What are the symptoms of water ingress in a dual-clutch transmission?
2 Answers
Symptoms of water ingress in a dual-clutch transmission include: water seeping between the clutch plates, causing them to stick together, resulting in difficulty shifting gears or inability to engage gears while driving, and gear collision noises inside the transmission. Below are specific methods to determine if a car has been water-damaged: 1. Odor: Upon entering the driver's seat, there will be a foul smell of mud. A water-damaged car will always retain some muddy odor no matter how thoroughly it is cleaned. 2. Oxidized copper wires: There will be oxidized copper wires on the wiring and connectors. In severely water-damaged cars, even after treatment, it is difficult to completely remove moisture from the engine wiring and transmission sensor connectors. Over time, the copper wires on these components will react with air and moisture, forming green copper rust.
I've run an auto repair shop for twenty years and dealt with numerous cases of water ingress in dual-clutch transmissions. When water gets in, gear shifting becomes noticeably rough—you'll feel increased jerking at low speeds, as if the gears are sticking. You might also hear a buzzing noise, caused by water contaminating the clutch plates, disrupting lubrication and accelerating wear. The engine warning light or transmission fault light on the dashboard often illuminates, indicating a short circuit in the electronic control unit. In severe cases, the car may fail to start, leaving you stranded with oil leaks or water trails under the vehicle. If this happens, don't force-drive it—immediately check the transmission fluid. If it appears cloudy or contains water droplets, flush and replace components urgently, or the entire system could be ruined.
