2006 VW Beetle TDI

[Sandie Edwards]

I have a 2006 VW Beetle TDI. While driving almost 50 the car felt like it suddenly went into neutral..the PRND lights started flashing on the dash. I pulled over and turned the car off..restarted and everything was fine. Drove the car home which was only a few miles, the yellow check engine light came on before getting home. Had the car scanned for codes and it came back with P0717 Input/Turbine speed sensor “A” circuit no signal. Didn’t want to take a chance driving again so trailered it to the mechanic. Should this be a simple fix or should I prepare myself for a really big..expensive issue?

 

[Tdijarhead]

You may need to get someone with a better scanner since that particular code does not show up in the Ross tech wiki.

Category:Fault Codes - Ross-Tech Wiki

wiki.ross-tech.com

 

[boertje]

I would check the fuses above the battery. A bad or burned connection can do weird things. Had that happen 2 times on my 2006 bug.
It may look like this.

uuid=93DF2306-DDE4-4887-87FA-DE9ABF6488AA&library=1&type=1&mode=1&loc=true&cap=true.jpeg

• boertje
• Oct 1, 2023

 

[Sandie Edwards]

I have a 2006 VW Beetle TDI. While driving almost 50 the car felt like it suddenly went into neutral..the PRND lights started flashing on the dash. I pulled over and turned the car off..restarted and everything was fine. Drove the car home which was only a few miles, the yellow check engine light came on before getting home. Had the car scanned for codes and it came back with P0717 Input/Turbine speed sensor “A” circuit no signal. Didn’t want to take a chance driving again so trailered it to the mechanic. Should this be a simple fix or should I prepare myself for a really big..expensive issue?

The mechanic still isn’t quite sure what’s wrong, he’s having to read up on a few things which can’t be good..he’s been doing this for 50 years. He thinks it’s something in the transmission and that really hurts my heart

 

[boertje]

Is your mechanic proficient with vw diesel?

 

[Sandie Edwards]

He’s the only person in my area that will work on my car. Mikes European Auto Services, Lafayette, LA. He’s worked on it a few times and always had the problem diagnosed in a couple hours and out quickly..that’s why I’m a little concerned.

 

[Sandie Edwards]

1/2021 he replaced the vacuum pump
10/2022 I had a coolant leak and he changed some washers and seals.
6/2023 I had an oil leak and he changed the valve cover gasket, vacuum pump gasket and fuel injection harness.

 

[Sandie Edwards]

So the mechanic says the issue with my car is something electrical with the transmission and he doesn’t mess with those issues. So I need someone in the Lafayette, Louisiana area that works on electrical transmission issues on a 2006 VW Beetle TDI

 

[oilhammer]

It probably needs a new M-unit, and it is most likely NLA from Volkswagen.

But he could certainly check. It is specific to JUST that car with JUST that engine, which was only sold here for JUST three years.

 

[Sandie Edwards]

It probably needs a new M-unit, and it is most likely NLA from Volkswagen.

But he could certainly check. It is specific to JUST that car with JUST that engine, which was only sold here for JUST three years.

I’m aware that I sound very stupid asking this..but..what is a M-unit? I just mentioned it to him and he said that he doesn’t mess with transmissions, that he doesn’t have the equipment to do it.

 

[oilhammer]

Mechatronics Unit, your DSG transmission's integrated control unit and valve body, which has all the sensors and everything.

Tools required to change one are nothing special, aside from a scan tool to reset the Adaptations once the new unit is installed (it needs to be taught how to shift). Otherwise, just nuts and bolts. I've done bunches of them. Hardest part of that whole job is getting the headlamps out. If you can replace a headlight bulb in that car, then you've literally been able to do the most difficult part. Front of the car comes off (easy), then a couple wires and such to clear out of the way, pull the front cover off, and the M-unit is right there. Just a bunch of screws and an electrical connector. Easy peasy.

Sounds to me like you just need a real mechanic. But... as I said, that part may very well be NLA from Volkswagen. Call a dealer and give them your VIN and ask for price/availability of a Mechatronics Unit (they'll know what you mean).

 

[ts888]

I did a Mechatronic in an early Eos ('06, '07?) about 3 years ago. Maybe not the same exact part but was available fairly recently.

 

[Sandie Edwards]

Mechatronics Unit, your DSG transmission's integrated control unit and valve body, which has all the sensors and everything.

Tools required to change one are nothing special, aside from a scan tool to reset the Adaptations once the new unit is installed (it needs to be taught how to shift). Otherwise, just nuts and bolts. I've done bunches of them. Hardest part of that whole job is getting the headlamps out. If you can replace a headlight bulb in that car, then you've literally been able to do the most difficult part. Front of the car comes off (easy), then a couple wires and such to clear out of the way, pull the front cover off, and the M-unit is right there. Just a bunch of screws and an electrical connector. Easy peasy.

Sounds to me like you just need a real mechanic. But... as I said, that part may very well be NLA from Volkswagen. Call a dealer and give them your VIN and ask for price/availability of a Mechatronics Unit (they'll know what you mean).

I’m a pro at the headlights now..I have small hands so I can actually squeeze my arm to push the lever to get the lights out.

I have always loved beetles..this is my 2nd and my dad loved when I got it..he helped me fix little things on it..he recently passed away but the memories have given a serious attachment to the vehicle..I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it.

Thanks for the info..I’m waiting on a call back from the dealership..

 

[Sandie Edwards]

I’m a pro at the headlights now..I have small hands so I can actually squeeze my arm to push the lever to get the lights out.

I have always loved beetles..this is my 2nd and my dad loved when I got it..he helped me fix little things on it..he recently passed away but the memories have given a serious attachment to the vehicle..I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it.

Thanks for the info..I’m waiting on a call back from the dealership..

Spoke with the dealership. He said the part is back ordered. They don’t have them in stock “anywhere”. That he can order it but he can’t guarantee that it will ever come in, $1644 paid to order, non refundable

 

[boertje]

Spoke with the dealership. He said the part is back ordered. They don’t have them in stock “anywhere”. That he can order it but he can’t guarantee that it will ever come in, $1644 paid to order, non refundable

Yeah, that sounds about right. I had that with axles for that car. After nine months of hunting i managed to find a set of new old stock. Wasn’t cheap.

 

[Sandie Edwards]

What are y’all thoughts on using parts that are not from VW? I have found a couple things online that shows they have the M-Unit in stock and says it would fit my vehicle.

ECS Tuning

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-volkswagen-audi-parts/mechatron/02e325025atz6y/

 

[oilhammer]

ECS does not have that part. They just get it from their local dealer. Call them and ask, because I'd wager they do not have that just sitting on the shelf.

 

[Matt-98AHU]

What are y’all thoughts on using parts that are not from VW? I have found a couple things online that shows they have the M-Unit in stock and says it would fit my vehicle.

ECS Tuning

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-volkswagen-audi-parts/mechatron/02e325025atz6y/

That's not the right part number for your 2006. That part number is for 2013 and later Beetles with the 2.0 TDI, and there are multiple variations for diesels in that model range. The last 3 digits are a "color code" that denote what specific software the mechatronics unit has, and there are a massive amount of variations.

2004-6 Beetles require 02E325025AD base part number, and there are two different "color code" options to match what specific transmission code your car has.

If you have the HQP code transmission, you get the Z2E color code on the end of the 02E325025AD part number.

If you have the HXV code DSG, you get the Z42 color code added to the end of 02E325025AD

Interestingly, looking at VW's system right now for those two part numbers, they say "quality inspection" meaning whatever small quantity of these mechatronic units they have left will get held up with VW having to do some individual inspection on. It can take weeks for them to release such a part.

Some of the Mk5 BRM Jetta mechatronics units are flat out unavailable from VW at this point (Part number ending with 025TZ5W)... Kind of surprising that the extra odd BEW Beetle might still have availability.

 

[oilhammer]

I've had both BRM versions be NLA, and I got (at the time) the very last of one of the BRM 02E transmissions available because I could not get an M-unit, and the owner wanted to go that route instead of messing with used.

What I heard from a trusted source is that Volkswagen is purging all their European parts warehouses now, too, so stuff that was listed as NLA here, and wasn't able to be red ordered from Germany/Europe (for reasons unknown to me) are now available to do so. But what that means specifically, I have no idea, other than they are SO butthurt now over Dieselgate and have gone so balls deep on EVs that they want to remove any signs they ever made anything with an internal combustion engine, let alone one that had no spark plugs. It's really sad.

I just red ordered a CV heat shield for a BEW car, we'll see if I get it. None in this country. They may be able to red order an M-unit, who knows.

 

[Sandie Edwards]

The dealership said the part is back ordered with no date for availability. I still haven’t found anyone to change the part if I found it. I drove it home from the mechanic shop, he cleared the check engine light. I live about 10 miles away and the car drove great with no issues. But I’m scared to drive it and mess up something else. It sucks that VW just stopped making parts for cars that are still somewhat popular.

 

[oilhammer]

It does suck. I'm with you on that.

The aftermarket does have seals and gaskets for the 02E, as well as solenoids, but the actual sensors themselves are made into the plastic housing that holds the control unit itself. That's why repairing the M-unit (vs. replacing) can be a gamble. Because there is no good way to know if the issue was just a bit of dirt or a leaking internal seal, or something like a broken magnet in that sensor.

Unfortunately, the 'Trusted TDI Mechanics' list shows nobody in Louisiana. You may have to look in some surrounding areas (hopefully someone will chime in here).

You may also just call around and ask some folks. The 02E DSG is not limited to JUST that car (although as I said, that version is). Lots of Volkswagens and Audis used that type of transmission in lots of models for many years. If you shipped it up here, I'd be happy to do it... but again, without the new part it may be impossible to insure a good fix.

 

[boertje]

As a last resort perhaps, making it a manual transmission car is a possibility.

 

[Sandie Edwards]

It does suck. I'm with you on that.

The aftermarket does have seals and gaskets for the 02E, as well as solenoids, but the actual sensors themselves are made into the plastic housing that holds the control unit itself. That's why repairing the M-unit (vs. replacing) can be a gamble. Because there is no good way to know if the issue was just a bit of dirt or a leaking internal seal, or something like a broken magnet in that sensor.

Unfortunately, the 'Trusted TDI Mechanics' list shows nobody in Louisiana. You may have to look in some surrounding areas (hopefully someone will chime in here).

You may also just call around and ask some folks. The 02E DSG is not limited to JUST that car (although as I said, that version is). Lots of Volkswagens and Audis used that type of transmission in lots of models for many years. If you shipped it up here, I'd be happy to do it... but again, without the new part it may be impossible to insure a good fix.

I immediately went look at your profile to see your location..St Louis..a little far

 

[Sandie Edwards]

As a last resort perhaps, making it a manual transmission car is a possibility.

I’m sure no one in my area would be interested in doing that..I didn’t know that was a option..I’m guessing that requires a new transmission?

 

[boertje]

I was actually having that discussion with @Matt-98AHU this morning for the 2006 auto beetle. I’ve done a number of new beetle swaps just not ones with the bew engine. Yes, requires a new to the car (used) transmission, starter, axles, clutch pedal, shifter and so on. There is a howto in my sig if you wanted to see whats involved.

 

[Matt-98AHU]

I’m sure no one in my area would be interested in doing that..I didn’t know that was a option..I’m guessing that requires a new transmission?

Correct, swapping the transmission for a manual one, means also different clutch and flywheel, shift linkage gets swapped, axles get swapped, starter is also different, there is a clutch pedal to add and clutch hydraulics as well, plus wiring.

If you're familiar with VWs, not a bad job, but it is a lot of steps.

 

[oilhammer]

But if the car is nice, it's worth it. It'll be faster and use less fuel, too (albeit the change from DSG to manual is probably not as drastic as the change from a conventional slushbox automatic to manual).

 

[boertje]

So if one were to swap a manual into this automatic, go 5 or 6 speed? I have a wrecked jetta bew 5 speed in the yard (tree fell on the back of the car) that runs great so i have a complete swap.

 

[oilhammer]

I would not mess with a 6sp.

 

[Sandie Edwards]

The car is in great condition..the interior has no tears or cracks..never been wrecked..one lady owned it before me..I have receipts for every oil change..and everything that was serviced on the vehicle..they changed the turbo..it has 153,000 miles on it. I have always loved beetles..this is my 2nd one..this is the last vehicle that my dad helped with me, so I have strange emotional attachment to it..my 8 year old daughter wants it to her hers in 8 years..