Gearbox remap for DSG and automatic cars
A gearbox remap rewrites the software in your transmission control unit for quicker shifts and higher torque limits. It's £195 + VAT on its own or £440 + VAT as a package with an engine remap, carried out wherever the car is parked.
Why tune the gearbox as well as the engine
An automatic or dual-clutch gearbox has its own computer, the TCU, with its own torque limits. After an engine remap, a standard TCU can cap the extra torque, change up lazily or hold onto gears in the wrong places.
TCU tuning lifts those limits within what the clutches and gearbox can handle. It also moves the shift points to suit the new power band, so the gearbox works with the engine map.
What changes after a TCU remap
What can be adjusted depends on the gearbox, and we'll confirm the options for yours before booking. These are the most common changes.
- Faster upshifts, most noticeable in sport and manual modes
- Quicker kickdown when you press the accelerator to overtake
- Torque limits raised to match a remapped engine
- Shift points moved to make the most of the new torque curve
- Less hunting between gears on hills and at low speed
Which gearboxes can be remapped?
Most DSG and dual-clutch units, and many modern torque-converter automatics, have a TCU that can be tuned. Send us the registration and we'll check yours before you book.
Gearbox remap prices
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Gearbox remap only | £195 + VAT |
| Engine and gearbox package | £440 + VAT |
Booking both together saves £30 against a separate Stage 1 remap and gearbox remap, and everything is done in one visit. For more on tuning costs, see how much a remap costs.
DSG limp mode and gearbox faults
A DSG remap won't fix a mechanical fault. If your gearbox has dropped into limp mode, is jerking between gears or shows a warning, the cause could be a worn clutch pack or a mechatronic fault.
In that case, start with a mobile diagnostic check for £100 + VAT, which reads the gearbox fault codes. Our limp mode guide explains other reasons a gearbox can drop into limp mode.
How a gearbox remap appointment works
Check the gearbox
We read the TCU and engine fault codes so you know both are healthy before tuning.
Save and write
The original gearbox software is saved, then the new file is written to the TCU.
Adaptations and handover
Some gearboxes need their adaptations reset after a remap, and we'll explain how the car may feel for the first few miles.
What gearbox remap customers say
Does the engine need remapping too?
No, a gearbox remap can be done on its own for sharper shifts on a standard engine. It makes the biggest difference alongside an engine map, and that's what the £440 + VAT package is for.
Will a gearbox remap wear the clutches faster?
The shift timing and clamping are set to suit the gearbox, so a sensible map doesn't put it under unreasonable strain. Hard launches and repeated full-throttle starts wear any clutch faster, tuned or not.
Will the car still be smooth in traffic?
That's the aim. Normal mode stays comfortable for everyday use, with the sharper changes saved for sport and manual modes.
Can a gearbox remap fix DSG limp mode?
Not on its own. Limp mode is the gearbox protecting itself from a fault, so the fault needs finding first with a diagnostic check.
How long does a gearbox remap take?
It varies between gearboxes, as some TCUs take longer to read and write than others. We'll give you a time estimate when you book, and the engine and gearbox package is done in the same visit.
Does a TCU remap need declaring to my insurer?
Yes. Tell your insurer about any software change to the engine or gearbox. Our guide on remaps, insurance and warranty has more on this.
Book your gearbox remap
Send us your registration and tell us whether the engine is mapped already, and we'll recommend the gearbox map on its own or the full package. We'll come to you and have it done the same visit.
Eccles, Manchester M30 0SF