My son's A6 automatic with 140k seems to stay in first gear too long. It's not all the time but is becoming more persistent. The rest of the gears seem fine. He has only had it a few months and the service history is unknown.

Any suggestions? I don't have a code reader and right know it's dead due to no signal issue to the starter. MAybe the 2 are related?

 

try resetting the TCM. Car is off, turn the key to ACC, press the gas pedal three times. That should reset it. Then it will "learn" the driving habits.

 

Thanks, for the quick response. I couldn't anything that suggested he year car had an "adaptive style" transmission. I'm assuming the gas pedal is pressed to the floor each time?

 

I did not notice your signature. I believe the adaptive TCM is found on the early 2000's, maybe late 90's models. Perhaps flushing fluids and general routine maintenance for automatic transmissions might be a good start. I personally dont know too much about automatic transmissions.

 

My 1998 A6 30v, has a transmission hold function. When the car is cold (not run in a few hours) the transmission will hold first gear for a bit longer than normal. I am not sure if is in the manual, but is to let the rpms move up and warm the car up. I am not sure if is designed for emissions, protecting the cat, heat up the oil and trans fluid? Or all of the above.
So that part may be normal for that car.
You don't say when the last transmission flush was? This is neglected maintenance item.
Go to blauparts web site for more info on fluids and if it has a transmission fluid filter. I can say for sure, find someone who knows what they are doing and works on audis, BMWs, mercs. Use ONLY the approved fluid. DO NOT get talked into using some other fluid with an additive, makes no sense. Do not over pay, this is not a hard job to do. I am thinking two hours of work for an experienced mechanic with a lift.