I have a 2004 TT 1.8 with the automatic transmission. I bought it used recently and I've noticed that it downshifts hard (into 1st, I think) when coming to a stop like at a stop light. I'm slowing down just fine (no radical driving, and in 'D' instead of 'S'), and about 20 feet from where I'll completely stop, you can really feel the shift - like a newbie driver letting the clutch out way too fast (or like hitting a fairly large animal, to be more crude but precise on how it feels).

I get the feeling like it's downshifting too soon - like if it would wait a little longer, it would be smooth shift.

Is this normal?

 

I drove an auto 225 i think it was 03 i know it didnt do that so i doubt its normal...Why did you buy an automatic sports car lol i never understood people doing that way but whatever its your car your personal choice...anyways yea i don't think thats exactly normal. Is it a 180 or a 225?

 

autos only came in 180 fwd and in 04+. *cough* FAQ Red *cough*

If its shifting hard, it could be as simple as low ATF (auto tranny fluid)

 

This question has been popping up more in the last couple months that than I can remember...

https://www.audiforums.com/searchpro...mitbutton=+OK+

Not sure if I ever saw any resolution though. Auto trannys are tricky, black magic to me, I'll stick with a stick.

 

1. It's easier for my wife to drive. She wanted a small, fun car.
2. We aren't trying to race the thing. We don't care at all how fast or slow it is. We do want it to run well and have no mechanical issues.
3. We live 40 miles from where we work, in the Dallas/Ft Worth Texas Metroplex. Traffic is usually gridlock, and it can take us up to 2 hours to get to work. Riding a clutch for two hours is one of the least enjoyable ways to commute that I can think of. I used to drive a stick to work, and I swore I'd never do it again.
4. If your answer to #3 is "Why don't you move closer?" my response will be "Are you going to give me $500,000 so that we can afford a house similar to the one we're in?" Home prices skyrocket near our work.

And as for the engine, it's the 1.8.

Thanks.

 

^^ pff 500k?!?! i give it to ya.. pocket change

as for the downshift, check your tranny fluid. then take it from there

 

maybe try to reset the ecu by disconnecting the battery for 20 minutes.

 

what would the ecu have to do with it? not saying your wrong just curious

 

most newer cars tune themself to your driving habits, ie: shift points.

 

mm gotcha