While slightly accelerating or letting off the gas (as happens in heavy traffic), a clunking noise can be heard and felt as a thud or thunk. Audi replaced the transmission and other components (spending thousands of dollars) with no success in resolving the problem. Now, 30,000 miles and over a year later, Audi claims the noise is "normal". However, they have not been able to provide another vehicle with this issue. I'm sure they may exist, but I would argue that Audi Germany would disagree. Help!

 

Where is the thud coming from - front, rear, left, right, transmission ?

 

The thud comes from the transmission (I believe). It can be felt and heard under the floor board. More in the fron seats I think.

 

Have you tried doing an adaptation drive? It got rid of my 2nd to 1st bump.

Adaption Drive Procedure
1.Drive vehicle with low engine performance until the ATF temperature reaches 60° C, ( ATF temperature must not exceed 100° C)
2.With brake pedal depressed, vehicle completely stopped and engine at idle, switch gear selector from "N" to "D" for 3 seconds repeat 5 times. Perform the same procedure from "N" to "R".
3.Shift from 1st to 2nd while driving at low load and shift down from 2nd to 1st, repeat 5 times.
4.Drive at low engine load (engine torque between 80 Nm and 100 Nm refer to 02 automatic gearbox, MVB 09, 1st display value) till the transmission has shifted in to 6th gear (vehicle speed between 50 and 60 mph). Stay in this 6th gear for 60 seconds. let the vehicle roll to a standstill (with gentle brake application at the end). Repeat four times. The aim is to shift up and down under a very light engine load.

 

^^ Can you clarify what these terms are? How can you know these values?

#4, is that procedure manual w/ tiptronic?

 

Yes, this is copied and pasted from the A8 TSB and is to be done after changing fluid, software or any work on the autobox. I interpret #4 as not tiptronic, just gentle automatic driving. I didn't use VCDS to monitor torque but just kept RPM low and load low. I may do it again one day, but living in a city, the hardest part is finding somewhere to do it!

 

Does this advice apply to my 2000 A8 or is this just for newer years?

 

Regardless how to repair this "problem", Audi of America claims it is a normal noise - this after Circle Audi Long Beach, CA was unable to repair to issue (after Audi spent thousands of dollars). I was denied service at Commonwealth Audi because after they heard the noise and agreed something was wrong, but Audi of America steped in to stop any further diagnosis and service. My certified pre-owned vehicle is still under warranty and Audi of America would rather claim that Audi cars commonly have this problem. Audi Germany says there is nothing they can do to help me. If this is indeed "normal", Audi has a big problem with their luxury car!

 

what year is the car ?
did they replace the torque converter when they swapped the transmission ?