After the dealer told me I needed a new transmission without even checking the fluids and giving me terrible service I drove the car 2 miles in Limp mode to a reputable repair facility who works strictly with Audi and VW. They pulled the transmission pan, filter and valve body. It was recommended that while the transmission was opened up to replace the input and output transsender units. One of these units is located on top of the valve body and so when they removed the body there were shillings, 1/8" x1/16" sg. and 1/8" x 1/4" x1/16 stuck to the sender unit. From the diagnosis it looks to be the "forward pack" blew out. B/c the car goes into limp mode only when shifted into forward, in other words you can back up but once the car goes forward at all the trans. goes into LMode. I have thought about just changing the fluid and having them button it back up and see what happens but at this point I want to call ZF and talk with Tech service. Looking at 4k for tranny and 1200-1500 labor. Does $1400 sound right for a timing belt, pully, and waterpump? Seems like if I'm going to stick the 5k into the trranny and still not know when the timing belt was changed it seems foolish not to have it all done at once, then I KNOW what has been done when.

PS- I purchased the car with 162k miles for $9k. Good rubber, excellant interior cond.. I just can't see "shooting it dead" at this point. Would like your opinion.

 

ScotD- Thanks for the message and Lead to European Transmissions. I'm is WI, Fox cities to be exact. About 30 Minutes south of Green Bay aka-Packer zone!

I don't feel that competant to change the timing belt myself- alone. So if anyone is out there that could lend a hand it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again! Stuart

 

I'm DEFINITELY game! (If you are serious..)

 

WOW! Great!
Step 1: I'm going to call European transmissions on Monday and get the scoop on their rebuilds. I'm all for saving $2k on one of their trans. vs ZF @ $4k. Then at least I could get the car down to Chi town.

Step 2: Order all the necessary part for the timing built change, h20 pump, pulley(?), Oil Cooler(?) We can work out the details later. Would you do yours as well? Or have you done it already? Appreciate your help! Stuart

 

You can rent the tools, $80 if you pick them up, $100 if I mail them