The S tronic Gearbox Bible
This post covers everything you need to know about the Audi S tronic dual clutch gearbox fitted to the B8 and B8.5 S5, from how it works, to how much power (torque) it can handle, tuning options, common problems and faults and when it needs servicing.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.
Contents
I'd recommend reading through the whole article, but if you're in a hurry you can skip to a specific section of this article using the links below.Audi S tronic vs DSG vs multitronic vs Tiptronic?
How Does the Audi S tronic Gearbox Work?
S tronic Gearbox Variants
S tronic Service Schedule
Modifying a Car with an S tronic Gearbox
S tronic Remap (TCU Upgrade)
Audi 7 Speed S tronic Problems and Reliability
Symptoms and Fault Codes
Audi S tronic Mechatronic Unit Repair Options and Costs
Audi S tronic Dual Clutch Repair Options and Costs
Why Write About the S tronic Gearbox?
The thought hadn't even crossed my mind to write a post about the Audi S tronic gearbox, that was until I discovered how little I knew about it. Shameful really having owned my S5 well over a year now...Whilst researching the S tronic service / maintenance schedule, I stumbled across the cutaway engineering drawing of the S tronic transmission below and was fascinated by just how complex it appeared, and naturally wanted to learn more.
Many hours of reading later I started composing this post. I know it's a bit of a diversion from my usual content but stick with it because I hope you'll find it as interesting to read as I found writing it (you're bound to if you're an engineering nerd like me).
Audi S tronic vs DSG vs multitronic vs Tiptronic?
The first thing to nail down is, what does S tronic mean? The answer is... not a lot, it's just Audi's name for their latest DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) offering. S tronic and DSG can be used interchangeably if you so wish, however, S tronic is definitely not the same as multitronic or Tiptronic.In short, S tronic is a dual clutch DSG and has a number of variants, both longitudinal (as fitted to the S5) and transverse, and 6 or 7 speed.
multitronic is a continuously variable transmission (CVT), it works by running a tension chain between two pairs of variable conical pulleys. Moving the pulleys further apart or closer together changes the gear ratio. For a full description visit the Multitronic Audi Technology Portal page.
Tiptronic is a more traditional automatic gearbox featuring a torque converter, as appose to the dual clutch of the S tronic transmission. For a full description visit the Tiptronic Audi Technology Portal page.
How Does the Audi S tronic Gearbox Work?
Elaborating on my brief description earlier in the post, here's Audi's full description:
"The S tronic [gearbox] comprises two subunits and integrates two multi-plate clutches that control the various gears. The large K1 clutch located on the outside directs the torque via a solid shaft to the gear wheels for the odd-numbered gears 1, 3, 5 and 7. A hollow shaft rotates around the solid shaft. It is connected to the smaller K2 clutch, which is integrated into the inside of its larger sibling, and which controls the gear wheels for the even-numbered gears 2, 4 and 6, as well as the reverse gear."
"Both transmission structures are continuously active, but only one is connected to the engine at any one time. For example, when the driver accelerates in third gear, the fourth gear is already engaged in the second transmission structure. The shifting process takes place as the clutch changes – K1 opens and K2 closes."
This means that the S tronic gearbox can shift gears in under 0.2 seconds offering almost seamless power delivery, pretty damn impressive!
I'm a big fan of the Engineering Explained YouTube channel, so any excuse to promote Jason's videos and I'm on it. In this video he explains how a VW Passat transverse DSG works.
For an even more in-depth look at the 0B5 gearbox, Google "Audi Self-Study Programme 429" or "SSP 429" and skip to page 22.
S tronic Gearbox Variants
There are a number of variants of the S tronic transmission, the original being the transaxle DQ250 (part number prefix: 02E).In 2008 Audi developed the longitudinal S tronic gearbox found in the B8 and B8.5 S4 / S5, code named DL501 (part number prefix: 0B5). It weighs 142kg including the dual mass flywheel and oil. There are multiple generations of the DL501, Gen 1, Gen 1.5 and Gen 2.
S tronic Service Schedule
If maintained, the S tronic gearbox is usually pretty reliable. Quoting Audi UK, "To ensure the continuous smooth running of your [S tronic] transmission it is essential that the oil is changed no later than every 38,000 miles [61,155 km]."
In the UK, Audi offers an S tronic transmission oil and filter change for a fixed price of £225 (2020 price), not outrageous which suggests it's not too difficult or time consuming should you wish to DIY.
Update: Oct 2019
My S5 Sportback is now well overdue the S tronic transmission oil service, I know, I know, I have brought great shame upon my family...
Anyway, I've purposely been holding off, partly because life has gotten in the way but more worryingly, because I'm getting the dreaded "Gearbox malfunction: you can continue driving" warning.
I've been doing even more Googling, forum reading and youtubing to nail down exactly what I need to replace. I will of course be doing a full update of this article with what I've learnt.
Parts Required
If you purely wish to replace exactly what Audi would, during their £225 service, you'd need the following parts:- N 013 827 5 - Sump drain plug washer x1
- 0B5 325 330 A - Exchangeable external ATF filter x1
- WHT 005 499 A - O-ring for external ATF filter x1
- WHT 003 487 - New replacement sump drain plug x1
- G 052 529 A2 - ATF gearbox oil 7L
You should see this option as the bare minimum. If you're going to the trouble of doing the service yourself, you might as well go all in and replace the internal filter as well, not only does this allow you to drain more of the old oil, it allows you to check the magnets in the sump pan for any debris. If you want to replace the internal filter, you'll need the following parts in addition to those above:
- N 911 511 01 - Cross Member Bolts x6
- N 910 968 01 - Oil pan bolts x15
- 0B5 321 371 E - Oil pan gasket x1
- 0B5 325 429 E - Internal filter / strainer with O-rings x1
I'll be going one stage further, and carrying out a DIY mechatronic unit repair, so for that I've ordered the following:
- WHT 005 379 - Oil seal between external filter housing and gearbox x1
- 0B5 321 473 - ATF pipes inc seals between external filter housing & gearbox x2
- N 906 660 03 - O-ring for metal pipes going into external filter housing x2
- N 104 057 02 - Mechatronic unit mounting bolts x6
- 0B5 315 105 TC - Mechatronic clutch pressure pipes x1
- 0B5 315 105 TA - Mechatronic internal ATF pipes x1
- 0B5 398 009 F - Mechatronic PCB repair kit x1
The RRP of all these parts is £643.98, I was able to get them for £592 delivered. All will be explained if it works out ok, I want to make sure everything comes good before recommending it to you guys.
Tools Required
In terms of any special tools required, you'll need the following:- VCDS or OBDEleven (or similar) to read the live transmission oil temperature
- Low Range Torque Wrench with 3Nm setting - For Mechatronic Repair Only
- I'll be using a Norbar 15008 Professional
I'll be writing my own DIY guide on how to service your 7 Speed S Tronic DSG transmission and DIY mechatronic unit repair but for now, check out this excellent video below from Deutsche Auto Parts.
Modifying a Car With an S tronic Gearbox
The longitudinal 7 speed S tronic gearbox can handle torque figures of up to 550Nm at 9,000rpm according to the Audi Self-Study Programme 429 (SSP 429).As standard the 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 in the S5 puts out 440Nm of torque, well within the S tronic's capabilities.
Thanks to the huge tuning potential of the 3.0 TFSI you can end up getting much closer to that 550Nm limit quite easily.
You should be safe with just Stage I modifications though, in my post on choosing the best Audi S5 V6 chip tuning box, all of the tuning boxes claimed to add in the region of 50-75Nm of torque, so topping out at 515Nm. Closer to the 550Nm, but still safe.
If you go one further and opt for the APR Stage II ECU and supercharger pulley kit on 98 RON you'll be pushing 535Nm, on 108 RON race fuel you'll be on the limit at 554Nm.
Although Audi cite 550Nm as the maximum torque, I did find one post on a5oc saying MTM had confirmed the S tronic gearbox can handle 600Nm+, and a company from the Netherlands called TVS Engineering quoting as much as 1000Nm (with their software).
I got in touch with Audi's technical team who confirmed:
"The torque capacity of this [the S tronic] transmission is up to 550 Nm at 9000 rpm."
S tronic Remap (TCU Upgrade)
There are a number of companies offering a remap, or transmission control unit (TCU) upgrade, for the S tronic transmission. I've listed a few of the more popular ones below.- Revo S tronic Stage 1 - £358.80
- TMC Motorsport AutoFlash 2 - £478.80
- APR DL501 S tronic TCU Upgrade - £720.00
- *All prices correct as of 18/08/2018 and include VAT.
- Reduced gear change time (TMC claim a 28% improvement)
- Launch Control enabled
- Increased max Launch Control RPM (APR offering up to 6,000 RPM)
- Torque limit increased
- Full manual mode (no automatic change at max or min RPM)
- Automatic shift RPMs modified
The graph below from APR shows acceleration vs vehicle speed, demonstrating the APR TCU maintaining a higher G throughout the gear range.
Audi 7 Speed S tronic Problems and Reliability
As technically brilliant as the S tronic gearbox is, it does have it's problems, very costly ones at that. Probably the most high profile case of S tronic gearbox problems is that of Top Gear's Chris Harris on his S4 estate, back in 2014.
You can read the full article on PistonHeads, but basically it ended up costing him £4,129 inc VAT for a full gearbox replacement (an extremely good price, considering a new gearbox would cost the 'general public' £12k+).
From what I've read, the two main culprits for 7 speed S tronic problems (or failure) are the dual clutch and the Mechatronics unit.
Symptoms and Fault Codes
Symptoms of a faulty or failed S tronic Mechatronic unit can be poor gear selection or no gear selection at all. If there is damage or fault with the dual clutch, you might experience jolting gear changes, loss of torque moving off in reverse gear and loss of power. The Mechatronics unit appears to be the most common source of problems for the S tronic transmission. Quoting SSP 429: "The mechatronic system controls, regulates and performs the following functions:- Adaptation of oil pressure in the hydraulic system to requirements
- Dual clutch regulation
- Clutch cooling regulation
- Shift point selection
- Gearbox control and regulation
- Communication with other control units
- Limp-home programs
- Self-diagnostics"
Note: Inconsistent or harsh gear changes can be caused by a MAP sensor failure, check out my complete guide to replacing your MAP sensor for more info!
According to the Audi Technical Service Bulletin SB-10054213-2278 if you get the following message appear in the information display:
The following fault codes may have been recorded and could point to a faulty Mechatronic unit.
- DTC P17D8 (Torque limitation because of clutch temperature) with symptom code 8040
- DTC P0726 (RPM signal of engine control unit, implausible signal) with symptom code 7980
- DTC P174B (Valve 4 in the sub-gearbox 1, electric fault) with symptom code 8027
- DTC P174F (Valve 4 in the sub-gearbox 2, electric fault) with symptom code 8028
- DTC P179C (Main pressure valve, electric fault) with symptom code 8029
- DTC P179D (Coolant oil valve electrical fault) with symptom code 8030
- DTC P174C (Partial transmission 1 valve 2 Electrical error ) with symptom code 8026
- DTC P174A (Valve 3 in the sub-gearbox 1, electric fault) with symptom code 8939
- DTC P174E (Valve 3 in the sub-gearbox 2, electric fault) with symptom code 8940
- DTC P1740 (Clutch temperature monitoring) with symptom code 8031
As well as the above error message, there are two others you may experience:
If the above message shows, protective functions are activated to minimise or prevent damage occurring, but result in a loss of performance. Only the gears on the hollow shaft can be engaged (even-numbered gears 2, 4, 6 and R).
If the above message shows, protective functions are activated to minimise or prevent damage occurring, but result in a loss of performance and with no ability to select Reverse gear. Only the gears on the solid shaft can be engaged (odd-numbered gears 1, 3, 5 and 7).
Audi S tronic Mechatronic Unit Repair Options and Costs
The cheapest way to repair your Mechatronic unit is to do it yourself following my DIY Mechatronic unit repair guide.
However, if you'd rather not mess around with swapping circuit boards, but don't mind removing / refitting the Mechatronic unit and doing the S tronic service, you have these two options:
- Ecutesting.com Repair Service - £400+VAT +£15 Shipping
- Gearbox Nottingham Replacement Mechatronic Unit - £850-£1300+VAT
*All prices correct as of 26/11/2020. I've not used any of the above companies, nor am I sponsored or paid to endorse them. Please only part with your hard earned money when you are happy the company will provide the service you expect.
Be mindful the prices above don't include all the parts required to do the S tronic service nor the replacement parts you'll need as a result of removing the Mechatronic unit (seals, ATF fluid, filters etc).
You'll likely need to add at least £350-£400 on top of those prices.
If you want the whole job doing for you, you're looking at £2300+ (based on a figure taken from AC's quote on rmsmotoring)
Audi S tronic Dual Clutch Repair Options and Costs
Audi UK offers a fixed price quattro clutch service, which for my S5 is quoted as £1799 (ouch). Unfortunately Audi doesn't give any details as to what work is carried out for that sizeable sum of cash.I did contact Audi for more info, but they replied with the following:
"Your local Audi Centre will be happy to confirm what work will be undertaken at the fixed price clutch series"
If you work for Audi, or have had this repair done to your car I'd love to hear your experiences, let me know in the comments below!
Conclusion
That concludes the article for now, as I learn more I'll keep it continually updated. I really hope you enjoyed this post despite being away from the norm, if you did and would like to see more articles like this, let me know in the comments below. Can you add anything to make the guide even more complete? Have you been stung by having to repair or replace your S tronic gearbox and are there any pointers or lessons learned you can share in the comments? Be sure to Like, Subscribe and Follow me on any or all of the usual social media platforms at the following links: Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, search andybuck123.Stay tuned for plenty more content to come!
52 Comments
You're only getting quotes for research purposes though...?!
ReplyDeleteTouch wood yes! Heaven forbid it actually does go ��
DeleteI still have a 2 year warranty on mine, so have this odd wish it would break...
ReplyDeleteHaha I'm the same with stuff that's in warranty, the scrooge in me wants to get my money's worth. Not just that though, at least you'd have some peace of mind it probably wouldn't go again in your ownership.
DeleteI have ordered that cheap Chinese Apple CarPlay interface, I will let you know how I get on.
ReplyDeleteOooh sounds good, yeah do let us know your experiences. I've been looking at some of the RSNav options, so I'd definitely be interested to hear how you get on.
DeleteInstall was straightforward enough. I’m ironing out some bugs with the supplier. Sound quality some issues. Fine with podcasts etc, but too distorted for music. That said, MMI audio through B&O is just a button push away, and sounds great. It’s wonderful to have google maps and text messaging available on screen- with voice to reply tobtexts, which so far has been 100% reliable! It uses Siri.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! What have the suppliers said is the cause of the sound problems? Will you need hardware mods or is it just a software thing? Maps and on screen text messages sounds ace, sounds like I'm going to have to get my wallet out again in future :D
DeleteDialogue with Chinese suppliers is - well - a little Chinese. I have some experience with audio, and it sounds to me like an input being overloaded. I remain happy with it at the price, however. The text messaging is not displayed on screen, rather read out by the luscious Siri. You then speak your reply message back, and she obeys faultlessly.
DeleteAndy, this blog is really informative thanks! One question I have, is that my B8 S4 has just gone through the 150k mile mark, not bad for a 9 year old! - will it need a dual clutch change? It does feel as though something might be "slipping" Sorry if this is basic, I know telecoms nt engineering - thanks Howard
ReplyDeleteHey Howard, thanks for leaving a comment, glad you like the blog!
DeleteAbsolutely no worries, I created the site to help people out :)
Firstly, that's awesome, great to hear of B8's getting to the higher mileage figures :D
Second, I'm no expert on dual clutch gearboxes by any stretch, so make sure you take your car either to Audi (expect it to be expensive), or a reputable independent Audi / VW specialist to get a firm diagnosis. You don't want to jump into changing the clutch without being sure it's the problem as it'll cost a fair amount, depending on the level of DIY you're up for.
Nevertheless, I've been trawling the forums for you this morning, from what I've read it's unlikely (but possible) you're clutch is warn / slipping. Is the car new to you? If so, it might be you just need to get used to the DSGs characteristics. A lot of people have suggested getting a transmission tune to 'cure' the 'slipping' characteristic (see the S Tronic Remap section above).
If not, and it's notably different to when you first got the car, there are a couple of things you could try to pin point the problem.
Identify when you feel the 'slipping', is it:
- whilst changing between certain gears e.g. 2-3
- when pulling off
- when you're driving slow or when you're pushing on
- just if you accelerate in one gear without changing gear?
Do the revs increase significantly when it slips?
Scan the car's fault codes, if you haven't got a scanner I'd recommend getting yourself an OBD Eleven (It's what I use, you can also do some customisations to your car with it too). Alternatively, you could pay an independent specialist to run the codes for you.
After doing a bit of investigating, use your findings to do more specific searches, if nothing else it'll give you a more descriptive problem description for the garage so your car get's fixed and back on the road quicker :)
Hope this helps, let me know how you get on!
Cheers,
Andy.
I replaced my B8 S4 gearbox but the car does not start, it says put the car on park gear which means it does not pick up the gearbox. The mechanic has not taken it for key coding yet at Audi, do you think that could be the issue?
ReplyDeleteHey Tman,
DeleteIf the gearbox you put in came from a different model or year of vehicle it's likely it'll need coding to your car, so I'd definitely get that done before investigating any other things that might be wrong.
Good luck, let us know if coding fixes your problem!
Cheers,
Andy.
Hello man. Very informative article. I have a question regarding my 3.0 tfsi A7 with Stronic.
ReplyDeleteIt is mandatory to do a TCU tune along stage 1 ? After stage 1 the car will have approx 400hp and 520NM.
Thanks !
Hey Prider,
DeleteThanks for the comment and compliment!
According to Audi, the S tronic gearbox can handle 550Nm, so at 520Nm with a Stage 1 tune you should be fine.
At Stage 1 you'd be doing the TCU tune more so for the other characteristics they offer (faster changes, launch control etc), not in regard to torque limit changes.
Hope this helps,
Andy.
Hey Prider,
DeleteJust adding to my reply above, my S5 (if you believe the figures from TMC) should be at 390PS and 515Nm with just the chip tuning box, that's been combined with a full Scorpion stainless exhaust, ITG air filter and Forge intake. I've had no issues with the S tronic slipping or failing due to the increased power.
Again, hope this helps!
Andy.
Yep, I'm afraid of slipping due to increased power..
ReplyDeletedid u do a dyno test after? I'm thinking of PP Performance. I've heard of great things about them; reputable company in Germany.
Sure, in which case I wouldn't be worried about slipping at stage 1. I've not managed to get mine dyno'd yet, I'm hoping to in future though. My plan is to run a test to prove the tuning chip actually does work, and to see if I've hit the magic 400PS mark :-D (been busy doing the exhaust and other maintenance jobs recently).
DeleteNot heard of PP Performance myself, just had a browse of their website, they definitely look like a slick operation. If you do end up using them it'd be awesome if you could share your experience on here :-)
You're going to love your A7 once it's tuned trust me!
2016 R8 V10 Plus 3yo 20,000km
ReplyDeleteNoticeable slipping in 2nd gear, then I got the ⚠️ Transmission Malfunction message!!
Audi tried to repair the transmission however I’ve been informed today that I’ll be getting a replacement box. 3 weeks in the shop so far, probably another 3 before she’s back on the road.
Thank God/Allah/the all mighty for warranties!!
Hey man, thanks for leaving the comment.
DeleteOooouuuch, like you say, praise the gods you had a warranty! Be sure to reply if they say what the root cause was, and if they say how much it would have cost if not under warranty.
Fingers crossed you get your R8 back all fixed up soon though.
P.S. What an awesome car you've got, I've been lusting after a 1st generation V8 R8, but I bet the V10 is just sublime, that sound track :-D tell me they are as good as I imagine?
My A4 V6 diesel gearbox failed at 32000 kms - 4 days after the standard warranty expired. Only explanation from (French) garage is that is 'unrepairable' and therefore needs a new one at 12500 Euros. Does anyone know what happens to the old gearbox? I can't believe it is unrepairable. Fortunately I have an extended 5 year warranty so a happy ending to the story. Worrying nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteHi there,
DeleteFirstly, good job you had the extended warranty! It's disappointing that the gearbox failed so early, what were your symptoms? Did they offer up any suggestion on what was broken that was so irreparable?
I don't believe it would be irreparable though, unless the main casing was cracked or damaged, it was more likely uneconomical or undesirable for them to repair it i.e. they didn't want the job of finding the fault and fixing it, too much labour time perhaps?
I would imagine the garage would sell the old gearbox to a specialist that would refurbish and resell.
Fingers crossed your replacement 'box lasts a little longer!
Cheers,
Andy.
I love you man, I read almost all of it (just the parts and info I needed really) and everything was just what I needed to know to understand my gearbox better. THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteHaha thanks! Glad you found it helpful.
DeleteJust a quick note, hopefully I catch you before you order the parts, but I've now done my Mechatronics unit repair (successfully, phew!) and I found out you actually need 2x 0B5 321 473 instead of 1x, and you also need (if you want to be belt and braces safe) 2x N 906 660 03. I'll update the article as well in case you miss this comment.
Thanks again for the comment, makes it worthwhile putting the hours in to publish them.
Cheers,
Andy.
I have simple question. My s-tronic is kind of new. New clutch pack, mechatronic kit, gear sensor (not sure if thats what is called, its hard to replace it), oil, filters, adaptation and software update.
ReplyDeleteThe engine is 2.0TDI 177hp. Is it normal to have small RPM drop when coming to full stop? Like dropping for a second to lets say 890rpm and coming back to normal (905~) ?
Also, not sure if its normal, engine to rev rpm up a bit (50rpm lets say) when changing from R to D and vice versa while the car is cold.
Hello there,
DeleteI'm not sure whether they did what you're describing when they rolled off the production line, but my S5 certainly does do what you're experiencing.
If you had all of the parts replaced and the service done at a dealer / independent, if you're not totally convinced everything is right I'd take it back to them and get them to verify it's ok (especially if it's a main dealer, they will know what is and isn't 'normal'). The work you had done should be under some sort of warranty so worth a check for the peace of mind :)
If not, keep your eye out for any more alarming symptoms, slipping gears, gears not selecting but otherwise I wouldn't worry for now.
Hope this helps,
Cheers,
Andy.
Hi, I have a 2016 A6 with 280,000km on the s-tronic box, she is driving and changing gears perfectly BUT when in Park I'm getting a soft clunky noise on tick over, did I read one of your post's correctly when you said there is a dual mass flywheel between the engine and box? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi there, apologies for the slight delay in response. You did indeed, it's in this post under the heading "S tronic Gearbox Variants".
DeleteHope you manage to get your clunk noise sorted, also superb effort on the mileage of your A6, especially in such a short time!
Thanks for the reply Andy, would you be tempted at the 280km to change the twin clutch as well as the dual mass while the box is down?
ReplyDeleteI think that's a good shout.
DeleteI'm a belt and braces guy by nature, I would be kicking myself if I had to pay for the whole thing to be stripped down again shortly after to replace the clutch.
Clearly it depends on your budget though, and how long you intend to keep the car, I would want to 'get my money's worth' out of the preventative maintenance.
Looking at it from a different view, the high mileage may put some potential buyers off the car, but if you said the clutch had been replaced it may ease their concerns.
I'd be interested to know what you decide to do and whether it cures your clunk problem or makes a noticeable difference to the drive.
Hope my ramblings help you make a decision!
Best regards
Andy.
Hi Andy! All new in my Stronic, clutches, mechatronic repair kit, sensors, oil, filter, adaptation, but not new soft. Error P17E100, P17E200, P17E300. What do you think it is? When the car is in 3th and has to up in 4th she goes in limp mode with error in dashboard, sometimes she change in 4th but shortly after it goes in limp mode.
ReplyDeleteHi there,
DeleteHmm that is odd! After all that replacement work you'd think there would be no issues at all.
I did do a little research and found Technical Service Bulletin SB-10051783-6671 which could be great news. It seems to suggest that the gearbox software is too sensitive.
If you want to take action right away, a software update would be the first place I'd start. I'd probably keep an eye on it for now though if it doesn't happen all the time, just monitor all the conditions that cause it to go into limp mode. If it continues to be a problem after a software update I'd take it to a specialist independent garage and get them to investigate further.
Hope this helps!
Andy.
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ReplyDeleteHey Andy, found this to be very informative. We have an S5 with this trans doing the "no even gears" fault. Kid already had his board replaced, but we werent aware until after we had replaced the mecha. Fails to complete adaptation. I'm thinking, that given eyewitness accounts and me calling his bluff about hard launching the car, that he has fragged something more mechanical within the gearbox. I did notice some small and thin metal shavings on the pan magnets when we serviced it. Sucks because this kid also just had his engine rebuilt last year... I'm wondering if we should scope inside the box or maybe look at replacing the units where the mecha hooks into..
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Hi Andy bucks. Excellent your blog. I love. I have a question if you can clarify that would be wonderful. I have a stronic S4 b8. I have vibrations in 2nd gear at low revs. I had the gearbox oil changed and gearbox adaptation done but it didn't change anything. I have been told that this may be due to the sport differential. What do you think ? thank you so much
ReplyDeleteHi Again, on level ground it reverses no problem, but a incline it can't. I have been told 50 different reasons from the oil level in the gearbox could be too low and cant build pressure to when the motor was changed they never topped up the oil after the first drive to the filters in the gearbow a clogged preventing the pressure from building up etc etc. I am a car guy but this is beyond me.... Here in South Africa Audi will charge you R20 000 just to do an oil change (around 1000 pounds) so Im not rushing over there just yet. Maybe you can shed some light.
ReplyDeleteMuch Appreciated.
Hi Andy. I am impressed with your depth of knowledge and insight into the infamous Audi 7 speed DSG. Do you know, or can you find out from your sources if a version 2 2013 and up 7 speed will swap into an earlier 2010 thru 2012.This is a question that will be coming up more often now that many 2010 thru 2012 early 1.0 and 1.5 version tranny's will need replaced or repaired and there are many available 2.0 versions available for sale used.
ReplyDeleteI personally need a new clutch pack in mine and there are no shops within 500 square miles that will touch it and if they do, they price the job higher than a low mileage used unit.
Thanks for your time.
Morning Don,
DeleteThanks! Appreciate you taking the time to leave a message. Apologies for my late reply, I had a heck of a week last week.
Excellent question! Totally agree, as the cars get older and older, simply swapping out the 'box for newer one will be the preferred route if possible.
Unfortunately, I don't know the answer, but I have reached out to Audi to see if I can get to the bottom of it. I'll reply when I find out.
If I were to offer up an educated guess, I'd say the hardware will definitely marry up, as modifying or replacing the major tooling will cost big money. Also, as the DL501 went into so many vehicles, I'd imagine making a running change to the major components would be a logistical nightmare. Therefore, I imagine if there is any issue with backwards compatibility, it'll be software related.
Hopefully Audi get back to me asap and I can get you an answer. Best of luck getting yours sorted though!
Cheers,
Andy.
Thanks for the Response Andy. Hope to hear from you with a reply, and any info would be much obliged.
ReplyDeleteWow great informations. Have 2011 Audi A5 Sportback 2.0TFSi quattro
ReplyDeleteRecently I've got second error message and lost odd gears. Only even gears available. So just wants to know if u were me , do you swap parts of mecha unit (with mecha kit) or u swap whole mecha unit with used or new one? I am stuck with this decision hehe,
Thanks
Hi Manda,
DeleteApologies for the delay in responding.
That's a tough one, I'd have to weigh up the costs of doing each option. I suspect repairing your Mechatronics unit would be quite a bit cheaper?
I would be a bit worried myself that the used Mechatronic unit may suffer the same problems in future if it hadn't already had the upgraded parts fitted, which could lead to more costs down the line.
There might be a third option of finding a refurbished unit with the upgraded repair kit parts on?
If you haven't already seen it, I've got a how to guide on installing the repair kit, so you can see if it's a job you would be willing to DIY, which would save money too.
DIY Audi S tronic Mechatronic unit repair guide
Hope this helps, good luck with the repair!
Andy.
Thanks for the answer Andy.
ReplyDeleteAfter that day I posted. I try to drive my car to near dealer but no luck I stuck on road with no gears.. Suddenly lost all gears and burned oil smell. rattling sound from transmission area.
About first comment. I try to buy mechatronic unit from china. Whole unit (refurb or new dunno) was around 800$. Mechatronic fix kit(circuit board with 2 solenoids) are around 200$.
Now I think I need to install new clutches :( + mecha kit install .
Hi,
ReplyDeletegreat article, I have an Audi TT mk2 semi automatic, it developed a chirping noise and then I lost all odd gears, any help appreciated.
Thanks
Gary
Hi Andy.. I have Audi A7 .. getting Fault code P176500 hydraulic pressure sensor 2 adaptation limit reached .. and on pressing pedal car dashboard showing Gearbox overheating change driving style ..do I have replace the whole mechatronic unit??
ReplyDeleteHi Andy recently replaced Audi A6 gearbox second hand after replacing mecha tronic unit brand new never fixed issue told by Audi fault in gearbox was accumulator pressure oil not enough pressure to control gears had original fault P187a
ReplyDeleteHey Andy,
ReplyDeleteGreat and informative blog! (could put a few extra exclamation marks here :) )
Have you had any experience with DQ200 (0AM) dry clutch DSG and mechatronics repair.
To what extent your mechatronic repair guide would be applicable to DQ200?
The car has the following error codes:
006079 - Hydraulic Pump
P17BF - 000 - Play Protection - Intermittent
002113 - Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 1
P0841 - 001 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent - MIL ON
006293 - Functional Restriction due to Pressure Drop
P1895 - 000 - - Intermittent
006300 - Function Restriction due to Insufficient Pressure Build-Up
P189C - 000 - - Intermittent
006011 - Clutch 1
P177B - 007 - Tolerance Limit Reached - Intermittent
002113 - Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 1
P0841 - 000 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent
The car belongs to a friend (lucky it's not me with the headache). Having seen all this I will probably go for a manual gearbox for my next A6. Not without problems but much cheaper to fix.
Any info will be highly appreciated!
Cheers
Dimo
Update: Car was fixed by an independent garage a fe months ago. Used gearbox was purchased from Germany. The mechanic eventually had to make one out of the two gearboxes. There were broken forks (after the mechatronics unit) but the mechatronics unit was also faulty. New clutch fitted and calibrated. All in all £1650 including oil service for the engine. My friend was left quite happy with the repair.
DeleteRecently replaced my 7speed dsg earlier this year, cost 14,000 for a brand new one.
ReplyDeleteI have a 2015 audi A7 i have a burinng smell when the gearbox oil is hot and when i come to a stop . anyone know what the issue is
ReplyDeleteBurning smell (like a plastic kind of smell, not a smell of burning oil) could be entirely normal. The DPF regeneration normally smells like this on my car.The car has to be hot for regeneration cycle to be activated. Is the car new to you? Is this something that's new after owning the car for years?
DeleteI have a 2011 audi q5 with mechatronic problems, i have ordered the mechatronics but need to flash the mechatronics because they do not sell the model for my car anymore. does anyone know how to do this?
ReplyDeleteWhen you get this error: If the above message shows, protective functions are activated to minimise or prevent damage occurring, but result in a loss of performance and with no ability to select Reverse gear. Only the gears on the solid shaft can be engaged (odd-numbered gears 1, 3, 5 and 7).
ReplyDeleteWhat is the fix usually?
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