Hi, ensure that you stick to the 40,000 mile oil changes for your Multitronic gearbox and all should be fine.

 

yai heard bad things about the the early year B6s wit the CVTs they cant handle much power and TQ

 

Ok, mine is an 03. so that would be an early year wouldn't it? Basically my car has 62,000 miles on it. and if the trans goes out early, I would like to find something else before I have to pay to have that fixed. I don't notice any problems with it, but...

 

I did a fair bit of research into this prior to buying my A4. They do have issues with the clutch plates it seems to be the 2.5 tdi's which are worst. A company in Milton Keynes do a upgrade which basically involves fitting extra plates to help. There seems to be no rule on which box will fail and which ones won't Getting the oil changed every 40k is a must if you start to feel a judder when you pull away then best be prepared for the worst

 

All I feel when I pull away is... it feels like a manual trans. like 1st gear is enguaging slowly. I figure this is normal right?? Its strange, because if you give it too much gas too quickly before it completely enguages... some nice burnout action!

 

'03 Audi A4 1.8T - CVT Transmission

So, I've only got ~68K on my A4, and I've had this hesitation while accelerating for months. (I am the original owner on this car) In fact, I took it to the dealer last Fall - I had some sort of error message that my local shop could not decipher, and I wondered if it was related to the hesitation I was sensing. The dealer fixed the error message, but apparently did not address the hesitation. So, here I am months later, finally getting it back to the local shop to check out the hesitation. They tell me it is the CVT transmission going and that I'll have to take it back to the dealer - that maybe it is still covered under warranty. They estimated over $7K to replace the transmission. I checked my warranty book, and there does not seem to be any warranty coverage beyond the initial 50K, with the exception of some California emissions warranty extensions that mention the transmission and 70K miles. Does anyone have any idea if this should be covered under warranty, and if not, how much I am really looking at to fix this? Also, since when does a car not get more than 70K miles on a transmission?

 

I just purchased an 04 with the CVT on it. It has 55k on it and everything seems to be fine but I have also heard they are not the best transmissions. They dont handle power or torque very well. Maybe that is why the diesels are first to go. Looks like I am off to get the tranny fluid changed.

 

CVT Transmission problem - ongoing saga

So, just to give you all an update...after posting this message, I did quite a bit of research and found that MANY people have experienced problems with the CVT transmission on the Audi. I was prepared then, when the Audi service dept. called to say that my "friction plates" were gone, and I was faced with a repair for $2450, and that this was not covered under the warranty. (Just as an aside, I found that many other car companies warrant the transmission to 100K miles.) When I confronted them with the fact that this is a known problem to Audi, and what did they intend to do about it, the service manager called offering to use his "good will funds" to cover the part ($800), leaving me with $1650 out of my pocket. I said that I appreciated his offer, but that I would call Audi directly. After speaking with the Audi rep, the Audi service dept. called back to say that they (collectively - the local Audi service dept. and Audi corporate) would cover $1450, leaving me with $1000. I also voiced concern that I would be faced with another part of the transmission failing in a few months. They say that they will warrant this part for 12 mos./12K miles, but that any other problem would not be covered. For now, I've decided to leave it at this...but to be sure, I will pursue this in the event that "other" parts of my transmission fail in the near future. I suspect that this is Audi's response to the crisis - rather than tell me the entire transmission needs to be replaced (to the tune of $6-8K), they have decided to "minimize" the impact by only fixing pieces and parts. I read about one person who apparently successfully sued Audi under lemon laws related to this problem. I suspect that will not be out of the question for me if this continues to be a problem. Of course, I could just go ahead and sell the car once this repair is done...but I love my cabriolet...and it's paid for. Anyway, stay tuned for more as this saga continues.

 

CVT Issues

So, just to give you all an update...after posting this message, I did quite a bit of research and found that MANY people have experienced problems with the CVT transmission on the Audi. I was prepared then, when the Audi service dept. called to say that my "friction plates" were gone, and I was faced with a repair for $2450, and that this was not covered under the warranty. (Just as an aside, I found that many other car companies warrant the transmission to 100K miles.) When I confronted them with the fact that this is a known problem to Audi, and what did they intend to do about it, the service manager called offering to use his "good will funds" to cover the part ($800), leaving me with $1650 out of my pocket. I said that I appreciated his offer, but that I would call Audi directly. After speaking with the Audi rep, the Audi service dept. called back to say that they (collectively - the local Audi service dept. and Audi corporate) would cover $1450, leaving me with $1000. I also voiced concern that I would be faced with another part of the transmission failing in a few months. They say that they will warrant this part for 12 mos./12K miles, but that any other problem would not be covered. For now, I've decided to leave it at this...but to be sure, I will pursue this in the event that "other" parts of my transmission fail in the near future. I suspect that this is Audi's response to the crisis - rather than tell me the entire transmission needs to be replaced (to the tune of $6-8K), they have decided to "minimize" the impact by only fixing pieces and parts. I read about one person who apparently successfully sued Audi under lemon laws related to this problem. I suspect that will not be out of the question for me if this continues to be a problem. Of course, I could just go ahead and sell the car once this repair is done...but I love my cabriolet...and it's paid for. Anyway, stay tuned for more as this saga continues.

I too have own a few CVT Audi's, and have worries on the troubles, people are posting. Had taken care of the cvt well by changing the Oil every 20,000 miles, expensive oil(have not found alternative). Even with such care the TCU transmission control unit still need to be changed sometimes depend on your luck 50,000k miles or 80,000km.
I did some research, and basically this CVT is a wonderful transmission if it works well. I had an opportunity to strip the gearbox as my friends car was having some problem after changing the TCU. gears hunts on auto mode between 2nd and 3rd gear. I manage to convinced my mechanic to strip the gear box and also found out cost of parts and parts available from Audi parts shop. the Gearbox basically works on pressure oil pumps to control the CVT gear ratios, there is a valve body, a pump, CVT pulleys mechnism, and front input shaft with clutches, and a Oil filter inside the gearbox! (most people are not aware. Most problem, arises when the gearbox is contaminated with metal swarf, worn fine metals from the gearbox, most new gearboxes will have more. also there a some seals whic degrades due to heat. If you take care of your gearbox and it not burnt. Your gearbox can live beyond contemporary gearboxes. and there is a cost to maintain it.
We found the front input shaft and discs are in order, you can replace the disc, but cost of labour and time, its better to buy the complete ready to fit input shaft which cost about US$2k on exchange basis. We change out the oil filter in the CVT pulley section on the cover and replace all round seals in valve body and put back together the gearbox. Test run, te gear box performs better than new and we can wheelspin the front tyres now.

These are the maintenance program, if you believe me.
(I am not responsible if these information does not works for you)

Basic 20-30,000 miles - Changing gear oil regularly

Periodically 60,000 miles - change all internal seals, valve body and TCU and also internal oil filter, clean out the gearbox internally.
These parts does not cost very much , but the labour cost to replace them plus oil is the main issue.

Older models -have 6 clutch disc, if worn, Audi parts shop has an exchange program for a new type with 7 discs (only) cost approx US$2k excl labour)
You need to change this if your gearbox slips during acceleration or if you can be sure that the clutch disc is worn and slipping.

The pulley and chain never breaks, unless very extreme, never come across or heard of, but guess it needs replacement at very high mileage like 300,000 miles, which by then a replacement gearbox or car would be more economical.

I dont know why the audi dealership require to change out the external pipe(so called filter) at 60,000km or 37,000 miles

Even i suspect the TCU can be saved if it can be cleaned of the swarf metal dust.

Most of the erratic gearbox problem can be due to worn seals in valve body/TCU, since it will loose pump pressure and cause erratic gearbox functions. If your instrument panel PRNDS flashes, you TCU has problems.
Most gearbox fails is due to metal swarf or worn metal dust floating within the gearbox oil and cause electirc short circuit and oil pressure.

Hope above info helpful

 

Audi 08 A3 Transmission problem (Mechatronic Unit)

This is crazy. Throw an A3 into the mix. My car is waiting for a mechatronic control unit, but it's on backorder for weeks.
Other have the similar issue: Faulty Mechatronic (TCU) in DSG - AudiForums.com And one supposedly Audi Master Tech responded here: Audi A3 Transmission Problem? - Yahoo! Answers. If I were you, bring your car to the dealership ASAP before warranty passes. Get documentation to backup yourself in the future. Now I'm still driving my car, and I wonder if that will worsen or break other parts of the transmission (or car for that fact).

Where are the LAWYERS.. they should be looking into a case like this.. sounds like gross negligence on Audi's part, especially given that they know of the problem and other mechanical issues may arise from such a MAJOR issue.

 

Yea. My A4 04 has 77,000 miles on it and my transmission just blew out.

 

Audi CVT



Just to share, I have been using Audi CVT for a couple of cars with the same fear. recently my friend's car ran into similar problem, Its 2005 model A4 B6, happens to all Audi CVT from 2002-2006 I think. First as foremost depends on your luck the TCU will goes, symptom Flashing PRNDS on the instrument panel, sometimes gear dont shift and cant move car. This is a US$2k fix, the gearbox need to be flushed to change the TCU in the gearbox, it will sure need one time change between 30k to 50k miles, depends how you drive your car.

After 10k miles the gearbox hunts/slip between 2nd and 3rd gear at light driving.

After persuading a close friend mechanic to explore the gearbox. the grear box was strip with ELSA WIN guide. The front input shaft with 6 Disc/ newer models will have 7 discs, Audi replacement part comes only with 7 disc, this cost US$2k to replace on exchange basis,(you send back your defective core for credit) the disc seldom goes worn if you drive sedately and engine is not upgraded in power/torque, tiptronic driving will wear the disc faster also, so far, no hardcore driving will cause the disc failure. Checked the disc were in good condition.

Remove rear cover and second rear cover till the section where the CVT chain and pulleys were exposed, replace OIL filter in this casing, car was 60k miles. filter was soak with metal dust, new oil filter cost $50.00 was replaced.
On the rear the valve body and pumps. the CVT runs on pressure oils from the valve body to control gearing. there is 5 seals were replace, which will inprove oil flow within the valve body(this can be fixed when changing TCU). does not cost much.
Fixed back the gearbox, 7 litres of Audi CVT, which is expensive about $20/litre. After fixing above, the CVT performs better than its was new, When driven it can wheelspin the front tyres, engine is on stage 3 MTM, 315cc inj + K03 turbo.

Thus if you enjoy your audi CVT, do change gearbox oil at 20,000 miles, semi overhual at 60,000miles. The Gearbox does not burnt out unless the oil is never change and punish with harsh driving. If you upgrade to 7 disc, I am sure the torque limit will be increase say 350nm.for newer CVT understand it can take upto 450nm. A replacement Gearbox on exchange basis is onout US$7k I think at most?

After above information and confirm test results, I no longer fear of owning an Audi CVT. I like the rubberband effect, and fast seamless gearchange once the car is underway. There is no rocket science in the gearbox, just need more tender car and awareness. Though I must agree, Audi is milking back $$ for the development until 2007 model which has less of the TCU failure.

 

Audi A4 transmission problem too...

Ok I got one more horror story about Audi's CVT transmissions. I'm the single owner of an Audi A4 2002 with a CVT transmission. Love the car, nevertheless at about 75K miles I was experiencing the infamous shifting hesitations in my transmission. I took in the car to Audi for a check up, Audi couldn't determine what the problem was. They tried different things, sort of guessing and hoping they could fix the problem by luck. They cleaned the throttle body, fuel pump was checked, etc... yet the root cause of the problem was never found, so I was told to keep driving my car for a while and to return to Audi if the problem persisted (but of course i had to pay $280 for the diagnostics and the stuff they did while trying to guess what the problem was). Car did not feel any different than when I took it in, yet I decided to drive for a while. Eventually, took it back and Audi finally told me it was my transmission. They gave me 2 choices, 1) To drive the car as it was, until it completely failed and then replace the transmission and 2) Replace some of the soft goods and other replaceable tranny parts. They recommended me to drive the car until it broke. I didn't like that idea, so I decided to overhaul the tranny for $1,300 bucks. 3 months later my tranny completely broke in the middle of the street. While driving at about 40 MPH the tranny suddenly locked up and the car came to a sudden and complete stop. Locking up the transmission was alarming and very dangerous. So I took the car back to Audi and they told me that a new transmission was going to cost me between $7K to $8K. They didn't want to honor that I had just paid them to fix it 3 months ago. After a lot of calls, confrontations with the service advisors and a lot of frustration, between the local dealership and Audi North America decided to give me a new transmission and all I had to pay was only $1000. Well after 18,000 miles after the new transmission was installed, I am experiencing the same hesitation problems again. Yes again, I can't believe it. I will be taking my A4 back to Audi and the whole ordeal will start all over again. I will post in the near future what comes out of this mess again.

 

I've just had the oil changed in my CVT gearbox at TC garage in Crawley (1.8T s-line cabriolet, 05 plate, 40,000 miles) and although the transmission runs as smooth as anything I decided to get it done given all the comments on this forum.

TC were absolutely brilliant and pretty cheap (£103.00 inc VAT) but the said that the CVT boxes can suffer from lag if the oil levels aren't absolutely right.

 

I bought a new 2010 A4T with the CVT trans in Dec 09. I drove the car once before buying it and felt the delay but thought it's been sitting at the lot for a while so it's not warmed up yet. Since the lease on my other car ended at the end of Jan I did not drive the Audi till early Feb and after a day I knew there was definitely something wrong with the way this car drives - felt like my 68 El Camino with a bad transmission when I was in college). Took it in and was surprised to hear this is the way it's supposed to work - you must be joking me, right?

Unfortunately they were not joking. This transmission is clearly not designed correctly, how can you have a delay when you want to get going from stop or when you've slowed down, it's actually unsafe in my opinion since you never know when the car responds to your command. Can not believe people have been driving these for years and a class action has not been filed yet.

As a first time Audi owner I am very disappointed in Audi as they have said the same thing. I am recommending to everyone I know and all my online followers and business associates to think twice (or more) before buying an Audi. I should have stuck with BMW...

 

hi folks i have a 2002 a4 1.8 t cvt
i live in georgia but not in the american state.
so that means limited service for an audi.
my problem is that when i drive my car for 2 hours its starts to do this...

from a stop when its in D its doesnt move for a couple of seconds if i rev it it suddenly bumps in and the front wheels spin.
its like its neutrel and when i rev it its hits into gear.
thats horrible when im uphill.the car rolls back .
but it has no problems in R so in reverse.
it like it slips. but just from a stop.
i have 65 miles on it. i donts think its the oil. cuz the reverse works good only problems in D.
is it the tcu that could maybe overheat and not giving the the right information if it should be in gear or not? ?

 

Cvt

2005.5 owner here, under CPO warranty thank goodness....
At about 60k miles had problems with the TCU and they changed it out and drained oil cleaned trans etc. Devids problem sounds exactly how mine was right before the TCU went completely and I had to tow to audi.
Re dv2010 post about the engine working "that way" It is not the problem with the trans in my experience, I think that is the massive turbo lag that you are feeling. I had that sensation and they told me the same thing when I first bought mine, then I chipped mine (APR program) and that lag all but disappeared and I can chirp the front wheels (could probably spin but I like to save my tires and I keep the traction control on).
If anything else goes wrong I hope it's before next year when warranty runs out.

 

Hey MR. dv2010, clearly you dont know what you looking for when purchasing a car. This technology is from 1930 and it fade away due to performance and lack of need to save gas. Thats why is back. A CVT tranny is designed now days to save gas. There are no gears to jump therefore the engine is not in neutral for that split sec. while changing gears and thus giving you better gas miliage. The lag that you feel is the exact same thing you feel when you drive a golf cart or a 50cc motorscooter. Is a centrifugal clutch, exept for in a car it has a metal chain and dampers and is hydraulikly driven to open and close the dampers due to the weight of the car, unlike the golfcart that has a rubber belt for lighter vehicles. Also this transmission is known to last over 500,000 miles (mecanic parts) technology will always have its flaws, glitches, worms, and viruses. I have abuse this transmission, have race it (boost up the turbo) and at 98,000 miles never have change tranny oil (is a sealed gearbox with one bolt to fill up). Simple mechanics, this transmissions are used in cars that are worth $500,000+. I can do 100mph on the highway at 2000rpm. that transmission is that good and it gives me an awesome 39mpg at that speed. My friend if you dont want your CVT audi ill have it.

 

TCM bad

My 06 1.8T A4 Cabrio with CVT just gave up it's TCM at 61k. It was working fine and shifted smooth before this. The expected "Check engine" and Red lite up gear indicator so I had it towed to the dealer ASAP. $1,500 for the repair as it was not under my extended warranty. Audi claims transmission is OK no metal chips in the fluid. Hope the trans will last after this or quit before the extended drive tran warranty expires.

 

2004 1.8T Cab withCVT here 36k My TCU just went on me.. Just paid $1815 to have it replaced.. They changed the transmission oil too. Hoping i don't get any other expensive probs.

 

I have a "gently" driven 2003 A4 1.8 Turbo CVT with all maintenance intervals performed as prescirbed. The car has 90,000 miles on it.
Just informed that the transmission has experienced "total catostrophic failure" due to a bearing breaking and getting metal into the gears (which sounded odd because I didn't think the CVT had gears). Price quote was $ 8,000 at the Audi dealership. I think those considering this transmission should figure that into a buying decision. I actually loved the car and the performance of the transmission (prior to this bad news). Like I say I drive slow and gentle so the thing really should have had a long life. I knew CVT had issues with more powerful engines and "aggressive" driving so I thought I'd be ok with the little 188 hp A4 engine and the easy driving I do.

At this time I'm not sure what to do as the car is old and it hurts to spend $6k on a 6 year old car. I called Audi - no warranty coverage or recall action. They said they may pay some as a goodwill gesture as the failure is not due to a wreck or improper maintenance. Will post back later.

Oh - anyone with the majic solution that makes this problem go away please do tell.

Thanks

 

Audi dealership response



Update from the Audi dealer was that the actuall repair estimate increased to 8 K. They offered to perform the repair at "warranty cost" and some 2k credit from Audi that could either be applied to a new Audi purchase or the repair . So repair cost would be $5 k.

Still waiting to hear from customer service - they said Thursday they would have their "good will" gesture decision.

 

So I have a surprise happy ending and moral to my Audi CVT transmision story. I will try to post a new thead in the event it can help someone else.

I decided to have the rogue VW / Audi repair guys that I had previously mentioned give me a second opinion. Had to tow it there. The dealership wasn't ready for a guy like me. Surpirsed someone would tow it to them and then tow it elsewhere. Since the car "looked nice" they figured I'd invest the $ + 5k.

What made me take it to the rogue guys was asking the dealership "how did you diagnose the car". The dealer said they got numerouse fault codes from the computer and saw metal in the transmission oil they drained. Sounds impressive but the rogue guy told me that they likely wouldn't take the transmission off of the car and open it to really see what failed.

Since his first thought on the diagnostic was right I (and he said they had previously repaired someone's CVT that had a transmission pump failure for less than $2k. I towed it over to them.

They called my Monday (towed late Friday afternoon) and said it was the pump and that nothing else looked bad.

Fixed the same day for less than $ 2 k parts, labor, tow and rental car.

I am back in my Audi. Still an expensive repair but within the kind of repair that keeps the car on the road.

So the moral of this story is to find yourself a non-dealer Audi specialist for any CVT transmission failure. Then live happily ever after.

 

Excellent news, and one for others to consider. I wonder how many instances there are in which the actual CVT can be repaired without replacement.. Audi are using this excuse to make thousands upon thousands on the poor unsuspecting public.. Please name and shame the Audi dealership you took it too. We should all write to Audi and complain and threaten them with legal action. Its a disgrace. They are just happy to swap it out and make a killing.

Anyway happy ending sorta !! 2k is a LOT better than 6k or worse 8k..

So are you going to keep the car now or sell it on?

I guess the hard part for others is finding a place outside of a dealer that'll repair Audi's.. I know where I'm from, its the stealership or nothing. Where are you based?

 

I have a 2002 Audi A6 3.0 with only 70k miles on it and my mechanic is saying that the transmission needs to be replaced as well. The cost is 7k, parts and labor- 6k for transmission alone.. He isn't an Audi dealer, but he specializes in Audi.. I don't think he opened it up, just ran the diagnostic. He says he can replace the module, at $3500, but that would be a temp fix, and the whole transmission will need to be replaced pretty soon after..any thoughts ???

I found a salvage parts dealer in FL that will sell me a transmission with 79K miles on it that he will warrenty for 1 year.. $2400- so if all else fails, thats better then 7k...

I'm going to the Audi deal just in case tomorrow to see what they say.. do you think I should ask the dealer to open up the transmission??? I want to threaten the class action if the dealer says it needs a new transmission..

Also, if anyone can rec a mechanic in LOS ANGELES???
Thanks!

 

natasha,

Read my posts (above) so you know the symptoms I had and the steps I took to see if that applies to you.

I had my transmission pump fail catostrophically at 90 k miles. The repair cost was around $ 1,700 including tows . The original diagnostic was to replace the entire CVT for $ 6,000 to $8,000.

 

Whats up doc ?

I am in Texas. NOt lots but some Audi and VW mechanics outside of the dealers.

 

On the fence

I guess im in the same boat now...

2004 A4 1.8t FWD
I just had a new engine replaced (10k miles ago) thanks to a failing oil pump...did mayor damage when it went out while driving..got everything new. engine, turbo and so on...Rest of car has 106,000 miles on it. Great shape.

Now my CVT Trans is shot at 106,000. Been looking for a rebuilt for over 4 months now...no luck, car has been to 3 different mechanics for 2nd and 3rd opinion. They all say the same...CVT Trans is hard to come by, not to many out there. Orig Transmission is in my trunk...lol

I'm not paying 7-8k for a new one...Rebuilt are around $2500-$3500 if you can find one. I guess plan B is to sell the car for parts, sell the engine.? or just take the bus until I find a rebuilt.

If anybody knows of any please drop me a note. Im in Fort Lauderdale.

 

I bought a brand new Audi A4 in 2002. Everything went great for the first 4 years (when it was covered by warranty), I had no need for repairs. However, after 6 years and over 90,000 miles, the transmission failed and I was told that I needed to pay about $2,700 to be able to use the car again. I compared the investment to the value of the car and it made no sense to pay for that at the time so I was looking for some better options and time passed by. 2 years later, when I decided to finally get the car out of the garage and have it fixed, I was told that the price for a new transmission went from $2,700 to $7,500. Is there a high demand for these CVT transmissions? Has anyone else experienced this kind of craziness? It would make absolutely no sense to invest another $7,500 in a car that hardly has any value in it.