Gearbox DSG Maintenance

So, what is supposed to happen is this.

The gearbox and wet clutches are supposed to last "the lifetime" of the car (whatever that means). The clutch does not have any friction aside from fluid, which is sealed and as far as I know, never supposed to be changed. The 458 has actual coolers to let the fluid dissipate the heat.

What has happened in the past is there have been some problems with "cable" or other electronic issues inside the early boxes that made the unreliable. My understanding is these were 2009-10 Cals and 458's. Some of them were replaced under warranty already with upgraded internal parts.

Dealers are not supposed to fix them. They replace them with a rebuilt unit from the factory. I understand it's about 12-15 grand for this if needed. Now, 12K might seem like a lot but hell, a lot of major repairs on a 458 can reach that amount pretty easily.

The good news is if the gearbox lasts you never need a clutch replacement.

The Dual Clutch gearbox is just like any other gearbox but it has -- two clutches (duh). This way one clutch handles 1, 3, 5, and 7 while the other handles 2, 4, 6, and R. The idea is that it actually is much faster and less wear and tear on the moving parts as the gears either up or down of the one you are in are already moving and ready to engage at anytime.

To try to answer your question -- it's probably better lasting with lower maintenance costs than a robotized F1 or manual. On the downside, it's more "digital" and less "analogue" than the others.

Personally, I would have no problems in getting the DCT. It's not going to cost you more in the long run and by in large, are pretty reliable. You really don't see many threads here anymore "My gearbox broke" but you would if you go back to 2011.

 

Using german nomenclature when speaking about a Ferrari is insulting!

 

Hi Robb, I think the DCT is not serviced, other than CPU read-outs and oil change.

If they fail, they are snt to the factory which have a special department to handle all gb problems.

You get your own gb back, mended and (maybe) upgraded. Sometimes only mended/repaired. F.I. not all (Cali and) 458 gbs are exactly the same ... there seem to be differences in the internals.

One more Q we should think of here: Who will repait the gb's after the guarantee period.

The factory (at immense costs) or gb shops who now also/already repair the (allmost the same) dct's of Mercedes etc ... ?

Are we aware of any of these repair shops ? Did we talk about that with them ... the answer will be "NO" imo.

We dont want to think about it imo (yet) ..... -> It's not going to happen to me (we hope)

 

There are places here in the UK that will repair these gearboxes

Regards

Michael

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Umm, the DTC gearboxes used in Ferrari's are made in Germany by Getrag.

 

Genau

 

Fluid flushes on the hydraulic side of the gearbox aren't a bad idea along with the "valve cleaning" with the DEIS ... If you have hard hitting shifts that aren't smooth try this first

 

Great...Please tell more.

Pocty

 

True, but I'm not sure dealers do that. Has anyone asked for a gearbox fluid change on his 458 at the official dealer?

Kind regards,

Nuno.

 

Try signature transmissions they may be able to help depending on how knackered your box is!!

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Hi Numo. I have a wonderful F12 that I desired to keep from purchase. Yes I have changed the fluid in the DCT at the dealership. Did this at the last annual along with every other fluid in the car from the coolant to the steering fluid, brakes, engine, etc, including all filters. There is no such thing as permanent fluid or lifetime fluid in a car you intend to keep. All fluids age, lose their properties and get contaminated. All fluids.

You will notice the difference in a DCT fluid change and it's done by the dealer using their diagnostic tools and it's a pretty reasonable price. We spend so much time, effort and money keeping the paint and leather new yet the systems you demand be reliable and functional are assumed to never need a second thought. Think about it.

 

Excellent point and Ive done the same thing.

 

I did, at my last annual visit, one month ago.
Dealer said that gearbox fluids change is not part of routine maintenance but they do it upon customer request.
I decided to go for it and they changed both the gearbox and the clutch/hydraulic oils.

 

Absolutely right. I go by the same philosophy.

Excellent post and advice. I will certainly ask for a fluid change at my next annual service in April.

I'd also like to take the opportunity to wish you all the happiness in the world and that you keep enjoying your F12 in good health!

Thanks for the first hand feedback, Eric. Once the procedure isn't part of the scheduled and routine maintenance program, I thought maybe the official dealer wasn't equipped to do a gearbox oil change. Perhaps not because the procedure is difficult (not being an engineer nor a mechanic, I don't know exactly how hard/easy it is), but because the gearbox is made by Getrag and not Ferrari. Nevertheless, it's great news for the zealous owner in with his Ferrari for the long run.

Kind regards,

Nuno.

 

My 458 went in for the annual service and the dealer changed the gearbox fluid, told me it was due.

 

How many miles were on your car at the time?

 

Interesting discussion on the gearbox fluid changes, I also own an R35 GTR, the DCT box in that car, also made by Getrag, has the fluid change service interval at every 18 months or 18,000 miles. Some tuners recommend more frequent changes as the small metal particles found in the contaminated oil stick to the solenoids in the box. Several owners fit larger magnets to collect these particles and regularly remove the gearbox sump to clean out the filter tray and any particles sticking to the megnetised solenoids.

 

No because as per maintenance its a sealed unit. But if a transmission concern comes in usually they take a sample and change it.

 

Um, we do DCT gearbox services every week, multiple times a week.

Its not uncommon, though not part of the GMS program, for it to be completed.

S

 

Mostly accurate, but not completely.

A " Rebuilt " DCT gearbox from Ferrari will run over $28,500 +/-

SSP/CCP internal componants will run sub $15,000 installed if/when needed ( rare anymore )

And most if not all Dealerships ( should ) have at least one technician that has been trained to completely rebuild all current DCT gearboxs... which is way simple compared to sending it back to Italy.... ask me how I know ... LOL

S

 

To answer you initial question... we have several early California's and Italia's with over 60,000 miles ... with no gearbox concerns at all, and at least one Italia with over 100k miles...

There have been some internal failures of speed sensors and or SSP/CCP units going south... the repairs being covered under the New Power Warranty available these days.

A few clients have self-insured and have paid $9,500 +/- parts and labor.

I can tell you that I have not personally seen a worn out clutch kit on a DCT

s

 

That's really interesting. In the beginning the dealers were told not to crack them open but times I'm sure have changed. Thank's for the clarification. Let's hope on the 488's replacement they have dealt with the boxes reliability and replacement costs.

 

Just had the thermal sensors get replaced on the clutch in a 2013 FF. Had to take out the whole box. Last of my extended warranty so it cost me nothing.

Did get the new power warranty tho...

SV