Audi's MultiTronic Gearbox
Discussion
Having read through this thread, I know I don't want a multi-tronic, not just because of potential problems, but also because my only other experience of a CVT transmission in a Subaru was not nice.
I am confused a bit though. Are all FWD automatics equipped with multitronic?. A co-worker had a 1.8T A4 on an '02 plate I think, and I am pretty sure he said it was a tiptronic, but then he may not have known for sure. His said his car wasn't a quattro, but now I am beginning to doubt how much he knew about the car.
Also, when searching through the classifieds there are lots of automatic cars but hardly any being listed as multitronic. Is that because maybe the independent traders and private owners do not know it is multitronic, or maybe they know the reputation of the multi and avoid using the word in their ads?.
Is there anyway to tell without driving the car?, maybe from pics of the gear selector?. I don't want to waste time and money going to view a car if it is a multi, particularly if the seller is trying to disguise that fact or has no clue what they are selling.
If there is no such thing as a Y reg or newer FWD Audi with a conventional autobox (gears and torque converter etc) then how about VWs?. I would rather an A6, without quattro, but if I can't get what I want, then I will have to look elsewhere.
I am confused a bit though. Are all FWD automatics equipped with multitronic?. A co-worker had a 1.8T A4 on an '02 plate I think, and I am pretty sure he said it was a tiptronic, but then he may not have known for sure. His said his car wasn't a quattro, but now I am beginning to doubt how much he knew about the car.
Also, when searching through the classifieds there are lots of automatic cars but hardly any being listed as multitronic. Is that because maybe the independent traders and private owners do not know it is multitronic, or maybe they know the reputation of the multi and avoid using the word in their ads?.
Is there anyway to tell without driving the car?, maybe from pics of the gear selector?. I don't want to waste time and money going to view a car if it is a multi, particularly if the seller is trying to disguise that fact or has no clue what they are selling.
If there is no such thing as a Y reg or newer FWD Audi with a conventional autobox (gears and torque converter etc) then how about VWs?. I would rather an A6, without quattro, but if I can't get what I want, then I will have to look elsewhere.
Evening guys,
I hope some one can help, I have had Audi's for many years and still do.
I have a Audi A4 Cabriolet 3.0 V6 that has covered 101,000 miles and have now had three gearbox's.
1st box 74,000 miles warranty
2nd box 76,000 miles warranty
3rd failure 101,000 miles Audi will not pay, they have told me it is a total gearbox failure due to engine management light being on for one week and driven twice. The reason for EML being on is lambada sensor low efficiency. Unfortunately this is how they are trying to get out of paying for it. The 2nd box has not had ATF fluid changed as it has not even covered the 40k limit set by Audi.
Please could some one suggest a cheap gearbox repair company or a specialist to convert to manual transmission.
I love the car and had no major issue with it, I would love a Audi RS4 which was going to be my next investment but will not be venturing down this event as Audi's response to my problem is undue and unfair, the car has numerous issues in the past with the gearbox and has history to support, but they are just not interested in keeping customers happy, it seems they have grown to big and not really interested in solving issues.
Please if any one has had these problems mail in and also contact watchdog and this is unacceptable as Audi are selling deffective parts that are not fit for resale or use.
Regards
Nick X
I hope some one can help, I have had Audi's for many years and still do.
I have a Audi A4 Cabriolet 3.0 V6 that has covered 101,000 miles and have now had three gearbox's.
1st box 74,000 miles warranty
2nd box 76,000 miles warranty
3rd failure 101,000 miles Audi will not pay, they have told me it is a total gearbox failure due to engine management light being on for one week and driven twice. The reason for EML being on is lambada sensor low efficiency. Unfortunately this is how they are trying to get out of paying for it. The 2nd box has not had ATF fluid changed as it has not even covered the 40k limit set by Audi.
Please could some one suggest a cheap gearbox repair company or a specialist to convert to manual transmission.
I love the car and had no major issue with it, I would love a Audi RS4 which was going to be my next investment but will not be venturing down this event as Audi's response to my problem is undue and unfair, the car has numerous issues in the past with the gearbox and has history to support, but they are just not interested in keeping customers happy, it seems they have grown to big and not really interested in solving issues.
Please if any one has had these problems mail in and also contact watchdog and this is unacceptable as Audi are selling deffective parts that are not fit for resale or use.
Regards
Nick X
approach said:
I have the misfortune to own a multi on an 2.0 A6 2006.
There is a knocking sound coming from hydraulic control unit (diagnosed by Indie Tech). They are sure there is debris in unit. I think it is related to the oil pump within the hydraulic unit as the knocking rises and falls with revs (pump connected to input shaft)?
Has anyone experienced this one before as most cases are ECU / Clutch plate issues. Oil change done at 40k and full dealer service. Local dealer wants £4300, yeh right! Currently wrangling with Audi UK as out of warranty by 6 months!
One question for TT:
Is the hydraulic/pump unit replaceable or is a full box required?
Thanks
Sounds like it want a complete box to me, only 6 months out of waranty with good history should see a good will payout. Keep on at Audi UK customer services, they have more say than your local dealer.There is a knocking sound coming from hydraulic control unit (diagnosed by Indie Tech). They are sure there is debris in unit. I think it is related to the oil pump within the hydraulic unit as the knocking rises and falls with revs (pump connected to input shaft)?
Has anyone experienced this one before as most cases are ECU / Clutch plate issues. Oil change done at 40k and full dealer service. Local dealer wants £4300, yeh right! Currently wrangling with Audi UK as out of warranty by 6 months!
One question for TT:
Is the hydraulic/pump unit replaceable or is a full box required?
Thanks
The only components I've changed on the box are,
(1) the input shaft assy (either replacing or changing the clutch packs) - usually the cause of judder on take up of drive.
(2) The valve body aka hydralic control unit - can cause erronious fault codes and loss of drive and the ECU has been ruled out as the cause.
(3) The ECU (Electronic control unit). Limp home + PRND warning. Loss of drive, internal electrical failure resulty in fault codes.
I've never done anything with the oil pump but would assume its driven off the input shaft. One of the test we do is to drain a litle oil and look for metal debris in it, if there is any debis in the box its considered scrap.
approach said:
I have the misfortune to own a multi on an 2.0 A6 2006.
There is a knocking sound coming from hydraulic control unit (diagnosed by Indie Tech). They are sure there is debris in unit. I think it is related to the oil pump within the hydraulic unit as the knocking rises and falls with revs (pump connected to input shaft)?
Has anyone experienced this one before as most cases are ECU / Clutch plate issues. Oil change done at 40k and full dealer service. Local dealer wants £4300, yeh right! Currently wrangling with Audi UK as out of warranty by 6 months!
One question for TT:
Is the hydraulic/pump unit replaceable or is a full box required?
Thanks
If you have no luck with Audi leave Indie Tech to do the work. They sorted my CVT for £750 when it started having issue @ 90kThere is a knocking sound coming from hydraulic control unit (diagnosed by Indie Tech). They are sure there is debris in unit. I think it is related to the oil pump within the hydraulic unit as the knocking rises and falls with revs (pump connected to input shaft)?
Has anyone experienced this one before as most cases are ECU / Clutch plate issues. Oil change done at 40k and full dealer service. Local dealer wants £4300, yeh right! Currently wrangling with Audi UK as out of warranty by 6 months!
One question for TT:
Is the hydraulic/pump unit replaceable or is a full box required?
Thanks
Jack
redtwin said:
Having read through this thread, I know I don't want a multi-tronic, not just because of potential problems, but also because my only other experience of a CVT transmission in a Subaru was not nice.
The Audi CVT is lovely when it's working!
I am confused a bit though. Are all FWD automatics equipped with multitronic?.
No
Also, when searching through the classifieds there are lots of automatic cars but hardly any being listed as multitronic. Is that because maybe the independent traders and private owners do not know it is multitronic, or maybe they know the reputation of the multi and avoid using the word in their ads?.
I think a combo of both.... I certainly wouldn't mention anything more than "auto" in an advert (tho I intend keeping this car until it does die)
Is there anyway to tell without driving the car?, maybe from pics of the gear selector?. I don't want to waste time and money going to view a car if it is a multi, particularly if the seller is trying to disguise that fact or has no clue what they are selling.
Not sure to be honest, sorry
The Audi CVT is lovely when it's working!
I am confused a bit though. Are all FWD automatics equipped with multitronic?.
No
Also, when searching through the classifieds there are lots of automatic cars but hardly any being listed as multitronic. Is that because maybe the independent traders and private owners do not know it is multitronic, or maybe they know the reputation of the multi and avoid using the word in their ads?.
I think a combo of both.... I certainly wouldn't mention anything more than "auto" in an advert (tho I intend keeping this car until it does die)
Is there anyway to tell without driving the car?, maybe from pics of the gear selector?. I don't want to waste time and money going to view a car if it is a multi, particularly if the seller is trying to disguise that fact or has no clue what they are selling.
Not sure to be honest, sorry
I'm very worried. not sure if my gearbox is on its way.
I have a 05 2.0TDi multi. just done 100k. g/box oil was done at 40k but not since.
Last week in the snow, tried to get out of my road end, slight incline, put my foot down, the wheels span then there was a clunk noise and the car stalled and lerched forward into the road. I rolled back out off the main road, restarted the car and did the whole thing again. third time I got out ok. I put this down to it being very cold and the car only been running 2 mins. but the same thing happened couple of days later leaving my parents house, car was warm, level ground.
sorry for long post but, is it time to get rid of the car?
I have a 05 2.0TDi multi. just done 100k. g/box oil was done at 40k but not since.
Last week in the snow, tried to get out of my road end, slight incline, put my foot down, the wheels span then there was a clunk noise and the car stalled and lerched forward into the road. I rolled back out off the main road, restarted the car and did the whole thing again. third time I got out ok. I put this down to it being very cold and the car only been running 2 mins. but the same thing happened couple of days later leaving my parents house, car was warm, level ground.
sorry for long post but, is it time to get rid of the car?
Well, looks like I'm about to get my first taste of the multichronic nightmare.
I'm what, three months into ownership, and my 04 1.8T Cab has started to show something a bit odd.
I was parked up, started the ignition, and the whole PRNDS display lit up, not just one selection. No flashing, and it stopped as soon as I shifted.
Then a couple of days later it did the same, but while I was driving. Wouldn't clear for a few seconds (The display stayed lit up even when I moved the lever) and then was fine again... Still no flashing.
Is this the beginning of the end?
I'm what, three months into ownership, and my 04 1.8T Cab has started to show something a bit odd.
I was parked up, started the ignition, and the whole PRNDS display lit up, not just one selection. No flashing, and it stopped as soon as I shifted.
Then a couple of days later it did the same, but while I was driving. Wouldn't clear for a few seconds (The display stayed lit up even when I moved the lever) and then was fine again... Still no flashing.
Is this the beginning of the end?
Edited by I'm with Brian on Monday 25th January 16:52
Unfortunately it is the beginning of the end, it'll only go downhill and get worse from here and start appearing more often until you begin to dread going on in case the damn thing fails and leaves you stranded 
For what it's worth, I love the Audi MT gearbox for it's smoothness and delivery, it's just the reliability that's suspect
If you have a full dealer history that's been maintained to the Audi schedule then there's a very good chance you can get goodwill out of Audi to chip in with the costs depending on how old the car is.
For what it's worth, I love the Audi MT gearbox for it's smoothness and delivery, it's just the reliability that's suspect
If you have a full dealer history that's been maintained to the Audi schedule then there's a very good chance you can get goodwill out of Audi to chip in with the costs depending on how old the car is.
I have an AA 'Prestige' aftermarket mechanical breakdown warranty, and it clearly states that it covers the ECU and 'all internal parts + seals' of a CVT. I'm going to get my car checked out before it gets worse. Sounds like it needs a new ECU (PRNDS lighting up). I had the multitronic oil changed and they said there was no debris.
So gutting that the damn box is this unreliable... Vorsprung durch technic my butt.
So gutting that the damn box is this unreliable... Vorsprung durch technic my butt.
Hi All,
I wish i had read these posts before i signed on the dotted line for a 53 plate Audi A6 1.9 tdi Multitronic with 80k miles the only thing that swayed me to buy this car. Is that when i mentioned i had heard there could be probs with the Multi trans the dealer said the car had just had an uprated 7 plate clutch fitted. He also agreed to put a 2 year warranty on the car with a £2k claim so i then thought i cant loose. But reading these threads do i really need the grief all i want is a reliable economical car when i test drove the car last week i could not fault it except the slow take off from rest. Please is there anyone out there that has NOT had a Multitronic failure as i was quite looking forward to taking delivery of my nice newish Audi now i'm not so sure !!!
Cheers,
Chas.
I wish i had read these posts before i signed on the dotted line for a 53 plate Audi A6 1.9 tdi Multitronic with 80k miles the only thing that swayed me to buy this car. Is that when i mentioned i had heard there could be probs with the Multi trans the dealer said the car had just had an uprated 7 plate clutch fitted. He also agreed to put a 2 year warranty on the car with a £2k claim so i then thought i cant loose. But reading these threads do i really need the grief all i want is a reliable economical car when i test drove the car last week i could not fault it except the slow take off from rest. Please is there anyone out there that has NOT had a Multitronic failure as i was quite looking forward to taking delivery of my nice newish Audi now i'm not so sure !!!
Cheers,
Chas.
Just joined Pistonheads forum.
I have an A6 Avant 2.5TDi Multi, owned since last July. 85k miles. Already had new clutch pack at 40k.
I have read all the worrying info on this thread.
First the good stuff: I love it. The Multi is a real piece of genius, and allows the engine either to get the best economy (a tankfull seems to last forever) or respond to a quick bit of throttle. A sharp push on the pedal gets the revs up as much as you need, and if thats not enough the kickdown really does it. In traffic light grands prix I use the manual option just because it feels good, and it leaves most cars at the lights.
Now the not so good. Sometimes there is a slight judder or shimmy when driving between 15 and 30mph and accelerating on light throttle. Then cruising at light throttle at 30-45 the drive seems to slip slightly and the revs go up slightly every few seconds. It seems like the hydraulic pump pressure is too low at that speed/throttle setting and the ECU needs to be reprogrammed, but I dont know if the ECU is reporgrammable? I dont think the gearbox is going as medium/full throttle is brilliant; no slip or other problems. Can you Audi Techs throw any light on that?
But, because the symptoms are so slight I have mostly enjoyed the car, and I am watching carefully for any changes. So far it has been pretty steady, and I can live with it for now. In the spring I will consider selling as, unless I can get it 'fixed' at a sensible price it is too risky to hang onto.
Cheers.
I have an A6 Avant 2.5TDi Multi, owned since last July. 85k miles. Already had new clutch pack at 40k.
I have read all the worrying info on this thread.
First the good stuff: I love it. The Multi is a real piece of genius, and allows the engine either to get the best economy (a tankfull seems to last forever) or respond to a quick bit of throttle. A sharp push on the pedal gets the revs up as much as you need, and if thats not enough the kickdown really does it. In traffic light grands prix I use the manual option just because it feels good, and it leaves most cars at the lights.
Now the not so good. Sometimes there is a slight judder or shimmy when driving between 15 and 30mph and accelerating on light throttle. Then cruising at light throttle at 30-45 the drive seems to slip slightly and the revs go up slightly every few seconds. It seems like the hydraulic pump pressure is too low at that speed/throttle setting and the ECU needs to be reprogrammed, but I dont know if the ECU is reporgrammable? I dont think the gearbox is going as medium/full throttle is brilliant; no slip or other problems. Can you Audi Techs throw any light on that?
But, because the symptoms are so slight I have mostly enjoyed the car, and I am watching carefully for any changes. So far it has been pretty steady, and I can live with it for now. In the spring I will consider selling as, unless I can get it 'fixed' at a sensible price it is too risky to hang onto.
Cheers.
Is there any way this thread could be bumped down the list onto page two, it's starting to depress me cos I have a Multitronic A4 on order with March delivery promised! I can't change the spec now, but to say that I am now nervous and not looking forward to getting the car is an understatement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Johnzo i am the same as you mate i get my 53 plate A6 Avant tomorrow and although regretting that i plumped for a Multironic i am a bit assured about the 7 clutch bit as mine has had the upgrade. Also if you go on Youtube and punch in Audi Multitronic it comes up with and actual working gearbox so you can see the simplicity of the thing and drivers demonstrating how their Audi Mutlis perform. Another plus is you can get a brand new Multi trans off a company on eblag for £1900 minus £300 for your old box guaranteed and re-con ECUs for £350 guaranteed so not all bad i will let you know how i get on with mine tomorrow 
Cheers,
Chas.
Cheers,
Chas.
Hi - new to forums, new to PistonHeads, new to Audi, new to Multitronic and thinking about some new underpants having read the thread.
Reassured by the existence of TT out there to help poor schucks like me who thought Audi wouldn't make something that was outright bad.
Anyway, just bought an O5 A4 Cab 1.8T with the dreaded multitronic and 58k on the clock. Took it to my favorite service guys to have what I call a 'baseline' service so that I know what's what. They said 'take it back' but of course it was a private sale. They reported a 'chatter' from the geabox housing and pretty much said 'Multitronic' whilst giving the anti vampire signal with their fingers.
Funny thing is the gearbox is not doing any of the things that people out there are describing. It seems to be slipping. For example, floor it on the motorway and it won't get past 60mph but ease it gently and 80+ seems to happen OK. The car makes a high pitched whine under load (sound like some buses - not a nasty noise). No judder, no flashing lights, no error codes.
Well - any thoughts anyone? (especially TT)
Reassured by the existence of TT out there to help poor schucks like me who thought Audi wouldn't make something that was outright bad.
Anyway, just bought an O5 A4 Cab 1.8T with the dreaded multitronic and 58k on the clock. Took it to my favorite service guys to have what I call a 'baseline' service so that I know what's what. They said 'take it back' but of course it was a private sale. They reported a 'chatter' from the geabox housing and pretty much said 'Multitronic' whilst giving the anti vampire signal with their fingers.
Funny thing is the gearbox is not doing any of the things that people out there are describing. It seems to be slipping. For example, floor it on the motorway and it won't get past 60mph but ease it gently and 80+ seems to happen OK. The car makes a high pitched whine under load (sound like some buses - not a nasty noise). No judder, no flashing lights, no error codes.
Well - any thoughts anyone? (especially TT)
johnzo said:
Is there any way this thread could be bumped down the list onto page two, it's starting to depress me cos I have a Multitronic A4 on order with March delivery promised! I can't change the spec now, but to say that I am now nervous and not looking forward to getting the car is an understatement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
New shape A4 and A5 have completely revised and new version of the multi tronic, which has yet to give any propblems. Is not the same as the ones discussed here.He's something really odd.
I've got a 3.2 multitronic which had a very slight judder setting off, which i thought was early signs of a costly repair. Then over the weekend the car wouldn't start, turned out the battery was at fault and a replacement was fitted. Driving away from the garage i instantly knew something was different. The judder had gone,the engine was a lot smoother and there was an increase of power.
I've got a 3.2 multitronic which had a very slight judder setting off, which i thought was early signs of a costly repair. Then over the weekend the car wouldn't start, turned out the battery was at fault and a replacement was fitted. Driving away from the garage i instantly knew something was different. The judder had gone,the engine was a lot smoother and there was an increase of power.
Craft Shank said:
Hi - new to forums, new to PistonHeads, new to Audi, new to Multitronic and thinking about some new underpants having read the thread.
Reassured by the existence of TT out there to help poor schucks like me who thought Audi wouldn't make something that was outright bad.
Anyway, just bought an O5 A4 Cab 1.8T with the dreaded multitronic and 58k on the clock. Took it to my favorite service guys to have what I call a 'baseline' service so that I know what's what. They said 'take it back' but of course it was a private sale. They reported a 'chatter' from the geabox housing and pretty much said 'Multitronic' whilst giving the anti vampire signal with their fingers.
Funny thing is the gearbox is not doing any of the things that people out there are describing. It seems to be slipping. For example, floor it on the motorway and it won't get past 60mph but ease it gently and 80+ seems to happen OK. The car makes a high pitched whine under load (sound like some buses - not a nasty noise). No judder, no flashing lights, no error codes.
Well - any thoughts anyone? (especially TT)
Sounds like an engine fault rather than a gearbox one.Reassured by the existence of TT out there to help poor schucks like me who thought Audi wouldn't make something that was outright bad.
Anyway, just bought an O5 A4 Cab 1.8T with the dreaded multitronic and 58k on the clock. Took it to my favorite service guys to have what I call a 'baseline' service so that I know what's what. They said 'take it back' but of course it was a private sale. They reported a 'chatter' from the geabox housing and pretty much said 'Multitronic' whilst giving the anti vampire signal with their fingers.
Funny thing is the gearbox is not doing any of the things that people out there are describing. It seems to be slipping. For example, floor it on the motorway and it won't get past 60mph but ease it gently and 80+ seems to happen OK. The car makes a high pitched whine under load (sound like some buses - not a nasty noise). No judder, no flashing lights, no error codes.
Well - any thoughts anyone? (especially TT)
When MAF's fail on 1.8T the engine looses power above 4500rpm, so if by keeping the revs bellow that and it accelerates ok its porabaly just the MAF.
The High pitch noise underload however its most likely a knackered turbo. Hang on a minute 1.8T noisey turbo, (it has got oil pressure hasnt it????)
I dont suppose its just had an oil pump replaced having lost oil pressure and the previous owner has sold it quick. Did your service guys notice if the sump had been off recently?? What did they think the noise was, a noisey turbo is instantly regonisable for a good technician.
Sorry to be doom and gloom, but its got all the tell tell signs to me.
Edited by Tame Technician on Sunday 31st January 21:59
Edited by Tame Technician on Sunday 31st January 22:02
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