VW T4 Automatic Transmission Problems

Hello community

We/I have the following problem with the T4: While driving at 120/130 km/h, it shifted from D to P. This was an "accident" caused by our dog - a long story... So, back to the problem; as described above, the car was brought to a sudden stop. We immediately went to the nearest VW workshop, but nothing was found in the error memory . The car was running relatively normally, or we continued driving very, very cautiously. When we got home, we parked it, and the next day, it wouldn't start. My girlfriend called for help, and the van received a new alternator and started again. However, the automatic transmission then stopped working. The error memory now shows errors for all solenoid valves (see attachment).

My troubleshooting so far has revealed: The wiring harness for the transmission is okay, and the fuses are fine. I removed and cleaned the multi-function switch located on the transmission pan because it was dirty and greasy. The problem persists. The car is drivable, but it's not going faster than 50/60 km/h.

Further steps would be: drain the oil from the transmission and remove the slider housing to see if anything can be observed there. If necessary, obtain a transmission test stand to perform tests.

I can't imagine that all the solenoid valves are defective.

Maybe someone else has an idea? Perhaps someone knows this problem or something similar .

Best regards, Dave.

Well.

The reason why no error code is stored is quite simple: you have caused mechanical damage to a component. Dents in the bodywork (to put it bluntly) cannot be read using the OBD system either.

When in position "P", a mechanical lock is engaged, and I'm not sure exactly where it engages in your transmission. This lock is now at least broken, and it's likely that more damage has occurred. The magnetic valves are not involved, unless there are metal shavings or other internal transmission parts stuck in the oil circulation system.

Right now, two things are naturally making me wonder:

After you describe the incident to them – a dog being in front of the gear lever during the drive, and the gear lever being forcefully pushed into "P" – will a VW workshop read the error memory?

Are you having a new alternator installed by an ADAC technician, even though your transmission is broken and you intend to continue driving with it?

Please don't be angry with me, but this problem can't be solved with a computer. It now requires either a specialized gearbox repair shop or a custom drive system and a replacement gearbox.

However, I would refrain from making any trips with that vehicle for the time being.

Hello Matthias,

Thank you for your reply. I apologize for the delay; I was away on business.

matthiasTDI96 wrote:

Well. The reason why no error code is stored is quite simple: you have caused mechanical damage to a component. Dents in the bodywork (to put it bluntly) cannot be read using the OBD system either. When in position "P", a mechanical lock is engaged, and I'm not sure exactly where it engages in your transmission. It's now at least broken, and it's likely that more damage has occurred. The magnetic valves are not involved, unless there are metal shavings or other internal transmission parts stuck in the oil circuit. Right now, two things are naturally making me wonder: A VW workshop, after you have described the incident to them... dog in front of the gear lever, gear lever forcefully pushed into "P" during driving... will read the error memory?

Yes, they did. Why? No idea! At that point, they were unable, or unwilling, to identify any fault or defect.

matthiasTDI96 wrote:

Are you having a new alternator installed by an ADAC technician, even though your transmission is broken and you intend to continue driving with it?

I didn't have it done. I wasn't there at that time. It was my companion's responsibility.

matthiasTDI96 wrote:

Please don't be angry with me, but this problem cannot be solved with a computer. It now requires either a specialized gearbox company or a custom drive system and a replacement gearbox.

I'm not, and that's something I'm already aware of. I wasn't looking for a solution either. It doesn't matter now. The van is stationary, and the transmission will be replaced, and then it will be finished.

Thank you and best regards.