Everything You Need To Know About

7 SPEED S-TRONIC AUTOMATIC GEARBOXES

7_SPEED_S-TRONIC_AUTOMATIC_GEARBOXES - new MILTA Technology

Everything You Need To Know About

7 SPEED S-TRONIC AUTOMATIC GEARBOXES

7_SPEED_S-TRONIC_AUTOMATIC_GEARBOXES - new MILTA Technology
7_SPEED_S-TRONIC_AUTOMATIC_GEARBOXES - new MILTA Technology

WHAT IS 7 SPEED S-TRONIC

The dual-clutch transmission, also known as the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) or twin-clutch transmission, is an automated transmission that can change gears faster than any other geared transmission. Dual-clutch transmissions deliver more power and better control than a traditional automatic transmission and faster performance than a manual transmission. Originally marketed by Volkswagen as the DSG and Audi as the 7 speed s-tronic, dual-clutch transmissions are now offered by several automakers, including Ford, Mitsubishi, Smart, Hyundai and Porsche.

[email protected] +44 (0) 1454 411 743

THE MOST COMMON ISSUES WITH 7 SPEED STRONIC GEARBOX

Issue 1: Hydraulic unit fault.

Common know as Mechatronic. Combine from 2 parts. TCM (ECU) and valve body. 
Since first DSG was released, the mechatronic unit was redesigned by VAG Group.
Unfortunately, in the long run the redesign is not good enough. 
The the mechatronic unit is responsible for selecting gears, engage clutches and monitoring overall gearbox performance. When not working properly, you will experience harsh gear shifting, not engaging gears (reverse) or knocking when downshifting.
At that stage we strongly advice to not drive the car because the clutch might get damage as well.

Very often your car would indicate fault on the dashboard with message ‘gearbox malfunction’

Issue 2: Burned clutch

As we are all aware clutch will wear with time, there is no way around it. With 0AM DSG Gearbox we have a dry clutch. Fortunately, we are able to buy a complete repair kit from the main dealer and replace it.

Issue 3: Faulty gear selector sensor

A typical electrical fault will appear when the sensor is not able to see the gear lever position. Very often, you will not be able to remove the key because the car will not see that customer have engaged Parking ‘P’. Message on the dashboard will ask to engage ‘P’ before leaving the vehicle. Not the easiest part to replace because you need to strip the whole gearbox down.

7_SPEED_S-TRONIC_AUTOMATIC_GEARBOXES - new MILTA Technology

ADVANTAGES OF THE DUAL-CLUTCH/DSG TRANSMISSION

The primary advantage of the twin-clutch(7 speed s-tronic) is that it provides the same driving characteristics of a manual transmission and comes with the convenience of an automatic. However, the ability to perform near-instantaneous gearshifts gives the twin-clutch advantages over both manuals and SMTs. Volkswagen’s DSG takes about 8 milliseconds to upshift.

Compare that to the SMT in the Ferrari Enzo, which takes 150 milliseconds to upshift. Instant gear shifts mean faster acceleration; according to Audi, the A3 runs 0-60 in 6.9 seconds with a 6-speed manual and 6.7 seconds with the 6-speed DSG.

DISADVANTAGES OF THE DUAL-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION

The main limitation of the dual-clutch(7 speed s-tronic) transmission is the same as all geared transmissions. Because there are a fixed number of gears, and the transmission cannot always keep the engine at its best speed for maximum power or maximum fuel economy, the dual-clutch transmissions generally cannot extract as much power or fuel economy from an engine as a continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVTs).

But because twin-clutch transmissions provide a more familiar driving experience than CVTs, most drivers prefer them. And while the twin-clutch provides superior performance compared to a manual, some drivers prefer the interaction that a manual clutch pedal and gearshift provide.

7 SPEED S-TRONIC Automatic Gearbox repair and replacement.

Other typical issues with 7 SPEED STRONIC

7_SPEED_S-TRONIC_AUTOMATIC_GEARBOXES - new MILTA Technology
Issue 1: Broken gear selector - mechanical issue
7_SPEED_S-TRONIC_AUTOMATIC_GEARBOXES - new MILTA Technology
Issue 2: Lose of reverse gear
7_SPEED_S-TRONIC_AUTOMATIC_GEARBOXES - new MILTA Technology
Issue 3: Harsh gear shifting that might include juddering

EXPERT TIP FOR DRIVING A CAR WITH A TWIN-CLUTCH, KNOWN AS DSG TRANSMISSION

Twin-clutch equipped cars do not have a clutch pedal; the clutch is engaged and disengaged automatically. Most twin-clutch transmissions use an automatic-style shift selector with a traditional P-R-N-D or P-R-N-D-S (Sport) shift pattern. In “Drive” or “Sport” mode, the dual-clutch transmission operates like a regular automatic.
In “Drive” mode, the transmission shifts to higher gears early in order to minimise engine noise and maximise fuel economy, while in “Sport” mode, it holds the lower gears longer in order to keep the engine in its powerband. Sport mode also provides more aggressive downshifts with less accelerator pedal pressure, and in some cars, engaging Sport mode causes the car to react more aggressively to the accelerator pedal.

7_SPEED_S-TRONIC_AUTOMATIC_GEARBOXES - new MILTA Technology

Most dual-clutch transmissions have a manual mode which allows manual shifting via the shift lever or paddles mounted on the steering wheel. When driven in manual mode, the clutch is still operated automatically, but the driver controls which gears are selected and when. The transmission will follow the driver’s commands unless the selected gear would over-rev the engine, for example commanding first gear while driving 80 MPH.

Most, though not all, dual-clutch transmissions can skip gears when downshifting, such as shifting from 6th gear directly down to 3rd gear, and because of their ability to match revs, they can do so without the lurching or surging that is typical of traditional automatic and manual transmissions.

DOWNSHIFTING WITH DUAL-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION

One advantage to both SMTs and dual-clutch transmissions is the ability to perform matched-rev downshifts. When a driver selects a lower gear, both types of transmission disengage the clutch(es) and rev the engine to the exact speed required by the selected gear. Not only does this make for a smoother downshift, but in the case of the twin-clutch transmission, it allows plenty of time for the proper gear to be pre-selected. Most, though not all, dual-clutch transmissions can skip gears when downshifting, such as shifting from 6th gear directly down to 3rd gear, and because of their ability to match revs, they can do so without the lurching or surging that is typical of traditional automatic and manual transmissions.

7_SPEED_S-TRONIC_AUTOMATIC_GEARBOXES - new MILTA Technology

NEED HELP?

You can talk to us by phone, email or our contact form
Our award-winning certified VAG engineers will help you Monday to Friday between 7 am and 4 pm.  You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram to stay up-to-date.  Click here for the latest news.