Skoda Transmission Problems and Causes

Have trouble with the transmission of your Skoda? Follow the procedures below to learn the most common bad transmission problems.

Shift flares, slippage, or failed gear engagement

First-generation Skoda Superbs with a 5-speed automatic transmission, 5HP19, suffer from several shift-related issues. This ranges from flares on accelerations or slippage in reverse to poor shift quality and even failures to engage certain gears. In most cases, there will be no other symptoms or warning lights.

Possible causes

• Excessive bore or piston wear inside the pressure modulator valve results from normal wear due to constant movement. As this valve regulates transmission fluid back pressure, the leakage causes flares and slippage. There are oversized and upgraded kits available on the market.
• Excessive bore wear inside the main pressure regulator valve causes shift issues and failed gear changes. Reconditioning the bore and installing an oversized pressure regulator valve is the only reliable solution.

Harsh shifting

Older Skoda Octavia models that use a classic 5-speed automatic transmission, labeled 09A, can suffer from several shift issues. Harsh gear shifts while accelerating are the most common problems. A noticeable lurch can sometimes accompany this when shifting from Neutral to Drive or Reverse.

Most of these problems will affect high-mileage cars and start as an intermittent issue that only occurs while the car is cold.

Possible causes

• Solenoids within the valve body that are leaking or sticking. While leaks usually happen due to normal wear, movement obstructions result from build-ups caused by skipping fluid changes. The resulting lack of smooth and controlled solenoid control causes harsh gear shifts. Although solenoids may be cleaner or replaced one by one, renewing them all at once is the best solution.

Delayed shifts or failure to engage TCC

Skoda models equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, available under designations 09G, 09M, or 09K, have several symptomatic issues affecting gear changes. This can range from delayed or erratic gear changes to shift flares during accelerations. There are also cases where the torque converter fails to lock up, causing burnt clutches with time. These issues are usually intermittent, with no other symptoms or warning lights present.

Possible causes

• Excessive wear inside end plug bores results from component movement and fluid flow. This causes a loss of hydraulic pressure, which results in issues like gear shift delays or failures to lock up the TCC. Being a well-known problem, several upgrade kits are available on the market.
• Excessive bore wear inside the valve body leads to pressure drops or obstructions of the solenoid movement. As a result, there will be a noticeable shift flare both on acceleration and when coming to a stop. Replacing the whole valve body is the only solution, but because this is a well-known problem, specialized workshops sell rebuilt units.

Transmission in limp mode

Newer Skoda models with a 6-speed DSG transmission can suffer from switching to limp mode. This is something that usually happens suddenly and without any prior symptoms. When this happens, the transmission will be stuck in third gear, and the ‘PRNDS’ symbol on the dashboard will flash. This also stores error codes in the vehicle’s DTC memory, which will help narrow down the problem.

Possible causes

• Excessive clutch plate wear, resulting in clutch travel that exceeds allowable limits. This will cause error codes that indicate issues like ‘clutch limits’ or ‘clutch adaptation.’ Before blaming the clutch itself, resetting the clutch actuation procedure may help. This is possible by using a VAG diagnostic tool or performing the procedure described below.
• Failure of some sensors triggers a corresponding code or several of them. Based on the provided error codes, check the suspected sensor with connectors and wirings and replace it if needed.
• The faulty mechatronic unit resulted in various and seemingly unrelated codes. This usually includes implausible values for sensors and gear ratios. This unit is not serviceable; the only options are replacing or repairing it by a specialist.

Judder and rattle on idle or during gear shifts

Newer Skoda models with a 7-speed DSG transmission can suffer from issues ranging from prominent judder and rattle on startup or in idle to shaking during gear shifts, which is usually more noticeable with lower gears.

Possible causes

• The dual-mass flywheel has too much play within, caused by normal wear or driving style that is too aggressive. A strong metallic rattle on idle is a telltale sign. When checking the condition of the flywheel, look for any movement between two plates and replace if there is any.
• Worn dual-clutch assembly or certain parts inside it, caused by normal wear-and-tear. Although it is possible to replace single parts with various repair kits, replacing the clutch assembly as a whole unit is recommended.

Our expertise and research show these are some of the most common Skoda transmission problems.

We hope you find the Skoda Transmission Problems and Causes guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Skoda.