Gear reset tricks? We have the info!

Thomas Wachsmuth 21. February 2023 Car repair & tuning guide

Reading time 5 Min.

Recently updated on December 8, 2023 at 10:45 am

Does the vehicle's automatic transmission shift gears too roughly, too early or maybe too late? Or is it particularly bad when it's cold? Then before a workshop visit Reset of the adaptation values automatic can be a solution to fix such problems. However, one should of course distinguish betweenslight problems' and massive damage. So some points to defective hardware (parts of the gearbox) or even genuine gearbox damage, then of course the vehicle can no longer be moved, but it has to be towed to the nearest workshop. Are you unsure about it? Condition of the gearbox, then hands off and call the professionals!

reset the transmission

A bit of information in advance: Especially in newer vehicles, the adaptation values can often only be reset with a diagnostic tool (tester). Yes, especially the automatic transmissions of vehicles from the 90s and 2000s can actually be reset using small tricks. And if the reset is successful, then of course you have to consider that the automatic from this point in time "learned nothing“ and may not immediately switch 100% correctly. From this point on, however, the system learns with every kilometer and an improvement should be noticeable quickly. Following a few vehicles and a possible way to reset the corresponding automatic. No guarantee it will work:

Transmission reset Mercedes W203:

Key in position 2 (do not start).
Throttle pedal press fully and hold for 5 seconds. (kick down)
Key to Pos. 0 "off". (do not pull out the key)

release the accelerator pedal.
Wait 2 minutes until the system is reset.

Transmission reset BMW

Switch on ignition.
not start the engine.

Depress kickdown.
Switch off the ignition after 5 seconds.
foot from Throttle pedal.

Wait two minutes for the system to reboot.
Start the engine and you're done.

Transmission reset AUDI (S-Tronic)

ignition on.
not start the engine.

Accelerator pedal full throttle position. (not the kick down)
Hold at full throttle for at least 20 seconds.
Take your foot off the gas.

Switch off the ignition.
Get out & lock the vehicle.
Finished.

Transmission reset VW/SEAT (DSG)

Switch off the ignition.

Press and hold Kickdown.
Ignition on and continue to hold kickdown for about 30 seconds.
Ignition off.

finished.

Transmission reset Chrysler

Put the key in the ignition lock.
Set to position 2.
not start the engine.

Now wait about 10 seconds.
Then step on the gas pedal until it kicks down.
Wait about 10 seconds again.

Set ignition to 0
finished.

Gear reset Renault

Enter
Keycard in the vehicle (not in the slot).

Ignition on (start/stop button without brake).
Kick down for at least 20 seconds.
Exit vehicle (with keycard).

(let) lock the vehicle.
Step back from the car for at least 5 minutes.
Finished.

Transmission reset Porsche

Turn the ignition key to position 2 (0-1-2 start).

Press and hold Kick-Down for more than 5 seconds.
Then set the key to 0 (do not remove the key)
Then release the accelerator pedal.

Wait approx. 2 more minutes until the reset process in the control unit has ended.

Transmission reset Chevrolet

Set key position 2.
Kick down and hold down. (about 15 seconds)
Keep your foot on the accelerator pedal for another 10-12 seconds and turn the key back to the starting position 0. (don't let go of the pedal)

Now let go of the gas pedal.
Do not start engine for approximately 5 minutes.
Finished.

Here are a few tutorial videos with suggestions on how to do a full transmission reset!

the VCDS variant

Such a general reset of the transmission software sets it back to the factory settings. This means that what the transmission software has "learned" up to this point is then deleted. Any high consumption, frequent, inexplicable switching operations when driving quietly and other problems "Können" afterwards be gone. We have a guarantee that resetting the transmission software will fix these problems not.

Tip: If our suggestions don't work, then disconnecting the battery (approx. 30 minutes & according to the manufacturer's specifications) can also have the desired effect. It is worth a try!

If the attempt to delete the transmission adaptation values was successful, but the automatic still does not switch as desired, then it's off to the professional and one transmission flush inklusive Transmission oil change (if feasible). There are several ways to do this, such as: Tim Eckhart Method™. In this case, the specialist workshop will be happy to advise you further. If flushing and changing the transmission oil does not help either, then the transmission will most likely have to be removed and repaired/replaced.

The following note is essential: For safety reasons, tuningblog recommends all repair, inspection and maintenance work exclusively to be carried out in a specialist workshop! Although our information is summarized to the best of our knowledge and belief, we cannot assume any liability for the content. All information is therefore "without guarantee".

Of course, that wasn't the end of it!

In this tuningblog category there are guides and instructions for common defects/repairs on the vehicle and for installing accessories/tuning parts. Our articles explain in a simple way common defects and the corresponding repairs and they also explain how the first signs of a defect become noticeable. In most cases, we also have initial clues to the repair instructions in our repair instructions approximate costs listed.

The goal of ourAuto Repair Guide“ is to create a head start in knowledge for the next visit to the workshop with initial tips. This may save you from tedious troubleshooting and you may even be able to do small things yourself. The same applies, of course, to the installation of accessories/tuning parts. Here, too, we would like to help with the implementation with instructions and tips. There are many other posts on this as well. Below is an excerpt of the last and HERE there are all previous instructions.