Volkswagen Routan Transmission Problems & Cost | 62TE

The Volkswagen Routan was equipped with the 62TE transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Volkswagen Routan transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

VW Routan Transmission Models

2009 Volkswagen Routan: 62TE
2010 Volkswagen Routan: 62TE
2011 Volkswagen Routan: 62TE
2012 Volkswagen Routan: 62TE
2013 Volkswagen Routan: 62TE
2014 Volkswagen Routan: 62TE
2015 Volkswagen Routan: 62TE

Volkswagen Routan Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Replacement 62TE Transmission:

TransmissionStreet Smart Transmission
62TE2409

What are the DTC codes related to Volkswagen Routan transmission problems?

Trouble CodeDescription
P0716Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance 
P0721Output Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0726Engine Speed Input Circuit Range/Performance
P0729Gear 6 Incorrect Ratio
P0731Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio
P0732Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio
P0733Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio
P0734Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio
P0735Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio
P0736Reverse Incorrect Ratio
P0740Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction
P0750Shift Solenoid 'A'
P0755Shift Solenoid 'B'
P0760Shift Solenoid 'C'
P0765Shift Solenoid 'D'
P0791Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit
P0792Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0841Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch “A” Circuit Range/Performance
P0845Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch “B” Circuit
P0846Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch “B” Circuit Range/Performance
P0848Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch “B” Circuit High
P0850Park/Neutral Switch Input Circuit
P0868Transmission Fluid Pressure Low
P0869Transmission Fluid Pressure High
P0870Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch “C” Circuit

Volkswagen Routan Transmission Recalls

None Found

Volkswagen Routan Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

None Found

Common Problems with the Volkswagen Routan Transmission

Engine stalls while in Drive or during coast down – 62TE transmission
Problem – Drivers may experience an engine stall when they place the gear selector into Drive. They may also notice that the engine starts to run excessively rough or stalls when they are coasting to a stop.
Solution – These 62TE transmission problems may be caused by mechanical failure with the electronically modulated converter clutch variable force solenoid / EMCC VFS solenoid, which can cause the torque converter clutch to engage when it shouldn’t. To fix the problem, the EMCC solenoid will have to be replaced.

Transmission shifts into neutral on the 1-2 shift – 2007+ 62TE transmission
Problem – Drivers may notice that the vehicle shifts into neutral upon the 1-2 shift. This may cause the vehicle to go into limp mode, where the transmission becomes locked in 3rd gear. In some cases, the vehicle may not move and will require the engine to be shut off and restarted before limp mode can be activated.
Solution – These 62TE transmission problems are often caused by worn sealing ring lands on the low clutch housing. To correct this condition, place the housing and possibly the piston from the direct clutch.

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Volkswagen Routan transmission slipping

If you’ve got the 62TE automatic in your modern day VW Bus, then at some point you’re probably going to have to deal with a Volkswagen Routan transmission slip. This often occurs at either the 1-2 gear change or the 2-3 shift. When it happens, the transmission won’t go into the next gear and instead slip into neutral. If it happens on the 1-2 shift, the transmission will automatically go into limp mode, meaning that 3rd will be the only available forward gear. If it happens during the 2-3 shift, the vehicle will no longer shift and will not be able to move forward because 3rd/limp mode is not available. Limited functionality may return however, if you cycle the ignition off and then on again.

What causes the Volkswagen Routan transmission slip. 

There’s actually two reasons for your VW Routan transmission to slip out of gear. On the 1-2 shift, the problem is caused by damage or wear to the low clutch housing sealing ring lands (i.e. the bit of metal that the seals sit on). This will keep the direct clutch from getting the hydraulic pressure that it needs to shift gears. The fix is to replace the entire 62TE low clutch housing if any damage is found. If you decide to upgrade to a reman Volkswagen Routan transmission from Street Smart Transmission, you’re going to be getting a much more reliable transmission with a pristine low clutch housing.

If you recently gotten a rebuilt Volkswagen Routan 62TE transmission, then the 2-3 shift slip could be caused by a mechanic inadvertently putting the 2-4 clutch feed pipe in backwards. This will keep the 2-4 clutch from getting the pressure it needs to shift gears. To fix it, the transmission will obviously have to be disassembled so that very important part can be reinstalled the right way.

How much is it going to cost to fix my Volkswagen Routan transmission?

Unfortunately, the problem described here will require the removal and disassembly/partial disassembly of your transmission. Given the labor time involved to remove the transmission from the vehicle (this is not a simple task), most repair shops will recommend that you go ahead and rebuild the entire transmission while it’s out. Since they already have to tear it down to replace the Volkswagen Routan, it sort of makes sense to spend the extra money to do that. After all, you should get a lot more mileage out of your transmission once it’s rebuilt. And since they’ve already got the transmission apart, might as well, right?

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

If your Volkswagen Routan can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.

How often does a Volkswagen Routan transmission need to be replaced?

The overall lifespan of a Volkswagen Routan transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Volkswagen Routan transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.

How are Volkswagen Routan transmission issues diagnosed?

It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Volkswagen Routan transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.

How is a Volkswagen Routan transmission replaced?

In order to replace your Volkswagen Routan transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.

Recommendations for Volkswagen Routan transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Volkswagen Routan transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Volkswagen Routan Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Volkswagen Routan Transmission

The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Volkswagen Routan Transmission

Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.

Things to consider with a transmission rebuild

You’re the test driver – Most transmission repair shops and mechanics will only put a few miles on your vehicle to make sure the transmission works. But it’s not uncommon to experience transmission problems during the break-in period.

Everything might not be fixed – Most mechanics and transmission repair centers don’t have the equipment necessary to perform a thorough inspection on hard parts like gear sets, clutch drums and valve bodies. This means that your rebuilt transmission could actually have small cracks in key parts that aren’t visible to the naked eye. As time and mileage progress, these cracks can grow and create an even larger problem. Similarly, a slight warp in the valve body can seriously impact shifting performance over time.

Warranty – Although most mechanic shops and transmission repair shops will warranty their work. That coverage is usually only good at the shop or franchise that did the work. If you travel out of town and suddenly experience transmission problems, you’ll be on the hook for any transmission repairs unless you pay to have your vehicle towed back to the shop that did the work.

Quality – Nearly every time you get a transmission rebuild, all of the work is performed by a single technician. This may or may not be a good thing, depending on your point of view. But the end result is dependent on that technician’s level of experience working with your specific type of transmission. In addition, there is usually no standardized quality control checks at a mechanic shop. So an improperly torqued bolt or gasket that isn’t fully seated, might be overlooked and cause you major problems in the future.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Volkswagen Routan Transmission

Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.

Why a remanufactured transmission might be a good option

If you plan to keep your vehicle for as long as possible, then getting a transmission rebuild is certainly a viable option. However, a remanufactured transmission is a much better alternative. You’re getting as close to a brand-new transmission as it is possible. Companies like Street Smart Transmission also modify the transmission to correct all of the factory design flaws, allowing you to get a much longer service life from the transmission. You also get a 3-year/unlimited mile nationwide warranty, which allows you to get necessary repairs performed at any licensed repair shop of the country. So in terms of value for the money, a reman transmission might be the better way to go. 

Remanufactured transmission companies like Street Smart Transmission put each of their reman transmissions through a rigorous build process that ensures a quality product every time. It starts with nearly 100 trained technicians that specialize in different aspects of the build process. 

This remanufacturing process begins with the inspection team that test all of the critical components from the donor transmission to ensure that they meet the original equipment (OE) tolerances and specifications. The case, pumps, gears, shafts, valve body and torque converter are checked for hairline cracks, metal tensile strength, warping and other parameters. If any component fails to meet the required specifications, it’s discarded and replaced.

All the parts are then cleaned and sent to the appropriate stations on the assembly line for reassembly. Throughout the process, quality control managers inspect the build to ensure that it meets the desired specification. Any necessary modifications or upgrades that are needed to correct factory design flaws are also performed or added. The valve body is rebuilt and tested on a special dyno machine to ensure that it performs according to the specifications. All of the solenoids are also tested prior to installation.

Once the build is complete and passes its final quality control inspection, the newly remanufactured transmission is sent to the dyno room, where it’s tested on a special dyno machine using a proprietary software program called C.A.R.S. (Computer Aided Real-world Simulation). This cycles the transmission through a number of real-world driving situations, to ensure that it performs according to the factory specs. It also helps to break in all of the friction components, that way it’s completely tuned and ready to go once it’s installed.

Warranty – One of the benefits of buying a remanufactured transmission vs. a rebuilt transmission is the warranty. Street Smart Transmission for example, covers all of their reman transmissions with a 3 Year/Unlimited Mileage Nationwide Warranty (there is a mileage restriction for commercial vehicles). This covers parts and labor for transmission repairs performed by any licensed repair shop in the country. It’s also completely transferable if you ever decide to sell the vehicle. Compared to a mechanics warranty on a transmission rebuild, a remanufactured transmission warranty offers superior financial protection.

Is a remanufactured transmission worth it?

If you plan to keep your vehicle for as long as possible, then getting a transmission rebuild is certainly a viable option. However, a remanufactured transmission is a much better alternative. You’re getting as close to a brand-new transmission as it is possible. Companies like Street Smart Transmission also modify the transmission to correct all of the factory design flaws, allowing you to get a much longer service life from the transmission. So in terms of value for the money, a reman transmission might be the better way to go.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your Volkswagen Routan Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!

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Mike
3 years ago

2009 vw rotten it shift down when I come to a stop sign Really hard

John Mobley
3 years ago

Solenoid problem

Armando
3 years ago

While driving transmission studers to shift gears and I have no codes

JOEL
3 years ago

Question.. 2009 VW ROUTAN .. last week from no wear the minivan not drive over 30, 35 milles, code P0733, p0734, P0792, p1790. I did completed service with the filter and replaced speed sensro and 3rd and 4th gear sensor .. same.. clear the code and drive perfect for 10 , 20 minutes and get in mode and not drive over 35 millas.

Saul
3 years ago

123k miles in it

Saul
3 years ago

And it has only

Saul
3 years ago

I just got a 2012 routan and transmission is making a pitch sound like when the oil is low…u started in the morning ok when cold 5 minutes you put on drive and the sound is back at will go backwards but not forward like it losses presure.can somoene help. No codes

Krystyna
3 years ago

I bought a 2010 Volkswagen Routan about 2 months ago, 146k miles. The transmission has a lag when driving. Also sometimes when putting it in drive especially from reverse it jerks & bangs. Any idea what this could be?

Jeff.
3 years ago

2009 Vw Routan jerks a bit when shifting into second and third gears. Took it to one transmission place last summer was told the transmission was overheating . He said it needs to be rebuilt at 2400 bucks. Yet this winter at 20 degrees it does the same thing.Afraid to change transmission fluid as I’ve heard it could make things worse. Anyone else having this problem?

Walay Lang
4 years ago

2011 VW Routan SE with 58k miles original owner. Driving down the street, it won’t go past 40mph. I brought it to a shop and was told that the transmission went in to limp mode and that I need to replace the transmission and will cost me $4,700.00.
Codes scanned:
PO868
PO869
PO933
PO1745

vladimiro longo
4 years ago
Reply to  Walay Lang

I have same issue.

David D
4 years ago

I am the original owner of 2010 Routan with 87500 miles. No codes coming up but the car has been making whinning noise when driving and the noise gets louder as the speed goes up. Have the wheel bearing replaced and ruled out problems with the wheel bearing. Dealer mechanic provided a $7k quote for replacing the transmission. The cost is way too high – any thoughts on what to do the next?

Brian
4 years ago
Reply to  David D

Having the same problem now taking it to get a filter change.. according to the transmission shop it should fix that problem 80% of the time and should be around $200

Cheri W.
4 years ago

2012 Volkswagen Routan purchased 120,000 miles. No codes coming on but drives fine some times then others it gets sent into limo home mode. My guess is something computer related because when it’s working well it’s fine. Mechanic is replacing speed sensors?! Any thoughts. My brother things solenoid, TPIM, or valve body. Mechanics haven’t been able to recreate problem but whenever we have it, it does it after I’ve run errands a while.

Michelle Gilbert
3 years ago
Reply to  Cheri W.

Did you ever figure out what it was i am having the same problem and have already replaced selenoid pack.

Thomas Gill
4 years ago

I have a 2010 routan, I changed the transmission fluid and now it wont go into gear???? Can anyone help??

Kristyanna Turner
4 years ago

Have a 2010 vw Routan and it was staying stuck in 2nd gear and throwing up code P0760 it has 101,000 and been taken well care of. Took to mechanic stated needed new transmission so 3600 later still having same problems . We take it back now there are saying it is the power train control module in while case I think it was the entire time . Anyone else having same issues ?

Nate
4 years ago

Sometimes when driving van will down shift and stay in 1-2 gear, have to shut it off for awhile to get it going again

Sal
4 years ago
Reply to  Nate

Hi. That’s my problem with my 2011 routan. And also the shifter doesn’t catch either. Po83B is the code that came up.

Ryan
4 years ago

2009 routan with replaced transmission, replaced b solenoid, replaced ECM…. drivers good each time for 5k-15k miles then throws a P0755 code…. can’t find a problem anywhere

Tito
5 years ago

Just recently bought a 2010 VW Routan SE with 90K miles. We like it but i notice when it shifts between 2nd and 3rd it doesn’t shift like the other gears. More of a sharp premature shift rather than a smooth transition. Any ideas?

Bretney
4 years ago
Reply to  Tito

I bought my 2010 routan 2 years ago and it’s in the shop due to sudden halt when in first gear. Replaced the egr valve but the halt issue is not solved so now it could be a problem as issue is the torque converter or something in transmission.

Jan
5 years ago

Cracked flex plate in my 2012 VW Routan. Been in the shop for 2 weeks and still don’t know if the entire transmission might have to be replaced. Waiting to hear from Chrysler Service department.

yazz
5 years ago

no reverse

ibrahim
4 years ago
Reply to  yazz

similar problem no reverse

Joanna
5 years ago

Randomly won’t start. Randomly shuts off while driving? Very well maintained. Any ideas?

Joanna
5 years ago
Reply to  Joanna

2009 vw routan

Karen Beattie
5 years ago
Reply to  Joanna

Mine did the same thing. There is an open ignition recall on the Routans because the FOB can become loose in the ignition and cause it to stall. If you haven’t done so yet, call your VW dealership and see if you’re routan is part of the ignition recall. Also take the valet key out of the end of the FOB when you’re driving to reduce the weight on the back end of it.

Larry Charles
5 years ago

Transmission just started to leak fluid. It’s a 2009 v.w routan s. Right now it broke down with my 7 month pregnant wife

Karen Beattie
5 years ago
Reply to  Larry Charles

I had the same problem with my 2009 SEL. The transmission cooler gasket was leaking. It stared causing it to stall when on an incline, in reverse and the engine would tack out before taking off from traffic lights. The internal clutch wouldn’t engage because the fluid was so low. It cost about $500 to fix it.

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