GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: Nevets on 19 June 2007, 16:18
-
Hi Guys
I have a Golf GTI MK5 DSG and would very much like some advice from you guys.
I purchased this car; from new, in Sept 06 and after 3 months the car arrived. It was worth the wait I can tell you. However, after 5 months and just 3400 miles on clock I started to get a clunking feeling when changing gear from first to second and second to third. It was more noticeable from cold but not unusual to get it when hot. The noise/vibration was at time quite fierce.
My retailer replaced the gearbox (DSG) but I am still getting clunking and vibration, not so bad as the first gearbox, I have to say, but nevertheless it still clunks/vibrates when changing gear.
As with the first gearbox this only happened when using the paddle-shift on the steering wheel (manual mode) and sometimes it is that bad you can feel it when seated in the back seat. If I have the windows open I can hear a loud clunking from underneath the car when I change from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. Most of the time, however, you only feel it change gear through the steering wheel and foot-well/accelerator pedal.
The retailer says they have not experienced this and can’t find anything wrong, although they have felt a vibration whilst sat in the back seat.
Have any of you good people experienced this and what do you think?
Steve
-
I haven't heard of such a fault, but if your VW dealer can't solve it, you might ask VW UK to investigate further - 0800 711 811.
-
I have and they say it is down to the retailer.
They (retailer) had mentioned a "car change" but now that has changed.
I have been in discussions with both the retailer and Customer Care Centre but as it is they feel there is little they can do.
-
It could be time to start writing polite but firm letters. Go and get some free advice from Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) regards your consumer rights. Make it clear to VW that you aren't satisfied and you aren't going away until the matter is properly resolved.
-
Hi Steve, get the same with my DSG in paddle mode, its intermittant, sometimes a real clunk, almost like metal to metal contact somewhere under the car, does not matter if light throttle or not, even tried feathering the throttle at change point, makes no difference, then the next change can be smooth and perfect. Never happens in 'auto mode', just accepted that thats the way it was rather than complaining about it, but maybe I'll go down the stealers and have a b!tch. Had the 24K6 upgrade a few weeks ago, stopped another DSG issue, but this has always been there.
-
Had the 24K6 upgrade a few weeks ago, stopped another DSG issue, but this has always been there.
....What issue was that, please?
-
Hi Red Robin, see topic 'Golf recall', my post was 2nd June rgds
-
It could be time to start writing polite but firm letters. Go and get some free advice from Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) regards your consumer rights. Make it clear to VW that you aren't satisfied and you aren't going away until the matter is properly resolved.
Fully agree with RR here. Put a formal complaint in writing to the dealer and VW Customer Services now. Tell them you are rejecting the car under the Sale & Supply of Goods Act 1994 and want it repleced - it is not of merchantable quality or fit for purpose. Don't mess about, send it recorded delivery and address it to the Dealer Principle. Give them 14 days to reply and if they refuse, get a consumer solicitor and start legal proceedings against the supplying dealer - your gripe is with them. You cannot retain possession of the car, you must return it to the dealer in order to start the proceedings. Note that, broadly speaking, you may not get effective redress (ie a replacement) if you have had the car for longer than 6 months. If you do not get immediate satisfaction with the dealer, then write to a good UK motoring publication such as What Car and name/shame the dealer and VW. Give them the authority to investigate the issue with the dealer and VW. I have used this latter issue to good effect with an Audi TT import dual mass flywheel issue.
Best of luck, but get moving now.
Cass
-
Hi Guys
I have written letters the retailer (recorded delivery) and they did not reply, so I went down to the retailers with a witness and handed a letter to they Brand Manager.
The Brand Manager suggested, as they had not been able to replicate my clunk, why don’t I go out now and see if I can replicate this with their technician on board.
I drove the car and on the first two occasions both my witness and the technician did not feel or hear it. However and the third time both my witness and the technician (seated in the rear) felt this clunk. The technician was asked as to what he thought it was and he suggested if it was not the gearbox it might be the electronics but he was not sure.
They done some further investigations and removed some oil from the gearbox.
I tried the car and it was still clunking.
I was advised by Customer care and the retailer to try another retailer, which I have and they cannot find anything wrong.
Sent a recorded letter to my retailer asking what was the vibration we all felt when I changed gear using the paddle shift (manual mode).
It has been near two weeks now and I have not received a reply (I gave them 5 days to reply).
Steve
-
I have had dealings with VW cust care and they are a useless bunch of pricks. good luck.
-
You will have to show that the fault is present on the car, but sending you off to see another dealer is just fobbing you off. What do you mean they couldn't find anything wrong - did the fault not replicate itself at the other dealer ?
As for the lack of a response - well that would really pi$$ me off.
Time to see a solicitor I think :angry:
Cass
-
Cass
No it did not. They tested my car (5 miles I believe) and found nothing wrong. Yet as soon as I picked the car up and drove out of their car park it clunked.
However, the local retailer (Technician), as I have stated, did feel a clunk/vibration and that is one of the reasons why I sent a letter asking them to tell me what that clunk/vibration was and why it happens when changing gear in manual mode and not in fully auto.
Is that not finding something?
They have not replied and that letter was sent on 4th June (recorded).
From what I was told, they (local retailer) had found a clunk but after I had rejected the car it was found to be a "Characteristic" and not a fault but then it was found that nothing was found, so hence 4th letter to the retailer.
I have been told my next move would be to send all my documentation to VW Head Office and to SMMT.
All I want to know is whether or not my car is faulty and if it is deal with it. I guess they will say, as they cannot find anything there would be nothing to put right, and I repeat what was that clunk/vibration your technician felt and if you thought there was nothing wrong why did you remove oil from the gearbox etc.
Is that asking too much guys? I don’t think so.
Steve
Oh! and guys I very much appreciate all your assistance todate - Thanks
-
As an aside, I would always accompany an engineer/technician on a test drive to confirm a fault/rattle/issue.
-
Good advice Allan.
Every time I take the car in to the retailer and ask them to drive the car, they refuse. They always tell me that I’d be the best to drive. So maybe if I return to the retailer I will ask them to test drive with me present.
Customer Care lady suggested it could be because they are not insured to :shocked:
Ken can you let me know how you get on please.
-
Sounds like b*llsh!t to me. Whenever I've had an issue/rattle, I've always gone out with a technician for a test drive, alternating the driving if necessary. Of course dealer staff are insured to drive - technicians usually take a car out for a run after a service or major repair.
Edit: My use of the term "b*llsh!t" refers to the dealer's response, not your post :wink:
-
As you have stated Alan this sounds like b*llsh!t (hope you mean them). I need to take this matter further.
I guess the best thing to do is to write to the head of VW UK and to send a copy to SMMT, giving them all the info and proof I can and hope that someone will help.
Steve
-
It's not the exhaust is it catching on the bodywork?
It could clunk when you change gear because of a slight movement of the engine on the mountings.
just a thought.
-
Pabs, they have checked that (Twice I believe) plus the suspension mounts etc.
I just worry whether they have found the problem at all, seen as this is the car's second Direct Shift Gearbox.
Steve
-
Cant add much to what else has been said, bar mine clunks when cold in either tiptronic or paddles. I always keep in auto until warm
-
Hi Nevets,
Just read your plight for justice and agree with most of the posts saying that the dealers have been next to useless in solving your issue. Have you thought about sending this to someone like Whatcar magazine, they lap this kind of thing up with relish :wink:
As soon as the stealers get wind of bad press they suddenly can't do enough
Must be worth a try. :smiley:
-
Thanks Hurdy
Yes I have but first I will send my case to SMMT and to the head of Volkswagen UK.
If that does not solve it, then I will contact either or both Whatcar and Watchdog. Sound extreme but if that is what I need to do, then I will.
I’m not going away yet.
You see; what I worry about is they stated that I had not been able to prove this clunk/vibration but I was able to with my witness present and their head technician. My witness and I asked the technician if he heard/felt anything when I changed gear and he replied, 'yes he had', but further tests are needed. After oil was removed from the gearbox they said try that. I did, and it is still the same. I complained and they told me that their investigations have been exhausted so why don’t I try another retailer.
What worries me is that clunk/vibration, what was it? I have yet to recieve an answer, as they have not, for what ever reason, replied to my letter sent recorded delivery.
Anyway thanks for a great site, many kind people on here willing to help. That is fantastic. :cool:
Thanks guys.
-
Nevets,
Stick with it and don't give up. You're going the right way to get this resolved :wink:
Good luck and keep us updated.
Cass
-
have you tried driving another GTi with DSG to see if theres a difference?
-
Yes I have (2007GTI) However not an identical.
I drove the 30 Edition (07) and the R32 (56) and their gear changes were smooth and seemless.
I'll keep you all informed but I don't think this will be soon.
Nevets
-
What would you guys think?
I sent my full case to VW.
In that case I have a statement witness letter showing that on test I was able to show the chief technician a clunk when using the paddle shift (Manual). However VW have now said that the retailer will organize an independent assessor to test my car. Something I was told I could not do, as the report would not be recognized by VW.
If I don’t except they could say they have offered me every possible opportunity to resolve the matter but if I except, the report may show no clunking, and as the clunking is intermittent that is a possibility.
Then where would I stand?
Nevets
-
Nevets
Please keep us updated on this. Mine was a lot better after the 24K6 upgrade, but inexplicably has now reverted back to its former tricks. It's again dropping into 1st when it should stay in 2nd, and then revving all the way round until it changes up, or until you manually shift. Also I can now reproduce a severe thud through the car on up changes when in paddle mode, but it is not every shift, and there is no way of consistently reproducing the problem.
The car is booked back in late Aug after my holidays, and VAG UK are now involved for what it's worth.
Watch this space..................
-
Just noticed this thread and I can also say that mine is the same. (Built May 2005)
Manual changes from 2nd to 3rd when cold are accompanied by a clunk. Never happens in Auto.
I just leave the car in Auto until it warms up and have then never really noticed it after that.
I mentioned it to the dealer a while back and he told me they had noted it but to come back if it got any worse.
I would have thought it would be a software issue as it only happens when using the paddles but then other people don't seem to have the problem.
I took an Edition 30 out for a test drive a few months back and it was very smooth, even the automatic downshifts when coming to a stop were unnoticeable.
I'll monitor this thread and see how you get on.
-
I know what you mean Kentbladeboy when you say there is no consistency. The clunk will happen when it happens.
Yesterday morning I had five clunks with varying degrees, all within some ten miles, yet none in the afternoon. One of the clunks that morning was so bad it caused the wife to jump in fear.
This morning just two, with two this afternoon when very warm.
What I have noticed of late, now the weather has warmed up, and I’ve been driving with my front windows fully down, is a clanging (metal to metal) noise coming from under the car. This again only happens as I change gear in manual mode (paddle shift) and again is inconsistent.
This maybe related or maybe normal, I don't know. Any help on that?
Nevets
-
Hi Nevets
Never crossed my mind to open the windows with a/c!! :laugh:
Anyway tried it, first, it was cold, second no metal to metal clunks
I have heard a metallic clunk on a number of occasions, but always on downshifts.
Again, makes no differance on engine temp, just very variable fault, can't believe this is anything other than an electronics issue
otherwise if mechanical it would do it on every change, why it only happens on the paddle shift, and not if you select via the gear lever, is anyones guess....and my guess is that VW will not have clue either!
-
I noticed in THIS (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=64811.0) thread CHRIS-M07GTI said he got a DSG ECU update which fixed his 2nd to 3rd shift problem.
Has any one else who has got his problem had this done?
-
Hi Guys
Does anyone know of a company who specialises in auto gearboxes, which includes the Direct Shift Gearbox.
I have been informed to search for one and ask them to investigate my gearbox and its clunking and give a estimate for repair.
Nevets
-
Who has informed you to search for a specialist company?
Surely VW should be the specialists :undecided:
Are you wanting an independant specialist?
-
Hurdy thanks for replying
Had a independent examiner and his report states in his expert opinion my car is faulty.
A solicitor has suggested I now find a firm that can investigate my faulty car and have them repair it and bill the retailer.
So far I have not been able to find one.
The retailer suggests there is nothing wrong with my car,can do no more and considers the matter closed, even though their chief technician agreed, in front of my witness (got witness statement) that the clunk/vibration was not right and needed investigating. Furthermore my meetings with the retailer's managers resulted in them suggested a car change but now that has changed.
To me they first agreed there was a fault with my car, which resulted in them replacing the gearbox with a new one. When I pick the car up it was still clunking badly. They done further investigations and suggested it was still a fault. Then I rejected the car and then that fault became a characteristic. When I suggested I would not have purchased a car with this clunking the manager suggest a car change but later the managers test drove my car and stated there was no clunk/fault.
I understand I have lost my right to reject because I drove the car away from the garage because I needed transport to take my wife to and fro hospital. I asked for a loan car many times but they would/could not give me one.
I was told to take my car to another retailer and have it tested and to use the car to transport the wife to hospital (outpatients). This I had to do every other day for two weeks. I then was told because I had driven the car away from the retailer I had lost my right to reject.
What I can prove is what the technician stated on the road test.
I have an indepentent report on the state of my car by a examiner given to me by Trading Standards. That person believes it is a fault that should not be in a car of the quality and price of mine.
I have emails from the retailer proving we were in negotiations over a car change but all of this seems to have fallen on deaf ears.
This has caused alot of strain between my wife and she and I could do without this as she is ill and I dont mean flu.
Now at the moment guys I see that both the retailer and VW are not prepared to do anything (VW agree I have been badly treated but that's were it ends) other than to offer me the market value for my car and I can walk away, or give me the part exchange market value, or I can sell privately and buy what I like :evil:.
All I what is for my car to be fixed, is that asking too much?
Nevets
-
I suggest if you are stuck to go to Whatcar magazine. They have a helpdesk section and get very good results. The contact details are below if you want to use them.
What Car?
Helpdesk,
Teddington Studios,
Broom Road,
Teddington
TW11 9BE
E-mail - wchelpdesk@whatcar.com
I think the way you have been treated is bl00dy shoddy and if my dealer had treated me that way I'd be as pee'd off as you. :angry:
Hope you get it sorted :smiley:
-
Thanks Hurdy, I very much appreciate your help and all the help from others throughout, and I will take up your suggestion.
It may well turn out fine in the end but it has been up till now disgusting.
Nevets
-
Hi Nevets,
Have followed your plight and im appalled at the treatment given to you,as are the other thousands of guys and dolls with all sorts of Vw's.
I had similar problem getting a courtesy car,as i need an auto now,and eventually got one when complained to vw uk.
Keep on to them,and stick with the same person,telling of your lasses illness,you have to drive the car in that state to get her to hospital,you have contacted a solicitor,and will take this all the way.Also,contact Germany and demand you speak to technical and customer dept,as they speak ex English and im sure you will get there in the end mate and get money as well for costs to you.
Send them emails,lie a little and egzagarate(is that how you spell it????) and threaten tabloids etc.
Good luck mate,its been going on too long now,you need to put your Doc Martins on and kick some ass.
Chris.
-
Chris, thanks for your help.
There is a lot more to it that I have not mentioned, as this has been going on since mid Feb 07.
I have been very nice to that retailer and have given them more than enough time to fix my car, and I have followed everything they have asked of me.
Guys I don't wish to take too much from this wonderful site as others have their own interests.
I will however keep you informed and if it does not get sorted soon I will be leaving the make never to return.
Please donot let this stop anyone from considering purchasing a golf gti, as i'm sure there are many retailers that give excellent service, and putting the car's fault/s aside and the way in which I feel I have been treated, I can honestly say the Golf GTI is a fantastic car ( I have driven other GTIs and R32 manual and DSG) - just not mine.
I honestly feel from what this has caused my wife and I and how I feel I have been given the run-around, I am being more than generous with my outlook on this matter.
I am awaiting a reply from SMMT, who have taken my case forward, before I consider instituting legal proceedings against the company. It has already cost my wife and I in the region of £500/£600, and I don't think that is on.
I am today going to contact Whatcar.
I'm telling you guys. These replys are very refreshing to my wife and I, and I'll say it again THANKS GUYS!!! and all the very best.
I'll leave it for now but I will still be following this site.
Nevets
-
OK, I don't know your location, however, a company called http://www.inde-tech.co.uk/ (http://www.inde-tech.co.uk/) are true experts with the Multitronic gearbox. Whilst the DSG is very different to the Multitronic, they should still be able to offer some professional advice.
-
Hi Nevets
Sorry to see your situation has become intolerable.
Well car back after a week, and several points of interest.
On dropping off on Monday the service manager admitted that his company GTI was suffering from
the same gearchange problems, but that they could not improve it.
On collecting today, they have installed a gearbox s/w update that 'has just been released', this is
not the 24K6, it is new, but could get no further info. They felt the car was driving a lot better,
they do not argue that my car has a clonky gearchange.
Drove it work tonight and so far every change is good.............only time will tell
Hope this is some help
-
On collecting today, they have installed a gearbox s/w update that 'has just been released', this is
not the 24K6, it is new, but could get no further info.
....I'm approaching my 40,000 mile DSG service and so I expect that my dealer will install the same gearbox s/w update. I'll report accordingly in due course.
-
Hi Guys
I have decided to leave the make and feel very relieved at doing so, even though I will have lost a great deal of money (cars 1 yr old in 2 days).
IMO my wife and I have been treated appallingly, to say the least, by both the retailer and Customer Care. This is not what I would have expected, so they and me need to part company.
I can only speak of the experiences my dear wife and I have endured and can no long tolerate such service. :sick:
I have lost all respect for the make and am so very happy to be moving on.
Minus my experiences and misfortune I would feel I had one of the best cars on the road. However that is not the case so I must move on. Purchasing a great iconic car is not what makes for happy motoring, it is the whole package, which includes how well that company deals with it's customers when thing go wrong.
Thanks to all you guys for your support and understanding and I wish you all the very best and take care.
This is a great site and I have not yet come across anyone who have not been polite to other members of this site :kiss:.
I thank the owners of the site and others who help to make this site what it is.
So no more from me I am off.
Take care guys
Nevets.
-
Well, all I can say is, I'm very, very sorry.
It would seem that VWCS seem to want to drive away customers from the brand, and now they have sadly succeded!
Nevets, I'm sure we all respect your decision, and I'm sure we all appreciate your good comments regarding the GolfGTIforum community. Best wishes for whichever way you move on from here. :smiley: :smiley:
-
It's very sad that in spite of an excellent product, VW's behaviour/responses towards your case have driven you away from the brand. However, based on what you have posted, I think I would have consulted Citizens Advice Bureau and gone legal by now. If you think the GTI is a great car and it's what you want, then why let them beat you by giving up? I have nothing but praise for my VW dealer and take the view that VW UK or VW Germany are no different from any other car manufacturer.
Each to their own and I'm sure everyone respects your decision whether they agree or not. Good Luck in the future. :smiley:
-
Its a shame that it has come to this for you. VW customer service just seem to ring up the dealer concerned and have a chat and then call you back and tell you what you already know. Nothing seems to really get done by them.
Better luck with your next car. :smiley: