If you're not sure about it being quattro or not...the best way to test this is take the car on an open empty stretch. Accelerate from standstill (no need for burnin rubber lap time setting ones)....just do a decently fast acceleration but keep the pedal STEADY (i.e. don't press harder or lighten it up). If you're revvs stay constant while the car accelerates and increases speed, it is a CVT...for sure....thats the essence of how CVT works as compared to a regular automatic.

Also if i'm not mistaken...the CVT does not have the 'number' gears below 'D' (for downhill driving) while the automatic does

 

Hello, I would like to know if I experience similar issues. It will drive fine and sometimes it jumps from 1 to 3 or from 2 to 4 and it jerks.
If its a CVT issue will I be able to fix it any other way?

 

Hello,

You asked if you can do anything preventative?

When I had issues with mine, I found that getting the new 7 plate clutch solved most of my problems. Invariably, the ecu in the gearbox went as well - apparently this is quite common and you can get main dealers contributing some financial good will towards the costs.

From reading many posts related to gearbox issues (which you'll find if looking for cvt/multitronic across various audi forums) I found that others have lost their whole gearbox (costing thousands) due to missing the gearbox oil change at 40k.

Also, a combination of having the old style clutch and missing the oil change can leave too much swarf (little pieces of metal) in the gearbox. As a new gearbox costs thousands, I have have my gearbox oil changed more frequently than every 40k miles as a preventative measure, asking them to check for swarf each time.


Even main dealers can forget this oil change, so make it your top priority!


On a complete side note - I wish I'd taken my wiper arms off and re-greased the spindles before 50k miles as they broke down and burnt out the motor, costing hundreds, when a little grease would have done it. A very common fault but its not in the service manual!!


Does anyone know if there is a list of updates or recommendations for a4 preventative maintenance?

 

Reluctantly, we had our transmission replaced on our 2003 Cabrio. Ouch! $6000 later, she's running fine, but there is a persistent warning light that stays on whenever she's in gear. It looks like he letter "D" with a little curlicue inside of it. I'm guessing it has to be reset at the Audi dealer. We live more than an hour away from the nearest Audi dealer, and a local guy did the transmission for us. However, he does not know how to remove the warnin g light. Anyone on the forum know a trick to make this "distracting D" go away? Thanks in advance for your advice - this is a great forum populated by knowledgeable people.

 

Where is this warning light?

-Chris

 

It's on the dash where all the other warnings appear like when you are low on washer fluid for example. Only this light does appear until you take the car out of Park.

 

Just recently bought a 2003 Audi A4 2.4 V6 B6 model. Just to my luck (or not), when I'm about to collect, the "PRND" was flashing. My dealer anyway confused also of what the flashing meant, we decided to go to an Audi Centre & resolve the problem. As I expected, the TCU was faulty. Audi only ran for 83,000km. I spoke to the Audi mechanic & practically told me that the TCU needs replacing, reprogramming, & transmission mechanics will be inspected also (which will definitely include transmission oil replacement). It took approx 2 weeks to finish (thus including waiting for the TCU). Here in Australia it cost AU$4,000.00 plus. The good thing is it will be covered by the statutory warranty. Anyway, very much happy that the main issue of this model is now resolved without any pocket expense to myself. Definitely enjoying my Audi now....

 

Good for you. How is it holding up so far?

 

It has done 3,000kms since & still looking & driving well. Bye the way, after that service, I took it to a RACQ mech check, they even quoted in the report that my Audi is in anexcellent condition. No leaks, no deteriorating seals or rubber; although mentioned for me to check compliance of my new wheels (cause I installed new 18' RS4 style alloy wheels- looks awesome!). I guess the previous owner kept the service up to date & showed it was done by reputable garages including Audi Centres & specialised service mechanics. Well if you follow service recommendations of any cars, it should make any car last longer. I know it cost an arm & a leg to service but in the long run, cost will be at minimum but experience to MAX!!!

 

For those interested, there are a couple of companies that will rebuild your TCM to eliminate the flashing "PRNDS". This will solve the problem of the flashing message if the only problem is the TCM and not other internal problems. Send them your TCM and they will rebuild it and send it back. All you have to do is re-install it. Since it's the original unit it doesn't need re-programming. I will be taking advantage or the service soon and will post the results. $500.00 + new fluid is a lot cheaper than $2000 at the dealer.

Audi TCM Module Repair and Return - Xemodex Inc. | Xemodex Inc.

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