DQ381 DSG Mechatronic Common Fault

I bet you’ve heard endless stories about eye-wateringly expensive DSG faults, but did you know it doesn’t have to be like this? Although it’s true that the DQ381 DSG carries a known fault in its mechatronic unit, it doesn’t mean you have to replace the entire box. In fact, you don’t even need to replace the DQ381’s whole mechatronic unit either. Thankfully, we’ve put this page together to help you better understand this DQ381 DSG problem, and how to resolve it quickly, reliably, and affordably.

SHOP NOW – DQ381 DSG Mechatronic Rebuild

This DSG gearbox is widely used across the VAG platform, and typically causes problems for the VW Tiguan and Golf. You’ll also find the DQ381 DSG, and its mechatronic unit in other popular compact SUVs like the Audi Q3 and Skoda Karoq. Find a full list of affected models lower down.

What is a DQ381 DSG?

The DQ381 dual-shift gearbox (DSG) was designed and released in 2015 as a refinement of the DQ380, which was introduced as a step-up from the DQ200. The DQ381 is effectively the polished next generation of the popular DQ200 DSG. Also a 7-speed box, the DQ381 is capable of 420 Nm of torque, making it an ideal choice for various mid-sized models across the MQB platform. Conveniently the DQ381 is compatible with both front and all-wheel drive configurations and offers significantly improved fuel economy to earlier DSG models. 

VAG’s DQ381 system utilises a wet-clutch design. This means the clutch plates and friction rings are fully-lubricated and constantly cooled with transmission fluid. This of course reduces wear from friction and heat, and should, make the system more durable. Earlier versions of the DSG ran into significant problems with their dry-clutch design, leading to significant clutch wear and a complete loss of drive. 

Although the DQ381 brought with it a marked improvement in reliability, there are still serious manufacturing and component defects within the mechatronic unit that will render the vehicle undriveable - just ask VW Tiguan owners.

What is a DSG mechatronic

The DSG’s mechatronic unit is the orchestrator of the dual-clutch transmission system. It’s a hydro-electric control module responsible for timing, selecting and engaging the appropriate gears. The DQ381 mechatronic is a highly-sophisticated system made up of many individual components, each of which would cause significant issues if they were to break down and fail.

Common issues with the DQ381

When the DQ381’s mechatronic unit malfunctions, owners are left with a range of transmission-related faults that’ll eventually render the vehicle undriveable. 

As internal component breakdown typically manifests itself gradually within the mechatronic, owners often experience unusual shifts and an intermittent loss of gears. When the DQ381 DSG malfunctions, owners typically experience either a loss of odd gears (1,3,5) or even gears (2,4,6) at first. This is typically accompanied by a gearbox malfunction or transmission light too.

As the DSG mechatronics’ internal failure develops, the vehicle will be forced into limp mode and eventually loses functionality of all gears. As a result, the fault codes P1735 and P1736 are commonly stored.

Our DQ381 Mechatronic Solution

If you’re experiencing a mixture of the symptoms above, you might have been advised to completely replace your DQ381 DSG or its mechatronic unit. However, this isn’t the most efficient solution.

The problem with replacement units, is that they consist of the very same components you’ve just experienced issues with. This means replacement DQ381 mechatronic units are likely to fail again in exactly the same way later down the line.

We have a better solution. We’re the experts at testing and remanufacturing the DQ381 mechatronic unit. We test these control modules on state-of-the-art testing rigs to uncover even the most intermittent of faults. We then rebuild faulty units with higher-than-standard components using the very latest remanufacturing equipment and techniques. This ensures all rebuilt mechatronic units that leave us are not only fully-functional once again, but are also more durable and better-equipped to handle the high mileage typically demanded of them by drivers.

Our highly-efficient process takes just 2-3 working days. We even provide an unlimited-mile lifetime warranty on every DSG mechatronic unit rebuild too, providing further peace of mind. Resolve your DQ381 issues the smart way, have the mechatronic unit comprehensively rebuilt by us – fill out our test form to get started. 

Common failure symptoms:

• Limp mode / emergency gearbox mode
• Intermittent loss of gears
• Loss of odd or even gears
• Loss of reverse gear
• Complete loss of gears
• Gearbox malfunction / transmission light
• Engine management light

Common fault codes: 

• P1735 – Position Sensor For Clutch 1 Electrical Malfunction
• P1736 – Position Sensor For Clutch 2 Electrical Malfunction

Test and rebuild:

We analyse your control module on our testing rigs before and after the remanufacturing process, this ensures it’s ready to hit the road when you receive it back from us.

Programming:

You won’t even need to recode your rebuilt unit either, as all programming information is preserved throughout our process.

Quality:

We take quality seriously and we’ve achieved an industry-leading defect rate of just 0.49%. This has helped us become the chosen provider of automotive remanufacturing services for industry specialists worldwide.
 

Warranty:

Lifetime unlimited mileage*

How do I get my unit rebuilt?

To pay for the rebuild click the Shop Now link above, select your part number and click: Get yours rebuilt.

Print the payment/booking confirmation email.

Package the DQ381 mechatronic inside a sturdy box with plenty of packaging material (make sure you include your confirmation email in the box).

Send us your package by tracked courier (the shipping instructions are on the confirmation email).

Once received we will test, rebuild and return your DSG mechatronic with an unlimited mileage lifetime warranty. (if your unit turns out not to be faulty then we will refund your payment less a small testing fee and return shipping)
 

What if I don’t want to pay up front?

This is not a problem, if you prefer this option then follow these steps:

Fill in and submit this test form.

Print the booking confirmation email.

Package the control module inside a sturdy box with plenty of packaging material (make sure you include your confirmation email in the box).

Send us your package by tracked courier (the shipping instructions are on the confirmation email).

Once received, we will test your mechatronic and call you to advise on the outcome of testing, if your unit is faulty and you choose to go ahead with the rebuild then we will take payment over the phone using a debit/credit card.

We will then rebuild your DQ381 mechatronic and return it to you with an unlimited mileage warranty.

If you require further information regarding this DQ381 DSG mechatronic then please contact us.