iconoclast

when you receive and or purchase a "new" transmission to replace your old one you still have to fill it with fluid and install the necessary components that come along with it. they do not arrive full ready to go / plug and play. sometimes some services call for separating the engine/trans and then a refill is necessary and so on or if the vehicle is an accident and parts need to be replaced. there are many situations where fluid would need to be drained and replaced and not just because of age and despite any "lifetime" use.

smith2010Q7

Plus they will add flush lines and cooler as extra
add on from Iconoclast statement.

cuatrokoop

Transmission service is merely a filter change, cleaning the pan and putting fresh fluid in. Not replacing clutches, pulling the valve body, etc. Has been that case for a couple decades at least. Look at all the issues with ZF built automatics Audi has used since the late 80's (4HP24 in the V8q, 5HP19/24, etc).

iconoclast

repair leaks, seals etc. as stated earlier there are many issues or times when lifetime fluid may be replaced and not because of routine service/maintenance. just because it is "lifetime" fluid doesn't mean you reuse it. you always fill with new fluids.

WVUrS6

I also need to address a very similar problem with my 07 4.2. Very harsh shifts UP between 4th and 5th gears during hard acceleration when the trans is hot and under load. (full car, going up mountain passes, etc) It also "hunts" for the right gear during these scenarios too rather than the "sledgehammer" banging of gears, seems to depend on its mood at the time.

I am also going to do a fluid flush and filter swap to see if it helps. "Lifetime" fluid is complete BS for any transmission in existence. I have an automatic tranny guru who runs a local shop 1/4 mile away from me who has probably cracked open every type of auto trans in production and he laughs at the notion that any transmission is service free.

Lastly, I would bet the reason for your troubles (and mine) stem from a bad Valve Body. These trans have been used in Touregs for many years and this is a common malady. Its well known in that community. If you do have/find a good tran mechanic, you could replace the Valve Body with a new and improved Sonnax unit, and it would probably be better than the rebuilt one the dealer was trying to sell you.

09D TR60SN OEM Updated Valve Body 2005-2010 Without Pressure Switches

This is what I will do when the time comes, if it ever does.

Good luck

Arbaaz

So I got the gearbox oil, filter and sump changed yet the problem still lies unfortunately, took it to a gearbox specialist and he said this problem is very common and that I need a valve body which is about £1000. I've noticed there are different types of valve bodies so please can someone advise me which one to buy, mine is a 2007 3.0 TDI.
Thanks

smith2010Q7

WVUrS6 has a link for a upgrade valve body that fixes 6 speed trans shifting. Recommend to go to the link and call them for questions. Since you are overseas I can call them for you?
Wait a min, it said without pressure sensors. If I was going to replace a valve body I would want everything not just the body.
maybe also how much would new sensors will be?
looks like 670.00 USD but the core will bring it to 1000 USD which you return your old valve body you will get your 300 USD back.

Arbaaz

Hi yes if you could ring I would really appreciate it. Mine is a 6 speed gearbox.
Thanks a lot

WVUrS6

Good catch Smith, and yes a call to the vendor would definitely be recommended before purchasing. Your comment made me double check the VB unit I linked, they offer a VB with pressure switches but only for MY 2003-2005 . Looks identical to the earlier one I referenced, again I would call before buying. 09D TR60SN OEM Updated Valve Body 2003-2004 W\ Pressure Switches

Good to know the fluid drain/filter did not work, I will probably forego that step now once I get around to addressing this problem.

Good luck!

Arbaaz

My vin is WAUZZZ4L88D010489

Thanks a lot, I've read some reviews about getting the valve body repaired and it doesn't look like its a good idea by people's experiences.