The DSG Transmission Explained - How A DSG Transmission Works, Advantages, & Cars That Have Them

►For decades, automatic transmissions have been viewed as the antithesis of performance by most automotive enthusiasts. Power-sapping torque converters, glacially slow shifting, and driver feedback described as vague at best, are some of the key complaints about older 'traditional' automatics. With the DSG transmission, a dual-clutch automatic, Volkswagen and Audi revolutionized the industry, providing an efficient option that offers reliability and race car-like performance for the masses.
Read the full Guide To The DSG Transmission on our blog: blog.fcpeuro.com/the-definiti...
00:00 - Intro
00:36 - What Is a DSG?
07:11 - Dual Clutch Transmissions
09:02 - Advantages/Disadvantages
12:42 - DSG Service
18:39 - DSG Types
25:46 - DSG Farts
27:42 - Wrap-Up
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[@shdddd]

This is how a presentations should be done! Thank you!

[@fcpeuro]

our pleasure shdddd , glad you approve!

[@kamallcharles4895]

​@@fcpeuro🎉🎉🎉q😊

[@TheTexican05]

Me: Why would I spend 30 minutes watching a transmission video about the cars I love? Also me (30min later): 😳 ❤ 🙌 Thank you guys for this! Production value and info are top shelf. 🇩🇪 💪

[@Mr-HaZe]

Whoever made a script for this video should get a raise... very informative and easy to comperhend. I bought Skoda Kodiaq with DSG transmission, and since im coming from organic 6 speed 3.0 engine, DSG is rather easy to drive. But to understand what really goes under the hood, that is another thing. Thank you for sharing this knowledge God Bless❤

[@scottrB5S4]

Wow, that was fantastic, really great presentation and explanation of all of the DSG transmissions in a way someone who knows very little about transmissions can understand. I'm going to watch the servicing DSG transmissions video now.

[@fcpeuro]

Awesome, glad that you enjoyed it! Let us know if you have any questions

[@BeatSupporter]

Great video, dsg lover

[@rohitbhatoa6669]

@@fcpeuro Excellent information. I am facing issue with my Skoda superb 2010 where even number gears amd reverse are not engaged. My mechanic has suggested complete transmission change. It would help if you can suggest what may be the issue. I do not believe my mechanic understands the real issue. Thank you again for this video. This helps us novices in understanding things which we have no clue about.

[@nathansheridan2082]

I love the FCP videos. Great source of information on VAG cars. Please, don’t ever stop!!!

[@budyeddi5814]

Best breakdown of the dual clutch I've seen so far 👍👍

[@hirealegendltd8344]

Awesome description man thanks for your time explaining it all 🙂

[@sayan1667]

My first experience with DSG was a 2.0tdi Passat 2008. That thing was impressive and fun for +1700kg.

[@niknakz4339]

You are amazing man, love how you just get straight to the point. Great video guys!

[@borisbentley2296]

The clarity, technical information and scope of the DSG is comprehensive - as the presenter speaks with confidence and knowledge. Absolutely Super.

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you Boris!

[@borisbentley2296]

@@fcpeuro I currently have a 2017 Passat Estate 2.0 TDI DSG and the gearbox was becoming increasing clunky as slow speed. Two weeks later this awful noise on idle at 850rpm at standstill. Unknowingly on removing the box, the flywheel was heavily covered in metal dust, the clutch assy was cracked and bits of metal broke off lying at the bottom of the bell housing. This car has only covered 49,956miles!

[@ftlbaby]

Thanks for this video. It answered all my questions. Very clear and concise!

[@andrewscarbeck4017]

Thank you so much FCP! ‘14 Jetta TDI w/ rawtek kit and tunes for ecu and tcu. Pushing 135k miles now and noticed a hard shift yesterday full throttle. Now I know what I need to do and what to expect in the future!! Thanks agains

[@joshuarussell5512]

What a great in-depth video i dont even have a dsg but you made the whole topic interesting. Kind of like a Sir David Attenborough documentary. Sometimes it's not a topic you want to watch but after watch it your amazed. thank you for putting out a very good informative video. 👍

[@BuilderV8]

What an excellent description of a DSG transmission with fantastic graphics.

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you liked it!

[@robertdavis32]

This really helps explain the transmission in my new to me 2016 Passat VR6, thanks guys!

[@biosskw]

Very informative and well put together video! Thanks.

[@phredflypogger4425]

Very informative and well explained. Thanks for a great vid.

[@funkyfro7542]

Thank you so much I just bought a mk6 gti and I've been having lots of transmission issues with this lately so this helps a lot.

[@Justinlifts365]

mechatronic issues most likely

[@francolatorre6984]

Thanks for all the explication! Finally some proper Info about DSG Gearbox.

[@i-_-i_try-_-i2624]

DSG such as dq200 and dq400e could be interesting to hear about! Great video

[@Not0rious7]

Super informative. Great job guys!

[@prapullacd]

Great explanation DSG, thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge.

[@simonelliott5956]

Excellent video, really well explained. I would also like to thank you all at FCP Euro for helping me out, Audi in the UK and Germany were out of stock of a cylinder head bolt for some warranty work on my C7 RS6, you guys had stock and sent it to me in a few days, so thank you very much for helping me. FCP Euro is a really good option, if you can’t get the part in Europe, it’s worth trying them as the shipping cost was very reasonable.

[@rodpaine7552]

Excellent presentation! Been trying to find such to explain why we are impressed with our 2019 Audi RS 3 transmission. This is the presentation that all can understand!

[@rodpaine7552]

Watched again today, to help explain the transmission to a friend who considering buying an Audi RS 3 as warm weather arrives and some Audi RS 3's may actually be available this year. Again, a great presentation!

[@rodpaine7552]

And again at the gas station this morning. A new RS 3 owner looking for a good Audi RS 3 technical web page. Sent him here ofcourse!

[@tedjohnson64]

Amazingly complete presentation! Thanks for the heads up re: the 7 speed (2018+ GTI) having softer shifts. That sucks.

[@baconator_c10]

Well You convinced me. I just traded in my manual GTI S for a DSG GTI Autobahn 👍 Great video and explanation.

[@blindmixer88]

pretty fantastic video Nate! glad to see your teaching in some way or another ;-)

[@Madagaspar]

Very informative and presented very well, thank you!

[@MrJewripper]

What an excellent and well rounded video! Thank you.

[@fcpeuro]

Our pleasure!

[@cruzctrl2]

This is the best and most thorough explanation I've watched for a layman as myself. Thank you for it. I have a 2014 Jetta Sportwagen TDI with the DSG, where would you recommend I start with mods to get a sportier feeling out of my engine/transmission combination?

[@fastboatster]

News flash - dsgs with wet clutches also use hydraulic pressure to apply the clutches and shift gears. Modern ATs also shift extremely fast and realize complete lockup of the engine and transmission together. Also not mentioned that VW dsgs integrate the front diff with trans which shares the same fluid with gears and 2 clutches. Audi actually has clutches and hydraulic controls in a separate chamber while the front and center diffs plus gears are in their own separate compartment with different fluid.

[@fcpeuro]

Correct - the DL501 utilizes a divorced lubrication system, unlike the other VW/Audi transverse transaxles that share fluid for clutches, gear stacks, and differential. You're also on point with the late model ZF 8-speed being much better than older traditional automatics, so while what we're discussing here is more or less true, there is less of a performance gap than there was in years past.

[@1PotatoeMasher1]

I really wanted a manual TDI Mk6 Golf but there wasn’t a good one around so I settled with DSG and I’m very happy with it. Very great performance for an automatic I still prefer the fun of a clutch though. My flywheel is about to need replacement though so I’m gonna add a Wavetrac LSD while I’m in there.

[@pixelpimpnz]

Learned a lot, nice vid team!

[@ricardomedina5315]

Really excellent explanation! Thanks!

[@hotdogtopdog]

Very informative. Thank you!

[@leumas1234]

Really good vid mate. Thank you

[@B.makona]

Fantastic presentation. You really know your stuff bro. Thumbs uppp!

[@Dlwinborne]

I absolutely loved this video!!! You have given a Master Class on DSGs. I have driven manual transmission VWs since 1983. My first auto is my current 2015 Passat. It OK, but not inspiring… I am buying an 2023 Arteon SEL Premium 4Motion in May for my birthday. Looking forward to the DSG Transmission. I am planning on tuning the car!

[@motivatedregardless4816]

Congrats man, hope you like it! Those are beautiful, make it a monster! 😤

[@thedwighty]

Great video. Thanks for sharing this information.

[@alliedfroth]

Superb presentation!

[@darrinyo-mamakimble7002]

Great video Well presented and very interesting knowledge thanks.

[@ericthestone]

Best video so far I have watched about DSG

[@xmurray5361]

love the video! Also I have a stage 1+ 2017 Gli (dsg) I took it to the dealership to get an alignment and while I was waiting I asked to drive a new gti (dsg) 2019. I didn't like the car either it just doesn't snap gears like the dsg in my car. I told that to the dealership guy and he thought I was crazy lol thank you for proving my point.

[@dq3666]

Great video! I have a Mk7 GTI with a DQ250, loooove it! Among other mods, my favorite has to be the 3" valved Varex exhaust. In straight pipe mode, I get DSG *cracks* that sound absolutely glorious. Bonus is that when I wanna go low-profile, I just hit a button on the fob, and I'm as quiet as stock. Nothin' to see here! 😏

[@dq3666]

@Pipa Obala It's not too bad around the city for me, but I agree the clutch engagement is a bit clunky at times, particularly when parked downhill and you have to reverse, and vice versa. First gear likes to diddle sometimes, too.

[@ivanklaric6590]

Sweet 😁

[@Alfredo-fd3rd]

Thanks for your reply really helpful Thanks again man 👨.

[@paul_b5714]

Great walk-through, really informative 👍. I have a Dl501 in my 3.0tdi. Heard that it's only good up to 600Nm torque on standard clutchplates, is that your experience?

[@randyvalenzuela5336]

Wow man amazing video very informative keep it up!!!

[@bongobreathman]

WOW! Excellent teaching video. Thank you.

[@jamdc2000]

thanks for the info, my father and I are planning on getting a new GTI, at least new to us, a 2012 4door GTI with DSG, all these tips and info are really appreciated. Our current project car was a Mk4 Gti, but we think it is time to move. take care guys and always thanks for these kind of videos

[@fcpeuro]

Awesome, the Mk6 DSG platform can be a lot of fun, and they look great in the 4-door. The suspension design and driving experience going from the Mk4 to the Mk6 will be a world of difference for sure.

[@David-vx5tk]

I just got a 2016 Volkswagen golf GTI with the DSG I'm concerned about the reliability of the transmission though specifically about creepin and stop and go traffic I heard that can destroy the transmission

[@grahameritchie8064]

Thanks for this eccellent info on the dsg. You briefly touched on dual mass flywheel problems which sounds like what I am experiencing in my audi a3 1.8 tsfi. Another vid around diagnosis of this problem would be helpful to me

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. The dual-mass flywheel issue is a tough one to diagnose, often times you can go by mileage. On a TDI car they tend to live a harder life so will need service at a lower mileage - something around 120k. On a gas car it's usually closer to 200k, but it can depend. If you're not up on service doing a fluid and filter first could help with any shifting issues

[@1PotatoeMasher1]

Mine has a chatter sound when cold in park or on initial acceleration. Not terrible yet but I’m about to replace it. I call it an unfortunate wear item so now I’m prepared and it won’t be a problem. Could be much worse, it’s my favorite performing auto and it’s relatively cheap and reliable too.

[@ahmed4tutu]

i just purchased a s4 first video i came looking for. first time audi owner coming from Mercedes. well explained i believe maintenance is key to any thing never had any issues with amgs hoping the same here if maintained correctly. cheers for the vid

[@TheScrufE]

Bought a used Mk7 R from dealership, they didn’t tell me the previous owner got a stage one tune along with tuning a lot annoying factory stuff off. That car, is the car that got me into cars.

[@owen8271]

Excellent presentation.

[@davidwall6020]

A brilliant presentation.

[@SarmedAmeen]

Thanks so much, love these videos!

[@Ahmadaly7777]

Great video! Would love to see a similar video on the getrag dct in the 458/SLS/Ford GT/Amg GT!

[@fcpeuro]

Good idea Ahmad!

[@uritamir]

Thank you for a really great video! Is the process the same for the DQ500 gear type?

[@Fawn72]

Thank you for the great explanation. How can I find which clutch is used on Skoda Octavia 2021 with 2.0L diesel 1.5TDI engine?

[@Alfredo-fd3rd]

Thanks so for your video 📹 on transmissions love it hands 👐 down!

[@heatherl0815]

This is amazing! Thank you!!! 😊😊

[@carlosbonilla1637]

Excellent video!! Thank you

[@Scooter055]

Great video and much appreciated. You have mentioned the "as long as you maintain" principles....what about the poorly maintained units? What can be expected?

[@zendan1036]

Great information! Whats the best method to ensure proper level of the DSG?

[@georgevidas8256]

Excellent video - thank you. Do you have an explanation for a DSG high temperature warning light appearing on 7 Speed 4 Motion 2018 model Tiguan. This can happen in off-road mode when you attempt to climb a steep hill with a slippery and uneven surface? Is this related to clutch slippage while the traction control works out which wheel to send the power or something else?

[@kevinrea6309]

Great Video; thanks. Long time FCP customer and fan. I have a higher hwy mileage B8 S4 with regular fluid changes running a new replacement Mechatronic flawlessly for last three years and have stage 2 ECU and TCU tunes. I have a shifting issue becoming more and more noticeable whereby my odd-to-even gear (1/3/5 to 2/4/6) upshifts are slightly rougher and delayed with a slight RPM upsurge vs even-to-odd, or all downshifts. Most noticeable is 3-4, and all more prevalent when 3,500+ RPMS. Any thoughts you could share on where I should be focusing my attention would greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@ibrahimmomani9451]

Killer video! Nailed every part of this video!

[@jasontozer8079]

Tremendous information! Muchos Gracias. X

[@309gti8]

Great explanation, lots of really good information here. I like the comparison you made between the DQ250 and the DQ381. I’ve driven several 250s but when I bought my GTI with the 381, I was pretty disappointed by the shifting. I was expecting it to shift like the older ones, but with the added benefit of that 7th gear. Like you said, it was “slippy” and just didn’t have the crisp, fast shifts of the 250. It also seemed like the clutch engagement when taking off from a stop wasn’t as sharp. However, it did seem like the faster/harder I drove the car, the shifting would improve, especially in sport mode. I was just wondering if it was actually designed to work that way, or if it’s just a figment of my imagination. Can you shed any light on that? I no longer own that car, I now have a Mk6 GLI with a 6-speed manual. As much as I love driving manuals, I still miss the way a DSG drives. My wife’s Macan does have the PDK, so I suppose I can get behind the wheel of that whenever I need my “DSG fix” 😆

[@rambow70]

Did you ever tune your DQ381, I know he said tuning helps but still doesn't feel like a DQ250 but I'm wondering if you did it and what the change was like for you.

[@309gti8]

@@rambow70 I did not tune it

[@deanmarr785]

Great video.6 speed DSG for the win

[@vasquezjoey21]

Great information.

[@sebyo7650]

Great video, informative. I bought my first DCT car 7/20/23 due to the performance. What can you say about stepping on the brake while in drive during stop and go traffic? Been hearing bad things will happen. Thank you.

[@javidnurmammadli6825]

did not press forward button :) THANK YOU!

[@tofigkerimov508]

thanks for your effort!

[@volkengaming-alexbogdan2880]

GREAAAT! AWESOME TIPS N INFO!

[@qawsalla1]

Amazing dsg presentation reall enjoyed all the very well explained content Would like to ask you Im considering of purchasing a golf Mk6 20 tdi year 2011 with dsg transmission it has already 90k miles on it What do you suggest should I go for it or find a manual transmission?

[@jpcommander]

A great video. Thanks so much.

[@chloeleedow7250]

Fantastic video thankyou! 😊

[@bobbarrett2631]

Great delivery. Even I can understand that. Have owned an S4 for a couple of years with DSG (an injury brought me to have an 'auto') and until now, not fully understood it. Absolutely love the three in one gearbox choices. As an engineer, would you agree that fuel economy, whilst not the prime reason for the purchase, would be better than a manual also? Would love to hear any comments as I am amazed at the fuel figures, unless I am going full chat (only on the track officer) Many Thanks again from the UK Be lucky.

[@diljitjedi]

Hands down that is got to be the best explanation of DSG boxes now this is got me thinking perhaps I should buy one a 2020 21 onwards I'm presuming here in the UK it would be a 7-speed DSG well done boss you explained it and take away some of my fears don't get the business about farts

[@WOLF-ve8yk]

I don't know if you have but you should do a video on how to use Manuel mode in a dsg and the differences between them, maybe what to look out for and don't do etc.

[@JeremyEmmett]

Hey guys, great video and answered a lot of questions I've had about DSG - in the video at 13:50 you start to describe flywheel issues, the bang into gear, and the vibrations - you also mention they're indications of something else, and "you'll get into that later" - I may have missed it but I don't think you came back to it. What are the other issues? Also, the vibrations, would they likely be felt while idalling, sitting at the lights, or sitting in park? and how bad would you expect?

[@onearmedbandit_nz]

Mechatronics issues will cause hard changes, delay in engagement, 'dropped' gears etc as well so I'm guessing that's what he was alluding to.

[@motivatedregardless4816]

​@@onearmedbandit_nz I think you're right as well. Thats what I think im dealing with.

[@JasonBryantGreen]

This was a really great video

[@fcpeuro]

We appreciate that Jason!

[@GhostReaper5.0]

thanks for this video !!!

[@afikzavadi6626]

That was very informative,question,what type of dsg do i have with my 2018 skoda fabia?still not sure

[@chrishenderson7]

Great video, quick question, where do the DSG/Steptronic units fitted to the 1.4 hybrids fit in to this? I understand they're a more compact 6spd with the wet clutches?

[@marcstreiff6067]

Nice tech review... Question for me is would the DL 501 be possible to replace the tiptronic in my 2005 2.7T allroad. Reason being the performance upgrades this motor will be undergoing this year. RS6 turbos/intercoolers, 2.8 heads with 2.7 exhaust valves, rods & crank upgrades, 631 injectors, higher capacity maf, RS4 sized Y pipe, higher volume fuel pump.... etc ... etc.. Aiming for somewhere in the 600+hp range..

[@grantmount]

Great vid... ive just brought my son his 1st car which is a 2009 audi a3 quattro with the dsg gearbox. Car ran perfect the 1st couple weeks but now its started to play up shifting 1st to 2nd gear , its as if your hitting a kill switch then it goes again. Cruising around its fine its only wot that it seems to do it. Ive changed oil and filter but doesn't seem to of fixed the issue. Any idea where I should start.

[@palagano]

I think the main thing you didn't point on is that the transmission itself isn't repairable in a sense. There are a few shops who have the ability or spec to replace internal components. Also the dq250 has 2 filters one internal non serviceable and one cartridge. The dq250 changed with the mk7 no longer is considered a 02E, mk7 use a 0D9 dq250, biggest difference I've notice when fully disassemble is that the temp sensor in the 02e is next to the mech unit. 0D9 is internally in the mech unit.

[@jameswan670]

As you said, Transmission fluid for VW DSG must be replaced by every 35~40 miles. This is most important to keep DSG life longer. But paradoxically speaking, DSG is sucks in reliability which need to be replaced the transmission fluid almost double times than torque converter. That is why many DSG owners are saying that DSG is sucks.

[@deutschhhhh6922]

So every day?!

[@corbanlee8157]

Love my mk5 GTI DSG is awesome just had it serviced put over 200k on the car and knock on wood still shifts good

[@fcpeuro]

Itll stil be buttery smooth I'm sure!

[@mihailivanov116]

Hi, thanks for the helpful and comprehensive video! I own a VW Passat with DQ381 7. I would like to ask if it is normal to hear even a slight shift from 2nd to 3rd and from 3rd to 2nd? I don't always hear it and can barely feel the knocking sound. Thank you!

[@felixdornieriii5188]

Awesome Video - Great Information -QUESTION : 2019 VW Jetta R-Line - What Transmission ? (NOTE: Not mentioned in Video) -

[@joshuakerstein9573]

Great video, thanks!!!

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-vc9xh8ei1g]

I refer to an article called [DSG SOP 5.0] Thru it I really understand how properly to use DSG

[@christopherhanlon4690]

I track my 2015 S3, and I get a rough shift every once in a while. I figured it was something I was doing. Now I'm 100% sure, it's me. If I come into a corner and brake hard down shift, it's all good. If I come into a corner, brake hard down shift feather the gas and try try and down shift before another corner it's not happy. I need to get better at making sure the tcu knows what gear I want next. Also I was surprised to hear the dsg really holds up well on the track. I change my dsg fluid every 2 years with about 6 tracks days and only 12k miles. It sounds like it might be overkill. I'm pushing about 400 whp with 90k miles on her, so I want to keep the car running strong. Great video

[@debrajohnson4689]

might need a new clutch pack

[@acefighterpilot]

I can't believe a car parts store has such incredible animations.

[@fcpeuro]

We like to think of ourselves as more than just a car parts store acefighterpilot! If you havent checked out some of our 3D diagrams created in house as well on our site you should! www.fcpeuro.com/page/diagram-library

[@acefighterpilot]

@@fcpeuro You guys are definitely something special, whatever it is. Kudos to your animators and artists.

[@motivatedregardless4816]

​@@fcpeuro No VR6 products! 😢

[@cr8zyk]

I'd like to put out there I was ECU stage 1 and ran a 14.8, and a TCU tune got me down to 14.5. 5280

[@manjulaperera1675]

Wish you had touched on the dry clutch dsg transmissions as well. Apart from that, the rest of thy content was very good

[@nathanbrown9748]

Thanks! We didn't touch on dry clutch DSG as those are not sold in the USA market, so wanted to keep it on target for what we have direct experience with.

[@MrCodykuczenski]

Very well done

[@john2123]

Great video thank you

[@sypherpp4414]

So what releases the pressure on the clutch packs? Does the solenoid supply oil pressure to engage or disengage the clutch? I would assume oil pressure would engage the clutch otherwise it would use springs to hold pressure on the friction plates and I assume having one clutch disengaged for a long time (I.e motorway driving) would cause the spring free length to become below min spec pretty quick.