So, i go to start it up in the morning, she starts fine, shifts into D fine, and starts rolling no problem, but then it doesnt seem to want to go into second very readily...

It holds off for quite a while, and the RPMS go higher than normal, then finally shifts, and then it drives fine after that for the rest of the day, until i turn it off for a long time again.

I guess it has to do with it warming up? Is this kosher/normal?

 

It is normal for the transmission to hold shifts longer when the engine is cold. Not sure that you actually have a problem. Do you have a way of scanning the TCM?

 

My 2001 A4 B5 1.8T shifts quickly,one gear after another,no pausing as long as your describing. I'd check your tranny fluid level.

I can scan my Transmission control module just fine,with my vag-com. if there is a issue with the tranny or TCM,the vag-com will pick it up.

 

Mine had the same problem as you, brought it in, discovered there was a transmission fluid leak. Fixed the leak and had a fluid drain and fill, and its back to shifting as quickly and smoothly as it used to

 

Well, sounds like i need to have a look at the tranny fluid levels...

As far as the vag-com, I got a cheap ebay usb-obdII cable, and the ross-tech free version software. Doesn't work worth a crap... so that is out i spose.

 

I've had the same issue for 4-5 months, now I'm getting a whining noise that sounds like a belt rubbing on a pulley.

I'm going to get the blauparts fluid, gasket and filter kit. My buddy just installed a lift so that should make things easier.