You're saying the T-stat is $600+?

 

With labor...

 

Okay, so here's the new diagnosis. My mechanic got 3 seconds into draining the tranny fluid and then determined that it wouldn't be a fix nor is it the culprit. It was just a shot-in-the-dark solution that he was pretty confident we should avoid. Fluid was clean and levels were fine. Then he used his super mega ultra VAG-COM 5000 deluxe to test each solenoid one by one and had no reaction from 1st gear.

So he's 99% sure that it could be the wiring harness or the solenoid itself. He did the same fix on a VW a few weeks earlier that had the same symptoms and the solenoid was the culprit. He was pretty certain that I was doing no damage in bypassing the solenoid that controls 1st gear by kicking into 2nd from the get go. and So, he's gonna check w/ a few other Audi specialists before we proceed, but he says he's pretty sure this will resolve the issue. He's also turned down payment so far for about 80 min. combined labor (in the past 3 visits). So that was a nice touch. (I'm sure the two-four that I brought along also helped)

Anyway, the mission continues. Your two cents as always are much appreciated.

 

That is absurd a t-stat is like $30

 

Sorry, just saw this post. Like Midniteoyl said, with labor $600+. Even more if I do the timing belt and pump, which is recommended when changing the thermostat, or so I've heard.

 

yea, I know. The whole front end of the car comes out, the timing belt comes out...etc....etc. Big job on a '96 so I've been told by a few people.

 

GL, that's nice you haven't had to pay for labor yet!

 

Hmm, that's not fun, yeah I know a water pump and timing belt can run you about $1500 i believe

 

Yea, he's a good guy, a real straight shooter. Been going to him for years.

 

Have him check continuity on the wiring for the 1st Solenoid circuit first.. Kinda big let down to change a Solenoid pack only to have it not work.. ask me how I know