Automatic Transmission Tuning

The TCU (Transmission control unit) update from Etuners takes transmission control to a new level, providing improved functionality, handling, and performance. Daily driving becomes more comfortable and smoother by eliminating familiar inconveniences and shortcomings. The sporty driving style acquires new dimensions of efficiency: optimal RPMs are maintained, clutch engagement pressure is increased, gear shifting is accelerated, Launch Control operation is refined, and much more! All of this is carefully optimized to synchronize with the increased engine power achieved through ECU tuning, contributing to maximum acceleration. The software installation occurs via the standard OBD-II port, ensuring a fast and safe process without the need to disassemble the car.

AT:
Stage:

DQ250

Popular six-speed dual-clutch transmission developed by VW AG. This transmission is the first released to the market back in 2003 and has undergone minimal changes since then. The standard software has an electronic torque limit of 350 Nm and measured settings and algorithms, which has a number of drawbacks for driving mode in many countries. All of this can be improved with a software solution from Etuners.

DQ250 Stage1

  • Activation of the display of the engaged gear number (D1, D2, etc.)
  • Optimized shift points up for a specific car model and engine
  • Optimized shift points down for a specific car model and engine
  • Manual mode becomes truly manual with the Kick-down function disabled
  • Faster response to paddle presses
  • Smoother start from a standstill
  • Optimized rev limit for a specific car model and engine
  • Launch control revs changed
  • Reduced delays in shifts at full throttle
  • Torque limits increased to 460 Nm
  • Flashing via OBD2 port, fast and safe, does not require disassembly of the car

DQ250 Stage2

  • Activation of the display of the engaged gear number (D1, D2, etc.)
  • Optimized shift points up for a specific car model and engine
  • Optimized shift points down for a specific car model and engine
  • Manual mode becomes truly manual with the Kick-down function disabled
  • Faster response to paddle presses
  • Smoother start from a standstill
  • Optimized rev limits for a specific car model and engine
  • Changed launch control revs - two stages
  • Reduced start time after releasing the brake pedal during launch control
  • Reduced delays in shifts at full throttle (up to -15% compared to Stage1)
  • Reduced downshift time when downshifting under throttle (sharp press or Kick Down)
  • Improved transmission cooling due to more intensive pump operation
  • Increased torque limits to 520 Nm
  • Flashing via OBD2 port, fast and safe, does not require disassembly of the car

DQ250 Stage3

  • Activation of the display of the engaged gear number (D1, D2, etc.)
  • Optimized switching points upwards for a specific project configuration to ensure balance considering the installed components in the engine
  • Optimized switching points downwards for a specific project configuration to ensure balance considering the installed components in the engine
  • Manual mode becomes truly manual with the Kick-down function disabled
  • Faster response to paddle presses
  • Smoother start from a standstill
  • Individual cut-off RPM for each gear considering the car's hardware configuration
  • Launch control RPM selected for the best start considering the car's configuration
  • Launch control with the ESP system enabled (not for all modifications)
  • Reduced start time after releasing the brake pedal during launch control
  • Reduced delays in shifts at full throttle (up to -30% compared to Stage2)
  • Reduced downshift time when downshifting under throttle (up to -20% compared to Stage2)
  • Improved transmission cooling due to more intensive pump operation
  • Torque limits increased to 700 Nm
  • Increased pressure on the clutches to support high torque without clutch slip
  • Flashing via OBD2 port, fast and safe, does not require disassembly of the car

Optional

  • Disabling coasting mode (when releasing the gas, the transmission disengages, the engine idles, and the car coasts)
  • Reducing engine braking (the car will decelerate less intensely when releasing the gas pedal)
  • Launch control with boost
  • Special settings for reinforced clutches
  • Solution to the "shuddering" of the transmission at the start of movement (occurs in some cars or after a swap)

DQ200

A 7-speed gearbox with a dual dry clutch was developed for maximum efficiency, low fuel consumption, and reduced emissions. The transmission has several generations: the first with the index 0AM, more modern ones — 0CW, there are also modifications 0AM G2-PQ, 0CW G2, 0CW G2 gen2.

Common Problems

The first revisions had high pressure in the hydraulic part of the mechatronics (up to 60 bar), however, this sometimes led to cracks, which required repairs. Later, the working pressure was reduced (to 52 bar), which allowed for a decrease in the number of such breakdowns. When tuning this transmission, it is possible to manually adjust the pressure to the desired level using software settings. The automaker, in order to ensure smoothness and the European driving cycle, practically does not use the 1st gear. The use of the second gear at very low speeds requires clutch slippage, which leads to accelerated wear of the clutch on the K2 coupling, while other gears shift to the next one very early and are also extremely reluctant to downshift when the gas is pressed. In addition, the mechanisms of the transmission perform more work (engaging and disengaging gears) compared to a transmission with a firmware from Etuners. The DQ200 has an electronic limit of 250-270 Nm, which makes full tuning impossible, and the engine firmware without the transmission is only possible by tricking the transmission with torque display to avoid exceeding the limits. For most models with the installed DQ200, ECU firmware for the transmission is required along with ECU firmware for the engine.

DQ200 Stage1

  • Activation of the display of the engaged gear number (D1, D2, etc.) (found in recent software revisions)
  • Optimized shift points up for a specific car model and engine
  • Optimized shift points down for a specific car model and engine
  • Manual mode becomes truly manual with the Kick-down function disabled
  • Start of movement is optimized, allowing for a more confident start
  • Optimized cutoff RPMs for a specific car model and engine
  • Reduction of torque during shifting for longer clutch life, while shifting occurs faster
  • Increased torque limits up to 400 Nm
  • Flashing via OBD2 port, quick and safe, does not require disassembly of the car

DQ200 Stage2

  • Activation of the display of the engaged gear number (D1, D2, etc.) (found in recent software revisions)
  • Optimized shift points up for a specific car model and engine
  • Optimized shift points down for a specific car model and engine
  • Manual mode becomes truly manual with the Kick-down function disabled
  • Starting movement is optimized, allowing for a more confident start
  • Optimized cutoff RPM for a specific car model and engine
  • Reduced torque during shifting for longer clutch life
  • Reduced delays in shifts at full throttle
  • Reduced downshift time when downshifting under throttle (sharp press or Kick Down)
  • Increased pressure on the friction plates up to 45 bar to support high torque without clutch slipping
  • Torque limits increased to 460 Nm
  • Flashing via OBD2 port, fast and safe, does not require disassembly of the car

DQ200 Stage3

  • Activation of the display of the engaged gear number (D1, D2, etc.) (found in recent software revisions)
  • Optimized upshift points for a specific project configuration to ensure balance considering the installed components in the engine
  • Optimized downshift points for a specific project configuration to ensure balance considering the installed components in the engine
  • Manual mode becomes truly manual with the Kick-down function disabled
  • Starting movement is optimized, allowing for a more confident start
  • Individual cut-off RPMs for each gear considering the car's hardware configuration
  • Balanced settings for shift speeds and reduced torque for smooth quick shifting with minimal load on the friction elements
  • Reduced delays during shifts at full throttle
  • Reduced downshift time when downshifting under throttle (sharp press or Kick Down)
  • Increased peak pressure on the friction elements up to 45 bar, as well as at partial throttle to support high torque without clutch slippage.
  • Increased torque limits up to 480 Nm
  • Flashing via the OBD2 port, fast and safe, does not require disassembly of the car

Optional

  • Special settings for reinforced clutches with Kevlar pads
  • Disabling coasting mode (when releasing the gas, the transmission disengages, the engine idles, and the car coasts)
  • Reduced engine braking (the car will decelerate less intensely when releasing the gas pedal)
  • Launch control with boost (not for all modifications)

DQ500

A 7-speed dual wet clutch transmission was developed for commercial vehicles, first installed on the VW Transporter / Multivan in 2009 with the index 0BT, later the transmission began to be installed on other models with the index 0BH, such as Audi Q3 8U, VW Tiguan R-line, Audi TT-RS 8J, Audi RS3 8p, later in 2013 the transmission was slightly updated for the generation on the MQB platform, the transmission received new software, slightly modified materials for some parts to improve efficiency, such transmissions received the index 0DL, installed on Skoda Kodiaq, VW Tiguan mk2, Audi TT-RS 8s, Audi RS3 8v, Audi Q3 FY.

Features

This gearbox is one of the strongest and most efficient in terms of torque transmission ever released by VAG. The manufacturer specifies up to 600 Nm of torque, however, in the tuning world, practice has shown that the gearbox can withstand over 1000 Nm and 1000 hp with minimal modifications and improved software. The gearbox has many settings and allows for the realization of almost any desired power potential. However, reliability comes at a cost; the gearbox operates somewhat more clumsily than the DK200 or DK250, it is bulkier, weighs more, and shifts more roughly, which affects overall comfort.

DQ500 Stage1

  • Activation of the display of the engaged gear number (D1, D2, etc.) (found in recent software revisions)
  • New gear selection algorithm - significantly improved logic of the transmission operation in Drive mode
  • Manual mode becomes truly manual with the Kick-down function disabled
  • Start of movement optimized, allowing for smoother and more comfortable starts
  • Resolved the issue of "shuddering" of the transmission at the start of movement - now smooth and confident
  • Reduced delays in gear shifts at full throttle
  • Optimized cutoff RPMs for specific car and engine models
  • Changed launch control RPMs
  • Increased torque limits to 550 Nm
  • Flashing via OBD2 port, fast and safe, does not require disassembly of the car

DQ500 Stage2

  • Activation of the display of the engaged gear number (D1, D2, etc.) (found in recent software revisions)
  • New gear selection algorithm - significantly improved logic of the transmission operation in Drive mode
  • Manual mode becomes truly manual with the Kick-down function disabled
  • Starting movement is optimized, allowing for smoother and more comfortable starts
  • The issue of "shuddering" of the transmission at the start of movement has been resolved - now it is smooth and confident
  • Delays in shifts at full throttle have been reduced
  • Optimized cutoff RPMs for specific car and engine models
  • Launch control RPMs have been changed - two stages
  • Launch control with boost (activation)
  • Reduced start time after releasing the brake pedal during launch control
  • Delays in shifts at full throttle have been reduced (up to -10% compared to Stage1)
  • Reduced downshift time when downshifting under throttle (sharp press or Kick Down)
  • Improved transmission cooling due to more intensive pump operation
  • Torque limits increased to 650 Nm
  • Flashing via OBD2 port, fast and safe, does not require disassembly of the car

DQ500 Stage3

  • Activation of the display of the engaged gear number (D1, D2, etc.) (found in recent software revisions)
  • Optimized upshift points for a specific project configuration to ensure balance considering the installed components in the engine
  • Optimized downshift points for a specific project configuration to ensure balance considering the installed components in the engine
  • Manual mode becomes truly manual with the Kick-down function disabled
  • Start of movement is optimized, allowing for smoother and more comfortable takeoff
  • The issue of "shuddering" in the transmission at the start of movement has been resolved — now it is smooth and confident
  • Shift delays at full throttle have been reduced. Individual cutoff speeds for each gear are adjusted to suit the vehicle's hardware configuration. Launch control speeds have been adjusted for optimal launch, with two stages with inversion, taking into account the vehicle's configuration.
  • Launch control with boost (activation)
  • Reduced start time after releasing the brake pedal during launch control
  • Reduced delays in shifts at full throttle (up to -10% compared to Stage2)
  • Reduced downshift time when downshifting under throttle (sharp press or Kick Down)
  • Improved transmission cooling due to more intensive pump operation
  • Increased pressure on the clutches to support high torque without clutch slip
  • Torque limits increased to 650 Nm
  • Flashing through the OBD2 port, quick and safe, does not require disassembly of the car

DQ380

7-speed transmission with two wet clutches, installed since the end of 2015 on transverse models of the VAG group with engines up to 2 liters. Structurally, the transmission is similar to the DQ500, slightly reduced, the design is optimized for increased efficiency and smooth operation. The first modifications of the gearboxes have the index 0GC and 0DE, since 2022 modifications with the index 0DW can be found.

Features

The DQ381 combines the advantages of the DQ500 and noticeably improved comfort and smoothness that were lacking in the older unit. The gearbox modifications from 2015 to 2018 have performed well, holding high torque, being well-suited for tuning, and are often used in swap projects. Among the drawbacks, there is a noted tendency for the bolts to loosen up to the pump, which can lead to the gearbox being damaged due to debris getting into the rotating mechanisms of the gearbox. Indirect diagnostics of this problem were established with the software update by the manufacturer. Since 2019, the mechatronics and the software for them have been updated, the problem with the pumps has also been fixed, and the manufacturer has tried to reduce the impact load on the transmission when starting with Launch Control and further improve the smoothness of the ride. This had the desired effect, but there is a downside: when tuning the engine, the clutch slips at the start with Launch Control, and the problem is not resolved by increasing the pressure or other similar settings. It is not uncommon for the clutch to need replacement after just a few starts with Launch Control. For such cars, E-Tuners has a special solution that addresses this problem without replacing the clutch, provided that it has not burned out previously. In 2021, in newer software modifications with Gen4 engines, the manufacturer identified the problem but resolved it by limiting the torque in the first gear, which of course will not satisfy tuners. For such cars, E-Tuners is also preparing a software solution. Since 2022, the gearboxes installed with EA888 Gen4 engines may have limitations on the ability to flash, please check with company representatives.

DQ380 Stage1

  • Activation of the display of the engaged gear number (D1, D2, etc.) (found in recent software revisions)
  • Optimized shift points up for a specific car model and engine
  • Optimized shift points down for a specific car model and engine
  • Manual mode becomes truly manual with the Kick-down function disabled
  • Reduced delays in shifts at full throttle
  • Reduced delays in shifts at partial throttle
  • Optimized cutoff RPM for a specific car model and engine
  • Changed launch control RPM for your car model
  • Increased torque limits to 520 Nm
  • Flashing via OBD2 port, fast and safe, does not require disassembly of the car

DQ380 Stage2

  • Activation of the display of the engaged gear number (D1, D2, etc.) (found in recent software revisions)
  • Optimized shift points up for a specific car model and engine
  • Optimized shift points down for a specific car model and engine
  • Manual mode becomes truly manual with the Kick-down function disabled
  • Reduced delays in shifts at full throttle (up to -15% compared to Stage1)
  • Reduced delays in shifts at partial throttle
  • Optimized rev limits for a specific car model and engine
  • Changed launch control revs — two stages
  • Reduced start time after releasing the brake pedal during launch control
  • Reduced downshift time when downshifting under throttle (sharp press or Kick Down)
  • Improved transmission cooling due to more intensive pump operation
  • Increased pressure on the clutches to support high torque without slipping
  • Increased torque limits up to 560 Nm
  • Flashing via OBD2 port, fast and safe, does not require disassembly of the car

DQ380 Stage3

  • Activation of the display of the engaged gear number (D1, D2, etc.) (found in recent software revisions)
  • Optimized shift points upwards for a specific project configuration to ensure balance considering the installed components in the engine
  • Optimized shift points downwards for a specific project configuration to ensure balance considering the installed components in the engine
  • Manual mode becomes truly manual with the Kick-down function disabled
  • Reduced delays in shifts at full throttle (up to -15% compared to Stage2)
  • Reduced delays in shifts at partial throttle
  • Optimized cut-off speed for a specific car model and engine.
  • Launch control RPMs are selected for the best start — two stages with inversion, considering the car's configuration
  • Reduced start time after releasing the brake pedal during launch control
  • Reduced downshift time when downshifting under throttle (sharp press or Kick Down)
  • Improved transmission cooling due to more intensive pump operation
  • Increased pressure on the clutches to support high torque without clutch slip
  • Solving clutch slippage at start-up with launch control for 2019+ vehicles
  • The transmission operates more cohesively, shifts occur more clearly
  • Torque limits increased to 650 Nm
  • Flashing via the OBD2 port, fast and safe, does not require disassembly of the car

Optional

  • Disabling coasting mode (when releasing the gas, the transmission disengages, the engine runs at idle, and the car coasts)
  • Reducing engine braking (the car will decelerate less intensely when releasing the gas pedal)
  • Launch control with boost (for models where it is not available)
  • Special settings for reinforced clutches

DQ381

7-speed transmission with two wet clutches, installed since the end of 2015 on transverse models of the VAG group with engines up to 2 liters. Structurally, the transmission is similar to the DQ500, slightly reduced, the design is optimized for increased efficiency and smooth operation. The first modifications of the gearboxes have the index 0GC and 0DE, since 2022 modifications with the index 0DW can be found.

Features

The DQ381 combines the advantages of the DQ500 with noticeably improved comfort and smoothness that was lacking in the older unit. The gearbox modifications from 2015 to 2018 have performed well, holding high torque, being well-suited for tuning, and are often used in swap projects. Among the drawbacks, there is noted spontaneous loosening up to the pump, which can lead to the gearbox being damaged due to debris entering the rotating mechanisms of the gearbox. Indirect diagnostics of this problem were established with the software update by the manufacturer. Since 2019, the mechatronics and the software for them have been updated, the problem with the pumps has also been fixed, and the manufacturer has tried to reduce the impact load on the transmission when starting with Launch Control and further improve the smoothness of the ride. This had the desired effect, but there is a downside: when tuning the engine, the clutch slips at the start with Launch Control, and the problem is not resolved by increasing the pressure or other similar settings. It is not uncommon for the clutch to need replacement after just a few starts with Launch Control. For such cars, E-Tuners has a special solution that addresses this problem without replacing the clutch, provided that it has not burned out previously. In 2021, in newer software modifications with Gen4 engines, the manufacturer identified the problem but solved it by limiting the torque in the 1st gear, which of course will not satisfy tuners. For such cars, E-Tuners is also preparing a software solution. Since 2022, the gearboxes installed with EA888 Gen4 engines may have limitations on the ability to flash, please check with company representatives.

DQ381 Stage1

  • Activation of the display of the engaged gear number (D1, D2, etc.) (found in recent software revisions)
  • Optimized shift points up for a specific car model and engine
  • Optimized shift points down for a specific car model and engine
  • Manual mode becomes truly manual with the Kick-down function disabled
  • Reduced delays in shifts at full throttle
  • Reduced delays in shifts at partial throttle
  • Optimized cutoff RPM for a specific car model and engine
  • Changed launch control RPM for your car model
  • Increased torque limits to 520 Nm
  • Flashing via OBD2 port, fast and safe, does not require disassembly of the car

DQ381 Stage2

  • Activation of the display of the engaged gear number (D1, D2, etc.) (found in recent software revisions)
  • Optimized shift points up for a specific car model and engine
  • Optimized shift points down for a specific car model and engine
  • Manual mode becomes truly manual with the Kick-down function disabled
  • Reduced delays in shifts at full throttle (up to -15% compared to Stage1)
  • Reduced delays in shifts at partial throttle
  • Optimized rev limits for a specific car model and engine
  • Changed launch control revs — two stages
  • Reduced start time after releasing the brake pedal during launch control
  • Reduced downshift time when downshifting under throttle (sharp press or Kick Down)
  • Improved transmission cooling due to more intensive pump operation
  • Increased pressure on the clutches to support high torque without slipping
  • Increased torque limits to 560 Nm
  • Flashing via OBD2 port, fast and safe, does not require disassembly of the car

DQ381 Stage3

  • Activation of the display of the engaged gear number (D1, D2, etc.) (found in recent software revisions)
  • Optimized shift points upwards for a specific project configuration to ensure balance considering the installed components in the engine
  • Optimized shift points downwards for a specific project configuration to ensure balance considering the installed components in the engine
  • Manual mode becomes truly manual with the Kick-down function disabled
  • Reduced delays in shifts at full throttle (up to -15% compared to Stage2)
  • Reduced delays in shifts at partial throttle
  • Optimized cut-off speed for a specific car model and engine.
  • Launch control RPMs are selected for the best start — two stages with inversion, considering the car's configuration
  • Reduced start time after releasing the brake pedal during launch control
  • Reduced downshift time when downshifting under throttle (sharp press or Kick Down)
  • Improved transmission cooling due to more intensive pump operation
  • Increased pressure on the clutches to support high torque without clutch slip
  • Solving clutch slippage at start-up with launch control for 2019+ vehicles
  • The transmission operates more cohesively, shifts occur more clearly
  • Torque limits increased to 650 Nm
  • Flashing via the OBD2 port, fast and safe, does not require disassembly of the car

Optional

  • Disabling coasting mode (when releasing the gas, the transmission disengages, the engine runs at idle, and the car coasts)
  • Reducing engine braking (the car will decelerate less intensely when releasing the gas pedal)
  • Launch control with boost (for models where it is not available)
  • Special settings for reinforced clutches

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