What did you do to your car today?

[IndigoBlueWagon]

Honestly, I drive a car more smoothly than that transmission does. When driving around town I keep the revs between 2-3K. The engine runs smoother, there's less turbo lag if you want to accelerate, and you don't ever catch the engine lugging. The DSG immediately tries to get in the highest gear possible, resulting in it running at 1100-1200 RPM at 40-45 MPH, the typical suburban speed here. The engine doesn't like it, the car can't accelerate, and when you press the pedal enough to get it to downshift you get more acceleration than you need. Not smooth, probably not that efficient.

The new Golf will be much, much nicer (at least for me) with a manual.

 

[gallaj01]

Finally cleaned the oil cooler and replaced gaskets on my 01 jetta at 256k mi. a slight amount of oil had collected on the oil cooler over the last couple years.

 

[nkgagne]

Honestly, I drive a car more smoothly than that transmission does. When driving around town I keep the revs between 2-3K. The engine runs smoother, there's less turbo lag if you want to accelerate, and you don't ever catch the engine lugging. The DSG immediately tries to get in the highest gear possible, resulting in it running at 1100-1200 RPM at 40-45 MPH, the typical suburban speed here. The engine doesn't like it, the car can't accelerate, and when you press the pedal enough to get it to downshift you get more acceleration than you need. Not smooth, probably not that efficient.

The new Golf will be much, much nicer (at least for me) with a manual.

I think a solution to this would be paddle-shifters, Peter. (VW's DSG has the +/- in the incorrect direction. Stuttgart, please study BMW and Mazda tiptronic shifters for the correct way. Otherwise the lever would suffice...)

From the economical lugging in D, two quick clicks on the left (-) paddle and you've got the power required for a burst without the lag-then-lurch effect, provided VW has the rev-matching sorted. In fact, with paddles, just leave it in manual all the time. Then you can still keep it at the desired RPM and also enjoy the seamless shifting.

Don't get me wrong! I'm a big fan of manuals too, and a double-clutch heel-toe downshift is mighty satisfying to pull off (three in quick succession are even better! "Where's my crash helmet?") but my next car might still be missing a pedal.

My wife drives a manual perfectly well (minus the heel-toe, but that's just being fancy), but the novelty's worn off, and she has decided that she simply hates doing it. So much so that if she's on a solo road trip, she takes her gasser instead of my diesel, which defeats part of the original purpose of buying the diesel (the longer daily commute, and all road trips, were to happen in the diesel, regardless of who drove). A DSG could strike an ideal compromise where I could still control shifting and she could set it and forget it. As well, our 4lb half chihuahua likes to lean on the door card to try and look out the window, and he loses his balance and falls forward every time I lift in order to shift. Seamless shifting should minimize this effect, hilarious though it is for us to watch...

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

The Golf I had did include paddle shifters. And I've driven a bunch of tiptronic transmissions with "manual" mode. If I have to shift the transmission myself to get it to work properly, what's the point of having an automatic?

Since my post I've driven the car some more and also talked with cevans about it, who drove it quite a bit. We agree that the DSG is a better transmission than the programming in the new Golf allows it to be. The shift points seem to be wrong: it gets out of first much too soon, goes to 6th too soon, isn't eager enough to downshift. Sport mode goes too far in the other direction, causing the transmission to hold lower gears more than you want on the street. We both recall that the DSG in the '12 Passat loaner we had was much better.

 

[MikeS_18]

In thinking about this, if they programmed the DSG to shift similar to when the manuals indicate to you on the display when to shift, I would hate it. Our passat seems to recommend I am already in 6th gear when I hit 40mph.

 

[WindsorFox]

Actually I liked the hard shifting, at least for a GTI.

 

[That Guy]

Replaced the whole wiring harness on the driver's side part of the hatch. Wires have been fraying and shorting for a few years inside that rubber flex tube between the hatch and the car. Was tired of splicing in new stuff every year.

I think the insulation on the wires was just old and couldn't handle the flexing, and my splices didn't like it either. I had previously assumed that rubbing on the metal hole in the frame was the problem, but I don't think that is the case now that I've removed the old harness.
Oddly the passenger side still seems okay, but there are far less wires running through there.

I was hoping this would fix the low voltage issues I've been having. But no luck. I noticed it was still not right when I got in after the fix. I tried playing with the windows, locks, and lights and within a minute I had it almost dying. The dash starts to make a buzzing clicking noise when it's really bad and the clock and trip meter reset. (car still stared fine though)
I had the battery on a charger all night before that, and the battery was changed only a few months ago. Oddly the charger indicated a weak battery.

After that I checked the connections in the fuses in the cab, and over the battery. (did the grounds multiple times before to try to fix this over the last few years) And I checked the connections in the doors. Didn't find any issues, but the problem went away, and the battery charger now shows the battery as fine.
I hate electrical issues...especially intermittent ones.


Side note: Shipping UPS air (US to Canada) costs more up front, but apparently the brokerage fee is only $10. Ground costs less up front, but they nail you on the Brokerage fee.
I shipped the harness and stuff via ground. A $188 package cost me $58 for the brokerage fee, plus whatever the original S&H was. Total rip off. This time I asked the UPS guy to take it back to the warehouse...he let me keep the invoice he had. I then phoned the UPS guys and told them I would clear the package myself...they were okay with that and gave me the info I needed. I went to the local CBSA (Canadian Border and Security Agency) and paid the $0.62 duty and the $10 tax myself. They gave me a form to bring to the UPS warehouse where I picked up my package.

Just FYI for you Canadian guys.

 

[That Guy]

Oh...and I had the tensioner replaced on the GTI's timing chain.
It was making an odd rattling chain noise the first second after starting it sometimes.

Seems that the TSI engines before 2013 have a crappy tensioner. It relies on oil pressure, but has a device to keep tension on the chain after the car is turned off. This device fails sometimes, so when you first start the vehicle the chain could slip....if it slips enough your pistons will start hitting valves, and bye bye engine. (about $7K CAD for a new engine. And if you are out of warranty VW won't cover it. Although they do have a TB for it since 2008 I think.)

I had the dealer do the work, and good thing I did. After putting on the new (and improved) tensioner the chain slipped a link. (computer throws a code, which is good)
Then on their own dime, they replaced all the timing parts minus the belt itself at least two more times with new parts each time. Took them 2 weeks. Each time the chain would slip a link.
Finally VW suggested changing the CAM sprocket, and it worked. (not sure why that would be....this car is not driven hard, most of the time.)

I know...not a TDI related story, but thought it was worth mentioning.

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

In thinking about this, if they programmed the DSG to shift similar to when the manuals indicate to you on the display when to shift, I would hate it. Our passat seems to recommend I am already in 6th gear when I hit 40mph.

Which is what it does. So when you're running at 45 MPH you're in 6th at 1100 RPM. Good news is it downshifts fast, but until it does it feels like you're lugging the engine. It's the 1-2 shift that drove me nuts. Hesitate, small amount of acceleration, shift, lugging engine, and then finally it moves. Awful.

I've trained myself to totally ignore the upshift light in the Golf. I usually keep TDIs between 2-3K in most driving, and don't let them fall much below 1500 RPM even when cruising along in 5th or 6th. The engine seems much happier, response is quicker, and I can't see that I'm taking much of an FE hit. Sport mode kind of does that with the DSG, but it tends to hang on to lower gears at 2500 RPM plus a lot, which I think would cost FE.

 

[nkgagne]

The Golf I had did include paddle shifters. And I've driven a bunch of tiptronic transmissions with "manual" mode. If I have to shift the transmission myself to get it to work properly, what's the point of having an automatic?

The point is, it should shift much quicker and more precisely than a a human could shift a synchronized manual box. D is just a safe mode for spouses and valet parking

As well, with a bit of Mark Malone's help, the excessive lolly-gagging should be easily solved.

 

[WindsorFox]

I believe I am as good or better than a DSG.

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

I believe I am as good or better than a DSG.

Most data would indicate otherwise. I know that, for example, the Porsche Cayman with a DSG accelerates faster than the manual with an experienced race driver at the controls.

And regarding the DSG, the only person I need an automatic for these days is my daughter when she visits from CA. But she's expressed a willingness to drive a manual. And the only time I give my car to a parking attendant is in NYC, and every one I've encountered there can drive a manual with no problems.

I agree that a reprogramming (if available for the 2015s) would make a difference. And I'm also betting VW will sort this one out on their own. Still, I'm not a customer for it.

 

[nkgagne]

Most data would indicate otherwise. I know that, for example, the Porsche Cayman with a DSG accelerates faster than the manual with an experienced race driver at the controls.

And regarding the DSG, the only person I need an automatic for these days is my daughter when she visits from CA. But she's expressed a willingness to drive a manual. And the only time I give my car to a parking attendant is in NYC, and every one I've encountered there can drive a manual with no problems.

I agree that a reprogramming (if available for the 2015s) would make a difference. And I'm also betting VW will sort this one out on their own. Still, I'm not a customer for it.

I'm really on the fence here. Subjectively, I'll shout "Save the manuals!" from the rooftops all year long; objectively I have to accept that a DSG really is faster and may make more sense for me. And synchronizers are just plain slow.

It's moot anyway, as I already have a manual and - God willing - I'll still be able to keep it for some time (hoping to replace it no earlier than 2018 or so). But when this car gets in the way of a texting idiot/falling tree or it becomes too heavily rusted, or my life just can't fit inside of it any longer, I can't say with certainty that its replacement will have an H-pattern box.

An alternative I wish manufacturers would offer is a dog-engagement manual box. Think about it: dipping the clutch would only be required to stop and take off. Just lift briefly with pressure on the lever to shift up, and blip to shift down. No fancy mechatronics, no tuner programming, just fast easy shifts with your left foot firmly on the dead pedal.

The issues would be finding a way to make the dogs last 300K mi, damping the clunks, and making the lack of synchronization somehow obvious in the cockpit for drivers, so they know not to just single-clutch and crash the dogs. [/pipedream]

 

[romad]

Most data would indicate otherwise. I know that, for example, the Porsche Cayman with a DSG accelerates faster than the manual with an experienced race driver at the controls.

Unless it is The Stig!

 

[Thomas83]

Unless it is The Stig!

+1


Sent from my iPhone.

 

[Paulinski]

Sounds like DSG will benefit from Malone Reflash

I love mine

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

Sounds like DSG will benefit from Malone Reflash

Yes, but shouldn't it work acceptably out of the box? I am a big fan of re-flashes for performance improvements, but a stock car should not have significant driveability issues as delivered. This one does, IMO.

 

[romad]

Yes, but shouldn't it work acceptably out of the box? I am a big fan of re-flashes for performance improvements, but a stock car should not have significant driveability issues as delivered. This one does, IMO.

But WHO'S "acceptability": VW's engineers and the general buying public, or aficionados like those here? Sounds like VW determined that "it is good enough" for the general buyer.

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

Perhaps. I think it was pretty annoying. And I haven't even mentioned the stumbling on tip in that's typical of DSGs. Doesn't matter, as you're probably right, most folks would live with it.

 

[TDI_G]

Just ordered a VNT17 for my Golf from Andrew Rodriguez @ fixmyvw.com. I'm driving out to his shop in about an hour to go pick it up and hope to get it installed tonight. Andrew has great customer service and is a great guy to deal with, I highly recommend him.

 

[MikeS_18]

Perhaps. I think it was pretty annoying. And I haven't even mentioned the stumbling on tip in that's typical of DSGs. Doesn't matter, as you're probably right, most folks would live with it.

IBW seems to be getting cranky. You been hanging out with Brussels?

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

Sorry. That transmission pissed me off. I had high hopes for it working well. As I said to someone yesterday: VW has never been known for its automatic transmissions. Guess it's still true. I actually like driving the M-B around town: the automatic makes it easy. But that one works as I think it should.

 

[TDI_G]

Got the VNT17 installed last night and everything went as smooth as can be. I am running it with a Malone Stage 3 tune until I get my Stage 4 tune update and 3 Bar MAP sensor adapter that should be delivered in the mail today. Very happy with the service I got from Andrew Rodriguez. The guy is top notch (and he is local to me which means if I am desperate I can drive an hour to his shop or he can get in the mail and it is delivered to my door next day simply using USPS priority mail). Very happy with everything so far.

 

[TDI_G]

Got the 3 bar MAP sensor installed and loaded the stage 4 tune. All I can say is WOW! The jump from stage 3 to stage 4 is huge. I ending up pulling the intercooler to get the MAP sensor off. Of course, one of the screws snapped so I got out my heat gun and warmed up the plastic then grabbed what was left of the broken screw with vice grips and it backed right out. Anyways, I took it for a spin and did a log of group 011. I think it is quite impressive. There is no boost lag whatsoever. I'm a very happy camper.

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

Filled the Mercedes this morning. I've been driving it more lately, at least I thought I was: when I put the numbers into Fuelly I noticed my last fill was on April 30. 34.7 MPG this time. Not bad for an old boat.

 

[WindsorFox]

Most data would indicate otherwise. I know that, for example, the Porsche Cayman with a DSG accelerates faster than the manual with an experienced race driver at the controls.

And regarding the DSG, the only person I need an automatic for these days is my daughter when she visits from CA. But she's expressed a willingness to drive a manual. And the only time I give my car to a parking attendant is in NYC, and every one I've encountered there can drive a manual with no problems.

I agree that a reprogramming (if available for the 2015s) would make a difference. And I'm also betting VW will sort this one out on their own. Still, I'm not a customer for it.

But, I've never participated. I am not a PRO-fessional, but I'm good. REALLY good. Better than any other auto trans I've ever crossed. Never been beaten by a pro or an auto....

 

[TDI_G]

Drove my car from Atlanta to NE Ohio on one tank of diesel yesterday. I just installed a VNT17 and stage 4 tune and still got 51 mpg.

 

[dremd]

I spent a little time driving the 14' JSW DSG.
SO FAR I really like the DSG (and the rest of the car).
That said, I'm historically an early shifter.
But still had it been my choice I would have gotten the manual for sure.

On the swapped 03
Swapped out the noisy rears for some LRR continentals and re-sprayed the long beaches.
Re-fueled it, 47.14 actual, 47.2 on the FIS. I'm very happy with those #'s, epically the 2 matching. I've been having fills in the low 40's, but I've been towing a fair amount.

 

[nkgagne]

But, I've never participated. I am not a PRO-fessional, but I'm good. REALLY good. QUOTE]


...but it's physically impossible shift a synchro box as fast. The DSG already has the next gear pre-engaged, and just transfers power from the odd to the even clutch or vice-versa, which takes hundredths of a second. Even if you only took 0.28 seconds to shift up (which is pretty fast), the DSG has 0.20 seconds on you, plus extra momentum conserved, each change. Do that 20 times on a racetrack and the synchro box will lose a LOT of ground. A dog-engagement box, while still not as fast, could be closer...

In any event, there is another thread on this very topic, so I vote we return to "What did you do to your car today?"

 

[diesel4ever]

Installed Koni FSD shocks and Eibach springs. I really like the ride and control.
Very close to a stock GTI feel, which, in my opinion, is the best compromise out there.