Author Topic: TDI automatic transmission burning smell (Read 4448 times)

metchosin · « **on:** March 10, 2008, 01:55:35 pm »

I have a 2004 Golf TDI with 5 speed automatic transmission (tiptronic version). When I go up a hill of moderate steepness (about 5 minute steady duration), the transmission always emits a burning odour. This suggests slippage. As well this transmission very quickly upshifts to the next higher gear unless one keeps the accelerator pinned down. Is this normal for this transmission????

the caveman · « **Reply #1 on:** March 10, 2008, 03:50:14 pm »

it shouldn't change gears unless you are close to or at the rev limit. if it downshifts it may judge that the gear you are in is really not right for what you want to do, but generally it shouldn't shift unless told to.
are you sure it's the tranny burning? in full auto does it shift properly esp. at medium/hard throttle?
if it is on it's way out maybe that's why it's shifting by itself.

jtanguay · « **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2008, 10:20:56 am »

i know on some audi's the transmission shifts based on the way you drive. so if you take it easy all the time it will shift early for economy. if you drive hard and fast it will keep you in the same gear a bit longer depending on where your foot is :twisted:

however i doubt that the vw system is that sophisticated, although i may be wrong... either way hooking up a vag-com would be a good idea to possibly check/configure the tranny.

the caveman · « **Reply #3 on:** March 11, 2008, 10:33:21 am »

vw also has fussy/learned logic for shifting, but it only applies when in full automatic mode. in all honesty vw doesn't have the best as far as slush boxes are concerned. if you suspect that's it not working right,there's not much to do ecxept compare it to a simular car or to someone who knows those trannys. The burning smell certainly doesn't bode well of course.

metchosin · « **Reply #4 on:** March 11, 2008, 12:57:22 pm »

The transmission will shift a bit better (i.e., not upshift) if you drive it more aggressively (i.e., it has a learning function, but I think a poor one). But it's the burning smell that worries me. ....it only does it going uphill, so I don't think it's engine related, and certainly not brake related, so must be transmission.........

jtanguay · « **Reply #5 on:** March 11, 2008, 01:16:45 pm »

burning smell... maybe you should have the tranny fluid flushed and inspect it? the only way i can see being able to smell something from a sealed unit is if it were to have a leak.

those auto's have a heat exhanger hooked up to the coolant right?