Concern about 2012 Tiguan auto transmission

[Java_T]

Transmission updated today. Working very fine now.

Do you have TSB # for Canadian version of 2012 Tiguan ( you can find it from receipt ) ? could you post it here ?

[markk900]

I don't think there is a TSB per se for Canada.....I just asked the tech to hook the car up to their diagnostics system and they connected to (I think its called) Tech Line, which looks for updates. They told me it was applied and I am very happy with the transmission.

BTW - located in Ontario and picked up the car last Thursday with the update installed. When I asked about the TSB they hadn't heard of the one everyone is talking about but they did find the update as above.

Mark

[prc123]

I do not have any TSB or receipt. All i know is that the problem is corrected. They only told me they made my tranmission work like the 2011 model.

[Java_T]

I do not have any TSB or receipt. All i know is that the problem is corrected. They only told me they made my tranmission work like the 2011 model.

Actually, i told the dealer there was vibration during 40 -80km acceraltion, then dealer hook the ca to their system and applied the transmisson update. Here is one item shown on the receipt : "37302599 PERFORM TRANSMISSION UPDATE" . But the problem is i can still hear groaning sound at 50km, 70km and 90km per hour. Not sure if they applied the correct version of transmission. I am in Toronto, since you are located in Canada too,that is why i was asking. Do you still hear any groaning after update?

[Java_T]

I don't think there is a TSB per se for Canada.....I just asked the tech to hook the car up to their diagnostics system and they connected to (I think its called) Tech Line, which looks for updates. They told me it was applied and I am very happy with the transmission.

BTW - located in Ontario and picked up the car last Thursday with the update installed. When I asked about the TSB they hadn't heard of the one everyone is talking about but they did find the update as above.

Mark

Do they make your transmission like 2011 model too ?p

[markk900]

Never drove a 2011 so can't tell!

However to answer the question (and this is comparing the demonstrator on a short drive to the one I bought several days apart):

The presumably non-updated trans headed for top gear as soon as possible, and rolling along between 50-65 kmh it was clearly lugging the engine and not very responsive to throttle. (This was quite clearly a groaning sound and vibration - classic lugging).

The updated tranny (I assume): holds the gears longer, and at 50-65 kmh will not head for top gear unless you are rolling along with your foot almost off the pedal...then it drops into 6th like before - however, touch the gas and it quickly (and smoothly) shifts down. IMO this gives you the good mileage without a drivability penalty. (I can detect the slightest bit of rumble when it drops into high gear but if I wasn't listening for it I wouldn't notice it....and it goes away with a touch of the gas).

I forget who else said it on one of the other threads, but I'll repeat it: If I hadn't experienced the demonstrator and then looked up the issue here, and had just picked up my Tig with the tranny updated I would never have said there was a problem. It shifts differently (not better or worse) than my 08 Passat with essentially the same tranmission. Manual would have been better but that is my other thread, now ended.....

BTW: The tiptronic works very nicely on the version of the software: if you find yourself thinking there's a problem, bump the shifter over to tip mode - you're probably in 6th so try a downshift to 5th and see what you think.

Also, I get no rumble at all (and didn't hear anything in the demonstrator) above 70 kmh.

[gstrouse]

I have to say that my Tig, which now has 1500 miles on it, is shifting much better. I do believe the "learning" transmission has been improving as I've been driving it. And I didn't get the update done. Is it perfect, no. But then is there such a thing as a perfect auto?

[midiman40]

Had appointment today at Colorado VW dealer on the groaning sounds on my 2012 Tiguan, purchased last month, caused by upshifting too early. You could even see it by pushing the shift lever over to Triptronic at that moment and see that at 35 M.P.H. the transmission was sometimes already in 6th gear. Sometimes by moving into Triptronic it would downshift to 5th or maybe even 4th. And while you might be able to manually shift back to 5th at that speed, you could not manually shift to 6th because Triptronic would not allow it. Told service tech that I saw a bulletin on it on vwvortex and they happily agreed to check program numbers and call tech suport to see if there were updates. An hour later they came out and said, "OK, let's go for a test drive, we updated the program." Like driving a different car. Smoother upshift, better downshift with lighter touch when it seemed necessary. Now runs like what I expected a car of this quality to run like. My inovice says they applied update from bulletin 01-12-13 which does sound from others that it is the more recent one. Additionally, I had thought there was also a hesitation sometimes when slowing down, say around corner and then speeding up. According to the invoice, it says the tech bulletin was to resolve that issue as well. Did not experience it from dealer back to home.

Other interesting issues. 1.) I asked about reset of adaptive learning on the Tiguan and was told it is Not done by turning on key, but not starting engine, then pressing on accelerator pedal for 5 seconds, then turning key off per a video posted.
2.) Was told that adaptive learning period was in increments of 25 miles. So that if I drove aggressively for 25 miles and then wife drove non-aggressively for 25 miles my learning would be undone. 3.)maybe just coincidence, or more downhill, but on way to dealer averaged 23.9 m.p.g and on way back averaged 27.9 M.P.G.

[AsianDude]

Does anybody think that the 2013 units will have this programming from the factory?

[bradsvw]

Does anybody think that the 2013 units will have this programming from the factory?

someone on already said they have it...I'm sure they would incorporate it or a complete redesign in the 13 MY

[gstrouse]

They may have it, as the 2013 models have lower MPG posted on the window sticker. It's now at 20 city and 26 highway.

[vw_nc_dude]

They may have it, as the 2013 models have lower MPG posted on the window sticker. It's now at 20 city and 26 highway.

Agree with this post. The decrease in MPG seems like an indicator. To double check, I would test drive a 2012 and 2013 back-to-back.

[bradsvw]

Agree with this post. The decrease in MPG seems like an indicator. To double check, I would test drive a 2012 and 2013 back-to-back.

Yup...

[xXx TURBO]

i was at the dealer the other day and i asked the service department about the transmission update for my 2012 tig and they said there wasnt an update and had no clue what i was talking about?

[vw_nc_dude]

i was at the dealer the other day and i asked the service department about the transmission update for my 2012 tig and they said there wasnt an update and had no clue what i was talking about?

Ask them about the following:

"check and perform technical bulletin 011213 - 2029206 perform TCM software level for concern"
"BULLETIN 2012810 REFLASH TRANS MODULE FOR HARD SHIFT"

If they still cannot locate it, ask them to hook up your car to the computer and let them do tele-diagnosis (via calling the VW remote tech center).

[Karey]

Hi. I have an '09 Tiguan and recently my car spent 3 weeks in the shop due to a leak in the transmission. It's the 2.0T manual model. Has anyone else had an issue like this? They replaced the case in the end (and bearing). Leak is gone. Work was under warranty but is still concerning.

[dave__g]

Honestly, this thread has been a great read.

I've got a 2012 Tiguan SE, bought at the end of July ... Perhaps it's already been programmed per the TSB, but FWIW, I've not noticed the problems described pages ago.

What I have noticed is a bit of hissing in acceleration (the wastegate clip has been installed, but I still hear this).. The dealer/tech says it's normal ... And perhaps more confounding is the rather poor MPG it's getting, when compared to what I'd expect to be the conservative EPA sticker numbers. I've been getting 16-18MPG in the city, best ever highway mileage of 20.8MPG.

Love the Tiguan, overall. I'm going to do some thread-searching on those.

[vw_nc_dude]

Honestly, this thread has been a great read.

I've got a 2012 Tiguan SE, bought at the end of July ... Perhaps it's already been programmed per the TSB, but FWIW, I've not noticed the problems described pages ago.

What I have noticed is a bit of hissing in acceleration (the wastegate clip has been installed, but I still hear this).. The dealer/tech says it's normal ... And perhaps more confounding is the rather poor MPG it's getting, when compared to what I'd expect to be the conservative EPA sticker numbers. I've been getting 16-18MPG in the city, best ever highway mileage of 20.8MPG.

Love the Tiguan, overall. I'm going to do some thread-searching on those.

Your numbers are really low and I would check if there is any problem with your car. I get around 22mpg in the city and close to 30mpg on the highway.

[dave__g]

Your numbers are really low and I would check if there is any problem with your car. I get around 22mpg in the city and close to 30mpg on the highway.

Thanks .. Good to know that is indeed possible.

By the way, are you getting those numbers while running A/C?

Dealer service dept says everything they can measure with the computer is reporting within spec. I'm not at all impressed with the dealer service dept, but I suppose I'm somewhat at their mercy. May try another one and see what I can find. Seems like I should start another thread about it when I get the chance.

[MVTiguan]

I just purchased a 2012 Tiguan S. I also notice at low rpm shifting gear. I'm gonna check with the dealer this weekend. Will there be any charges if VW need to perform the transmission update?

[vw_nc_dude]

I just purchased a 2012 Tiguan S. I also notice at low rpm shifting gear. I'm gonna check with the dealer this weekend. Will there be any charges if VW need to perform the transmission update?

There will be no charges. This is a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin). Also, your car is covered for 3 years / 36K miles.

[MVTiguan]

Thanks, i got a call this morning from VW Customer Service. They helped me schedule an appointment for the updates.

[Mark Five]

Took my Tig in for the 90 day courtesy check up and told them about the early shifts. They told me the transmission will adapt to my driving. I asked if they even scanned my ECU or TCU and they just stared at me.

Anyone know what the # is for VWoA or if there is an e-form?

[vw_nc_dude]

Took my Tig in for the 90 day courtesy check up and told them about the early shifts. They told me the transmission will adapt to my driving. I asked if they even scanned my ECU or TCU and they just stared at me.

Anyone know what the # is for VWoA or if there is an e-form?

The adaptation won't do it. Did you tell them:

"check and perform technical bulletin 011213 - 2029206 perform TCM software level for concern"
"BULLETIN 2012810 REFLASH TRANS MODULE FOR HARD SHIFT"


If they still cannot locate it, ask them to hook up your car to the computer and let them do tele-diagnosis (via calling the VW remote tech center).

If the dealership still doesn't do anything, contact VW at 1-800-822-8987 or fill out:

http://web.vw.com/templates/Service?...text=ContactUs

[Mark Five]

The adaptation won't do it. Did you tell them:

"check and perform technical bulletin 011213 - 2029206 perform TCM software level for concern"
"BULLETIN 2012810 REFLASH TRANS MODULE FOR HARD SHIFT"


If they still cannot locate it, ask them to hook up your car to the computer and let them do tele-diagnosis (via calling the VW remote tech center).

If the dealership still doesn't do anything, contact VW at 1-800-822-8987 or fill out:

http://web.vw.com/templates/Service?...text=ContactUs

Yeah, dealer told me I could bring it back for a tele-diagnosis. I filled out the form for VW and hoping they contact me to schedule this.

[YogiAndie]

Ask them about the following:

"check and perform technical bulletin 011213 - 2029206 perform TCM software level for concern"
"BULLETIN 2012810 REFLASH TRANS MODULE FOR HARD SHIFT"

If they still cannot locate it, ask them to hook up your car to the computer and let them do tele-diagnosis (via calling the VW remote tech center).

Just bought the 2012 Tiguan 13 days ago and have been very bothered by the vibration and stuttering in the 1000-1500 RPM 30/40MPH range. Brought the car in for service today and got expert care from a tech. He spent 2 hours driving the car and researching the issue. While he said there weren't any updates listed for this problem, he found the REFLASH bulletin mentioned above, and applied it, thinking it would fix my concern (without me even mentioning it) Then he had me drive it with him along for the ride...no more stuttering or vibrating at that low speed/RPMs. Excellent resolution, and great support from the tech. I showed him these posts at the end and he showed me the paperwork which listed the same bulletin. Yay! He said it adjusts the way the car changes gears.

[artronics]

Hey guys,


I know this topic was beaten down to no end, but has anyone with the fix applied seen a degradation as they drive?
It seems that my car went back to its old ways as I drove it. I'm thinking the tranny "learned" how to shift like crap again. I don't drive my car hard, the mileage is bad enough as it is.
I tried the pedal trick to reset the tranny and it seemed better for about a week. Then... same crap.

I never had the TSB, afaik. I was one of the first Canadian owners that Techline "fixed" and no TSB was mentioned. I was told they "increased" the shift points for 5th and 6th gears.

Any insight? Should I prepare for "this was already done" spiel when I go back?

[vw_nc_dude]

Hey guys,


I know this topic was beaten down to no end, but has anyone with the fix applied seen a degradation as they drive?
It seems that my car went back to its old ways as I drove it. I'm thinking the tranny "learned" how to shift like crap again. I don't drive my car hard, the mileage is bad enough as it is.
I tried the pedal trick to reset the tranny and it seemed better for about a week. Then... same crap.

I never had the TSB, afaik. I was one of the first Canadian owners that Techline "fixed" and no TSB was mentioned. I was told they "increased" the shift points for 5th and 6th gears.

Any insight? Should I prepare for "this was already done" spiel when I go back?

I think I had my update around the same time as you (with no TSB mentioned and via tele-diagnosis). Though the dealer told me that the TSB was just coming out that day but he gave me no number.

Coming to your question, I did notice just a slight change but overall the car seems to shift more or less the same as right after the update. As you, I am not driving hard so I suspect that the adaptation moved it a little bit back to crappy mode but not as much that I need to go back to the dealer.

Since you were a very early adapter and the TSB was not mentioned during your update, I would give it a shot and have the official TSB applied.

[tjmatx]

Slightly different topic, but related. I had the TCM update applied to my 2012 Tigual a while back and it made a huge difference. So much so that I'm no longer thinking about dumping it for a Japanese car. I noticed something recently... if I am cruising at the old, bad speeds, around 30- 35 with the car in 5th or 6th gear, and the throttle absolutely steady, if I engage the cruise control, it immediately downshifts and, of course, the RPMs go up. Has anyone else noticed this? I can't figure out why it would do this. Its gotta be software related.

To answer a previous post. I did not notice any degradation in performance after the software update.

[markk900]

We had the update done before we picked up the car in June (in Canada). This was based on the obvious issue with the demo we drove.

I'm not sure the shift point changed as much as the willingness to shift to a lower gear when you apply throttle. At a steady drone at 25-30mph, the tranny still moves to 6th (1200rpm or so) but any time I touch the gas to accelerate it smoothly and quickly downshift so there's no rumble of a lugging motor.

As to the potential for getting worse over time, haven't seen anything to indicate that's happened and we've gone 5000 km since the update. The tranny does indeed learn (so a couple of days of city driving with lots of starts and stops makes it more lively, while a weekend trip of a long drone on the highway, no driving, long drone back makes the tranny more likely to jump to the highest gear possible. A little fun seems to set that right!

I'm still not happy with Sport mode though - on the Passat Sport mode is fun. On the Tiguan Sport mode seems to hold gears too long and it doesn't feel sporty - just revvy (if you know what I mean). However I don't believe the update addresses sport mode at all....

Mark

[vw_nc_dude]

We had the update done before we picked up the car in June (in Canada). This was based on the obvious issue with the demo we drove.

I'm not sure the shift point changed as much as the willingness to shift to a lower gear when you apply throttle. At a steady drone at 25-30mph, the tranny still moves to 6th (1200rpm or so) but any time I touch the gas to accelerate it smoothly and quickly downshift so there's no rumble of a lugging motor.

As to the potential for getting worse over time, haven't seen anything to indicate that's happened and we've gone 5000 km since the update. The tranny does indeed learn (so a couple of days of city driving with lots of starts and stops makes it more lively, while a weekend trip of a long drone on the highway, no driving, long drone back makes the tranny more likely to jump to the highest gear possible. A little fun seems to set that right!

I'm still not happy with Sport mode though - on the Passat Sport mode is fun. On the Tiguan Sport mode seems to hold gears too long and it doesn't feel sporty - just revvy (if you know what I mean). However I don't believe the update addresses sport mode at all....

Mark

Completely agree with your comment about the sport mode. It's not fun to drive in that mode and most likely the software update did not address that at all.

[xXx TURBO]

i went to the dealer this morning and gave them the tsb #s and then say it wouldnt help and they cant do anything? what do i do now?

[markk900]

Go to a different dealer?

Seriously though, you can insist....since it seems from people's experience that the TSB number isn't always enough, ask them to hook up to the tech line and look for any updates for the transmission (in real time) - that should trigger the update.

Mark

[vw_nc_dude]

Go to a different dealer?

Seriously though, you can insist....since it seems from people's experience that the TSB number isn't always enough, ask them to hook up to the tech line and look for any updates for the transmission (in real time) - that should trigger the update.

Mark

Definitely agree. Go to the dealer and ask them to hook up your car to the computer and do tele-diagnosis to get the update. That is how I got my update and at that time the TSB had not been issued, yet.

If they are still not willing to help, tell them you will contact VW of America and complain about them.

[xXx TURBO]

i dont want to go to a different dealer cause they are all way out of my way but i dont know what else i can do at my current one, im pretty sure they already hate me