I have a 2003 A6 Quattro 2.7T Automatic w/Tiptronic and my "Blue Bomber" has 135k on it. I am experiencing the transmission not shifting smoothly. It will stay in 2nd for too long when driven shortly after a cold start. When driving, when I need to accelerate, it does not shift smoothly as it once used to. Could my fluid be low or something? Any ideas before I take it in to Audi dealer?

Please be kind, I am very new to Audi and just bought this car in Feb 2014. Thank you.

 

Hard shifts from a cold start are to be expected, but if there is any sharp bangs or hard lurches then something may be wrong. If the issues disappears after the car warms up then I wouldn't worry about it.

 

If I get off the gas and then back on quickly I feel a bang in the trans.

 

this is probably the early signs pf torque converter failure.

if it were only the "knock" when changing gears, it could be from bad engine, tranny or diff bushings/mounts. Since you say its staying in gear longer than usual i would say torque converter. do you have a check engine light on?

these were my exact same symptoms when mine went....the first time. this is a pricey fix, if it is the issue. i would definitely not go to the dealership.

 

The check engine light is not on.

For reference, approximately how much is the TC repair if not going to the dealer?

 

i ended up swapping transmissions instead of tearing into it to replace the torque converter. in the end it cost $2400. when it happened the second time i swapped it myself.