Audi's MultiTronic Gearbox
Discussion
Have been reading this thread with interest. The Multitronic dashlight on my 2004 A4 1.8T S-Line suddenly started flashing a few weeks ago and has been diagnosed as a faulty ECU that needs replacing. Car drives when cold but when it warms up, the Multitronic dash starts flashing if you stop and put it into P and then refuses to move. Once the engine has cooled down, it seems to be fine. Car has been trouble free from new otherwise.
Gear oil has been changed at 38k and again just a few months ago at 75k miles. Has a full Audi dealer history but wasn't bought at an Audi dealer. Audi UK say this is why they can't give any good will but it's shocking that this is such a wellknown and widespread problem.
Am still seeing if I can get anything out of Audi UK over this as all the dealers said it happens often and at any age, any model of car with Multitronic. This can't be right for what is supposed to be a quality marque, especially if it's been serviced and maintained to Audi's own spec.
Once the ECU is replace, is it likely that anything else with the Multitronic will fail? Have had no issues with judder or delay in throttle.
Have been driving around an 02 BMW 330 tip auto and the gearbox is God awful! You have to really floor it to move at junctions which is dangerous and its noticably jerky between gear changes.
All things considered, I love the smoothness and power of the Multitronic but am just worried that a malfunctioning ECU is an omen for bigger and more expensive failures on the horizon
Gear oil has been changed at 38k and again just a few months ago at 75k miles. Has a full Audi dealer history but wasn't bought at an Audi dealer. Audi UK say this is why they can't give any good will but it's shocking that this is such a wellknown and widespread problem.
Am still seeing if I can get anything out of Audi UK over this as all the dealers said it happens often and at any age, any model of car with Multitronic. This can't be right for what is supposed to be a quality marque, especially if it's been serviced and maintained to Audi's own spec.
Once the ECU is replace, is it likely that anything else with the Multitronic will fail? Have had no issues with judder or delay in throttle.
Have been driving around an 02 BMW 330 tip auto and the gearbox is God awful! You have to really floor it to move at junctions which is dangerous and its noticably jerky between gear changes.
All things considered, I love the smoothness and power of the Multitronic but am just worried that a malfunctioning ECU is an omen for bigger and more expensive failures on the horizon
Hi,
I'm new to this forum and was hoping to get a bit of advice,
My 2003,66k A4 2.5 Tdi multitronic has just had a confirmed ECU faliure with a multitude of codes thrown up from the diagnostic test! I have been quoted a fix of £1200 all in, which seems the average price looking at these pages. The car has been a faultless drive for the 3 years I've owned it and personally, this problem aside, think it's a great 'box and really makes it a fantastic cruiser.
I wanted to ask though (Tame tech mainly) if not changing the oil at the required time could make the ECU fail or has one thing nothing to do with the other? Also as I bought the car form Audi stanstead with 37k on the clock with it been serviced by them just prior to me buying it and then being serviced at the required intervals, 47k and 57k with no evidence of an oil change, should Audi fix this as good will as it seems that the only thing that they haven't serviced correctly (if it is proven that the oil hasn't been changed) is the only thing that has broken!!
Having said that, when it does get fixed should I have them upgrade the 'box to the 7 clutch pack while they do the ECU as although there's no juddering? in fact the guy who did the diagnostic said it was driving absolutely fine but he did warn me that of the older combos the 2.5tdi multi was the most prone to failure due to the highest torque the box has to deal with!
Great to hear your opinions.
I'm new to this forum and was hoping to get a bit of advice,
My 2003,66k A4 2.5 Tdi multitronic has just had a confirmed ECU faliure with a multitude of codes thrown up from the diagnostic test! I have been quoted a fix of £1200 all in, which seems the average price looking at these pages. The car has been a faultless drive for the 3 years I've owned it and personally, this problem aside, think it's a great 'box and really makes it a fantastic cruiser.
I wanted to ask though (Tame tech mainly) if not changing the oil at the required time could make the ECU fail or has one thing nothing to do with the other? Also as I bought the car form Audi stanstead with 37k on the clock with it been serviced by them just prior to me buying it and then being serviced at the required intervals, 47k and 57k with no evidence of an oil change, should Audi fix this as good will as it seems that the only thing that they haven't serviced correctly (if it is proven that the oil hasn't been changed) is the only thing that has broken!!
Having said that, when it does get fixed should I have them upgrade the 'box to the 7 clutch pack while they do the ECU as although there's no juddering? in fact the guy who did the diagnostic said it was driving absolutely fine but he did warn me that of the older combos the 2.5tdi multi was the most prone to failure due to the highest torque the box has to deal with!
Great to hear your opinions.
Its difficult to answer that without honestly without sounding really negative, so advanced apologies.
Here's the thing, you might be entitled to good will, your centre will have to apply for it for you, and Audi usually pay a percentage of the repair. I'd guess 10%, but it might be too old as its over 5 years.
But in order to get good will they will check weather the service record shows full audi dealer sercive history, and especially the gearbox oil being changed at or before 40K. Regardless as to weather this has any effect on the failure (it doesn't for the ECU). Also regardless of who is at fault for the oil not being changed (maybe the audi centre that didn't do, or perhaps more accurately, didnt ask you if you wanted it done, or make you aware it needed doing)
Just because its not labeled in your service book doesn't mean it didn't get done, the dealer that did the service's computer record's will show if the oil change was done.
THe 2.5TDI is the worst engine in the line up from that era and is indeed the worst possible combination with that box, as it cant really handle the torque from the 1.9's. Dont have the clutch's done until it starts juddering, there is no benefit in doing them as a precaution, and they may have been done already as its 6 years old. The ECU repair is completely different there is no over lap in labour times so no saving in having them done at the same time.
Sorry if its doom and gloom, but that multi tronics for you.
Here's the thing, you might be entitled to good will, your centre will have to apply for it for you, and Audi usually pay a percentage of the repair. I'd guess 10%, but it might be too old as its over 5 years.
But in order to get good will they will check weather the service record shows full audi dealer sercive history, and especially the gearbox oil being changed at or before 40K. Regardless as to weather this has any effect on the failure (it doesn't for the ECU). Also regardless of who is at fault for the oil not being changed (maybe the audi centre that didn't do, or perhaps more accurately, didnt ask you if you wanted it done, or make you aware it needed doing)
Just because its not labeled in your service book doesn't mean it didn't get done, the dealer that did the service's computer record's will show if the oil change was done.
THe 2.5TDI is the worst engine in the line up from that era and is indeed the worst possible combination with that box, as it cant really handle the torque from the 1.9's. Dont have the clutch's done until it starts juddering, there is no benefit in doing them as a precaution, and they may have been done already as its 6 years old. The ECU repair is completely different there is no over lap in labour times so no saving in having them done at the same time.
Sorry if its doom and gloom, but that multi tronics for you.
Thanks for all the useful info posted on here TT, I'm surprised you have time to go to work!
I have just been told by my local Audi dealer that I need a new gearbox and they will pay half of parts and labour. It will therefore only cost me £1950! It's the fatal combination....Sept 2005 model A4 Avant, 2.5 TDI + MT box. 51,000 on the clock but started juddering at about 46k.
Do you or anyone out there know if this will originally be the 6 or 7 plate clutch? If it's the 6 plate would the replacement be the latter? You would think that Audi would upgrade this box to solve the problem on replacement but perhaps there is no upgrade without major redesign (apart from the clutch). I was told that the oil was full of contamination when inspected. It had the oil change at 38,000.
Also, does anyone know if I am likely to get a warranty with the new box? I assume so as I will be paying half the bill. I don't see much option but to go with their offer at the moment as the car is unsaleable with this judder.
Thanks for any replies
I have just been told by my local Audi dealer that I need a new gearbox and they will pay half of parts and labour. It will therefore only cost me £1950! It's the fatal combination....Sept 2005 model A4 Avant, 2.5 TDI + MT box. 51,000 on the clock but started juddering at about 46k.
Do you or anyone out there know if this will originally be the 6 or 7 plate clutch? If it's the 6 plate would the replacement be the latter? You would think that Audi would upgrade this box to solve the problem on replacement but perhaps there is no upgrade without major redesign (apart from the clutch). I was told that the oil was full of contamination when inspected. It had the oil change at 38,000.
Also, does anyone know if I am likely to get a warranty with the new box? I assume so as I will be paying half the bill. I don't see much option but to go with their offer at the moment as the car is unsaleable with this judder.
Thanks for any replies
When you drain the oil and its full of metal, thats generally considered a total failure rather than just the clutch packs needing replacement.
The new box will be a 7 plate version.
All Genuine Audi parts have at least 12 months parts warranty, some things are 2 years as suggested here already, but I didnt think it was everything.
The new A4 and A5, got the major redesigned version of the MT box, we've only changed one so far.
The new box will be a 7 plate version.
All Genuine Audi parts have at least 12 months parts warranty, some things are 2 years as suggested here already, but I didnt think it was everything.
The new A4 and A5, got the major redesigned version of the MT box, we've only changed one so far.
Thanks for the replies. Having read a few other posts on various audi forums, I am wondering whether the offer of a 50% goodwill contribution to parts and labour is the best out there. I have seen parts free and only pay for labour from one post. The gearbox price is about £3400 I think. Anyone done better than my current offer from Audi? If so where? I even wonder if Audi are giving them the box and the dealer is not passing the full saving on? Wouldn't put it past them. Has anyone tried talking directly with Audi UK?
Any thoughts on the commercial aspect would be most welcome.
Any thoughts on the commercial aspect would be most welcome.
Hi,Andy tech i am writing because i recently bought an Audi A6 1.9 diesel 1999 with an automatic gearbox.The thing is that the drain was filled with leaves and when it was raining the car filled up with water.A few weeks later i started having problems with the gearsI took it to a mechanic and he said that the gearbox ECU was broken.It'been a month now and we can't find the right one.He says that it has CAN system and it makes it even tougher to find the part.He said that it needs to contain all the numbers and letters of the part code which is 01n927733eb or 01n927733ep manufactured by SIEMENS.So please tell me if what he says is true and if it is could u please tell me where i can find that kind of part.We are checking the part websites every day and i have ran into a lot of gearbox ECUs but the last 2 letters are diffrent.Please hepl me.Thank you in advance.
Hristina Kamenopolska
london,UK
Hristina Kamenopolska
london,UK
Tame Technician said:
Hi I'm and Andi tech. By that I mean I am a service technician at an Audi centre.
Audi, in fact all manufacturers, dont really listen to what people (there customers) say, they defiantly don't listen to us techs. When we see the same fault all day every day, it takes about a year before the modified parts or remedy become available.
Regard your point about pulling away. Try putting it in sport mode, sometimes its better.
Regarding engine vibration, you have to remember the 2.0TDI in the A6 is a PD engine (very old technology) if you had the 2.7 or 3.0 they are common rail and much smoother. It makes me laugh they still selling £20k+ cars that are that harsh and noisy.
Try not to be put off, Audi's are pretty reliable these days, its only the box or the particle filter thats likely to give you any trouble, and not for thousands of miles.
Audi, in fact all manufacturers, dont really listen to what people (there customers) say, they defiantly don't listen to us techs. When we see the same fault all day every day, it takes about a year before the modified parts or remedy become available.
Regard your point about pulling away. Try putting it in sport mode, sometimes its better.
Regarding engine vibration, you have to remember the 2.0TDI in the A6 is a PD engine (very old technology) if you had the 2.7 or 3.0 they are common rail and much smoother. It makes me laugh they still selling £20k+ cars that are that harsh and noisy.
Try not to be put off, Audi's are pretty reliable these days, its only the box or the particle filter thats likely to give you any trouble, and not for thousands of miles.
Edited by Kamenopolska on Saturday 15th August 14:00
Hi,
Went into Stanstead Audi this morning and they confirmed my already confirmed ECU failure on my A4 03 plate 2.5Tdi Multitronic, after which I was told it would cost £1300 to replace. This was unsurprisingly the most expensive quote I have had for the job, the cheapest being inde-tech in Milton Keynes at £970 all in.
After Tame Techs advice ,Thanks for all your insight into multitronics by the way, It was nice to rock up not and not feel too intimidated by it all, It's great to have someone on the 'inside' to ask about all things Audi so thanks for that!
Anyway I politely asked about good will as clearly Audi know about the problems with the gearbox even if they don't want to admit it officially! The lady said she couldn't budge as my car is 6 years old and she had already asked for goodwill on my behalf but it was rejected. One reason for this, in the case of the ECU anyhow, is that the part has to be made specifically for each car so there's no room for a parts discount which is fair enough, I explained that I could get the job done for £970 at inde-tech so could Audi at least match it for a loyal customer? She pulled out her calculator, tapped away for a bit and said she could charge me the lowest labour rate which got the price down to £1020, this includes a 2 year warranty and after a bit more negotiation (grovelling) a free courtesy car for the weekend while the job's being done, oh and by the way while the car was being inspected I made out to be all interested in a new car (S5 cab very nice!) checking out finance and all sorts and even took the special deal brochure back into the office when going through the details which didn’t go unnoticed!
So While the goodwill wasn't huge in my case (mainly due to the unique part I was ordering, you guys needing off the shelf stuff could get discounts for parts and not just labour) and after all, my car is 2 years out of warranty, it pays to be pedantic sometimes!
M
Went into Stanstead Audi this morning and they confirmed my already confirmed ECU failure on my A4 03 plate 2.5Tdi Multitronic, after which I was told it would cost £1300 to replace. This was unsurprisingly the most expensive quote I have had for the job, the cheapest being inde-tech in Milton Keynes at £970 all in.
After Tame Techs advice ,Thanks for all your insight into multitronics by the way, It was nice to rock up not and not feel too intimidated by it all, It's great to have someone on the 'inside' to ask about all things Audi so thanks for that!
Anyway I politely asked about good will as clearly Audi know about the problems with the gearbox even if they don't want to admit it officially! The lady said she couldn't budge as my car is 6 years old and she had already asked for goodwill on my behalf but it was rejected. One reason for this, in the case of the ECU anyhow, is that the part has to be made specifically for each car so there's no room for a parts discount which is fair enough, I explained that I could get the job done for £970 at inde-tech so could Audi at least match it for a loyal customer? She pulled out her calculator, tapped away for a bit and said she could charge me the lowest labour rate which got the price down to £1020, this includes a 2 year warranty and after a bit more negotiation (grovelling) a free courtesy car for the weekend while the job's being done, oh and by the way while the car was being inspected I made out to be all interested in a new car (S5 cab very nice!) checking out finance and all sorts and even took the special deal brochure back into the office when going through the details which didn’t go unnoticed!
So While the goodwill wasn't huge in my case (mainly due to the unique part I was ordering, you guys needing off the shelf stuff could get discounts for parts and not just labour) and after all, my car is 2 years out of warranty, it pays to be pedantic sometimes!
M
18226 P1818 Pressure Contr.Solenoid 2 Electrical
18201 P1793 Output Speed Sensor 2 Circ. No Signal
17114 P0730 Gear Incorrect Ratio
hi i've had these diagnosed on my 04 2.5tdi cvt and the car doesn't want to go above 20mph and dash flashes. help and advise neeed pls on what to do next. unfortunately i didn't have the service history with the car (how do i go about getting this?)... found this site after i bought the car
18201 P1793 Output Speed Sensor 2 Circ. No Signal
17114 P0730 Gear Incorrect Ratio
hi i've had these diagnosed on my 04 2.5tdi cvt and the car doesn't want to go above 20mph and dash flashes. help and advise neeed pls on what to do next. unfortunately i didn't have the service history with the car (how do i go about getting this?)... found this site after i bought the car
Edited by thugusher on Friday 21st August 13:32
18226 P1818 Pressure Contr.Solenoid 2 Electrical
18201 P1793 Output Speed Sensor 2 Circ. No Signal
These two suggest the ECU is at fault. You need a new ECU.
But the third one means the gearbox is slipping, a mechanical fault. (you need a new gearbox) But it is possible, and in fact quite likely, with the output speed sensor not working properly this third code could have been generated falsely.
Get a price for an ECU and decide if its worth repairing. Depends how cheap the car was I guess.
18201 P1793 Output Speed Sensor 2 Circ. No Signal
These two suggest the ECU is at fault. You need a new ECU.
But the third one means the gearbox is slipping, a mechanical fault. (you need a new gearbox) But it is possible, and in fact quite likely, with the output speed sensor not working properly this third code could have been generated falsely.
Get a price for an ECU and decide if its worth repairing. Depends how cheap the car was I guess.
Hi there
Update on my 2004 Audi A4 Avant 2.0 SE (Petrol). I had bought this second hand 4 months ago with full Audi service history and 33,000 miles on the clock. After 4 months of smooth driving and no issues with the MT gearbox, I was just coming back from a long drive across the channel when I noticed the PRNDS display flashing - car continued normally. When I finally pulled over and restarted it some minutes later the problem did not repeat itself. The next day driving again, it started to flash again and stopped once more shortly after.
The car hasn't had the famous 40,000 miles oil change yet. TT had recommended me to get this done asap which I will do.
Can anyone give me some advice on what they think may be happening with the flashing PRNDS display now?
Many thanks
Update on my 2004 Audi A4 Avant 2.0 SE (Petrol). I had bought this second hand 4 months ago with full Audi service history and 33,000 miles on the clock. After 4 months of smooth driving and no issues with the MT gearbox, I was just coming back from a long drive across the channel when I noticed the PRNDS display flashing - car continued normally. When I finally pulled over and restarted it some minutes later the problem did not repeat itself. The next day driving again, it started to flash again and stopped once more shortly after.
The car hasn't had the famous 40,000 miles oil change yet. TT had recommended me to get this done asap which I will do.
Can anyone give me some advice on what they think may be happening with the flashing PRNDS display now?
Many thanks
My local Audi dealer technician said that the Multitronic oil does not need to be drained and refilled for replacing a gearbox ECU which sounds like a load of old pony, especially as he added "well if it needs to be done, we'll do it when replacing the ECU".
Just wondering, would they refill it with the Multitronic oil taken out or or top it back up with new oil? I had my MT oil change done just several months ago and the ECU now needs replacing, would like to know if they will refill it with fresh MT oil or just put the old MT oil back in.
Just wondering, would they refill it with the Multitronic oil taken out or or top it back up with new oil? I had my MT oil change done just several months ago and the ECU now needs replacing, would like to know if they will refill it with fresh MT oil or just put the old MT oil back in.
Two choices, well maybe three
(1) Leave it as long as possible, it will fail all the time eventually, same repair cost as if you do it now, but it could leave you stranded.
(2) Sell it quick, while its not too obvious.
(3) Get it in for an oil change, ask them to check the fault memory while its in, as you think you saw the dreaded gearbox warning lights, and get them to give you a quote for the repair, then proceed to choice 2 with a nice new stamp in the service book.
(1) Leave it as long as possible, it will fail all the time eventually, same repair cost as if you do it now, but it could leave you stranded.
(2) Sell it quick, while its not too obvious.
(3) Get it in for an oil change, ask them to check the fault memory while its in, as you think you saw the dreaded gearbox warning lights, and get them to give you a quote for the repair, then proceed to choice 2 with a nice new stamp in the service book.
Edited by Tame Technician on Tuesday 1st September 22:40
Vic20 said:
My local Audi dealer technician said that the Multitronic oil does not need to be drained and refilled for replacing a gearbox ECU which sounds like a load of old pony, especially as he added "well if it needs to be done, we'll do it when replacing the ECU".
Just wondering, would they refill it with the Multitronic oil taken out or or top it back up with new oil? I had my MT oil change done just several months ago and the ECU now needs replacing, would like to know if they will refill it with fresh MT oil or just put the old MT oil back in.
I always drain them to do the ECU. If you don't you get covered in oil when you take the rear cover off to get at it. Just wondering, would they refill it with the Multitronic oil taken out or or top it back up with new oil? I had my MT oil change done just several months ago and the ECU now needs replacing, would like to know if they will refill it with fresh MT oil or just put the old MT oil back in.
We never put the old oil back in. Cant imagine any other main dealer would either.
I replaced a turbo a few month ago and was surprised that the AA warranty would cover our labour rate. Nearly all after market warranties only pay upto say £60 an hour and have a stupidly low max claim of like £750.
The AA one (not sure if it was gold or silver) covered the 2 hours labour and the cost of a £1200 turbo no problem. Cant remember if the customer paid it and claimed it back, or it was paid upfront. But I remember the service advise complaining she had ring the AA peeps a few times and email over a detailed quote. Apart from that it was plain sailing.
Gearbox ECU is cheaper than a turbo too, just.
I'd give your local Audi centre a call, say you have seen these warning lights and wondered if they could have a look at it and price up the repair and ask does my AA gold warranty cover this. They should sort it all out for you.
Might even get the oil done for free that way as is part of the repair.
The AA one (not sure if it was gold or silver) covered the 2 hours labour and the cost of a £1200 turbo no problem. Cant remember if the customer paid it and claimed it back, or it was paid upfront. But I remember the service advise complaining she had ring the AA peeps a few times and email over a detailed quote. Apart from that it was plain sailing.
Gearbox ECU is cheaper than a turbo too, just.
I'd give your local Audi centre a call, say you have seen these warning lights and wondered if they could have a look at it and price up the repair and ask does my AA gold warranty cover this. They should sort it all out for you.
Might even get the oil done for free that way as is part of the repair.
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