Whilst investigating some worrying clunky gearbox issues in my Skoda Octavia VRS DSG, I stumbled upon a simple procedure for “resetting” the DSG gearbox. This reset has been heralded by many owners to fix issues ranging from gearbox hesitation, clunky changes and slow shift speeds.
What does the DSG reset do?
There is some debate on what a DSG reset actually does. Some say that it forces the automatic gearbox to “relearn” your driving style, whilst others say that it resets the clutch biting points and gear change speeds by doing a gearbox “cold start”. We couldn’t actually find any “official” sources but we’ll update you if we find any further information.
Reset Procedure
To perfrom the DSG gearbox perfrom the following steps. Be aware that it does not give you any visual feedback on the dash.
1. Put the key in the ignition and turn on – Do not start the car
2. Hold down the accelerator pedal fully for at least 10 seconds (many suggest 20 seconds). You will feel a little click under your foot at you push down the pedal fully.
3. Release the pedal – turn the key in the ignition. You can now start the car normally
If the DSG reset is successful you may hear some shifting mechanical sounds from the gearbox.
Does this work on both 6 and 7 speed DSG gearboxes
Yes, the procedure is the same for all DSG gearboxes equipped in VW group vehicles (VW, Skoda, Seat and Audi)
Does it actually work?
Whatever the reset may actually do, we found that it is made the DSG gearbox in my Skoda Octavia Mk3 (2015) TDI much smoother, especially from 2nd to 3rd under partial throttle. With my Skoda VRS fast approaching it’s DSG oil change service milage (every 40,000 miles) I’m hopeful that this will keep my auto box silky smooth for many years to come.
Here’es what other owners experienced after performing the reset
Well something worked on mine, I was getting worried the way the gear changes where happening but now they are silky smooth all the time.
All I have done differently was this procedure and it’s changed something whether it be a DSG reset or some other sort of reset it’s worked for me!
My sweet wife is now the one driving our fabia. Of course I didn’t dare to tell her about the reset experiment
But when she came home from work yesterday she actually asked me what i’ve done to the car… It felt quicker and more responsive she told me.. The thing is that I drive very defensive and have driven most of the 14k mile we owned the car. My wife on the other hand drives a tad more spirited and have always complained about the car hesitating, doesnt shift down etc.
Still having issues? Get your DSG oil changed / Serviced
I can’t stress enough that you need to keep ontop of your DSG oil change services. These are around £200 from Skoda and are due every 40,000 miles. My 2015 is just approaching 80K and will be going into for its DSG service ASAP. I’ve been reading from other DSG owners that they also to a reset on the DSG from the service software which also improves any shift issues you may have.
Let’s hear from you!
Did the reset work for you? What improvements did you find? Let us know in the comments below
Read More
This isn’t our first issue with the DSG gearbox in my Skoda VRS, like many owners we also experience the dreaded “Error: Workshop!… lever is in position P.” – read more about that in the article below
Hi I have a seat altea xl 1600 with 7 speed dsg gearbox I was getting worried because it was clunky and jurcky when setting off and it came on within days of lending my car out for 3 days I thought I would be spending a lot of money to put it right then I found out about the reset and all is well again I can’t believe it WOW IT WORKED
I tried the reset because an error kept appearing when running checks via ODB eleven and found this page when searching the error number.
I always felt my Skoda Octavia RS was a bit “uneasy” but I thought that was just the nature of the car or that it might be because of the tuning. I didn’t expect anything really but this reset completely changed the way it handles, thanks for this great tip!
Well I have a VW Ameo sedan and for some time it was working out the rpm to a higher level to shift from 2nd to the 3rd gear and was too jerky during every change of gear but after this it’s buttery smooth without jerks and better. Thanks for the hack.
Hi. I have a problem with skoda superb 3 2018 with the problem (gearbox in emergency mode no reverse gear) the gears 2 4 6 and rear disappear..Please help me. I changed the clutch yesterday
I didn’t get that when it says release the gas pedal and turn the key in the ignition.
Do I need to turn the key back from the ON position or it means start the engine? Thanks
I have also been experiencing same clunky and jurking behavior and took it to some mechanics and they claimed it was the clutch going bad.
I ultimately performed a reset using the steps explained and my vw golf variant is running even much better than before.
The acceleration from gear 2 is now very smooth.
I tried doing this the problem is that it doesn’t want to reverse with accelerated on reverse
I’m going to try this on my 64plate Yeti and 68 plate Fabia.
Yeti, driven by my wife, a bit clunky especially on S mode from 1st to 2nd and 3rd.
Fabia (as a driving school car) a bit jumpy on changes but so many different people was driving it so I’m not surprised.
Another issue with my Fabia is that showing error on display about
Leaving a car in position P, but this is a another subject to cover.
I will reply with comments after trying this method on my cars.
hello, same procedure on a keyless vw golf 2019?
I have a keyless 2019 golf R, I was having very jerky down shifts 3nd-2nd and occasional 2nd gear clunk I have done this rest as per instruction, ignition on press till click is Herd/felt mine took 15 SEC and release accelerator and then press start and it has smoothed out both D/S modes up and down, and manual shift is superb,
what proceedure for keyless skoda kamiq 1.5 dsg
same
Not work on Seat Leon FR 1.8 2014
Had my MU unit reconditioned on my Audi A3 Cabrio 2010 and the acceleration surges from stop in Gear 1 and 2. Found this article and gave it a try and yeap. It works. Driving off and smoother and more power
Haa every one i was changing my clutch in my Audi A3 DSG 7 speed after changing my car now if you put gear liver in D its doesn’t move until you press accaralator pedal there is also delay in some gears 3 and 5 its make strange noise So this its means my car needs Settings??
Hi everyone out there…
I am still sitting with the same problem for my boss golf 7 R line 7 speed gearbox has a noise after replacing the gearbox casing.
In the morning I will try that too.hope and wishing it will work perfectly..and I assure to updates everyone who took time to assist us right here.
This method has worked well on our VW T4 Caravelle 2003, however needs to be done on a daily basis
Operating the vehicle 24hrs later, it reverts back to not changing gears until engine speed 4000 rpm is reached
Gear changing is remarkably smooth & without any odd noises
However must be a DSG / wiring / connection / fault, that causes it to not retain the resetting ?
Comments ?
I am about 12,000 km away with a new mechatronic. The clutch was replaced 25,000 km ago. After the reset, the box works without any problems, but for a short time. After that starts to shift to higher revs (later) from 3 to 4 speed or from 4-5 speed. Any ideas on the problem. You can write to me at [email protected]
Got skoda Superb est 2019 in neutral slightest touch on throttle and revs in d/s its like you have to go down 1/4 before the car starts to pull away and most times try’s spinning the front wheels, on a run noticed when cruise on at 70mph having to press throttle down around half way to go that little faster (I know I’m going over the limit) but noted that revs went high with no extra pull what so ever ! on a manual car would say clutch slip but this is a dsg with only 39k on. So will deffo be giving this reset a try, hey with look might drive better and get more than 47mpg at 70mph for 200miles 🙂
Hello after reset still have a problem with my audi A3 dsg
Those higher speed changes often are connected with the car going into DPF regen mode. Just keep driving and when regen is done it will be back to normal if that is the cause. There is no dash indication that regen is in operation.
Other possible cause is a wheel speed sensor (WSS) going bad. The gearbox analyses the wheel rotational speeds to determine the changes as well as a small pendulum that indicates how much of a gradient the car is on. If too few signals are coming back from the WSS the box thinks the car is not going as fast as it is. Interestingly it does not appear to take into account the road speed which clearly goes to the speedometer. The electronics on these VAG cars is extremely complex and carry out many functions of which we are never normally aware.
Will this work on an audi a3 8p 3.2 my PRNDS ON MY DASH STARTED FLASHING AND WONT GO IN REVERSE 🤦♂️
Hey,did it on my Tiguan 2016 mk2 TSI 2.0 180hp (132kw) DQ 500 7 DSG and it actually worked,my gearbox is now alot smoother from 1 to 2 gear,before that it was so damn bad it was like jumping from 1st to 2nd gear.
I did try the reset did not work now my car only drives in d2
I have Skoda Octavia 2014 2l dissel automatic. Mileage 210000 I have problems with shifting gear from starting for 10-15 minutes some times car stalled and engine stopped wile driving so glow light comes on flashing. Until car stop so good for a few minutes after that comes again and when driving over 65ml car go on to mould position and glow light comes again and some time won’t start from biging
Any idea if there is an equivalent procedure for the dsq400e clutch? It has a push button start and is a plugin hybrid skoda superb
I have a question regarding my wife’s Q3 2.0 Diesel 2013 model with DSG. – [For the record; love Audi’s, I have a Q5; but hate main dealers!]
Firstly, is it acceptable/normal/common practice, for AUDI main dealers to to quote for and then perform a fluid change on the DSG; as per AUDI frequency recommendations. But to NOT REPLACE THE FILTER? I have never heard of a situatiuon on a motor vehicle of any brand/model or type; where the FILTER IS NOT CHANGED ALONG WITH THE APPROPRIATE FLUID?!?
Secondly, having had the fluid (and bolts & washers!) replaced; the car now occasionally loses power and hesitates to ‘pick up’ when slowing? Usually when travelling up or down the slightest slope and or turning right? I believe it may be due to fluid level being incorrect; that is to say LOW; resulting in ‘scavenging’ by the gerabox. Is that likely of even possible? (I have experienced this with fluid levels on other brands of car.)