VW Tiguan P1735 & P1736 Fault - DQ381 Mechatronic Repair

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Volkswagen Tiguan DQ381 Fault

Are you experiencing transmission issues in your DSG-fitted VW Tiguan, and you’ve got a stored fault code for P1735 or P1736? It sounds like you’re experiencing a known issue with the DQ381’s mechatronic unit which will need to be repaired. Don’t worry, this issue is common and you won’t need to replace the entire gearbox.

Shop Now - DQ381 Mechatronic Repair

I’m sure we don’t need to tell you about the DQ381’s recurring problems with its mechatronic unit and its frequent need for repair – click here to find out more. 

These control modules are fitted with components that degrade faster than they should do, leading to an intermittent loss of gears and limp mode. But did you know that two codes in particular signal your mechatronic is on its way out? The presence of both P1735 and P1736 in your VW Tiguan are key indicators that a DQ381 mechatronic repair is required.

 

Common signs of DQ381 failure (VW Tiguan):

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

What causes the VW Tiguan P1735 & P1736 fault?
As you can see, both of these codes indicate that the mechatronic has detected a discrepancy in the clutch’s position. Of course, the DSG dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is comprised of two clutches, each responsible for one set of gears.

The mechatronic unit is highly sophisticated and processes a plethora of data fed to it by a range of sensors. It uses this information to be able to select the appropriate gear and engage the clutch at the perfect time, thus allowing for a smooth and efficient shifting experience. For this to be possible though, the mechatronic unit is constantly thinking and often preparing the next gear before it’s even required.

As you can imagine, this is a highly-tuned and sensitive process, and any discrepancy in sensor data leaves owners scrambling around for a DQ381 mechatronic repair due to a host of transmission issues. Unfortunately, the DQ381 is equipped with a particularly unreliable mechatronic unit. Due to constantly failing internal components, the once-streamlined internal circuitry of the mechatronic becomes compromised and error-prone.

This is exactly what is happening with your VW Tiguan’s P1735 and P1736 codes. The control module relies on clutch position data to understand exactly how far the clutch pack is engaged at any given moment. When the internal malfunction strikes and disrupts the system, the mechatronic loses confidence in its ability to know exactly how far each clutch is engaged.

As a result, owners lose the functionality of one set of gears until the DQ381 mechatronic has been repaired. If your VW Tiguan has a P1735 code stored, functionality of odd gears 1, 3, 5, and 7 will be lost. Likewise, if your VW Tiguan has a stored P1736 code, the even gears 2, 4, and 6 will be lost.

Our VW Tiguan P1735 & P1736 solution
Thankfully, this fault doesn’t mean you have to replace the entire gearbox. You might have found a range of DQ381 mechatronic repair services online, however we’ve got a better solution. We’ve developed a full remanufacturing solution for your faulty DSG mechatronic.

VW Tiguan DQ381 Mechatronic RepairVW Tiguan DQ381 Mechatronic Repair

Our rebuild service is designed to not only restore functionality, but to ensure the fault never returns in the future. We do this by using the very latest remanufacturing techniques and equipment, as well as higher-than-OEM-standard components. We go a step further than regular DQ381 mechatronic repairs, we completely rework your control unit so that its long-term durability is significantly enhanced. We think this is important given the high-volume of miles typically demanded of the DQ381 gearbox by its owners. 

Better still, we’ll even cover you with an unlimited-mile lifetime warranty too – unlike most other DQ381 mechatronic repairs. Our process takes just 2-3 working days and you won’t need to recode the rebuilt unit back to your vehicle either.

Resolve your VW Tiguan’s P1735 and P1736 codes the smart way, have your mechatronic unit rebuilt by the experts. Fill out our test form now 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 (VW Tiguan): 

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

 

Affected Part Numbers - Shop Now

 

Removal and refitting:

 

Test and rebuild:
Our testing process is designed to pinpoint hard-to-find faults under realistic driving conditions. We do this by developing our custom-built testing rigs and continuing to invest in the very latest equipment.
 
Programming:
You won’t need to recode your rebuilt mechatronic unit at any further cost. All programming information previously stored in your control module when you sent it to us is preserved throughout our process. This means you can simply refit and go, when you receive it back from us.
 
Quality:
We've developed strict quality assurance practices which has helped us to achieved an industry-leading defect rate of just 0.49%.
 

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 unit 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 control module 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 the following steps:

Fill in and submit this test form.

Print the booking confirmation email.

Package the 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 your unit and call you to advise on the outcome of testing, if your control module 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 mechatronic and return it to you with an unlimited mileage warranty.

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

Volkswagen Products/Services

AMAROK

ARTEON

BEETLE

BORA

CADDY

CALIFORNIA

CARAVELLE

CARAVELLE T4

CC

CRAFTER

e-GOLF

EOS

FOX

GOLF

GOLF PLUS

JETTA

LT

LUPO

MULTIVAN

PASSAT

PHAETON

POLO

ROUTAN

SCIROCCO

SHARAN

T-CROSS

T-Roc

TIGUAN

TOUAREG

TOURAN

TRANSPORTER

TRANSPORTER T4

TRANSPORTER T5

TRANSPORTER T5 (FL)

TRANSPORTER T6

Comments on "VW Tiguan P1735 & P1736 Fault - DQ381 Mechatronic Repair"
Jacob says: 13/07/2026 12:24:44
Hi I have code P176F00 ( clutch 2 closes unintentionally). This comes on 60 seconds after driving from cold, lose all even gears. Turn car off and back on and then it is absolutely fine until its cold again. Is this a common fault?
ECU Admin says: 13/07/2026 12:54:01
Hi Jacob, this does sound a common issue with the DQ381. You are welcome to send the part to us once it has been removed from the vehicle, you can fill out our test form here https://myaccount.ecutesting.com/?return=%2FTestForm with the required details and information for collection. If you have any queries, please call or email our technical support team here contact us Thank you!
Jacob says: 13/07/2026 14:21:28
Is my fault code P176F00 a common issue? I can only seem to find information relating to P173500 and P173600
ECU Admin says: 13/07/2026 14:23:53
Hi Jacob, yes we see P176F commonly for the DQ381. Thank you!
ECU Admin says: 13/07/2026 14:23:52
Hi Jacob, yes we see P176F commonly for the DQ381. Thank you!
Darren Kindon says: 29/06/2026 13:09:56
Hi, I have an Audi Q3 1.5 petrol intermittently loosing reverse 2nd & 4th gears code P173600. Are you able to repair the TCM on this vehicle? Regards Darren
ECU Admin says: 29/06/2026 14:00:09
Hi Darren, it does sound like the common issues we see with the DQ381. If you would like to call or email us with the vehicle details, faults and any part numbers you have from your transmission unit, we can use this information to confirm for you. You can find our contact details here contact us. Thank you!
Roisin says: 26/03/2026 12:19:58
If my mechtronic unit has already had the clutch sensors replaced can the unit still be repaired?
ECU Admin says: 26/03/2026 16:22:05
Hi Roisin, we are happy to take a look at this, even if the clutch sensors have been replaced. Please complete the test form that is at the top of the page on our website, or contact us if you have any queries and our technical support team will be happy to help. Our contact details are listed here contact us Thank you!
Josef Ndapewa says: 02/12/2025 19:24:31
Hi, I have a tiguan and its giving an error, gearbox in emergency mode, fault code P173600 Position Sensor For Clutch 2 Electrical Malfunction, do i need to replace the control unit,
ECU Admin says: 03/12/2025 09:03:08
Hi there, your unit may be able to be repaired instead of replacing the part. You can find costings by clicking the green buttons above for your vehicle. If you would like you can give us a call on 01773 535638 and our technical support team will be happy to look into this further for you. Thank you!
Michael Distefano says: 27/11/2025 17:59:58
My Tiguan is DSG 1.5 TSI and needs the mechatronic component repairing. Do you also take off the part and replace at a cost and what would it cost all together. Kind regards Michael
ECU Admin says: 28/11/2025 08:56:57
Hi Michael, you can find the costs by clicking on your vehicle on the buttons above. We do not offer a removal and fitting service as we don't have a garage here, so you would need to send the unit to us once remove from the vehicle. Thank you
Chris Heeley says: 06/10/2025 19:32:16
Hi I am having fault p1736 on my vw Passat 2018. Can you send repaired units out and then I return my faulty one in exchange? My garage would rather have the part to swop over so my car not stuck there for a few days while its sent off for repair thanks
ECU Admin says: 07/10/2025 08:05:48
Hi Chris, if you can get the part number from the unit and give us a call on 01773535638, our technical support team will be happy to look into this for you. Thank you!
Martin says: 03/07/2025 22:37:49
Hi! i have an 2018 audi a3 and im having the same problems, after a long drive my gearbox went into limp mode and only odd gears were functioning, after a cooldown the problem disappears and all works perfectly. Im sure is the mechatronic unit and im interested in sending it to you guys, only issue is i live is Spain. can i still send it?
ECU Admin says: 04/07/2025 08:01:36
Hi Martin, we receive units from across the world so you are more than welcome to send this to us from Spain. We require our test form to be completed, this is the green button at the top of the page, from there you can post your unit to us. If you have any questions, please give us a call on 01773535638 or email contact us. Thank you!
Ken says: 29/06/2025 21:00:13
Hi i have a 2019 skoda superb dq381 no fault codes in gearbox goes into emergancy mode after long drive even gears only let it cool down back to normal is this something u heard of
ECU Admin says: 30/06/2025 08:04:39
Hi Ken, this is something we have seen be caused by the DQ381 Mechatronic failing, you are welcome to send the part into us. You can do so by completing our test form here; www.ecutesting.com/testform. If you wish to contact us prior to sending, you can give us a call on 01773535638 or email contact us. Thank you!
Kevin says: 09/01/2025 21:05:31
Hi, I have a 2017 Tiguan...it went into "gearbox emergency mode" I lost odd gears & reverse... when I stopped, switched off then restarted..everything returned to normal, it drives fine at the moment but I have only covered shortish miles... max 30 miles... I have it booked into a VW specialists garage... I 'm not sure yet whether I will need to purchase a replacement Mechatronic unit...but if I do...could I order a replacement so when original unit is removed, there is a new unit ready on site
ECU Admin says: 10/01/2025 09:07:13
Hi Kevin, the process would be to send the replacement unit out to you, then once it is fitted we can arrange to have the original unit sent to us as exchange. If you email your part number to contact us, or once you have the part number, you can search this on the website and we can check that we have a compatible unit in stock for you to order. Thank you
Matt says: 27/12/2024 15:57:50
Hi, I have similar problem with sensor 2 on clutch and no reverse or even number gears. I live in Perth Western Australia and none here can do what you guys offer? Can I send my unit to you guys?
ECU Admin says: 27/12/2024 16:01:54
Hi Matt, yes you are welcome to send your unit to us. We receive parts from all over the world, so you can send the unit to us wherever you are located. If you wish to send this, you can follow the test form here; https://myaccount.ecutesting.com/?return=/TestForm If you do want to discuss the service more before arranging anything, please feel free to give us a call on 01773 535638 or email contact us with your vehicle details and fault information and our technical support team can advise you further. Thank you!
David Speir says: 06/12/2024 21:28:47
Hi. Im having a problem similar to what has been described on here only its the even number gears Im losing plus reverse gear. I take it it is the same fault?
ECU Admin says: 09/12/2024 09:02:35
Hi David, we have seen this part fail with loss of the even gears and reverse so we can certainly look into this for you. Please can you email contact us with your vehicle details, symptoms and any fault codes that are present? If you can also get the part number from your unit our technical team will be happy to help. Thanks
John Walton says: 05/09/2023 08:29:14
what costs are involved in repairing mechatronic unit on 2018 Tiguan
ECU Admin says: 06/09/2023 09:38:45
Sean says: 05/08/2023 09:09:18
Hi, I had a similar issue last night, my gearbox drive in first and third gear until it cooled down, and the fault code was for clutch 2 position sensor. Would this be fixable? Drove fine after clearing and cooling down. Thanks
ECU Admin says: 08/08/2023 10:52:47
Hi Sean, drop us an email with your specific fault code and we can look into this for you. contact us
anis says: 10/07/2023 06:28:32
hi, I have Q3 2013 and having limp mode and gear stuck in odd gear and no reverse after drive for few KM... need to stop and waiting until it's cool and back to normal.. and its repeating all the time
ECU Admin says: 10/07/2023 16:49:56
Hi, we can look into this for you. To get started just follow this link: https://www.ecutesting.com/product-catalogue/audi/q3/ecu-transmission/etm27711h-d/
Mike says: 25/06/2023 12:56:32
Any idea of cost to freight a mechatronic to you from New Zealand? Also turn around time as my Tiguan would have to be off the road until I get it back. Thanks
ECU Admin says: 26/06/2023 09:40:17
Hi Mike, drop us an email, contact us, with your address and we can get a shipping quote for you
Carl Speckner says: 07/11/2022 11:35:17
I have an issue with a Skoda Superb (2018, 2,0 DSG DQ381) When the engine is warm (70-100 mile trip) I get an error Gearbox Emergency Mode. You can drive on. Error codes are P0805 (Clutch Position Sensor) / P173500 Position sensor for clutch 1. Odd gear are then not in use. After stopping, it will reset. It all behaves normally on short trips. Can you advise if you are able to repair the mechatronic for this fault together with turnaround time if the unit is sent to you.
ECU Admin says: 08/11/2022 09:52:31
Hi Carl, sounds like you may have a faulty DQ381 mechatronic module. Our turn-around is mentioned above, for prices and shipping information simply click on your model above or here: https://www.ecutesting.com/product-catalogue/skoda/superb/ecu-transmission/etm27711g-d/
Barth Igomu says: 03/11/2022 16:31:46
My car is a 2010 VW TIGUAN AUTO DSG GEARBOX, Car jerks/stalls forward on start up until it gets in motion and stabilises. Needs to Have a diagnostics on the transmission and repair if possible.
ECU Admin says: 04/11/2022 09:35:55
Hi, once you've had diagnostics ran let us know the results and we can help from there
Juan José Arranz says: 03/10/2022 18:47:43
I have 1736 fault in my A3 2.0tdi 2017. Can you repair It?
ECU Admin says: 04/10/2022 09:46:20
Hi, looks like you have one of the common faults that we describe above. Get that into us for testing with a view to rebuild, just complete our Test Form or click Buy Now above
John Paul Dudley says: 19/02/2022 13:17:59
Hi i have the p173600 fault code ,just wondering how muvh would it cost to rebuild the mechatronic unit?
ECU Admin says: 21/02/2022 09:47:47
Hi, for prices and shipping information just click on your model above.
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