Audi's MultiTronic Gearbox
Discussion
Dont do it!
I have an A4 Audi Cabriolet Multitronic. The gearbox indicator has been annoying me since I bought the car at 25000 miles
The gearbox indicator on the dashboard started to flash on/off soon after
The car drives in Emergency mode but not well!
After a while I was losing reverse gear (try pushing your car out of a parking bay
Then I was losing forward gears
- rather interesting on a motorway
It just had to be sorted out........
Audi main agents wanted £1200 to reprogram the computer on the gearbox
£135 to fill the geabox with oil
I found a site on the web that did it for £250 (some mark up there!)
I have since learned that this is a VERY COMMON problem on the A4 and A6
my feeling is that this should be a recall event (Toyota!) as it can be dangerous and is common
A pity because this is a delightful car to drive and travel in
Will I buy an Audi again?.........absolutely NOT
I have an A4 Audi Cabriolet Multitronic. The gearbox indicator has been annoying me since I bought the car at 25000 miles
The gearbox indicator on the dashboard started to flash on/off soon after
The car drives in Emergency mode but not well!
After a while I was losing reverse gear (try pushing your car out of a parking bay
Then I was losing forward gears
- rather interesting on a motorway
It just had to be sorted out........
Audi main agents wanted £1200 to reprogram the computer on the gearbox
£135 to fill the geabox with oil
I found a site on the web that did it for £250 (some mark up there!)
I have since learned that this is a VERY COMMON problem on the A4 and A6
my feeling is that this should be a recall event (Toyota!) as it can be dangerous and is common
A pity because this is a delightful car to drive and travel in
Will I buy an Audi again?.........absolutely NOT
Hello all !
I also require a new ECU and failed with the goodwill route despite complaining to Richard Starkey (Head of Customer (non) services) in the UK and to Jeremy Hicks (head of Audi UK). They have no concept of customer loyalty and should be ashamed of themselves especially in comparison with Toyota who have done the honourable thing with their recall. Remember, this design fault with the multitronic ECU is also dangerous as the car may not shift and the reverse lights may not engage!
Anyway, enough with the violins and the sobstory. Can anyone recommend a good indie for buying a recon ECU ? I have come across ecutesting.com on the web and they charge £350 for a replacement ecu...anyone used them ?
Thanks !
I also require a new ECU and failed with the goodwill route despite complaining to Richard Starkey (Head of Customer (non) services) in the UK and to Jeremy Hicks (head of Audi UK). They have no concept of customer loyalty and should be ashamed of themselves especially in comparison with Toyota who have done the honourable thing with their recall. Remember, this design fault with the multitronic ECU is also dangerous as the car may not shift and the reverse lights may not engage!
Anyway, enough with the violins and the sobstory. Can anyone recommend a good indie for buying a recon ECU ? I have come across ecutesting.com on the web and they charge £350 for a replacement ecu...anyone used them ?
Thanks !
Hi ESHIE
Yes I have just got my Audi A4 Cabriolet back on the road after my garage removed the unit and sent it off to ECU testing for a reboot
A couple of days later a reprogrammed unit and the gearbox fluid changed (back to Audi for that - on a car trailer groan) and the car drives like a dream.
So different as in limp mode (flashing PRNDS) the engine does not know which mode/gear your in) and WOW! to drive this car with no flashing lights is great!
my price for the unit was £250 so it seems the price has gone up but I'd pay £350 its a dam site cheaper than the £1200 I was quoted at the Audi main agents
The plug coils seem to fail as well on this car £186 at Audi
£35 at my garage
This protectionism is something that the EEC really ought to look at
To the Guys at ECU testing-Thanks job well done!
Rob
S
horpe
Yes I have just got my Audi A4 Cabriolet back on the road after my garage removed the unit and sent it off to ECU testing for a reboot
A couple of days later a reprogrammed unit and the gearbox fluid changed (back to Audi for that - on a car trailer groan) and the car drives like a dream.
So different as in limp mode (flashing PRNDS) the engine does not know which mode/gear your in) and WOW! to drive this car with no flashing lights is great!
my price for the unit was £250 so it seems the price has gone up but I'd pay £350 its a dam site cheaper than the £1200 I was quoted at the Audi main agents
The plug coils seem to fail as well on this car £186 at Audi
£35 at my garage
This protectionism is something that the EEC really ought to look at
To the Guys at ECU testing-Thanks job well done!
Rob
S
horpe Hi There,
I've just joined the forum in utter dispair after having read through the posts regarding the multitronic gearbox. I have a 2003 (53 Plate) A6 1.9Tdi se with the multitronic gearbox. I absoluteley loved this car, beautiful drive, re-mapped for a bit more performance, THEN.............approximately 1 year ago the juddering began! I put up with it for awhile, but things just got worse, I had to feather the accelerator in drive to approx 1100 revs where the engine would bite and move off.
Well I decided to have this fixed and took it to a local mutitronic specialist who diagnosed the problem as requiring the seven plate clutch pack. I duly forked out £1100.00 for the job - which took three weeks, picked the car up to find it continued to drive the same way, then took it back for further diagnostics. It apparently needed a replacement gearbox ECU, this was replaced and now whilst cold the car drives like new, but as soon as it warms up BANG BANG BANG on setting off, the juddering is even worse, the engine disengages once the car comes to a stop, then when holding it on the handbrake, it engages, disengages, engages...well you get the picture! I then try and move off juddering really badly as now I can't even feather the accelerator due to the engage-disengage cycle!!!!
Has anyone got any idea what's wrong now, I'm getting to the point where my love of Audis is becoming a driving force to bankruptcy!
I appreciate any advice, have considered getting rid, but surely I can't be far away from having this lovely car back in working order.
Cheers.
I've just joined the forum in utter dispair after having read through the posts regarding the multitronic gearbox. I have a 2003 (53 Plate) A6 1.9Tdi se with the multitronic gearbox. I absoluteley loved this car, beautiful drive, re-mapped for a bit more performance, THEN.............approximately 1 year ago the juddering began! I put up with it for awhile, but things just got worse, I had to feather the accelerator in drive to approx 1100 revs where the engine would bite and move off.
Well I decided to have this fixed and took it to a local mutitronic specialist who diagnosed the problem as requiring the seven plate clutch pack. I duly forked out £1100.00 for the job - which took three weeks, picked the car up to find it continued to drive the same way, then took it back for further diagnostics. It apparently needed a replacement gearbox ECU, this was replaced and now whilst cold the car drives like new, but as soon as it warms up BANG BANG BANG on setting off, the juddering is even worse, the engine disengages once the car comes to a stop, then when holding it on the handbrake, it engages, disengages, engages...well you get the picture! I then try and move off juddering really badly as now I can't even feather the accelerator due to the engage-disengage cycle!!!!
Has anyone got any idea what's wrong now, I'm getting to the point where my love of Audis is becoming a driving force to bankruptcy!
I appreciate any advice, have considered getting rid, but surely I can't be far away from having this lovely car back in working order.
Cheers.
MultitronicMatt said:
Hi There,
I've just joined the forum in utter dispair after having read through the posts regarding the multitronic gearbox. I have a 2003 (53 Plate) A6 1.9Tdi se with the multitronic gearbox. I absoluteley loved this car, beautiful drive, re-mapped for a bit more performance, THEN.............approximately 1 year ago the juddering began! I put up with it for awhile, but things just got worse, I had to feather the accelerator in drive to approx 1100 revs where the engine would bite and move off.
Well I decided to have this fixed and took it to a local mutitronic specialist who diagnosed the problem as requiring the seven plate clutch pack. I duly forked out £1100.00 for the job - which took three weeks, picked the car up to find it continued to drive the same way, then took it back for further diagnostics. It apparently needed a replacement gearbox ECU, this was replaced and now whilst cold the car drives like new, but as soon as it warms up BANG BANG BANG on setting off, the juddering is even worse, the engine disengages once the car comes to a stop, then when holding it on the handbrake, it engages, disengages, engages...well you get the picture! I then try and move off juddering really badly as now I can't even feather the accelerator due to the engage-disengage cycle!!!!
Has anyone got any idea what's wrong now, I'm getting to the point where my love of Audis is becoming a driving force to bankruptcy!
I appreciate any advice, have considered getting rid, but surely I can't be far away from having this lovely car back in working order.
Cheers.
SOunds like he didnt build the clutch pack properly and then guessed ECU because they go wrong lots. Probably wouldnt have cost much more than £1100 at the main dealer for the clutch pack mod. I've just joined the forum in utter dispair after having read through the posts regarding the multitronic gearbox. I have a 2003 (53 Plate) A6 1.9Tdi se with the multitronic gearbox. I absoluteley loved this car, beautiful drive, re-mapped for a bit more performance, THEN.............approximately 1 year ago the juddering began! I put up with it for awhile, but things just got worse, I had to feather the accelerator in drive to approx 1100 revs where the engine would bite and move off.
Well I decided to have this fixed and took it to a local mutitronic specialist who diagnosed the problem as requiring the seven plate clutch pack. I duly forked out £1100.00 for the job - which took three weeks, picked the car up to find it continued to drive the same way, then took it back for further diagnostics. It apparently needed a replacement gearbox ECU, this was replaced and now whilst cold the car drives like new, but as soon as it warms up BANG BANG BANG on setting off, the juddering is even worse, the engine disengages once the car comes to a stop, then when holding it on the handbrake, it engages, disengages, engages...well you get the picture! I then try and move off juddering really badly as now I can't even feather the accelerator due to the engage-disengage cycle!!!!
Has anyone got any idea what's wrong now, I'm getting to the point where my love of Audis is becoming a driving force to bankruptcy!
I appreciate any advice, have considered getting rid, but surely I can't be far away from having this lovely car back in working order.
Cheers.
Is there any vibration at idle or when the engine is revved (say 2500rpm) with the gearbox in N or P ?? If there is probably has a fault with the flywheel.
Hi Tame,
Cheers for the quick response. I did forget to mention that in between the clutch pack being replaced, the gearbox was leaking transmission fluid, so took it back and they replaced the clutch pack again, which didn't resolve the problem, so then he fitted a fully reeconditioned gearbox, followed by a second hand ECU which he re-programmed with some 'new' software from VAG. There's no judder other than when the car gets warm and the problem with setting of from standing still rears it's ugly head. Cold it drives perfectly. I really am at a loss here.
Cheers for the quick response. I did forget to mention that in between the clutch pack being replaced, the gearbox was leaking transmission fluid, so took it back and they replaced the clutch pack again, which didn't resolve the problem, so then he fitted a fully reeconditioned gearbox, followed by a second hand ECU which he re-programmed with some 'new' software from VAG. There's no judder other than when the car gets warm and the problem with setting of from standing still rears it's ugly head. Cold it drives perfectly. I really am at a loss here.
SO with a different gearbox in the car, the fault is exactly the same.
Perhaps the fault isnt the gearbox then.
Only thing I can think of if there is no vibration to suggest the flywheel. ..............
Have seen inner C.V joints cause judder just like a multi tronic judder. Inner C.V joint failure is very rare, one ever done one in 12 years. Outer ones fail with wear or when they have been damaged from runnig with split rubber boots, but its the inner ones I am refering to.
Grab the drive shafts and see if there is any exesive movement, up and down, in the inner joint. If there is, change the drive shaft.
Perhaps the fault isnt the gearbox then.
Only thing I can think of if there is no vibration to suggest the flywheel. ..............
Have seen inner C.V joints cause judder just like a multi tronic judder. Inner C.V joint failure is very rare, one ever done one in 12 years. Outer ones fail with wear or when they have been damaged from runnig with split rubber boots, but its the inner ones I am refering to.
Grab the drive shafts and see if there is any exesive movement, up and down, in the inner joint. If there is, change the drive shaft.
Just wanted to report the latest on my A6 2.5 TDi Avant CVT (90k miles). I have had some problems with apparent slipping of the transmission since last October. One day about three weeks ago it got quite bad, but next day was OK. I spoke to my local garage two weeks ago about it and they were going to look into it next time the car was in. Since then it has behaved perfectly. It runs so well I can hardly find fault with it.
This is what I find so odd. Surely there cant be anything seriously wrong mechanically if it can run well sometimes? I think the problems I have been having must be due to either:
1. Oil contamination: particles cause temporary blockages, then become unblocked
2. Intermittent electrical problem such as a sensor or ECU.
What do you think?
This is what I find so odd. Surely there cant be anything seriously wrong mechanically if it can run well sometimes? I think the problems I have been having must be due to either:
1. Oil contamination: particles cause temporary blockages, then become unblocked
2. Intermittent electrical problem such as a sensor or ECU.
What do you think?
Hello again,
Well I've been under the car, had a good look and a play with the drive shafts which seem fine. Looking back at your previous post Tame, the problem isn't the same, rather it has changed in that now the judder only happens when the car gets warm, before the recon gearbox, clutch pack and ECU it happened all the time. Anyone any ideas welcome?
Well I've been under the car, had a good look and a play with the drive shafts which seem fine. Looking back at your previous post Tame, the problem isn't the same, rather it has changed in that now the judder only happens when the car gets warm, before the recon gearbox, clutch pack and ECU it happened all the time. Anyone any ideas welcome?
MultitronicMatt said:
Back again,
Also forgot to mention I've had intermittent lighting up of the ESP light whilst driving, although this fault has been there more or less since I bought the car, I don't suppose this would have anything to do with the juddering on set off?
Unlikely but posible, when its warm and doing it consistently, turn the ESP off, any change.Also forgot to mention I've had intermittent lighting up of the ESP light whilst driving, although this fault has been there more or less since I bought the car, I don't suppose this would have anything to do with the juddering on set off?
Hi Tame,
I'll give it a try, had a look on a VAG forum where people have been experiencing a problem with juddering and the ESP light coming on intermittently, although no reference to whether this is on manual or auto box. They suggest problem may be down to faulty in head injector wiring harness, whatever that is, what do you think?
I'll give it a try, had a look on a VAG forum where people have been experiencing a problem with juddering and the ESP light coming on intermittently, although no reference to whether this is on manual or auto box. They suggest problem may be down to faulty in head injector wiring harness, whatever that is, what do you think?
Hi
Multi, how far are you from Milton Keynes?
My car has been look after by Inde-tech and they are good.
Wen they replace the plate pack they only kept the cat for a day.
A new Ecu was ordered and instead of the 15 days lead time I had a phone call three day later saying the ECU had arrived and when would I like to book the car to have it fitted
Jack
Multi, how far are you from Milton Keynes?
My car has been look after by Inde-tech and they are good.
Wen they replace the plate pack they only kept the cat for a day.
A new Ecu was ordered and instead of the 15 days lead time I had a phone call three day later saying the ECU had arrived and when would I like to book the car to have it fitted
Jack
Hello,
I've read this entire thread, as I'm experiencing serious problems with my A4 B6 2.0L Multitronic, which is still under warranty but the transmission repair place has't been able to isolate and repair the problem (been well over a year now).
I bought the car with the just refurbished gearbox, which included a new ECU.
Firstly when I bought the car it made a huge thump/shudder/bang when accelerating slowly from a stand still in traffic after the car has warmed up (after driving about 40km). Also it sometimes has problems engaging in reverse.
To fix this, the transmission place first tried replacing the hydraulics, chain, shaft, something else. But still no success, also after a while PRND sometimes would come up inverted, until I restarted, and the revs would fluctuate slightly when cruising on the freeway. So they replaced the ECU again, which seemed to have temporarily fixed the reversing and the fluctuations., but the thump/shudder/bang remained.
So then they replaced the clutch with the modified 7 plate, and replaced the oil with an aftermarket, and the problem remained. Since everything in the gearbox, except the pulleys have been replaced, they were going to replace the pulleys next (a non serviceable part), they are still trying to find one.
During this time, the gear box has developed a bunch of other problems (progressively getting worse) that included, rough take off jerking forwards when accelerating (any speed), over revving when when you touch the accelerator after coasting down a hill, revs dipping down (and sometimes stalling) when waiting at traffic lights and selector is in D, stalling when putting into reverse, and more recently PRND flashing when coming to a stand still, car stalling when putting to D when its warmed up.
Yesterday I had to push the car off from a busy road, because it would just stall when putting into drive.
I've turned off ESP and been in Tiptronic mode, without any difference. Also after really long drives (200km) the car always showed its worst, by not engaging on take off and more frequently showing all the other symptoms.
Any insight from anyone would be appreciated.
MultitronicMatt, has the wiring harness solved your issue? Since my initial issue sounds like yours (minus the ESP light)
Thanks,
Andreas
I've read this entire thread, as I'm experiencing serious problems with my A4 B6 2.0L Multitronic, which is still under warranty but the transmission repair place has't been able to isolate and repair the problem (been well over a year now).
I bought the car with the just refurbished gearbox, which included a new ECU.
Firstly when I bought the car it made a huge thump/shudder/bang when accelerating slowly from a stand still in traffic after the car has warmed up (after driving about 40km). Also it sometimes has problems engaging in reverse.
To fix this, the transmission place first tried replacing the hydraulics, chain, shaft, something else. But still no success, also after a while PRND sometimes would come up inverted, until I restarted, and the revs would fluctuate slightly when cruising on the freeway. So they replaced the ECU again, which seemed to have temporarily fixed the reversing and the fluctuations., but the thump/shudder/bang remained.
So then they replaced the clutch with the modified 7 plate, and replaced the oil with an aftermarket, and the problem remained. Since everything in the gearbox, except the pulleys have been replaced, they were going to replace the pulleys next (a non serviceable part), they are still trying to find one.
During this time, the gear box has developed a bunch of other problems (progressively getting worse) that included, rough take off jerking forwards when accelerating (any speed), over revving when when you touch the accelerator after coasting down a hill, revs dipping down (and sometimes stalling) when waiting at traffic lights and selector is in D, stalling when putting into reverse, and more recently PRND flashing when coming to a stand still, car stalling when putting to D when its warmed up.
Yesterday I had to push the car off from a busy road, because it would just stall when putting into drive.
I've turned off ESP and been in Tiptronic mode, without any difference. Also after really long drives (200km) the car always showed its worst, by not engaging on take off and more frequently showing all the other symptoms.
Any insight from anyone would be appreciated.
MultitronicMatt, has the wiring harness solved your issue? Since my initial issue sounds like yours (minus the ESP light)
Thanks,
Andreas
Sounds like it needs a new gearbox, if they have replaced all that and there is no improvement. I'd try and get out of the car, sell it return it or somthing.
How much does fuel cost in Auz?
You are lucky enough to live in a country where you can buy a Commadore or a Falcon, and you got an A4.
How much does fuel cost in Auz?
You are lucky enough to live in a country where you can buy a Commadore or a Falcon, and you got an A4.
Thanks for your reply Tame Technician, a new gear box is what i've thought too. I'll be selling it as soon as it's fixed and going for 3.0L Quattro B6, I enjoy the A4, I used to have a B5 which was flawless until some one vandalised it. I'm not the biggest fan of the Commodore or Falcon, for various reasons.
Petrol prices, currently I pay around $1.34/L for 98 octane, 91 is around $1.20/L on tuesdays (the cheapest day of the week)
Petrol prices, currently I pay around $1.34/L for 98 octane, 91 is around $1.20/L on tuesdays (the cheapest day of the week)
Hi Guys,
I`m also having problems with my 2003 Audi A6 ,2.5TDI Auto/multitronic gearbox .It has done 55Kmiles.Its starting to give problems on take ,its has to be revved hard and then it kicks off.
I was wondering if it would make sens eto put a mnaul gearbox into the car and if yes what other parts would I need apart from speedometer/electronic dash.
Regards B.
I`m also having problems with my 2003 Audi A6 ,2.5TDI Auto/multitronic gearbox .It has done 55Kmiles.Its starting to give problems on take ,its has to be revved hard and then it kicks off.
I was wondering if it would make sens eto put a mnaul gearbox into the car and if yes what other parts would I need apart from speedometer/electronic dash.
Regards B.
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