On Becoming a Macan "Expert"

[Dr_Strangelove]

Is there a manual gearbox that mounts to the Macan engine?

[FRUNKenstein]

Is there a manual gearbox that mounts to the Macan engine?

Not that I am aware of.

[FRUNKenstein]

Well, I spent about 4 hours yesterday pulling the Mechatronics units out of the '18 Macan GTS to install a rebuild kit that is widely used. I wasn't convinced this would cure the problem, but it was the cheapest and easiest way to eliminate a common cause of shifting problems with the 0B5 DL501 transmission. I assumed that if the problem is with the transmission control unit (TCU), then I'd end up with the same malfunction codes. Problem is, somehow, I made the problem worse. Now, I can't get the transmission to take a recalibration (necessary after pulling the Mechatronic) and it is giving me 2 malfunction codes that are different from the one I had before. Arrgghh. It may be that I didn't hook something back up correctly. There are two electrical plugs on the new circuit boards that acted kind of wonky when I plugged them back in, so that's going to be high on my list. Plus, it is relatively easy to miss getting one of the 4 shift solenoid hooks into the shift forks.

So, I'll pull it, look around and try it again. If I get the same malfunctions as I have now, then I guess I'll reinstall my old parts. If my old parts take me back to step one, then chalk it up to a bad rebuild kit. Return the rebuild kit and ask for another one. Then install that. Then if that doesn't fix it, try a new TCU.

At least I had the Mechatronics unit out and on my workbench within 60 minutes after starting. I'll probably cut that time down to 45 minutes next time. Also, I probably spilled only half of the tranny fluid that I did last time, and would have spilled a lot less if I was paying attention when I filled my pressure pump the 3rd time. Competency is a wonderful goal to strive toward.

[32wildbilly]

Well, I spent about 4 hours yesterday pulling the Mechatronics units out of the '18 Macan GTS to install a rebuild kit that is widely used. I wasn't convinced this would cure the problem, but it was the cheapest and easiest way to eliminate a common cause of shifting problems with the 0B5 DL501 transmission. I assumed that if the problem is with the transmission control unit (TCU), then I'd end up with the same malfunction codes. Problem is, somehow, I made the problem worse. Now, I can't get the transmission to take a recalibration (necessary after pulling the Mechatronic) and it is giving me 2 malfunction codes that are different from the one I had before. Arrgghh. It may be that I didn't hook something back up correctly. There are two electrical plugs on the new circuit boards that acted kind of wonky when I plugged them back in, so that's going to be high on my list. Plus, it is relatively easy to miss getting one of the 4 shift solenoid hooks into the shift forks.

So, I'll pull it, look around and try it again. If I get the same malfunctions as I have now, then I guess I'll reinstall my old parts. If my old parts take me back to step one, then chalk it up to a bad rebuild kit. Return the rebuild kit and ask for another one. Then install that. Then if that doesn't fix it, try a new TCU.

At least I had the Mechatronics unit out and on my workbench within 60 minutes after starting. I'll probably cut that time down to 45 minutes next time. Also, I probably spilled only half of the tranny fluid that I did last time, and would have spilled a lot less if I was paying attention when I filled my pressure pump the 3rd time. Competency is a wonderful goal to strive toward.

You are resolute.

The local Porsche dealer could probably fix that for you for the small price "of one million dollars"...

[FRUNKenstein]

You are resolute.

The local Porsche dealer could probably fix that for you for the small price "of one million dollars"...

One of the 2 main suppliers of transmission parts is having a sale on rebuilt Mechatronic units: $435 plus $100 shipping. So, I ordered one of those yesterday. Hope to have it by the weekend. That way I know that the Mech unit will be good when I install it. I may send my old one off to have it rebuilt and actually seek out another Macan with the same transmission problem, but with a good Mech unit sitting on my workbench already.

Once I figure out how to fix this issue, I think there is an opportunity to buy vehicles with this problem at a significant discount and fix them for about $1,000 and a few hours of my time. But, I just have to figure this problem out, just like with the timing chain cover leak, the steam vent line ruptures and the transfer case failures. They really weren't a big deal to fix once I did some research and got some experience in fixing those seemingly catastrophic failures.

[Dr_Strangelove]

Porsche's solution would be to replace the whole transmission, I'd bet. Knocking on my desk for this rebuilt unit.

[FRUNKenstein]

Porsche's solution would be to replace the whole transmission, I'd bet. Knocking on my desk for this rebuilt unit.

That's exactly right - replace transmission at roughly $20,000 to $25,000.
But, it's not rocket science. This is the same transmission that the Audi guys have been dealing with since 2008 when the DL501 transmission came out. It's got the classic Mechatronic valve body malfunction symptoms. My first shot at fixing it was to just try the separator plate as the theory on Macanforum.com was that might be the only problem. We should have listened to the Audi guys though because that didn't fix it.

The rebuilt Mechatronic should arrive in the next week, so we'll take the next step in the process. If I was relying on this as my only option to get to work everyday, I'd be screwed. But, it's not, so I'll take my time and work through it.

[32wildbilly]

Porsche's solution would be to replace the whole transmission, I'd bet. Knocking on my desk for this rebuilt unit.

That's exactly right - replace transmission at roughly $20,000 to $25,000.
But, it's not rocket science. This is the same transmission that the Audi guys have been dealing with since 2008 when the DL501 transmission came out. It's got the classic Mechatronic valve body malfunction symptoms. My first shot at fixing it was to just try the separator plate as the theory on Macanforum.com was that might be the only problem. We should have listened to the Audi guys though because that didn't fix it.

The rebuilt Mechatronic should arrive in the next week, so we'll take the next step in the process. If I was relying on this as my only option to get to work everyday, I'd be screwed. But, it's not, so I'll take my time and work through it.

Any update?

[FRUNKenstein]

That's exactly right - replace transmission at roughly $20,000 to $25,000.
But, it's not rocket science. This is the same transmission that the Audi guys have been dealing with since 2008 when the DL501 transmission came out. It's got the classic Mechatronic valve body malfunction symptoms. My first shot at fixing it was to just try the separator plate as the theory on Macanforum.com was that might be the only problem. We should have listened to the Audi guys though because that didn't fix it.

The rebuilt Mechatronic should arrive in the next week, so we'll take the next step in the process. If I was relying on this as my only option to get to work everyday, I'd be screwed. But, it's not, so I'll take my time and work through it.

Any update?

The rebuilt Mech unit (from a Chinese company) also threw a code, but a different one. So, I ordered a set of OEM VAG solenoids and will install them when they arrive. Hopefully, that will fix the problem. I've used Chinese parts in the past (heck, a lot of OEM stuff is manufactured in China), but lately I haven't had good luck with them. I am starting to become an OEM parts only guy.

[Dr_Strangelove]

I am starting to become an OEM parts only guy.

I feel like I read this more and more!