Hello, my fiancee and I just bought a 2003 A4 1.8T FWD car. The car will not go under wide open throttle from a stop. It takes about 1-2 seconds for it to go. Feels like it has a governor or something on it. It is really getting on my nerves to the point I am about to sell the car. When we purchased the car the dealer kept saying it was just turbo lag but I dont think that is the problem but she really loved the car so we bought it. When I spool up the turbo with the brake on it gets to 1500 rpm or so and then falls on its face. It should not do that. I am at my breaking point with this car because if she happens to pull out and need to get on it to go or get out of the way it wont go. It is almost dangerous. If anyone can help please pm me or post up. Thanks

 

1 or 2 seconds is dangerous? That car has a cvt and that's just the way they behave, at least that's been my experience. If you're willing to sell the car to remedy it I would do that and get a quattro car. Also, it is not good for that transmission to rev it and hold the brake. That transmission is known to break often, there are a few threads about it.

 

The CVT tranny has a torque converter (sucks up a good chunk of torque) also....so it will gradually and smoothly give it power....its how its suppose to run. The CVT finds the best way to get the best mpg and smoothest ride....thats why if you put it under stress it fails. Like Shane.Trammel said the Quattro is a good replacement for this car.....mind that you will have to mod it to go fast...since quattro = heavier curb weight

 

Yes, 1-2 seconds is dangerous when you have morons changing lanes waay to fast or people that run lights. Already been in that situation myself in the car. It just makes no sense to me and I think there should be a way to remedy it. Guess I am just going to have to stick to american cars where you push the pedal and they go. Thank you for your help. I would have been searching for a governor or something.

 

I hate the behavior of that tranny as well. My pet peeve and when I have to hit the brakes to avoid some idiot and then try to hit the gas to get going again... nothing happens for a good second or so. I too feel this is dangerous and stupid!
What idiot came up with that "great" idea...???
The more I drive my 2005 A4 the more I love my 2000 A6 2.7t!

 

Exactly! The other day we were in traffic and this idiot behind us wasnt paying attention and slammed on his brakes just before he hit us. Fortunately I kept enough space between the car in front of me, I floored it to keep from getting plowed into. The damn thing wouldnt go. Luckily by the grace of god he slid to a stop and I pulled up enough for him not to his us. If it has hesitated anymore we both would be in the hospital right now. or worse.

Is there no way to program the computer to get this to stop?

 

I would go find one for sale and test drive it. If its the same then its probably normal, if not yours could be on the way out. Trust me, you dont want to have to replace that trans, so if thats the case run now!

 

Unfortunately it is the "normal" behavior with the CVT.
I tried playing with the Vag-com and didn't see anything to re-program...
Maybe someone better versed with the Vag-com can figure out if there is a way.

 

CVT=crap.

GREAT *concept*, and the best execution of any CVT car of the same model year. HOWEVER there is no replacement for a stick, or even an automatic which is what I would take over a CVT. Try a stick or auto, don't even think of going back to a domestic. The only thing American cars "go" to when you push the pedal is to the garage =P

 

you said you bought it from a dealer.... any warrant/cert? Sounds like everyone is so quick to bash on the CVT but to soon to rule out any other problems. Car could be in 'limp' mode, could be a broken n75 sensor which controls the turbo's boost (since you say the turbo fails). how many miles does this car have?