Can You Still Drive When the Death Flash Occurs?

[LeTanner]

When the death flash occurs, it is not advisable to drive. It is recommended to immediately go to a 4S shop for repairs. Additional information is as follows: 1. Definition: DSG death flash refers to a malfunction in the DSG transmission where it cannot shift gears automatically normally, usually caused by an increase in transmission temperature. 2. Direct Shift Gearbox: Also known as S-Tronic transmission or Double-clutch Gearbox, its unique feature is that it shifts gears faster than other transmissions, delivers greater torque, and is more efficient. 3. Difference: DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) literally means 'direct shift gearbox' in Chinese. DSG differs from conventional semi-automatic transmission systems; it is based on a manual transmission rather than an automatic transmission, thus it is also a member of AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). The DSG transmission is the world's most advanced and revolutionary transmission system, first introduced to the world by Volkswagen in Wolfsburg, Germany, in 2002. DSG can shift gears both manually and automatically, is easier to control than traditional automatic transmissions, can deliver more power, and reacts faster than manual transmissions.

[LaJuliet]

When the transmission experiences the 'death flash,' I absolutely do not recommend driving. This refers to the gear indicator randomly flickering between D, N, or other gears, indicating severe internal transmission failure, such as a control unit malfunction or fluid contamination. Continuing to drive poses extreme risks—the vehicle may suddenly lose power, leading to rear-end collisions, or become uncontrollable during acceleration, causing accidents. With years of driving experience, I've seen many friends forced to make emergency stops on highways due to this issue, which is terrifying. You should immediately pull over to a safe area, turn off the engine, and call a tow truck to take it to a professional repair shop. The cause could range from simple solenoid valve issues to complex main unit damage—the longer you delay, the higher the repair costs, often running into thousands or even tens of thousands. Regularly changing transmission fluid every two years can effectively prevent such problems. In short, safety first—don’t risk driving.

[DeAustin]

My advice is that if the 'death flash' occurs, you should not continue driving. This type of failure is usually caused by a malfunction in the transmission control unit or sensors, causing the car to shift gears uncontrollably while driving. I've dealt with many such issues during repairs. Continuing to drive will only worsen the wear and tear, potentially destroying the entire transmission and doubling the repair costs. On the other hand, stopping the car and calling for a tow truck for inspection often only requires replacing small components. It's also much more dangerous from a safety perspective—if the car stalls at an intersection, it could easily lead to a chain collision. It's best to find an open area to stop and not attempt to fix it yourself, as fluid issues can also cause the flashing, but professional diagnostic tools are needed. Don’t forget regular transmission maintenance during routine servicing. For example, I always have a technician check the fluid condition periodically to avoid major repair expenses. Remember, enduring the inconvenience of stopping is far better than risking an accident.

[SanStephen]

The 'death flashing' refers to the random blinking of gear indicator lights, and I believe the car should definitely not be driven in this condition. I experienced it once on the highway when the gear suddenly jumped, causing severe jerking. I immediately braked and pulled over, still shaken by the incident. A transmission malfunction can lead to power loss or sudden acceleration, posing extremely high risks. After towing to the shop, it was diagnosed as a sensor failure, which wasn't expensive to fix. For daily driving, regular transmission fluid changes are crucial for prevention, as repairs can be troublesome otherwise. Safety comes first—stop and seek help.