A direct shift gearbox (DSG) is an electronically controlled, multi-axle automatic gearbox with double clutch. It is mounted on a large number of Volkswagen Group vehicles. Vehicles from the Škoda, SEAT, Volkswagen and Bugatti brands in particular are equipped with them.
In 2003, this gearbox was presented in the Volkswagen Golf 4 R32. This is the world’s first automatic transmission installed in production passenger cars. It offers an automatic and a manual mode.
This gearbox has now been manufactured in several generations. Many of these were developed together with other manufacturers, including BorgWarner and LuK.
How the DSG works
The greatest advantage of this gearbox is the constant transmission of torque, which is achieved with the help of two clutches and two gear shafts. One gear is engaged while the second is waiting. The electronic control unit selects the required gear based on signals from various sensors. The gear is engaged by means of control, solenoid and pressure control valves. You must slide the shift lever to the right to activate manual operation. To increase or decrease the gear ratio, the shift lever should be set to “+” or “-”. Shift paddles for operating the manual transmission are available in many versions.
Popular DSG Versions
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| Version | Index | Number of gears | Max. Motor torque, Nm | Max. Displacement, L | Clutch type | Year of manufacture | Models |
| DSG-6 | DQ250 (02E) | 6 | 350 | 3,2 | dry | 2003 | Volkswagen Golf 5; Volkswagen Passat B6; Seat Leon 1P; Skoda Octavia A5; Volkswagen Jetta 5; Skoda Superb B6; Volkswagen Touran |
| DSG-7 | DQ200 (0AM) | 7 | 250 | 2.0 | dry | 2007 | Škoda Rapid; Volkswagen Golf 6; Skoda Fabia 2; Volkswagen Polo 5; Volkswagen Passat B7; Skoda Superb B6; Volkswagen Jetta 6; Škoda Octavia A7 |
| DSG-7 | DQ500 (0BT, 0BH, 0DL) | 7 | |||||
| DSG-7 | DQ380 (0DE) | 7 | 420 | 2.0 | Oil | 2015 | Volkswagen Golf 7 GTI; Volkswagen Magotan |
| DSG-7 | DQ381 (0GC) | 7 | 420-430 | 2.0 | Oil | 2017 | Volkswagen Golf 7.5R; Skoda Karoq; Volkswagen Tiguan 2; Skoda Octavia 3 A7; Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan; SEAT Leon 3; Volkswagen Arteon |
| DSG-7 | DL382 (0CK/0CL) | 7 | 500 | 3.0 | Oil | 2015 | Volkswagen Phideon |
Frequent defects of DSG
| Defects | Gears |
| Jerks and vibrations are common during use. | DQ250 (02E) |
| If the transmission oil is not changed in time, the clutch wear debris can damage the solenoid valves clogged. | DQ250 (02E), DQ500 (0BT, 0BH, 0DL) |
| The clutch kit wears out prematurely. | DQ200 (0AM) |
| The electronic control unit burns out. | DQ200 (0AM) |
| The Housing of the mechatronic unit can crack due to high oil pressure. | DQ200 (0AM) |
| The 6th gear fork is prone to failure. | DQ200 (0AM) |
| A clogged heat exchanger can cause the transmission to overheat. | DQ500 (0BT, 0BH, 0DL) |
| Malfunctions of the mechatronic unit. | DL382 (0CK, 0CL) |
| The gear oil quickly loses its operational properties. This will wear out the clutch bearing. | DL382 (0CK, 0CL) |