Renault EDC (DW6) — 6-speed wet dual-clutch transmission: known problems
17 sourced reports, with what to check before you buy. Each one links to the page it was reported on.
Costly or dangerous
DW6 009 delayed engagement from low hydraulic pressure
Found with a diagnostic scan
This transmission can hesitate before engaging drive or reverse because internal hydraulic pressure is too low. It is a known weakness of the DW6 009 and may indicate wear or a failing pump/seal. Repairing it often involves expensive transmission work.
What to check. During the test drive, shift from Park to Drive and Reverse, noting any delay before engagement. Check transmission fluid level and condition (smell, color). Use a diagnostic tool to scan for transmission pressure or solenoid fault codes.
The automatic transmission's mechatronics unit controls shifting. It can develop internal leaks, electronic faults, or stuck solenoids, causing erratic shifting or total failure. This is a known issue specific to the DW6 009 and is expensive to repair.
What to check. Check transmission oil condition and level; scan for mechatronics-related fault codes; test drive for harsh or delayed shifts.
The DW6 009 automatic transmission can develop internal bearing wear that produces abnormal noises. This indicates worn components that may lead to transmission failure and costly repairs.
What to check. During a test drive, listen for abnormal whining, rumbling, or grinding from the transmission, especially when accelerating. Check transmission fluid level and condition if accessible; look for a service history of transmission maintenance.
The DW6 009 gearbox can develop oil leaks from its case seals, which may drop fluid level and eventually damage the transmission if ignored. This is a specific failure mode of this transmission code, not a general car issue.
What to check. Inspect the underside for oil leaks around the gearbox casing, check transmission fluid level and condition, and look for fresh oil drips after a test drive.
DW6 EDC gearbox loses even gears due to dual clutch failure
Noticed on a test drive
The DW6 dual-clutch gearbox can develop a specific fault where even gears (2,4,6) stop engaging while odd gears still work. This points to wear or damage in the dual clutch assembly, which is expensive to repair. A buyer should test all gear changes or check for transmission error codes.
What to check. During test drive, accelerate through all gears and ensure even gears engage. Check for transmission DTCs such as clutch or gear position errors. Also listen for abnormal noises or jerking.
DW6 EDC transmission loses even gears after clutch failure
Noticed on a test drive
The DW6 automatic gearbox uses a dual-clutch system. A specific failure can cause one clutch to stop working, which results in the car only engaging odd gears (1-3-5) while even gears (2-4-6) are lost. This is a serious transmission problem that is expensive to repair and not detectable from a standard inspection without driving.
What to check. During the test drive, accelerate through all gears and confirm smooth engagement of 2nd, 4th and 6th. If you notice missing gears, slipping, or jerky shifts, suspect a dual-clutch failure. Have a transmission specialist read fault codes and inspect clutch operation.
Oil leaks through the seal allow clutch slip and accelerate wear of the clutch pack. This is a known issue for the DW6 gearbox, leading to costly transmission repairs. A buyer should check for oil leaks and clutch behavior during a test drive.
What to check. Inspect for oil leaks around the gearbox, especially near the clutch area. Test drive for clutch slip (revs rising without speed). Check transmission fault codes and service history for clutch replacements.
The DW6 automatic transmission has a known issue where internal clutches wear out over time. This wear causes jerky, harsh gear changes. Repairing or replacing the transmission is expensive.
What to check. During a test drive, accelerate and decelerate through all gears, noting any harsh or jerky shifts. Check for transmission-related fault codes and review service history for gearbox oil changes.
The DW6 automatic gearbox uses two clutches to engage odd and even gears. If one clutch fails, the car will refuse to engage even gears (2nd, 4th, 6th) and may enter limp mode. This is a known, expensive repair, so buyers should test all gears during a test drive.
What to check. During test drive, accelerate through all gears, especially check 2nd, 4th, and 6th gear engagement. Look for jerking, hesitation, or warning lights. Ask for gearbox service history and check for any common DTCs like P284A or P284B related to clutch failure.
The DW6 gearbox has a known weakness: its dual-mass flywheel often needs replacement by 150,000 km. This is a costly repair, so buyers should be aware of this mileage-related risk.
What to check. Listen for rattling or vibration from the gearbox area while idling; check maintenance records for flywheel replacement.
DW6 even-gear hub spline strips under hard acceleration
Noticed on a test drive
The DW6 wet dual-clutch gearbox has a known weak splined joint on the even-gear hub. Hard acceleration can strip these splines, putting the transmission into fail-safe mode. This is a costly repair and not detectable in a standard pre-purchase inspection.
What to check. Test drive with brisk acceleration; watch for transmission warning and fail-safe mode. Ask about previous aggressive driving. If possible, scan for DTCs related to clutch/gearbox.
DW6 gearbox fork corrosion and clutch adaptation faults
Noticed on a test drive
The DW6 automatic gearbox has documented problems with clutch fork cable corrosion and failing clutch adaptations. These faults cause gear shifting issues and can lead to expensive transmission repairs.
What to check. During viewing, test all gear changes, check for clutch judder or delayed engagement. Use an OBD scanner to check for transmission fault codes such as P073A, P0810, P0741, P17F0, P17F1.
The internal bearings in this specific DW6 gearbox can wear out prematurely, causing abnormal noise. If ignored, this can lead to complete gearbox failure, an expensive repair. This issue is specific to this gearbox type and is not something a standard inspection would necessarily catch during a short test drive.
What to check. During test drive, listen for whining, rumbling, or grinding noises from the transmission, especially in different gears. Have a mechanic inspect for bearing wear if any unusual noise is present. Check service history for gearbox oil changes.
The DW6 automatic gearbox in certain vans has reported mechatronic unit failures occurring between 100,000 and 150,000 km. These failures can cause expensive transmission repairs. While not universal, it is a known risk for this specific gearbox code.
What to check. During the test drive, verify smooth gear changes and check for any warning lights. Use an OBD scanner to look for transmission/mechatronic fault codes. Ask about the vehicle's transmission service history, especially oil changes.
DW6 solenoid contamination from clutch wear debris
Noticed on a test drive
In this automatic gearbox, normal clutch wear produces fine particles that can contaminate the solenoid valves. Over time this causes shifting problems, which can be costly to repair. It is a known failure pattern specific to this gearbox model.
What to check. During a test drive, pay attention to hesitant or jerky shifting, especially when cold. If possible, scan the transmission control unit for fault codes related to solenoid or shift pressure.
This automatic transmission has a known chronic internal clutch failure, often linked to poor maintenance or infrequent fluid changes. Repairs are expensive and can leave you stranded.
What to check. Check service records for regular ATF changes. Test drive for harsh shifting, slipping, or delayed engagement. Look for transmission warning lights.
This transmission has a known common issue where reverse gear is hard to engage, possibly due to clutch or hydraulic problems. It can lead to costly repairs if not addressed, so buyers should test reverse engagement carefully.
What to check. At viewing, shift from P to R and N to R, check that reverse engages promptly without delay, lurch, or abnormal noise. On a slight incline, verify the car holds position in reverse. You may also scan for transmission fault codes related to clutch pressure or shift solenoids.
These reports come from the pages linked under each item: owner forums, repair guides and workshops. They are not a diagnosis of any one unit, and a careful check of the one you are buying still applies.
Text from the Kriko Cars catalog, version 0.1.4, under the CC-BY-SA-4.0 license.
