Keep Your DSG Shifting Smoothly

DSG Transmission Service is Key to Your Audi Maintenance

Your Audi is a sophisticated piece of machinery that needs regular maintenance to keep it performing at its peak. Consider the upkeep of the intricate parts of your car, such as the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) – which is an electronically controlled gearbox with the option of full automatic or semi-manual control. If you keep your Audi on its maintenance plan, you can continue to put your car into drive and let it shift its own gears, without the concern of a clutch.

How does the DSG work?
A traditional automatic gearbox has a torque converter (two propellers facing one another in a sealed chamber of fluid) that connects the engine to the gearbox. The turning force of the torque pushes the car forward.

A DSG auto differs in that the torque converter’s fluid connection is replaced with a pair of computer-controlled clutches (an inner and an outer clutch). The time spent in neutral between changing gears is minimized (close to elimination) by the pair of clutches timing their engagement and disengagement of the gear.

Through the dual-clutch system, DSG gearboxes have the advantage of minimizing the negative effect on performance and fuel economy that traditional automatic gearboxes. The current seven-speed (and upcoming 10-speed) unit allows for the car to rev lower when cruising which results in less fuel consumption.

Maintenance
Like all car parts, DSGs need to be properly looked after to make sure that they continue running effectively and, in this case, the transmissions are kept smooth. The DSG transmission needs regular oil changes as the two-clutch system has very intricate engineering tolerances. If the oil is not changed, dirty oil can overheat the gearbox and cause the clutches to burn out; resulting in poor gear selection, loss of power and transmission failure.

When a DSG is serviced, it is check for leaks, drained and the oil filter is replaced before filling it with new, clean oil. The gears and twin clutches need to be lubricated by fluid (having a positive effect on smoother shifting).

Ideally, the oil needs to be changed every 40 000 miles. By sticking to this timeline, you will save on gearbox repairs, improve your car’s performance, and keep your warranty valid for any gearbox-related repairs.

The DSG fluid, kept used on your vehicle, must meet the spec required by your vehicle.

• The filter is replaced – slowly as to keep it clean, and the seal is replaced. The filter housing and threads are also cleaned using a little bit of fluid.
• The drain plug (or plugs), located by the transmission, is opened to drain the fluid. Once all the fluid is drained, the transmission is refilled with new clean fluid (around 5 liters) using a gravity filling tool that is placed in the drain plug hole.
• The drain plug is then replaced as quickly as possible without spilling too much fluid.

The DSG transmission is an impressive piece of machinery with quick-shifting gears, and regular maintenance is crucial to keep your vehicle running smoothly.