Jump to content

A8 3.7 Quattro Transmission problem?


las247
 Share

Recommended Posts

Whilst on the motorway yesterday a strange thing happened; After about 10 minutes all the gear selector lights lit red, I seemed to lose 5th gear and the ability to change gear either by auto or tiptronic, the engine over revved and went sluggish. Once I restarted the engine it was ok again ubtil the next time I went on the motorway. I assume it needs a fluid and scrubber change, is this correct? where around the Huddersfield area can this be done reasonably and how much is it likely to cost? your help would be appreciated.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

Well I have had the work done; New filter, gasket and fluid. The filter was black and the fluid a little worse for wear. Only thing is it hasn't stopped the problem. When on the motorway cruising along its fine but give a little gas to overtake and it goes into limp mode. It can be reset but will continue to do the same thing over and over. It only seems apparent when in 5th gear. Any ideas anyone??? The fluid used was the correct Audi product from the main dealer supplied for the cars VIN Number.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well the plot thickens; The gearbox is in need of a a refurb at the cost of £800+ apparently this ratios are kn*****ed caused by the airflow meter!!!:eek: any one want to buy an omega seamaster GMT so I can pay for the refurb?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm no expert on Gbox's but "ratio's are knackered?" How does the ratio alter for a hammered Gearbox? (willing to learn) I am aware that the AMM readings are read by the TCU but how does the ratio of a set of gears meshed together change if the AMM was sending false or no readings? Is is a case of a software issue as opposed to hardware gears or perhaps input/output speed sensors etc? Also if the AMM is shot then shouldn't there have been other symptoms like poor draivabilty, misfires, shudders, poor MPG etc. did you get any of these syptoms? Oh and if it the AMM thats gone bad it sure in hell shouldn't cost £800 to fix more like £80 for an exchenge meter and 1/2 hours labour to fit!

I inquired about a full rebuild for a non quottro v6 gearbox a while ago from a ZF distributer it came in at £1500 so the fact that its costing you £800 for a complete rebuild raises at least one of my eye brows. I'd get a couple places to check it out for peace of mind.

BTW have you had the ECU and the TCU read for fault codes?

Hang on just read this: AudiWorld Forums: Extremely bad MAF sensors can slip the transmission, not the same as hunting

You may want to change the AMM 1st and see what happens.

Edited by Ska
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thats very interesting Ska, I will check on this. The Audi 'specialist' who states is the problem is a bit 'staid' so will check a few others. I could do without having to spend £800 if I can help it, thats my new set of wheels! Apparently the Air flow meter is the cause of he problem 9 out of 10 times. And this is what has ruined the gearbox. Although when serviced there was no metallic particles on the scrubbers, these were clean as was the oil!

Edited by las247
Link to comment
Share on other sites

This gets worse, the Audi specialist says he wants £900 labour to remove and refit the gearbox plus the cost of refurbishing the existing box or replacing with a new one. This seems far too much to me please can someone offer ideas on where else I could go or another alternative. Thank you all. I will update with the full quote when I receive this.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The full quote I have received is £3505 for a new box and £2350 for mine reconditioning. At this price he wasn't even going to replace MAF sensor until I pressured him!:eek: I feel this a little on the high side, especially when he stated it would take 20 hours labour to just remove and replace the gearbox. Is he having me over? Does anyone have any recommendations for who could carry out the work in the West Yorkshire area?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Try and swap the MAF sensor 1st but is that an independant Audi garage or main stealers? IIRC A8 Tony spent a little less than that from the main dealer in Bath/Bristol area and got a reasonable 3year warranty. If it's an indi Audi specialist you may want to go to a transmission specialist. Go to ZF.com and locate a distribution/repair centre near you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It may be better to just get a second hand transmission from A8 Parts. I'm sure they will have one for a 3.7. They might even do the swap for you if you cross their palms with silver?

Mike

Why don't they accept sterling or Euro's?:grin:

sorry I'll get on my:bike:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I tried a local auto gearbox specialist who when I explained the car and the problem strangely knew about it, we discussed what I had been charged and found the local independent would be taking the car to him for the work doing and they had loaded the price by £700 just to drive the 3 miles and drop the car off with him. Needless to say I will not be going to the independent again.

The garage I am dealing with said to leave the car with them, they would strip it and see the extent of the damage, if if wasn't in need of a full refurb they would adjust the price to suit. He then gave me the keys to a loan car until I had organised the money!!! Now that is service.

I will get the details of the garage was work has been completed satisfactorily and post on here. It may be of use to some of you.

The cost now is for £1833 inc VAT. although a lot it's better than the stealing, robbing so and so's who call themselves a specialist.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

post the local independant aswell so we know not to use them. Stiff letter to them sir.. is in order

SBP I would have thought, + a bit of what they thought was easy money from a bod in desperate need. If they can get away with it, then they would try it on.

Well done in sussing them out!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Apparently the Air flow meter is the cause of he problem 9 out of 10 times. And this is what has ruined the gearbox. Although when serviced there was no metallic particles on the scrubbers, these were clean as was the oil!

Have you already tested with a new MAF if the problem still exists? I know from experience a fecked MAF can cause really weird gear changes.

I'd check that before having any major work done. Just in case...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The gearbox only gives 1st gear, and then it struggles so I fear it is past a new MAF to rectify it. The independent as you asked is 'Peter Ellam' of Huddersfield, who also made me wait 5 days to book it in for a VAG-COM test! he told me I would be ok to drive it until then, that's when I broke down completely. Not a good experience from this guy at all. I didn't really want to name him as I guess we all have bad experiences from one place or another, but the more I think about it the more annoyed I get that someone has tried to have me over for so much.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Have you already tested with a new MAF if the problem still exists? I know from experience a fecked MAF can cause really weird gear changes.

I'd check that before having any major work done. Just in case...

Since you're so close to A8Parts I'd be tempted to give Ian and Dave a call to see about trying another MAF sensor. You never know - might save a whole lot of grief! (and cash).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What happens on an A8 if you simply unplug the MAF sensor? On most cars (VAG included) they usually assume a set of "default" readings which may not be optimum but are sometimes better than duff readings.

The emission light normally comes up and needs resetting with VAG-COM afterwards.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Still no update. The box is out of the car but not yet opened. Just got to thinking though as the car has only done 60,000mls do Audi have any responsibility still? also the car was bought 4 months ago with 3 months warranty should I approach the dealer for assistance with this. Would be interested in your comments/ ideas. Thanks. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...