My 04 VDP seems to "clunk" when changing gear at low speed (10 MPH). This seems to happen often while in rush hour traffic. I've heard and read posts about "reflash". Not sure if this applies here. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

Yes, it's a fairly common problem, normally cured by a TCM reflash. Even so, I do sometimes get abrupt changes when gunning it away from a stand, or am still slightly moving forward.

The problem goes back to the original ZF decision on these transmissions to start from rest in 2nd gear, yes that's right ! However, if you're sitting at a junction waiting for a gap in the traffic, and see one, you gun the car away, and the TCM then decides it should start in 1st not 2nd, so it bangs the transmission into 1st very quickly hence the clunky change.

Is this your experience or are you getting something different ?

 

My issue is not starting from a stand still, but while moving in SLOW traffic (under 10 MPH), and then accelerate above 15 MPH or so to change lanes or catch up to traffic. That is when I get the clunk. Otherwise, all seems well.

 

Hi (Fraser)

Does the situation you have explained cause any damage to the g/box?

 

No damage that I can determine. The vehicle runs well and is dealer serviced. It is only recently that I have noticed because now my commute includes the stop and go situation noted in original post. There is no gear issues as any other speed or when I stop and then accelerate. The issue seems to be limited to car moving at slow speed, then increasing speed moderately. I have done a slow speed then stomp accelerator move without noting anything similar. Thanks.