What does DSG transmission overheating mean?

When the DSG "too hot" light is on, your engine must be shut down and cool before serious damage occurs.

Because sports cars can be ruined by slow gear changes, manual transmissions have long been the norm for fast cars. Other options are available these days, such as a direct shift transmission, or DSG for short. DSG is an electronically controlled dual-clutch manual transmission, so you can switch between semi-manual and automatic modes at any time. Many automatic transmissions also have this feature, but the DSG can shift much faster due to the two clutches. While driving, one clutch is used to transfer torque to the wheels, and the other is disengaged when the next gear is selected. As you accelerate and prepare to upshift, the computer has already prepared the next gear for you. In a matter of milliseconds, another clutch engages and your car shifts into the next gear.

What does DSG transmission overheat mean?

One of the main causes of premature transmission failure is overheating. To try and prevent the transmission from overheating for a long time, most DSG vehicles will have a separate transmission-only warning light. The temperature sensor in the transmission is monitored by the computer and illuminates if the temperature gets too high.

If this warning light comes on, stop as soon as possible to allow the transmission to cool before any serious damage occurs. After everything has cooled down, make sure there is the correct amount of fluid in the transmission. The DSG is cooled by engine coolant, so make sure your cooling system is in order. Temperature sensors can fail from time to time, so it's a good idea to check the sensor if this light comes on frequently.

Is it safe to drive with the DSG transmission engaged?

As mentioned earlier, heat causes excessive wear to the transmission, so you should not drive the vehicle if the warning light is on. Stop as soon as possible if this indicator lights up while driving. Shut off the engine and wait at least ten minutes before attempting to restart the engine. If the light is no longer on after you have restarted the engine, you may continue driving, but do not overload the machine until you have investigated the situation.

Transmission replacements are never cheap, so do yourself a favor and change the fluid at the indicated intervals and make sure you're using the correct fluid. If the transmission temperature warning continues to appear, our certified technicians are on hand to assist you in diagnosing any issues you may be experiencing.