Hi Audi Experts:

I have a 2004 A4 3.0 Cab with a 114K miles and have 2 issues that I need some assistance with. I have "invested" a lot of money recently...

1. It appears that the hood release cable has broken and I am now unable to open the hood. I did some searching and what I found doesn't appear to be applicable to my car. I've read that I can remove the grill insert to get to the hood release, but my grille is screwed in and those screws are under the hood! It looks like the only way I can get to it is by removing the whole lower front bumper covering to gain access. I've tried going from underneath by removing the air dams, but that only allows access behind the radiator. Am I missing something?

2. I've been told that I need to replace my 6 speed auto-manual transmission. The software was checked and it's up to date. This biggest issue that I'm experiencing is that it jumps from 1st to 4th causing significant drivability issues. I can make it act 'normal' using manual up-shifts. The cost I've been quoted ($7K) exceeds the value of the car. Any thoughts on trying to find a used transmission?

Overall I've been very frustrated with this car in the 1-1/2 I've owned it. Maybe my expectation level is too high??

Any thoughts are openly and greatly appreciated.