2004 Audi A4 Cabrio, FWD/CVT, 50k miles

1. Transmission fluid change- $380?!! Is this the going rate?
They told me this is about 2 hours of labor with a special tranny fluid. Is this something that a regular mechanic shop can't handle? Would any shop have access to this fluid or is it only available through audi dealers? I really think $380 is crazy for just a change in fluids. It's not even a flush!

Would this possibly cure a shudder at low speeds, around 1k rpm from stop? I've done so much searching on this forum, and read about plate upgrades and tcm reprogram. But some mentioned that a fluid change may just do the trick. Others mention it can make it worse?

2. Convertible top lid reprogram- $ 130.
The top starts to fold, but the rear lid gets stuck partial way open and stops. They told me it most likely needs just a reset of the program? Anyone go through this?

Thanks in advance for any help and input!

 

im sorry that you own the cvt. your best bet is sell it and buy stick or quattro.

but i think it is only avalible at audi dealers since alot of their stuff is model specific.

 

Unfortunately CVT does need that specific draining way, If I were you I'd change the filter in there and clean the magnets on the transmission pan at the same time, that might be a bit pricier than 380 bucks. To be safe try to run diagnostic with a normal OBD II scanner or a VAGcom if you have one to check the codes, you might have a code for your transmission on there. I don't know about the top, sorry we don't get many cabriolets around here, but that sounds possible.