Zeke13

I have a 2006 A6 4.2 that recently began downshifting hard into only 3rd gear. Wondering if the tranny is going or could it be something simpler? This car has never given me any trouble for 180,000 miles but if the trans is going, that would be more $$ than I am willing to put into something with that many miles.

raj99

When and at what mileage did you change the tranny fluid and filter?

Zeke13

It has not been recently done. It may have never been done.

hrc4u

start with that!..i got much smother changes from 2->1 after i changed the oil and filter.. =)
though..i recall seeing a TSB on hardshift from 3->2..hmm i'll see if i find it..
cheers/H

cal3thousand

I had some occasional hard shifts from 3 > 2. Changed the filter and fluid recently, and have yet to see another hard shift. I hope it continues like this and that it works for you too!

Zeke13

Update on this issue. Took it to my recommended transmission place and he did not flush the fluid. Said it looks good and does not think it will make a difference. Still an option at $200. Also he cannot flash the ECU? Says that I will have to go to the dealer to get that done if it needs it. At this point I can get the flush and hope for the best or go to Audi. I need to do something. I can't deal with this hard shift. Thoughts?

FL C6.5 Avant

sounds like you already have the answer if you can't deal with it.
$200 for a flush (or is he doing a drain and fill?) is cheap, if using the ZF or equivalent (not MERCON, etc.) fluid.

hrc4u

start atleast with the oil AND filter change!.. =)
cheers/H

cal3thousand

Is your transmission place accustomed to dealing with Audi's? $200 seems like a price for a flush with regular tranny fluid, not LifeGuard6, 6+, nor 8. LifeGuard8 costs about $200 for a case of 12 (and that's if you know how to shop for it).

180k miles and your tranny guy thinks the fluid looks good and doesn't need a flush seems suspicious (Like he's waiting for that thing to explode to replace it for you .......$$). Do you know what he did to extract the fluid and examine it?

At 100k miles, my fluid looked usable, but in no way close to what new fluid would look/feel like. Additionally, there was a layer of 'soot' filled sludge on the bottom of the pan and on the visible parts of the valve body. I can only imagine what is running around in the thin passages after 180k. Wiping it up was like cleaning THICK maple syrup off of a table.

With the amount of contaminants that I saw in there, I will likely use Auto-RX for a cycle in about 50k miles or if the transmission ever acts up, which ever comes first.

I have used it in motors with great success, so I can safely suggest it for transmissions as well. I would do something about the transmission if I were you and likely get another opinion. These internet opinions can only take you so far.













http://www.auto-rx.com/transmissions/
Sludgy pan


Clean pan


Sludge from pan on rag