Limp mode permanently puts you in 3rd gear. If you lose all forward motion, and or reverse function its a good chance the transmission is toast. There aren't that many people in the US that know how to build a ZF transmission, or would want to. Realistically its not hard to change the clutch packs, but you could have a problem with the valve body, torque converter, solinoids, or all of the above. Its best to get a re-manned unit from germany or a new unit.

 

So...I got the car to a transmission shop yesterday. I suppose it will take few days for them to diagnose the issue and tell me what the damage is. As soon as I got some info on it I will post back with what the failure is and the price (for reference). Hmmmmm can't wait to hear the price on this one.

 

AT79,

I get the limp mode, I think. The OP had NO motion, then he had LIMP. So the tranny is not ALL shot. It WILL still engage 3rd gear.

That ain't natural, it is not the way of hydraulics. If you lose pressure to Gear 1, you cannot get to Gear 2 or 3 or 4. They are sequential.

As far as I can figure, ZF uses solenoids to directly energize gear 3. What if it is 2-3 that has lost its seals? Will you HAVE limp mode?

My own case, I have lost 4th. Reader says "Incorrect 4th gear ratio", "Incorrect 3rd gear ratio". 4th gear is gone, dealer says don't worry about it, and they added fluid to make sure that was not the problem.

Engine and tranny have both been removed, lost some fluid both times.

'Nother thing is that in some cases, I will start up, drive, tranny will not shift out of 2nd. 6000 RPM and no 2-3 shift. Pull over, shut off, restart. All's OK. THAT sounds electrical or electronic. NOT mechanical. NOT hydraulic.

I've had the tranny in and out of older Audis lots of times. Pulled the valve body and cleaned it and replaced fluid so many times I should have bought fluid by the drum.

If I can get this damned disc to work on my computer, I will study this and see if I should get rid of this car and buy another.

I still love my Audis. I'd buy another in a heartbeat. Wish I could afford a new one, give the headaches to the dealer. Hell, I don't have any headaches. Driven this one 20 thou in about 18 months, and, other than the water pump prob, great car. My kid likes it a hell of a lot better than her Honda Ridgeline.

And I can climb walls with it, damned near, with all this snow.

Cheers,

George

 

I'll tell you what, I have had more problems with my Audi than I could ever imagine. Luckily most of it was still under warranty (but to replace the sec. air induction 3 times?). I always get super pissed when something goes bad, but then when I don't have it and drive other cars I sure do remember why I got it in the first place. Still waiting on some news about that tranny. I don't know jack about transmissions but from the info you guys have provided I'm keeping my hopes high.

 

Got a call today from the trans shop I took it to. The guy is extremely cool about it and very honest. Apparently the front drum is all screwed up and needs replacement. Quoted me $1800 parts and labor, that is a lot less than I expected so I'm happy about it (well..as happy as you can be about dishing out almost 2 grand on a 86k tans).
Should have it back within the next few days.