Au7o mascotAu7o
Known IssuesDiagnose my car
  1. Au7o
  2. /
  3. Known Issues
  4. /
  5. P176D
P176DModerateTransmission

P176D: Intermediate Speed Sensor Circuit High Voltage

2 vehicles · 1 makes · $600-$4,500 repair

Share:@au7o.io

Most Reported On

2017-2025Volkswagen Golf RMK7.5 R (DSG), MK8 R (DSG)2019-2023Volkswagen Arteon2.0 TSI +4

P176D is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning “Intermediate Speed Sensor Circuit High Voltage.” P176D is a manufacturer-specific powertrain code; its most common definition (GM and the major code databases) is "Intermediate Speed Sensor Circuit High Voltage," meaning the transmission control module detected a higher-than-expected voltage on the intermediate/input shaft speed sensor circuit. The sensor reports rotational speed inside the transmission so the TCM can select the correct gear, so a faulty signal can affect shift quality. Note the meaning varies by brand — on VW/Audi it relates to gear selector 4 not being regulated, and on some Jeep/Chrysler applications it indicates transmission fluid temperature too high — so confirm against the specific vehicle. This code is most commonly reported on 2017-2025 Volkswagen Golf R (MK7.5 R (DSG), MK8 R (DSG)), and 2019-2023 Volkswagen Arteon (2.0 TSI, 2.0 TDI, R, SEL, SEL Premium R-Line), with repair costs ranging from $600 to $4,500.

On This Page

  • Common Causes
  • Repair Cost
  • Vehicles (2)
  • Related Codes
  • FAQ
  • Sources (5)
Back to top

Common Causes

1Faulty or failing intermediate/transmission speed sensor
2Damaged, corroded, or loose sensor connector or wiring (open or short to voltage)
3Chafed harness or short to a power circuit raising signal voltage
4Poor ground or high resistance in the sensor circuit
5Internal transmission/valve body or selector solenoid fault (brand-dependent)
6Faulty transmission control module (TCM) or software fault

Typical Repair Cost

$600 - $4,500

Based on 2 documented vehicle-specific issues. Actual cost depends on root cause and vehicle.

Diagnostic Tools

To diagnose P176D, you'll need an OBD-II scanner. Here are our recommendations at every price point.

Budget Pick$10–$20

ANCEL AD310 Classic OBD-II Scanner

by ANCEL

A simple, affordable code reader that reads and clears check engine codes. Great for quick diagnostics on any OBD-II vehicle (1996+).

  • Read & clear engine codes
  • View freeze frame data
  • I/M readiness status
  • No batteries or app needed
Check Price on Amazon
Best Value$90–$120

BlueDriver Pro Bluetooth Scanner

by BlueDriver

Bluetooth OBD-II scanner with a free companion app. Provides enhanced diagnostics, smog readiness, and repair reports sourced from a database of verified fixes.

  • Enhanced diagnostics (ABS, SRS, transmission)
  • Repair Reports with verified fixes
  • Smog check readiness
  • Free app (iOS & Android)
Check Price on Amazon
Advanced$180–$230

LAUNCH CRP123X OBD-II Scanner

by LAUNCH

A professional-grade handheld scanner that reads all four major systems (engine, transmission, ABS, SRS) with live data streaming and graphing.

  • Engine, transmission, ABS, SRS diagnostics
  • Live data stream & graphing
  • AutoVIN for vehicle identification
  • Free lifetime updates via Wi-Fi
Check Price on Amazon
Professional$350–$450

Autel MaxiCOM MK808S Diagnostic Tool

by Autel

Shop-level diagnostic tablet with bi-directional control, active tests, and full system coverage. Ideal for serious DIYers and small shops.

  • All-system diagnostics (25+ modules)
  • Bi-directional control & active tests
  • Oil reset, EPB, BMS, TPMS, injector coding
  • 7-inch touchscreen with Android OS
Check Price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices are approximate and may vary.

Vehicles Affected (2)

Volkswagen P176D page →
Golf RCritical

DQ381 7-Speed DSG Mechatronic Failure and Limp Mode

2017-2025$600-$4,5000 reports
ArteonCritical

7-Speed DQ381 DSG Mechatronics Failure and Low-Speed Shudder

2019-2023$1,000-$4,5000 reports

Related Codes (8)

P1760Manufacturer-Specific Code (Transmission Pressure-Control Solenoid; definition varies by maker)P1765Transmission 12-Volt Supply Relay Control CircuitP176AGear Selector 1 Cannot Be RegulatedP176BManufacturer-Specific Transmission/Powertrain Fault17125Torque Converter Clutch Circuit: Performance or Stuck OffC0700Transmission Control Module CommunicationP0218Transmission Over Temperature ConditionP0500Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction

FAQ

What does P176D mean?

P176D stands for "Intermediate Speed Sensor Circuit High Voltage." P176D is a manufacturer-specific powertrain code; its most common definition (GM and the major code databases) is "Intermediate Speed Sensor Circuit High Voltage," meaning the transmission control module detected a higher-than-expected voltage on the intermediate/input shaft speed sensor circuit. The sensor reports rotational speed inside the transmission so the TCM can select the correct gear, so a faulty signal can affect shift quality. Note the meaning varies by brand — on VW/Audi it relates to gear selector 4 not being regulated, and on some Jeep/Chrysler applications it indicates transmission fluid temperature too high — so confirm against the specific vehicle.

What are the most common causes of P176D?

The most common causes of P176D are: Faulty or failing intermediate/transmission speed sensor, Damaged, corroded, or loose sensor connector or wiring (open or short to voltage), Chafed harness or short to a power circuit raising signal voltage, Poor ground or high resistance in the sensor circuit, Internal transmission/valve body or selector solenoid fault (brand-dependent), Faulty transmission control module (TCM) or software fault. The specific cause varies by vehicle.

How much does it cost to fix P176D?

Repair costs for P176D range from $600 to $4,500, depending on the vehicle and root cause.

Which vehicles are affected by P176D?

Au7o has documented P176D across 2 vehicle models from 1 manufacturers: Volkswagen.

Sources (5)

  • articleVW/Audi 0GC DQ381 DSG Mechatronic Failures — Symptoms, Fault Codes & Fixes (eco-torque)
  • ForumDQ381 mechatronics issues — VW R Owners Club (VWROC)
  • ForumDQ381 P060700 Error Transmission — VWROC
  • ForumDSG Getriebeprobleme ARTEON - MOTOR-TALK
  • Forum2018 Arteon DSG Gearbox malfunction problem - UK Volkswagen Forum
🔧
A mechanic who knows YOUR exact car
Answers tuned to your year, make, model & trim — not generic advice. Save your garage so it always has the right context.
Get notified about P176D fixes
We add new causes, fixes and affected vehicles for P176D regularly — drop your email and we'll keep you posted. You can also diagnose your own car free.

Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.

Known IssuesDTC LookupDrivePricingAboutTermsPrivacyCookiesConsentData rightsCopyrightFeedback
Share:@au7o.io

Vehicle data and repair guidance on this site are compiled with AI assistance and may contain errors. Always verify with your service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data protection representation

DataRep representative in the United KingdomDataRep representative in the European Union
Au7o · 2026
Built for DIY mechanics. Privacy-first.

© 2026 Au7o. All rights reserved.