It may be something as benign as the sensor itself is playing up. And not the gearbox. The DSG has 2 clutches, one for odd gears and one for even. Makes the gear change smoother and would xplain why you can only get gears 2, 4 and 6 in emergency mode.

Not seen this mentioned anywhere else here but sounds like a visit to the dealer, but at least armed with the above info.

 

It may be something as benign as the sensor itself is playing up. And not the gearbox.
The DSG has 2 clutches, one for odd gears and one for even. Makes the gear change smoother and would xplain why you can only get gears 2, 4 and 6 in emergency mode.
Not seen this mentioned anywhere else here but sounds like a visit to the dealer, but at least armed with the above info

Yeah think I will give them a call tomorrow as I've just had a minor service and gearbox oil and filter changed this week, VW also carried out a health check but never came back with anything concerning but I guess it's due to them not running the car for a long period of time.

 

Ooops, now im worried, same car with 1k less miles.
Where are you located? I have a VCDS & am in S/Yorks.

 

Took my car down to a local gearbox specialist an he plugged it in and got the same fault my friend got on his unit and says as the fault is intermitten it's likely the Mechatronics box is on its way out ! ...and mentioned the clutch positioning sensor itself it's within the Mechatronics box ! Not what I wanted to hear...a new box itself is +/-£1850 without vat and fitting, such a strange fault tho as it's driving fine yesterday Asif nothing it wrong...then a long journey it will ping up about 40 mins in

 

My metatronics unit went in the Tiguan and I think the warranty bill was near £3k all in.

 

Was this alright afterwards.

 

Guys for what it’s worth……have a look at getting VW’s extended warranty! These cars are great when in the first three years and under VW warranty but can be an utter nightmare when that expires! I have the extended VW warranty on my 2018 R line biturbo, mind this was post having to have a failed LP turbo replacement at 3K…ouch. For £33 a month you get x two services, VW warranty, breakdown for two years and x two MOT’s…plus you can sleep at night not having to worry which black box/item is going to fail next.

 

Maybe you should try to change cables first, i know a guy who had similar problem and after all it was cables not a Mechatronics box!

 

What are the cables you mention?

 

Coming across an issue with my Tiguan 2017 2.0, 7 speed dsg auto - 45300miles on the clock.

After 35mins of driving roughly the emergency gearbox mode (you can drive on) comes up and goes into limp mode. I then switch of the engine and it goes back to normal for 20 mins then message comes back.

If I leave the car overnight, it drives fine Asif nothing is wrong until it's all warmed up roughly 30mins of driving then back into emergency mode only gears 2 4 and 6.

My friend plugged it into his basic code reader and fault P0805 clutch positioning sensor circuit came up.

Any ideas what this could be or anyone came across similar issues?

I've read about mechtronic box failure but surely not being 2017 and only 45300 on the clock, and of course out of warranty.

Cheers

Hi, did you get to the bottom of this? Mine has just done the same thing. Same year 2017 - similar mileage. I’ve read it’s a really common issue but can’t be seen until the end of the week so no car whatsoever and my commute it an hour each way so that’s great. Also how much did this set you back to repair? Thanks

 

My 2017 did the same thing last year, went to my local indy and it ended up being a duff battery.

 

Thank you for replying - filling me with dread of worse case scenario as it’s out of warranty and can’t be seen until the end of the week for diagnosis

 

I'm located in Australia. We first had the warning 'Gearbox in Emergency Mode - you can drive on', January 2021. Took it immediately to mechanic (who works with European cars only) and he checked it and found it to be caused by a battery fault. So, battery replaced, faults cleared and no problem again even after a long drive in April 2021 of about 500 km.
This Monday, 21/2/2022 on our first long trip due to being restricted with COVID rules, we set off for a 1,000km round trip and at about 400 km the dreaded warning light appeared again. Had to stop several times along the way of the first stage of this trip and restart car to clear the light. Then engine light came on and cruise control ceased working.

No dealer was prepared to look at the problem, so we were left with no choice be to continue another 80 km approx. to our first overnight stop. Remember Australia's towns are spaced much further apart than England's. At this stage we could only travel at a max speed of 67 km and only gears 2 and 4 would engage.

Long story, short - Roadside Assistant man said don't drive any long distances (that put returning home by car out of the question) and that it the error that came up showed P0805 Clutch Position Sensor Circuit (after being stationary four about 4 hours). So the car was placed on a tray truck and shipped home and we flew. Thankfully we have roadside assistance which covered these costs ------- but we still need the problem fixed.

Seems to me, from reading the many forums that the Mechatronics is a problem known to VW but they will not recognize it to enact a Recall of vehicles. I have my fingers crossed.
Put me down to add to a Class Action!

 

I'm located in Australia. We first had the warning 'Gearbox in Emergency Mode - you can drive on', January 2021. Took it immediately to mechanic (who works with European cars only) and he checked it and found it to be caused by a battery fault. So, battery replaced, faults cleared and no problem again even after a long drive in April 2021 of about 500 km. This Monday, 21/2/2022 on our first long trip due to being restricted with COVID rules, we set off for a 1,000km round trip and at about 400 km the dreaded warning light appeared again. Had to stop several times along the way of the first stage of this trip and restart car to clear the light. Then engine light came on and cruise control ceased working. No dealer was prepared to look at the problem, so we were left with no choice be to continue another 80 km approx. to our first overnight stop. Remember Australia's towns are spaced much further apart than England's. At this stage we could only travel at a max speed of 67 km and only gears 2 and 4 would engage. Long story, short - Roadside Assistant man said don't drive any long distances (that put returning home by car out of the question) and that it the error that came up showed P0805 Clutch Position Sensor Circuit (after being stationary four about 4 hours). So the car was placed on a tray truck and shipped home and we flew. Thankfully we have roadside assistance which covered these costs ------- but we still need the problem fixed. Seems to me, from reading the many forums that the Mechatronics is a problem known to VW but they will not recognize it to enact a Recall of vehicles. I have my fingers crossed. Put me down to add to a Class Action!

Hello!! Also from Australia, This has just happened to my 2018 Tiguan Allspace, took it in VW yesterday and they cleared the fault and said mechatronics? (If spelt correctly) lucky under warranty (ordered part said it would take 4-6 weeks to come from Germany) but said it was fine to drive and ‘shouldn’t do it again’ well today… I got stuck 100km from home today and had to have it towed home!! How is yours going?? Any update?? Greatly appreciate your response!!

 

Coming across an issue with my Tiguan 2017 2.0, 7 speed dsg auto - 45300miles on the clock.

After 35mins of driving roughly the emergency gearbox mode (you can drive on) comes up and goes into limp mode. I then switch of the engine and it goes back to normal for 20 mins then message comes back.

If I leave the car overnight, it drives fine Asif nothing is wrong until it's all warmed up roughly 30mins of driving then back into emergency mode only gears 2 4 and 6.

My friend plugged it into his basic code reader and fault P0805 clutch positioning sensor circuit came up.

Any ideas what this could be or anyone came across similar issues?

I've read about mechtronic box failure but surely not being 2017 and only 45300 on the clock, and of course out of warranty.

Cheers

 

Hi, my 2017 tiguan is doing exactly the same thing, drives me nuts. So intermittent. But once it happens that's it until you leave the car off for about 12 hrs otherwise it happen every couple of miles. I was wondering if it was water in the electronics?

At the point I'm just going to sell the car unfortunate because I really like the car. Absolute joke a car with such little miles can have a fault that vw aren't recalling because it's a common fault.

Any information about fixed/faults found would help? Maybe stop me selling it. Absolutely bricking it putting it into vw with there hourly price to find a fault on something that happens know and then. May never find the fault at the right time but will still charge.

Cheers guys

 

Coming across an issue with my Tiguan 2017 2.0, 7 speed dsg auto - 45300miles on the clock.

After 35mins of driving roughly the emergency gearbox mode (you can drive on) comes up and goes into limp mode. I then switch of the engine and it goes back to normal for 20 mins then message comes back.

If I leave the car overnight, it drives fine Asif nothing is wrong until it's all warmed up roughly 30mins of driving then back into emergency mode only gears 2 4 and 6.

My friend plugged it into his basic code reader and fault P0805 clutch positioning sensor circuit came up.

Any ideas what this could be or anyone came across similar issues?

I've read about mechtronic box failure but surely not being 2017 and only 45300 on the clock, and of course out of warranty.

Cheers

 

I wrote about this problem in February. It was only when we forced the error to appear and were able to get the VW dealer to read the code immediately that it was confirmed as the mechatronic unit being faulty.

In Australia we have protection through the Australian Consumer Law, which covers major failures for items where it is expected that they be “good for purpose” for a period of ten years. So even though our warranty period had expired for our 2017 Tiguan, we made it very clear to the dealer that we knew our rights, and that the dealers’ call was on VW for a replacement part and our call was on the dealer for cover of labour to fit the part.

Thankfully there was no argument and the part was replaced last month at no cost to us.

We still have to go for a long drive the test the new unit, and plan to do that in about four weeks.

 

I wrote about this problem in February. It was only when we forced the error to appear and were able to get the VW dealer to read the code immediately that it was confirmed as the mechatronic unit being faulty.

In Australia we have protection through the Australian Consumer Law, which covers major failures for items where it is expected that they be “good for purpose” for a period of ten years. So even though our warranty period had expired for our 2017 Tiguan, we made it very clear to the dealer that we knew our rights, and that the dealers’ call was on VW for a replacement part and our call was on the dealer for cover of labour to fit the part.

Thankfully there was no argument and the part was replaced last month at no cost to us.

We still have to go for a long drive the test the new unit, and plan to do that in about four weeks.

My 2017 Tiguan started giving the same error, and I'm new to Australia
I have the car schedule in 2 weeks time with my local VW service centre in Castle Hill.
I hope quoting your message above gets me the same outcome.
Thanks

 

I am now at 3 weeks with this issue. Car was brought to main dealer and been waiting for a resolution it really is crazy they tell me that they have 4 in the garage with same fault and cant get the part from Volkswagen. It really is a shame because other than this i have not had any problems with my r line.

Very sad

 

i am now at 3 weeks with this issue . car was brought to main dealer and been waiting for a resolution
it really is crazy they tell me that they have 4 in the garage with same fault and cant get the part from Volkswagen
it really is a shame because other than this i have not had any problems with my r line
very sad

Don’t accept from the dealer that it’s a problem with a fuse or the battery (as many have written about). The P0805 Clutch Position Sensor Circuit shows on diagnostics UNLESS specific VW scanner is used. When we were able to drive until the error appeared again (done by driving up and down freeway in either direction of VW dealer/service to ensure we would be close when it triggered), only then were VW able to connect their diagnostics and detect the actual problem. Mechatronic unit!

We have taken our Tig for a drive through winding roads with various altitude to test and all well. Have read that more regular lub service would be a good idea to ensure good maintenance, but have to look into that.

Good luck. As you said a great car… except for this problem.

Perhaps you need to show your dealer my three posts, especially that the mechatronic unit was replaced at NO CHARGE even though out of warranty. It appears we have been very fortunate to have this done.

 

Coming across an issue with my Tiguan 2017 2.0, 7 speed dsg auto - 45300miles on the clock.

After 35mins of driving roughly the emergency gearbox mode (you can drive on) comes up and goes into limp mode. I then switch of the engine and it goes back to normal for 20 mins then message comes back.

If I leave the car overnight, it drives fine Asif nothing is wrong until it's all warmed up roughly 30mins of driving then back into emergency mode only gears 2 4 and 6.

My friend plugged it into his basic code reader and fault P0805 clutch positioning sensor circuit came up.

Any ideas what this could be or anyone came across similar issues?

I've read about mechtronic box failure but surely not being 2017 and only 45300 on the clock, and of course out of warranty.

Cheers

I have experienced the same yesterday..Was driving on holiday to Minehead in UK... i got 2017 Tiguan 2.0 SEL clocked 44600... last 30 min gearbox went into emergency mode only driving in odds... finally reached the place, switched off and switched on after 1 min, error disappeared,, managed to drive within carpark.... not sure whats the problem.....

 

Hi, once my car went into this fault it would happen intermittent. But has done it for the past 6 months. Mechatronics seems to be the main fault but I traced it to a faulty sensor in the exhaust system?

Dilemma is pay £100 pH at vw and its a minor problem or find out its the mechatronics? Depending on your warranty or not. I had no warranty. I have sold mine now as I just couldn't trust the car anymore. Shame because they are great cars and a shame vw don't hold their hands up to faulty /poor built vw parts.

Get diagnostics on it and that should tell you the fault. Some faults create multiple other problems that aren't related?

 

Hi All,

So a month or so ago I had the exact same fault. While driving my 17 plate Tiguan 4m 7speed auto with ~49,000 miles on it flagged up “gearbox in emergency mode. You can drive on”. Left overnight all returned to normal. While in this mode it would only select 2nd and 4th gear.

I, rather optimistically, wasn’t to concerned because assumed that if it was a dreaded Mechatronic issue (a common fault). VW would potential support under goodwill as there is no way a Mechatronic should fail in under 50,000 miles. So I sent it to a dealer for diagnostic and a goodwill claim.

The fault identified related to a clutch position sensor and required a Mechatronic. Full cost was about £2.5k. So they submit a goodwill claim. To my horror it was flat decline. No support from VW at all. I’m flabbergasted, while I appreciate the warranty has lapsed, they should not allow a poor quality unit like this to be repaired at the customer expense.

 

hi I also have the same issue recently on a MY17 Tiguan 2.0 TSI SEL DSG. 54k. I took mine to a German specialist. 10668 / P173600 fault code. Gearbox goes into limp mode, gears 2/4/6 only. For me this is same as other people, it's intermittent after either longer joyrney or time, but one it happens it just gets annoying. Replacement mech unit is the response. At a cost of £2700 fitted with gearbox service. I'm on the fence on getting replaced too, as you dont know what other transmission issues will come afterwards. Had no issues with the car in 3 years until now, great car with great spec otherwise. It is a shame there is no easy repair options without trying to find a great tramission specialist or a garage willing to try a repair option.

 

I had this same issue on my 2018 vw golf Gtd. Absolute nightmare. However I had a different error code , p17350 .. position sensor for clutch 1. The problem started about 2 hours after I bought the cars car will go into limp mode and would only stick on gear 2,4 and 6. As I just bought the car from reputable dealership didn’t think much of it an turned the car on an off to where it started working again. after few miles same issue… called dealership they took in for repair. Went 1 week later to pick it up drove about 5 miles same issue. second time in for repair they said it needed a software update hence why it’s playing up. They updated it an I probably drove around 150 miles thinking they’ve fixed it but the problem still come up now main dealer vw have taken the car in and they’ve said it’s a faulty mechatronic unit… took them a bloody month to figure that out.!

 

Hi, was this problem sorted then and how long did VW have the car to repair the issue?

 

I have a 19 Reg and first time it has happened to me as I drove off the motorway... I am 131 miles away from home. Is it safe to drive it back? I will be doing motorway driving most of the time... Can goin Manual driving other times. Any advice?

 

Coming across an issue with my Tiguan 2017 2.0, 7 speed dsg auto - 45300miles on the clock.

After 35mins of driving roughly the emergency gearbox mode (you can drive on) comes up and goes into limp mode. I then switch of the engine and it goes back to normal for 20 mins then message comes back.

If I leave the car overnight, it drives fine Asif nothing is wrong until it's all warmed up roughly 30mins of driving then back into emergency mode only gears 2 4 and 6.

My friend plugged it into his basic code reader and fault P0805 clutch positioning sensor circuit came up.

Any ideas what this could be or anyone came across similar issues?

I've read about mechtronic box failure but surely not being 2017 and only 45300 on the clock, and of course out of warranty.

Cheers

Clear the faults.... Sell it!

 

Got the same on my 2018 Tiguan. In for a diag next week, Don’t want to sell, Really like the car, But if it’s a huge bill I won’t ever buy a Volks again.

 

I did manage to get the computer reprogrammed - it went into something called limp mode - happens to BMWs and Mercedes

 

From South Africa, my 2018 Tiguan 2.0 Highline TSI gave exactly the same error last weekend. When in emergecy mode, gears 1,3, 5 and 7 would not engage. Has about 79 000km (49 000 miles) on it. Message disappears after switching engine off. Was informed by the dealership it is the Mechatronics unit and has to come from Germany. Will take 21 days to arrive in Cape Town. Definitely appears to be an error with the Tiguan's mechatronics unit, that Volkswagen needs to sort out.

 

Definitely appears to be an error with the Tiguan's mechatronics unit, that Volkswagen needs to sort out.

Seriously? OK say the failures are in the tens, maybe hundreds world wide (based on maybe a dozen reports I've seen on various forums over the years) you do realise the DSG gearboxes are sold in hundreds of thousands if not millions worldwide? Any component can fail, thats why you have warranty and MTBF is quoted for all components. It's unfortunate for the people who have a failure, but it's not that big a deal globally.

 

Coming across an issue with my Tiguan 2017 2.0, 7 speed dsg auto - 45300miles on the clock.

After 35mins of driving roughly the emergency gearbox mode (you can drive on) comes up and goes into limp mode. I then switch of the engine and it goes back to normal for 20 mins then message comes back.

If I leave the car overnight, it drives fine Asif nothing is wrong until it's all warmed up roughly 30mins of driving then back into emergency mode only gears 2 4 and 6.

My friend plugged it into his basic code reader and fault P0805 clutch positioning sensor circuit came up.

Any ideas what this could be or anyone came across similar issues?

I've read about mechtronic box failure but surely not being 2017 and only 45300 on the clock, and of course out of warranty.

Cheers

I have a 17 plate tiguan with 56,000 miles and had it to garage 5 times with that problem in 6 months. It finally went to a proper vw garage to go on their machine and it was diagnosed as the mechitronic. This was replaced last week but now i have water coming in from under the glove box. Only had car since may 2022. I love the car but i don't love the issues.

 

Hello,

I am experiencing the same issue P173500, with water coming from beneath the glove box. Could you please let me know if you have found any solutions for water leaks? Also, is there any way to repair the part rather than replacing it?

Thank you

 

I have exactly the same problem, the car dealer offered to replace the unit with total price of $3600, it is unacceptable, I will take VW to Dispute Tribunal if they can not give me a satisfied answer. my car is under 50KM as well. It should not have this kind of problem, I paid annual service fee for several thousands already since I bought it in 2017.

 

Hi, my 2017 Tiguan 2.0 Tdi SEL, DSG 55,000 miles, has just suffered the same problem, after driving for about 30 mins, the warning Gearbox emergency mode flashed up on the dashboard and only gears 2,4 & 6 available. Like other people have said, pulling over and letting it cool down for a while, the longer the better, it would reset and drive again in all gears until it got up to full operating temperature and then go into Gearbox safe mode again ! Fearing the worst and trying to save money, i took it to an independent garage who put it onto their diagnostic tester ( paid £60 ) but they couldn't find anything specific but suspected it was down to low battery voltage ( as others have been told on this forum ) they charged the battery and reset all codes and it seemed OK for a few weeks, however i did not do many trips in excess of 30 mins so all seemed OK for a while.
When it started to happen again, i booked it into my local VW dealership for a diagnostic check ( at a cost of £120 -Eek ) They confirmed it as a faulty sensor ( P173500 - Clutch position sensor in the Mechatronic unit ) and the unit needed to be replaced, dreading a horrendous bill, they quoted just under £1500 to carry out the work - with a 2 year warranty.
I contacted VW UK to see if they were aware of an issue with this problem as it would seem VW in Australia recalled some cars fitted with this Mechatronic unit, but of course they denied any known issues !!!
As my car was out of warranty i had to pay for this out of my own pocket - The work has now been completed and everything seems to be OK. I must admit i am happy with the service received from my local VW dealership ( Lincoln. )
Although, i don't think this should be happening on a low mileage relatively new car manufactured by a so called premium manufacturer !!

 

Just to log another one with the same problem, I've got my Tiguan back after 3 weeks.

2017 Tiguan 2.0 Tdi SEL, DSG 53,000 miles - first got the error message 2 months ago. Same as everyone else, fine on short journeys, once you go over 30 mins, error comes up. I only had gears 2,4 and 6 and luckily still reverse when it happened.

Car went in and diagnosed mechatronics unit problem which needed replacing and apparently each one is made for your car which is why it takes 3 weeks for the part to come in.

Luckily I'd taken out an extended warranty in January so it was covered under this and the work completed without them quibbling.

As others have said though, really frustrating to have it go wrong and what is a relatively low mileage.

Only other issue I've had with it is the leaky sunroof drain tubes saga.