DSG - what is it? Features and problems of DSG gearbox

Now cars are supplied with different types of boxes. The times when machines were installed only "mechanics", long gone. Now more than half of modern cars are equipped with other types of gearbox. Even domestic manufacturers began to gradually switch to automatic transmission. Concern "Audi-Volkswagen" almost 10 years ago introduced a new transmission - DSG. What is this box? What is its device? Are there any problems during operation? About all this and not only - later in our article.

Characteristic of DSG

What is this box? The DSG is a direct-shift transmission. It is equipped with an automatic gearshift drive. One of the features of DSG "mechatronics" - the presence of two clutches.

Design

This transmission is connected to the motor through two coaxially located clutch discs. One is responsible for even transmissions, and the second is responsible for odd and reverse speeds. Thanks to this device the car travels more slowly. The box performs a smooth switching of steps. How does the DSG machine work? Let's take an example. The car is going in first gear. When its gears rotate and transmit the torque, the second speed is already in meshing. She spins idly. When the car switches to the next stage, the electronic control unit is activated. At this time, the hydraulic drive of the transmission releases the first clutch disc and finally closes the second. Torque smoothly passes from one gear to another. And so until the sixth or seventh transfer. When the car reaches a sufficiently high speed, the box will switch to the last stage. In this case, the gears of the penultimate, that is, the sixth or fifth gear, will be in the "idle" gear. When the speed decreases, the clutch discs of the robotic box disconnect the last step and come into contact with the penultimate gear. Thus, the engine is in constant contact with the box. At the same time, the "mechanic" pulls the clutch disk by depressing the pedal, and the transmission no longer contacts the engine. Here, in the presence of two discs, the torque transmission is carried out smoothly and without breaking the power.

Benefits

Unlike a conventional machine, the robotic DSG automatic transmission requires less load, thereby reducing fuel consumption. Also, unlike the simple automatic transmission, the time between gear changes is reduced . All thanks to the presence of two clutches. In addition, the driver can independently switch to the "tiptronic" mode and mechanically control the speed switching. The function of the clutch pedal will be performed by electronics. Now the cars "Skoda", "Audi" and "Volkswagen" are equipped with the ECT system, which not only controls the gear shift, but also controls the opening of the throttle. Thus, when driving, it creates the feeling that you are traveling in the same gear. Also, electronics reads a lot of other data, including the temperature of the engine. The manufacturer claims that the use of the ECT system makes it possible to increase the service life of the robotic gearbox and engine by 20 percent. Another plus is the ability to select the transmission mode. There are three of them: winter, economical and sporty. As for the latter, the electronics change the gear shift moment to a later one. So increases the engine torque. But the fuel consumption is also greater.

Transmission problems and malfunctions

Since the robotic DSG gearbox is a complex electromechanical device, it is susceptible to various breakdowns. Let's look at them. So, the very first problem is the grip. Here it is worth noting the wear of the basket and the driven disc, as well as the increased load on the squeeze bearing. A symptom of the malfunction of these mechanisms is the clutch slip. As a result, the torque is lost and the dynamics of the car acceleration is deteriorating. There is an emergency mode of the DSG box. What does it mean? A light appears on the dashboard, the car starts to twitch and it's bad to start from the place.

Akutators

The problems of DSG concern also the speakers. This electromechanical gearshift and clutch. With frequent operation and a large run, the so-called "brushes" wear out. The breakage of the electric motor circuit is not excluded. A symptom of a malfunction of sharks is a sharp start and "jerking" of the car. This symptom also occurs when the clutch settings are incorrect. Therefore it is necessary to make computer diagnostics. Each car brand has its own fault codes.

About the 7-speed DSG

What is this box, we already know. There are no fundamental differences in the work of six- and seven-stage "robots". But statistics say that it is these boxes that are most susceptible to breakdowns. If we consider separately the seven-step "robot", it is worth noting the problem of the "mechatronic" control unit and the dry type coupling. The latter is subject to severe wear, especially when going to an increased or lower gear. As a result, it wears out and the box rises to "emergency mode". There are slips, problems when starting from the site and switching speeds. The manufacturer "Volkswagen" gives a warranty period of 5 years. During this time, more than half of cars with such a box require replacement of the clutch. This is the whole problem of this transmission. Therefore, if the car is more than five years old, all responsibility falls entirely on the shoulders of the car owner. And he already for his money will change all the nodes in this box.

Mechatronics

Problems exist not only with the mechanical, but also the electrical part, namely the control unit. This element is installed in the transmission itself. Since it is constantly subjected to loads, the temperature inside the node increases. Because of this, block contacts burn out, the serviceability of valves and sensors is impaired. Also blockage of the hydroblock channels occurs. The sensors themselves literally magnetize the products of the box wear - small metal shavings. As a result, the operation of the electrohydraulic control unit is disrupted. The machine starts to stall, badly rides, until the complete stop and shutdown of the units. Also note the problem of wear of the clutch fork. As a result, the box can not turn on one of the transmissions. There is a buzz when driving. This is due to the wear of the rolling bearing. This gearbox is installed on cars of different segments. But even on expensive machines, fault data can not be excluded, although its nodes are designed for greater resource and load.

How to extend the service life?

Due to frequent calls to the dealer centers, the concern itself began to advise car owners how to extend the life of the box. To ensure that the transmission elements are subjected to less load, when the manufacturer stops for more than five seconds, the manufacturer recommends that the gear selector be moved to the neutral position.

Conclusion

So, we found out what a robotic box is. As you can see, despite many advantages, it has many problems. Therefore, it is only reasonable to ride on such cars if it is in the warranty period. To buy such cars in the secondary market, if they are more than 5 years old, motorists do not advise. The reliability of these boxes is a big question.