I'll do my best to describe my problem. Twice yesterday after driving on the freeway for about 25 minutes each, my 2002 A4 was having problems in 1st and 2nd gear after getting off the freeway. Also the power steering felt a little stiff and I had to make very wide turns. There was also an unfamiliar humming noise while all this was going on. This morning it was fine, no noise, no problems. I just drove it slowly around the neighborhood. I also checked the power steering fluid and it was fine. The one obvious thing I can think of is the fact that the temperature has been below zero even in daytime for the past few days. Any thoughts?

 

Your fluids turn to molasses when it gets cold. Let things warm up and you'll be good.

 

So it's possible for this to happen even after the car has been driven for nearly half an hour?

 

Should be warmed up by then...

 

Therin lies the mystery, all this was happening after the car was plenty warm.