CVT Transmission Problems?

32074 Views 13 Replies 9 Participants Last post by Billthebuilder, 10 d ago

Jessica

Discussion Starter · Jan 24, 2010 (Edited)

I just got a new 2010 A4/CVT. I only have 600 miles on it and I have had problems with it rolling. If I am on a slight incline with my foot on the brake and in drive, and if i let go of the brake to accelerate the car rolls backwards aggressively, almost like a manual trans would do in neutral. Today I was in a parking spot with a slight downward slope, and when I put the car in reverse then took my foot off the brake the car rolled forward and i almost hit another car. When I took it to the dealer, they told me this was "normal" for their CVT transmissions (they always roll) and coupled with the fact that the car is light weight it will always preform this way. Sounds weird to me..anyone having this problem on a new CVT? I heard older models did this, but didn't think the newer ones should.

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lazerst

· #2 · Jan 27, 2010

Hi Jess,

I myself have an A4 B8 CVT, MY10, i've had it now for about 6 weeks... and yes i have the same 'behaviour' as you.. from my research it is quite common.. and to be honest i've been able to adapt to its behaviour pretty well... it comes with the CVT transmission as its not a true auto... so there's a little lag before the gear engages... mine rolls more so when i put it in reverse and if i'm on a downward slop, the car will roll forward quite a bit before the gear engages... but i've found if i release the break just a bit slower the roll is near to none... as for going uphill and it rolling backwards... say at a complete stop... you can put the hand brake on because the car is smart enough to disengage the hand brake when it senses you accelerating, thus no backward roll...

hope this helps... Oh, s-mode seems to help a little as well.. so you might wanna give that a go... good luck..

cheers.

ST

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textodd

· #3 · Feb 16, 2010

What you're describing is actually normal for CVTs. It will not engage until the brake is released and the accelerator is pressed.

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Reindeer

· #4 · Feb 22, 2010

I found that you cannot hurry the CVT, especially going into reverse. Try shifting, wait a second for it to engage, then apply gas pedal. Once it is properly engage it doesn't "slip" much.

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Gabriel Tang

· #5 · May 5, 2010

Reindeer said:
I found that you cannot hurry the CVT, especially going into reverse. Try shifting, wait a second for it to engage, then apply gas pedal. Once it is properly engage it doesn't "slip" much.

The current CVT shoudl be more reliable, and yes you need a little patience when you switch gears, and strict maintenance in gear oil change and O rings to improve response, a better breathing air filter will help too, like K&N filter.

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textodd

· #6 · May 5, 2010

What I find interesting and disappointing is that my wife drives a Nissan Altima Coupe with a CVT. It was one of the reasons that I was OK with choosing the Audi CVT. However, I must say, Nissan's CVT is MUCH, MUCH more responsive and smoother than the Audi's which is incredibly disappointing considering the difference in price. The Audi's is so jerky when it engages compared to our Nissan. The Audi CVT almost responds like you're driving a manual transmission. Is it possible that Audi purposely tuned their CVT to mimic a manual transmission? If so, they really don't understand the U.S. market. I find it incredibly arrogant that Audi expects their customers to alter their driving style instead of designing a CVT that meets the paying customer's desires. Especially at premium prices. Although I love my Audi, I also loved my previous BMW and I probably would've loved the Mercedes I test drove too. Audi needs to get this right or they'll have a hard time competing in the future. I'll be very hesitant to repurchase an Audi with stiff the competition from other luxury brands at the same price point. In the back of my mind, I wish I'd gotten the 328i.

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a8 tech

· #7 · May 5, 2010 (Edited)

please post a vcds log with current software versions in address 01 and 02.
There are a number of software updates which may resolve your complaint
Please post the ecu part number for the gearbox and the engine code plus gearbox code.
Look for any clutch overheating fault codes and as with all cvt there is no torque converter so creep will occur or roll back
I would suggest you utilise the park brake function so you just drive off and automatic release will activate with the seatbelt engaged
I suspect you are not aware of the operation of this gearbox and please confirm its a multitronic or S tronic
I would also add most B8 platform drivers rave about the revised multitronic and its smooth pickup.
I love this box and when driven correctly its superb and blows holes in similar competitors offerings

I would also suggest your sales person knows jack **** about this box hence you think its faulty because of a poor handover.

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textodd

· #8 · May 5, 2010

Speak English please...

^^^^^^^

please post a vcds log with current software versions in address 01 and 02.

What? I have no idea what you're talking about but I assume it's some sort of log from the on-board computer. I am a consumer and I believe the OP is as well. I am not a technician so I have no knowledge of how to even get this log.

Please post the ecu part number for the gearbox and the engine code plus gearbox code.

Once again, how do I get this?

I would suggest you utilise the park brake function so you just drive off and automatic release will activate with the seatbelt engaged

Seems kind of ridiculous for a luxury car don't you think? I assume you're talking about the roll back problem.

I suspect you are not aware of the operation of this gearbox and please confirm its a multitronic or S tronic
I would also add most B8 platform drivers rave about the revised multitronic and its smooth pickup.

Mine is multitronic and it is anything but smooth. Once again, our Nissan CVT is much smoother on acceleration by direct comparison. Once up to speed, the trannie is very smooth, but the Audi jerks badly on takeoff.

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a8 tech

· #9 · May 5, 2010

you need to go to your audi dealer and ask them to check for a current software update
which addresses this complaint, also the valve chest may have a defect as this box is silky smooth.

8K B8 2008 A4 onwards

If you fasten your seat belt and pull up at a junction and apply the park brake then you can simply press the gas pedal and the handbrake will auto release as long as it can see the seat belt is fastened

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textodd

· #10 · May 29, 2010

My dealer seems clueless

I mentioned the logs and software updates that you mentioned here today to my dealer (Cavender Audi in San Antonio, TX) when I took it in for it's 5000 mile service and they seemed clueless as to what you were talking about. They seemed to have no idea about software upgrades or the log. I'm very worried.

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a8 tech

· #11 · May 29, 2010

So would I be worried if they are so clueless
here in the UK we have a very large Audi market so we are on the ball as it seems the USA are way behind Europe with vag vehicles in terms of technical ability and brand knowledge

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JasonS4

· #12 · Aug 17, 2010

IF ANYONE IS READING THIS NEVER BUY A CVT! BUT A QUATTRO THAT IS WHAT AUDI IS.

CVTs seem to just suck and I hated driving one anyway. Besides, everyone is having problems!

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thomasfriends513

· #13 · 11 d ago

I apologize for bringing up this old thread. I had a similar issue with my car; it was stuck in limp mode. After extensive diagnosis, it turns out that the mechatronic unit fails and triggers multiple codes, causing my transmission to go into limp mode. I did a lot of searches on this issue and came across an in-depth article that may be worth reading. Search for "Audi transmission problems on YOUCANIC" and you will see an article that goes over common causes and possible fixes. You can read about it yourself. I hope this information can assist someone else with a similar issue.

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Billthebuilder

· #14 · 10 d ago

Remember the car is 13 years Old it is time for a fluid change and filter . it will do wonders!

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