Originally Posted by arn560

The first time I had the dreaded Mechatronic problem, I lost 1st, 3rd, 5th & 7th gears. I paid a mechanic friend to resolve the problem for me which he did & it lasted 1 year.
Next time it reared its ugly head I lost 2nd, 4th & 6th & Reverse. With not having the money to get it fixed, I drove the car around like that for about a month (no reverse gear!). Miraculously, the errors codes disappeared as mysteriously as the appeared! It has been about 2 months now that I have been trouble free.
All the information I have gathered on this phenomenon is that it is software related and that all I need is a software update. I’m sure this will not end my woes.
Using my Carista App, the codes I was able to pull are:
P 2849 Shift Fork “A” Stuck
P 0961 Pressure Control Solenoid “A” Control Circuit Range Performance
01315 Transmission Control Module
The dashboard lights I had were: TPMS, CEL, R, Gearbox
These all went away by themselves, however they still show up in a Carista diagnostic scan.
Any input will be greatly appreciated

Originally Posted by Chris

I just took mine (2010) in for it's 55k service (it has just over 55k miles), and asked them to check on that same warning - "Gearbox malfunction - You may continue to drive." Other than the warning light that came on, I've had no indication that anything is wrong; the car still feels normal.

The warning had come on a few times, usually for just a few seconds before going away, and usually when I'm just cruising along.

Anyhow, the dealer said they ran the checks that Audi authorizes (covers) and said my fault isn't included in that. They said my only option is a new transmission. I was quoted over $14k! I'm not sure what I'm going to do next.

Originally Posted by hysteric

Exact same problem in my original owner 2011 S4 at 69k miles. Dealer said needed entirely new transmission for 14k. After arguing with AoA for a month, they agreed to cover half so I dropped 7k for a entire new transmission. 45 days and 1200 miles later the exact same problem occurred with the "new transmission". This time dealer says it's a bad circuit board in transmission which is a "known issue" and they replaced circuit board with the "updated one" and say it's fixed and ready to go. I have refused to accept the car and have spoken with an attorney.

Originally Posted by Rdf1965

same issue. Did you have any luck going another route

Originally Posted by Chris

Well, I've got an appointment on the 22nd with a really reputable independent shop. I'd take it in earlier, but I'm waiting for school to finish (I'm a teacher) so I can get by without needing a car for a few days if necessary.

I completely forgot that the dealer had listed a couple of fault codes they found: P179E and P179F. Should I let the independent shop know about them, or let them find the codes?

Also, I've done some searching on those codes and I'm encouraged (hopefully not misplaced) that it might not be the actual transmission. *fingers crossed* I'm out of warranty and don't have an extended one, so a new gear box would really hurt the wallet.

I'll post updates as I get them ...

Originally Posted by oaktreelimb

Most likely it is problem in circuit board with transmission input speed sensors and drive position sensor. Transmission remove and disassemble are required to replace the circuit board and sensors assembly. Average labor is around 15 hours.

Originally Posted by Chris

Thanks for your input. I'm hoping that's all it is. Is that not the same thing as the "mechantronic" unit? What does this service generally cost? Thanks again!

Originally Posted by Chris

Thanks for your input. I'm hoping that's all it is. Is that not the same thing as the "mechantronic" unit? What does this service generally cost? Thanks again!