can the dsg be driven as a full automatic?

[illyun]

Right, is there a way to disable launch control using VAG-COM...? I'm seriously worried after reading those as it seems this launch control thing is very bad for the transmission no matter what car you use it on.

[Hurdy]

That isn't good reading

I now know that I won't be buying a GT-R if that is anything to go by.

Back to the GTI warranty - there is absolutely no official guideline that says you cannot use the launch control function as many times as you want. VW would be on very dodgy ground if they refused a warranty claim based on excessive use of the LC function. Although it doesn't really matter to me as I extinguished my warranty a long time ago

[bobotheclown]

Right, is there a way to disable launch control using VAG-COM...? I'm seriously worried after reading those as it seems this launch control thing is very bad for the transmission no matter what car you use it on.

Just don't use it. No need to disable it. From what I can remember you can't accidently use launch control as you need to switch of the ESP, press SET, left foot brake to hold the car, raise the revs to 3000, let go of the brake and plan your right foot to the floor, or something.

Quite a bother to get away from the traffic lights whilst popping down to Morrisons for some cheese and crackers.

[illyun]

Yeah they wont validate the warranty if the Traction control is turned off!

....Then why do they give the option of turning off TC? And why do they allow the technology to facilitate launch control?

The instructions for using launch control is in the manual that came with the car so is it an "official" feature of the DSG or not? If it is a feature of the DSG then how can VW deny fixing any broken DSG gearboxes under warranty? This is a strange one.

We're talking about Nissan here.. although I wouldn't put it past VW to say something similar.  However, I've just read the owners manual and while it gives instructions on how to use Launch Control, there are no warnings or anything of the sort.  Looks like Nissan skimped on engineering costs here  

[illyun]

Right, is there a way to disable launch control using VAG-COM...? I'm seriously worried after reading those as it seems this launch control thing is very bad for the transmission no matter what car you use it on.

Just don't use it. No need to disable it. From what I can remember you can't accidently use launch control as you need to switch of the ESP, press SET, left foot brake to hold the car, raise the revs to 3000, let go of the brake and plan your right foot to the floor, or something.

Easier said than done - the FAST (R) tempts me to use it on the drag strip, so even with the best of intentions..... 

[Jkctr]

I found it easy

Dropped to 'S'
Left foot on the break
ESP off
Foot to the floor and released break

Took a few seconds!

[RedRobin]

....

Thanks for your links to info, illyun

Quote:
"If Nissan had any idea that its Launch Control function could damage the car, it should have built a system that could protect itself. Take the new Porsche 911 and its PDK dual-clutch transmission that also has Launch Control. The new Porsche will let you rip off about a dozen runs in a row before a dashboard light illuminates and the ECU limits engine power until everything cools off. Why can't the GT-R watch out for itself like that?"

[Jkctr]

....

Thanks for your links to info, illyun

Quote:
"If Nissan had any idea that its Launch Control function could damage the car, it should have built a system that could protect itself. Take the new Porsche 911 and its PDK dual-clutch transmission that also has Launch Control. The new Porsche will let you rip off about a dozen runs in a row before a dashboard light illuminates and the ECU limits engine power until everything cools off. Why can't the GT-R watch out for itself like that?"

Because its 20-30k less money! Why do people think it costs so little for what it does?

If you want what a porsche does, every day without trouble, buy a porsche!

If you want what a porsche does, but can cause lots of trouble, buy a GT-R.

[RedRobin]

^^^^
So a GT-R is a poor man's Porsche......As I thought

[ifti]

Hmmm, dont think I'll be using Launch Control very much at all when I get my GTI now - I thought it was one of the main selling points with DSG, and if it really does cause problems, its best left alone!