The smell of DSG Fluid: How to get rid of it?

InfoSec Guy

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 17, 2015
Location
Columbia MD
TDI
2013 Passat TDI SEL
So I did my 40K DSG service this past weekend, and I had no idea the stuff would smell so rancid! My wife claims that it smells like hot cat urine, and I can't think of a more accurate comparison.

So I think I spilled a little of this stuff on the top of the engine when I was changing the filter. You can't smell it when we're at speed, but all I have to do is come to a stop and you get a whiff of it. The longer the light, the more it builds!

So, how can I get rid of this odor? Am I stuck with it? is there a safe cleanser that can safely be used on the engine?

Or have I finally found a reason to turn it in and take the cash?
 

jjblbi

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 27, 2000
Location
lbi, nj
TDI
2014 Passat SEL TDI
I have successfully used Simple Green under the hood and after every fuel filter change.
 

oilhammer

Certified Volkswagen Nut & Vendor
Joined
Dec 11, 2001
Location
outside St Louis, MO
TDI
There are just too many to list....
No idea what you did, but I do not think the smell is that bad, and there should be nothing that *keeps* smelling unless you did not install something correctly.

How much did you spill????

Maybe I am just immune to it, LOL, but I think there are a lot of worse smelling automotive fluids. But GM did sell a grape scented gear oil. Seriously. They did. And it smelled like grapes. And gear oil. :p

We always joked it was because they could not make an axle in the GMT800 trucks that didn't leak, so it may as well be pleasant for anyone around the truck. :D
 

cevans

TDIClub Enthusiast, TDI Parts Ninja Vendor , w/Bus
Joined
Sep 24, 2002
Location
Hingham, MA
TDI
2015 Beetle Conv. TDI 6-Speed & 2006 E320 CDI
It does smell bad...

I can ALWAYS tell when I have DSG fluid in my waste oil container as the whole garage smells like it! You get "used to it" but, it does smell bad.

If the fluid was spilled in the engine bay the smell will dissipate over time, and will be helped by highway driving in the rain. :)
 

meerschm

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Apr 18, 2009
Location
Fairfax county VA
TDI
2009 Jetta wagon DSG 08/08 205k buyback 1/8/18; replaced with 2017 Golf Wagon 4mo 1.8l CXBB
The OEM fluid does not smell. (to me)

some alternatives are reported to do so.

what brand of fluid did you use?
 

Rico567

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jun 13, 2003
Location
Central IL
TDI
2013 Passat TDI SEL Premium (Turned in 7/7/18)
When I DIY'd the 40K, I used 5L of the fluid I got from the VW dealer. I made no particular effort to clean up, because I don't think I spilled any, but I've never smelled anything, either....
 
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