Help 2001 Audi A8L
 

Hey guys new to the group. I just recently bought a 2001 Audi A8. Been having issues with it. So one of the main issues is when I drive the car it feels as if it's taking off in 3rd or 4th gear and the rpms stay around 2K. But when going in reverse its perfectly fine. Another thing is I have a few lights on the dash Abs, Traction control. And check engine. I've had the car scaned by 3 different scanners ranging from cheap $50 scanners to the expense autel scanner and for some reason none of them are able to establish a connection to the vehicle. I really hope Somone with that has gone through the same experience can shed some light on the situation because I don't wanna start dumping money into everything, P.s the guy before didn't tell me this but when I had the car at a shop it looked like he had replaced the trans oil pan. Thanks

do all the "Gear Indicator" lights turn on when it's doing that? Like "1". "2". "3". "4" and "5" all lit up?

That is the indication of SAFE Mode, which will move the car. sluggishly

Yes safe mode is a good thought. If the cowl drains are clogged the TCU might be wet inside and that can cause a communication problem and the trans "limp mode", etc.

This article starts talking about the AC drains but farther down talks about clearing the cowl drain that can drown the TCU:
audipages Unclogging the A8 Evaporator Drains

Scroll down 3/4 the article to the copper tube being used to jet under the cowl area.

You need to find someone with a vag com tdi club .com has a national map of people willing to scan your car for various favors.