What are the symptoms of water ingress in a 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission?
2 Answers
If water enters a dual-clutch transmission, it can damage the transmission's control mechanism. Additional information: Dual-clutch transmission: 1. Control mechanism: A dual-clutch transmission simply has one more clutch and one more gear-shifting control mechanism than a manual transmission. One clutch in the transmission is used to control even-numbered gears, while the other clutch is used to control odd-numbered gears. 2. Types of transmissions: There are two types of dual-clutch transmissions, one is dry and the other is wet. The clutch plates in a dry dual-clutch transmission are not immersed in transmission oil, while those in a wet dual-clutch transmission are immersed in transmission oil. Wet dual-clutch transmissions have better heat dissipation performance and are also more reliable and stable.
I remember driving a car before and noticed very typical symptoms when the 7-speed dry dual-clutch got waterlogged. Initially, there was rough shifting, with noticeable jerking when starting or at low speeds, and a strong sensation of clutch slippage, as if the power couldn’t keep up. Then came various noises, like metal grinding or rattling, especially prominent during acceleration. The transmission warning light on the dashboard would illuminate, indicating a fault code. If not addressed promptly, water could corrode the clutch plates and circuitry, leading to complete transmission lockup and exorbitant repair costs. My advice is to stop the car and turn off the engine immediately after water exposure—don’t force it to drive far. It’s best to tow it to a professional shop for a thorough inspection. This system is designed as dry, lacking oil protection, making it highly risky in waterlogged conditions.