Help please. I have a 1998 A6 Quattro and the other day it started the known hesitation on take off so I ordered new plugs, but today will driving the forward drive slowly died on the road. The car wont move in drive. When you shift it from park it clunks in drive but pressing the gas only gets you to 2500rpms and no movement. In reverse it seems to work fine. Had to drive the car home in reverse for about 3 miles, not fun. Checked the fluid in it and it seems fine. I will pull the transmission ECU in the passenger front seat area in the morning. I don't think its the ECU as reverse is working. There is no mechanic within 100 miles with a vagcom. I really need help on where to start to figure out what is wrong.

 

There's no secret to this, there are more than one reason to lose forward drive, you need to get the unit analyzed, start calling around. About the only thing easy to do is to check fluid level, and this is one possible cause for the problem. The most common cause of no forward drive is low fluid. This unit has no dipstick and the fluid needs to be checked at a certain temperature, so it takes some skill.

 

Thank you I'm hoping its just fluid will check this weekend. Would you be kind enough to list the most common cause so I can start checking each one. I started the car today and notice some smoke coming from the drivers side exhaust manifold area. Check the transmission computer yesterday and it seems fine, or not wet in any way.

 

This is one of those situations that is IMPOSSIBLE to diagnose on the internet...

really, the first step is to get a scan. even if you only have access to a generic scan tool, pull whatever codes it will read. Some information is better than no information.

IIRC there is a sensor on the transmission assembly that, when it fails, can cause all sorts of transmission issues (like the one you seem to have). Check to see that the wires (two I think) are still attached, then pull the sensor and check for corrosion/cleaning.

finally, even if there is no Audi specialist/Euro specific shop near you, there has to be some kind of auto repair place. get it to them and see what they say.

 

Thanks everyone...just ran a memo scanner on the car. I don't think it picked up everything and when I cleared the codes the car shutoff. It started right back up and throwed the codes again.

4066 - Air Mass meter signal too low
4067 - Air mass meter signal too high
41a6 - Bank 1, Main catalyst efficiency too low
4670 - Request warning lamp be switched on active
0125 - Multi-function switch F125
04d4 - Shift lever locking solenoid valve - N110
4759 - Load signal Fault message from engine ECU

Will any of these codes put the car in limp mode?
Seems the mass air sensor needs cleaning / changing?
what is load signal fault?
what is multi-function switch F125?

Will start looking now..

 

Some help please...ran a new scan tool today and the results were as follows:

P0102 - maf
P1857 - Management control transmission
P0707 - Trans range sensor circuit malfunction

Now once I clear the codes the car seems to drive better, actually moves, but it does not shift out of 1st gear. After 5 minutes the car starts to hesitate and buck then engine code and back to no movement, I assume that it fall into limp mode. The smoke on the drivers side of the engine starts up again and I smell oil burning. I believe something is leaking transmission oil on a sensor or something. Anyone had this happen before, please don't say I'm the only one.

 

cut and paste from the Ross-Tech wiki

17090 - Transmission Range Sensor (F125): Implausible Signal

Possible Causes
Failed Multi-Function Transmission Range Switch (F125)
Wiring harness issue between F125 and TCM
Failed TCM
Shifter cable incorrectly adjusted
Possible Solutions
Inspect wiring harness between F125 and TCM, repair as needed
Replace Multi-Function Transmission Range Switch (F125)
Replace TCM
Check shifter cable adjustment
Check Measuring Blocks for F125 readings

hope that helps (a little?)

 

Execellent..I'm on the wiring first and connection to F125. Will give updates..

 

Ok here is an update

1. Checked harness and it looked good so replaced multifunction switch with a new one by SMP from bay. No change. Cleaned MAF and no change? tCM box is very dry and the TCM good.

2. I noticed that once I clear the codes the car drives stuck in first gear until I shut if off and turn in back on then it goes into limp mode and stays in third gear.

3. I'm still getting the 0125 code, MAF signal too low signal and now a new "request warning lamp be switched active" code.

4. I understand that I might new a vag com to reset the TCM after changing the MF switch. Is this correct. If so where is the quickest place to purchase one. I understand that some people only had to reset the TCM and all is well. Can I reset the TCM without a vagcom.

5. What should I buy next; a new MAF, a vag com, a used TCM, a used harness, I really don't know where to turn next? I'm going to purchase a MAF either way as it is sending a fault, but I really want to get this car running before I regret getting it. I love how it feels when it's working right but that is so far between.

 

I wouldn't spend too much money on it. While you MIGHT have another issue, dollars to donuts says transmission.

My experience has been that an Audi will throw all sorts of codes when something else goes wrong. If you cleared all the codes, and the engine runs fine, and the transmission still acts up, well, like I said, you might have something else wrong, but....

Good luck,

Bob