Picked up a used 2003 A6 3.0 and the Torque Convert error Code come up for it, the car has 149,000 miles on it and im not sure if i should get it changed bc its pretty costly. Are there any suggestions? It seems to be a common prob but how long would i have on the transmition if i dont replace the TC??

Mike Pgh

 

Without a torque converter your transmission is kind of SOL. Essentially, a torque converter will multiply the torque output of your engine and help you get started from a dead stop.

I would first try draining the fluid and filling the transmission pan with new fluid. Torque converters are heavily dependent on fluid, so it's a good first step when diagnosing TC issues.

 

Hey Mike,
I think you are right about the Audi torque converters being problematic. My 02 A6 has had the CEL on since I bought it almost three years ago. I bought the car with 84,000 and it now has 126,000 with no problems shifting or driving. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating that you ignore your tranny but mine is sealed, if I were to drop the pan and drain it then try to reinstall the pan with fresh fluid I would never know if I had the correct amount of fluid since I don't even have a transmission dip stick. I went with the thought that I would take it in for service when and if I began having issues with it. But since I can't even get my car started for a completely different and utterly baffling reason, I really don't have a leg to stand on here so take my thoughts with a grain of salt. Good luck.

 

The transmission will operate completely normal with a bad converter. The only problem will be no lock up when requested. You will have the check engine light illuminated which depending what state you live in would cause the vehicle to fail a smog test.