Bought the car at 209000 km mileage. The issue is only noticable when transmission fluid is relatively cold. When it warms up after driving >30 kms, it's almost impossible to detect. RPMs fluctuate +/- 100 when driving, transmission shifts smoothly, it occures on every gear and on both Sport/Tiptronic modes. It's the most noticable between 1700-2200 RPMs.
Car was brought to a mechanic that spent two hours driving around just to tell me he can't observe fluctuation (the car at that point was warmed up). Nothing was done. The problem occurs every time I drive the car.
As per TSB released by Audi, the problem is caused by a seal in the torque converter which wears out too quickly - so this is not a user-caused problem, but transmission manufacturing error. It means the torque converter is slipping, which affects car's fuel economy as it performs inefficiently.
According to my research, the TSB is worthless, as there is no auto repair shop that will perform transmission software update or properly inspect torque converter, apart from the dealership that charges premium - about 100% more than what you'd pay at a regular auto repair shop.
When asked about replacing just the torque converter, no auto repair shop is willing to take up this job, as it involves a lot of labour just to replace a 300$ worth part in front of the transmission, ergo they will only work with transmission if you're willing to replace it - that is a 3500-4500$ job, half of current car's market value.
This should be a recall, as clearly Audi knows about the issue. Why release a TSB if that work can only be done at the dealership? I won't be paying for fixing mistakes you have made.
Let's wait until the seal breaks off completely and see A4's on emergency lights on the side of highways...
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Bought the car at 209000 km mileage. The issue is only noticable when transmission fluid is relatively cold. When it warms up after driving >30 kms, it's almost impossible to detect. RPMs fluctuate +/- 100 when driving, transmission shifts smoothly, it occures on every gear and on both Sport/Tiptronic modes. It's the most noticable between 1700-2200 RPMs.
Car was brought to a mechanic that spent two hours driving around just to tell me he can't observe fluctuation (the car at that point was warmed up). Nothing was done. The problem occurs every time I drive the car.
As per TSB released by Audi, the problem is caused by a seal in the torque converter which wears out too quickly - so this is not a user-caused problem, but transmission manufacturing error. It means the torque converter is slipping, which affects car's fuel economy as it performs inefficiently.
According to my research, the TSB is worthless, as there is no auto repair shop that will perform transmission software update or properly inspect torque converter, apart from the dealership that charges premium - about 100% more than what you'd pay at a regular auto repair shop.
When asked about replacing just the torque converter, no auto repair shop is willing to take up this job, as it involves a lot of labour just to replace a 300$ worth part in front of the transmission, ergo they will only work with transmission if you're willing to replace it - that is a 3500-4500$ job, half of current car's market value.
This should be a recall, as clearly Audi knows about the issue. Why release a TSB if that work can only be done at the dealership? I won't be paying for fixing mistakes you have made.
Let's wait until the seal breaks off completely and see A4's on emergency lights on the side of highways...
- Wojciech D., Hamilton, ON, Canada