The problem is that the mechatronics unit is so complex, and filled with sensors and valves, that a failure of an individual component, like a £20 sensor, means that you may have to replace the entire mechatronics unit, which is very expensive. The rest of the transmission is mechanical (clutches, gears, shafts and bearings) and rarely fails. It contains the transmission control unit (TCU), multiple sensors, clutch actuators and the valves that control the transmission. The mechatronics unit is the control centre of the transmission. If anything starts going wrong with a DSG gearbox, in the majority of cases the mechatronics unit is at fault. It is also very efficient because it doesn’t have a torque converter like traditional automatic transmissions. In most circumstances, the DSG can change gears stupidly quick (milliseconds). The trick to achieving quick gear changes, the DSG is famous for, lies in pre-selecting gears and predicting driver’s behaviour. It has two clutches – one drives odd-numbered gears, and the other drives even-numbered gears.
#AUDI A3 8P FACELIFT CONVERSION MANUAL#
In Audi cars, it’s called the S-Tronic.Ī dual-clutch transmission is like an automated manual transmission. If you can’t diagnose or repair little problems yourself, trying to get the roof sorted out at a car repair shop may get expensive.ĭSG stands for “Direct Shift Gearbox”, which is VW Group’s brand name for their dual-clutch transmissions. Take the car to a high pressure (touchless) car wash and see if any water gets inside the cabin or the boot.Ī word of warning: If you’re not into DIY and you’re not willing to understand how the roof mechanism operates, you may pay for servicing more than you need to. Listen for squeaking or rattling noises while driving with the roof closed. Get the car up to 60 mph with the roof closed and listen for excessive wind noise. If it isn’t then the car may have been neglected or there is a leak somewhere. Open and close the roof a couple times to make sure that it works. Check if the rear demister works (if possible).Ĭheck the condition of the roof seals. Ideally, they should be lubricated regularly – ask the previous owner about it.Ĭheck if the level of hydraulic fluid is correct. The things to check regarding the roof are:Ĭheck for any dampness in the footwells and in the boot. As with any convertible, your three main concerns are weather intrusion (fancy name for a leaking roof), hydraulic fluid leaks and just general wear. It is actually a relatively simple system when compared to other convertible cars. The roof is operated by a pair of hydraulic cylinders, powered by a hydraulic pump.