P173A on Volkswagen
Gear Selector Position Sensor 1 Signal Implausible (DSG Mechatronic)
P173A on Volkswagen vehicles indicates gear selector position sensor 1 signal implausible (dsg mechatronic). Au7o has documented this code across 2 Volkswagen models — most commonly on Eos, Touran. P173A is a VAG (VW/Audi/Skoda/Seat) manufacturer-specific transmission fault code, set by the DSG/dual-clutch automatic transmission control module (mechatronic unit). It means the control unit received an implausible or out-of-range signal from gear selector/gear position sensor 1, so it can no longer reliably confirm which gear is engaged. It is part of the related P173A-P173D family of internal mechatronic position-sensor faults and commonly accompanies erratic shifting, a transmission warning light, or limp mode. Typical repair costs on Volkswagen range from $900 to $5,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P173A
- •Failed or degraded gear position (magnetic) sensor inside the mechatronic unit
- •Faulty mechatronic unit / transmission control module circuit board (thermal damage)
- •Contaminated or worn transmission fluid carrying metal particles past the sensor
- •Damaged wiring, corroded connectors, or poor grounds to the transmission
- •Broken or worn internal shift fork/selector magnets
- •Manufacturing defects in early DSG (e.g. 0AM/DQ200) mechatronic units
P173A on Volkswagen by Model
Volkswagen Eos(1 issue)
- DSG (DQ250 6-Speed) Mechatronic Unit and Clutch Pack Failure2007-2016
Eos models equipped with the wet-clutch 6-speed DSG (DQ250) and the later 7-speed dry-clutch DSG (DQ200) commonly develop dual-clutch transmission faults, especially after ~100,000 km. The mechatronic control unit (valve body + solenoids) and internal rubber seals fail, and the clutch packs wear prematurely. Owners report jerky/harsh shifting (notably 2nd-to-1st downshifts and in 'S' mode), a distinct double-thud when coming to a stop, delayed or missing gear engagement, hesitation pulling away, and intermittent limp-mode where the box drops to neutral. There is also a related NHTSA recall (09V333000) for 2009-2010 cars where an insufficiently crimped DSG temperature-sensor wire could trigger an abrupt shift to neutral. Lack of the required ~60k km DSG fluid/filter service accelerates failure.
Volkswagen Touran(1 issue)
- DQ200 7-Speed Dry-Clutch DSG Failure (Mechatronic and Clutch Pack)2008-2020
Tourans fitted with the 7-speed DSG use the DQ200 dry dual-clutch transmission (codes 0AM/0CW). Two recurring failure modes affect it: the dry clutch packs wear out prematurely (often by 40,000-60,000 miles in stop-start urban use), and the mechatronic control unit suffers electrical/hydraulic faults. The 0AM mechatronic valve-body has a thin-walled accumulator canister that can split and lose high pressure, plus a synthetic-oil issue where the gearbox oil could become conductive and short the control electronics. Symptoms range from jerky shifts to complete sudden loss of drive. VW issued a global recall for the loss-of-drive/oil issue.
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View P173A across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P173A mean on Volkswagen?▼
P173A stands for "Gear Selector Position Sensor 1 Signal Implausible (DSG Mechatronic)." P173A is a VAG (VW/Audi/Skoda/Seat) manufacturer-specific transmission fault code, set by the DSG/dual-clutch automatic transmission control module (mechatronic unit). It means the control unit received an implausible or out-of-range signal from gear selector/gear position sensor 1, so it can no longer reliably confirm which gear is engaged. It is part of the related P173A-P173D family of internal mechatronic position-sensor faults and commonly accompanies erratic shifting, a transmission warning light, or limp mode. On Volkswagen specifically, this code is documented across 2 models.
What causes P173A on Volkswagen vehicles?▼
Common causes on Volkswagen: Failed or degraded gear position (magnetic) sensor inside the mechatronic unit, Faulty mechatronic unit / transmission control module circuit board (thermal damage), Contaminated or worn transmission fluid carrying metal particles past the sensor, Damaged wiring, corroded connectors, or poor grounds to the transmission, Broken or worn internal shift fork/selector magnets. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P173A on a Volkswagen?▼
Repair costs on Volkswagen range from $900 to $5,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Volkswagen models have P173A documented?▼
Au7o has documented P173A on 2 Volkswagen models: Eos, Touran.