oneluvquattro

I just picked up a 1997 Audi A8, with only 81k, from a nice old gentleman today. It is exceptionally clean with full service history. It has the ABS light on the dash at all times and a blinking brake light, that will also not go away. I was wondering if these lights maybe affecting the transmission to go into a "limp home mode"? Like i said the vehichle stays in first all the time and I'm wondering if its the lights or a sensor/solenoid? T.I.A.

igotav8

Easiest thing to do is check for codes and report back. Someone may have some ideas after they have the codes.

oneluvquattro

I was going through the dash last night looking for the release cable so that I could open my glove box and came across a couple of burnt relays. Going to replace them today to see if that helps with the abs light and flashing brake light.

When I get the codes read I will post the results to see what every ones overall thoughts and or experiences are. I'm still leaning towards some type of sensor. I'm going to do a transmission flush as well and see if that reveals anything.

oneluvquattro

ohkay went and got the codes read today. I went to Sun valley Imports in tempe, awesome shop btw and deccent prices.
the codes are:
17114-P0730 incorrect gear ratio
17105-P0721 speed sensor (G195)implausible
17087-P0703 Brake Switch

Also yesterday when I changed the fuses the ABS and brake lights turned off. YAY!!!!
But if anyone has any imput on these codes at all please share!!!!

A8L_Guy

I have a '98, and it seems to be stuck in 4th or 5th gear.... so a similar problem, but not the same

oneluvquattro

thats how our 97 was working, after I had the codes read at a shop and they cleared the codes, it changed and started to work in 1st actually. Now I can actually go more than 30 mph but the tranny still needs work, were just not sure what exactly. I would check that out and see if thats it, and then youll have the codes to know what needs to be fixed, or thats all it will need and youre in better shape than I am. let me know how it works out for ya cuz we might be in the same boat.

A8L_Guy

I see, can yours get out of first gear though?

tozoM8

Your output speed sensor is bad or the wire is touching the exhaust. It runs back on the passenger's side of the trans. The sensor is at 4 o'clock position on the back part of the trans.

oneluvquattro

There is a frayed wire, it is in the position youre talking about, on the passenger side of te tranny towrads the front of the car. as you can see highlighted in the picture. I will check the sensor, I don't suppose theres an easy way of checking it, is there?

Most current update on the Audi, we have the stereo working. For all of those new there is a fuse in the actual stereo behind the dash, so if it blows and your mechanic tells you it all needs to be replaced like the guy we bought it from told us which was told to him by his machanic......is not true. check the fuses first. and if you need instructions and tips on how to get it out I woiuld be happy to tell ya. But we have music, my wife is totally thrilled and everything sounds heavenly.

tozoM8

No that looks like the oil pressure sensor wire. The speed sensor wire comes out of the ECU/TCU box and goes down out to the back of the trans.