfunction of the actuators is a sharp start and “twitching” of the car. Also, this symptom occurs when the clutch settings are incorrect. Therefore, it is necessary to make computer diagnostics. Each brand of car has its own fault codes.

About 7-speed DSG

What kind of box is this, we already know. There are no fundamental differences in the work of six- and seven-speed "robots".

But statistics say that it is these boxes that are most prone to breakage. If we consider the seven-speed “robot” separately, it is worth noting the problem of the mechatronic control unit and the dry-type clutch. The latter is subject to heavy wear, especially when shifting up or down a gear. As a result, it wears out and the box goes into "emergency mode". There are slippage, problems when starting from a place and switching speeds. The Volkswagen manufacturer itself gives a warranty period of 5 years. During this time, more than half of the cars with such a box require clutch replacement. That's the problem with this transmission. Therefore, if the car is more than five years old, all responsibility falls entirely on the shoulders of the car owner. And he will change all the nodes in this box for his own money.

Mechatronics

Problemsexist not only with a mechanical, but also with an electrical part, namely a control unit. This element is installed in the transmission itself. Since it is constantly subjected to stress, the temperature inside the node increases.

Because of this, the contacts of the unit burn out, the serviceability of valves and sensors is violated. There is also a blockage of the channels of the hydraulic unit. The sensors themselves literally magnetize the wear products of the box - small metal chips. As a result, the operation of the electro-hydraulic control unit is disrupted. The car begins to slip, does not drive well, up to a complete stop and the cessation of the units. Also of note is the issue of clutch fork wear. As a result, the box cannot turn on one of the gears. There is a hum when moving. This is due to wear on the rolling bearing. This gearbox is installed on cars of different segments. But even on expensive machines, these malfunctions are not ruled out, although its nodes are designed for a larger resource and load.

How to extend the service life?

Due to frequent calls to dealerships, the concern itself began to advise car owners on how to extend the life of the box.

In order for the transmission elements to be subjected to less stress, when stopping for more than five seconds, the manufacturer recommends moving the gear selector to the neutral position.

Conclusion

So, we found out what a robotic box is. As you can see, despite many advantages, it hasmany problems. Therefore, it is reasonable to drive such cars only if it is under warranty. To purchase such cars in the secondary market, if they are more than 5 years old, motorists do not advise. The reliability of these boxes is a big question.