Mechatronic failure ?

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Mandinca

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I have an A3 8P that has a jerky downshift from 3rd to 2nd. Also, when setting off from a standing start sometimes feels as though the transmission is taking up slack before there's a clunk from under the car and the car jerks forwards. It also rolls backwards when on a hill when stopped.
Is there a way to actually test the mechatronic unit ? Are used units worth the risk, especially since a new unit is just not worth the money they cost (I've seen EUR 1800 quoted)

Would appreciate any input.

Thanks
 
In order of your issues:

1. Depending on how hard the clunk and how frequent it occurs, it could just be a characteristic of the gearbox.

2. Once again its hard to say without knowing how much of a clunk and jerk there is. If its not too bad, I had this with my 2005 A3 and changing all the engine mounts and fitting a Tyrolsport Deadset subframe kit fixed this. The mounts are prone to failure.

3. The first generation DSG gearboxes didnt have 'hill hold assist', therefore its normal (like a manual) to roll back on a hill
 
I don't have any jerk when starting off from a cold start but it sometimes there is a little pause before the car goes forward. There are a few of us that have this dsg problem. I don't see that it is a major fault and not really bothered with it. You should check if the oil and filter have been changed every 40k. before you try anything else.
If the worst case scenario that the Mechatronics is faulty, there are aftermarket repairers that cost a lot less than a new Audi box.
 
When my mechatronic went it wouldn't drive out of limp mode... I bought reconditioned and it was fine....
 
There's always a delay between releasing the brake pedal and the clutches re-engaging. For instant take-off use the handbrake, then the clutches stay engaged.
 
When my mechatronic went (flood damage) it stayed in 1st gear and would not change up or down or come out of gear at all.
 
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Some great (and encouraging) answers. Thank you everyone. To address some points that were brought up....

JPK
The clunk feels like something is almost "spooling up" then "clunk". For example, if I roll up to a stop sign it's as if I encouraged some slack in the driveline and it will do it when I move off from the stop. However, if I drive up to the stop sign it doesn't happen. Or, when at the stop I let the car creep forward it doesn't do it when I set off. It also makes a much smaller clunk when downshifting (almost always) from 3-2 and 2-1, audible as well.

The mounts look ok but the motor does rock back and forth when revved in neutral.

The hill assist, I tested it yesterday and the car rolled back about 2 feet then stopped. When it was stopped I noticed that the brake pedal was solid, not spongy at all, no give whatsoever.

Fangio/Soot1
Not as far as I know, I bought the car used with 123K so your guess is as good as mine. There were no receipts or physical service records when I got it. So I suppose I should change it. Any recommendations for oil and a filter ?
Sometimes when I set off the driveline does the "spool" thing then I set off much faster than I anticipated, almost a "peel out".
 
audi upgrades
Thanks, I saw another video that suggested filling from underneath, this video fills from the top. Easier, yes....quicker, no. Any other pros and cons ?
Looking online the DSG fluid change kits are upwards of $150 to $300.
 
[QUOTE ]I set off much faster than I anticipated,[/QUOTE]
That's usually when you take the box by surprise and it drops from 2nd to 1st, especially if you're a bit heavy on the gas!
 
What engine do you have? Are you sure its DSG?
 
2006 A3 3.2 Quattro. Transmission has the tiptronic paddles and sport mode.
When I said I set off faster than expected it's not stepping down unless it sets off in 2nd by default, which I doubt. It just seems to temporarily take on a mind of it's own ;-)
 
If you are driving 'normally', as you slow and almost stop for a junction, say, it will hang on to 2nd and take off in 2nd; but if you set off a bit quick, it thinks 'Oh oh, here we go' and drops to 1st, taking off like a scalded cat.......
 
I haven't really noticed exactly what it does because it only does it occasionally....the mind of its own thing that is.
The clunking is effectively "on command" - or not if I choose.
Is transmission fluid type really a major concern if I'm going to change it every 40K ? Possibly a stupid question but my Mazda MP6 would take anything as long as it was the correct weight.......there were no recommended makes (in the forums) other than Amsoil and since it was hard to come by everyone just sort of collectively shrugged their shoulders, put anything in and changed it regularly.
 
Yes it needs to be an approved oil specifically for DCT/DSG transmissions. Google/youtube this transmission to see how complex it is.
 
Mandinca said:
Thanks, I saw another video that suggested filling from underneath, this video fills from the top. Easier, yes....quicker, no. Any other pros and cons ?
Looking online the DSG fluid change kits are upwards of $150 to $300.
Click to expand...

Try Mike at 'Parts Request' button at top of this webpage, discount and postage included.
 
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fangio said:
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/dsg-oil-filter-change-video-diy-easy.262369/
Click to expand...

Looks much easier to change it from the top than using a gravity feed setup from below.
The place I'm looking at has a wide selection of kits, some come with the gravity feed tool that screws into the drain plug, others don't.
I can't see any other "benefits" - wonder why they stock such a selection !

https://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-A3-Quattro-V6_3.2L/Drivetrain/DSG_Transmission/Service_Kit/
 
Soot1 said:
Try Mike at 'Parts Request' button at top of this webpage, discount and postage included.
Click to expand...

Thanks but I am in the US, originally from Manchester but now in the US....it would need to be a very healthy discount :)
 
Even Audi will do it for you for £108, so don't pay £150+ for those "kits" on ebay!
 
thesmileyone said:
Even Audi will do it for you for £108, so don't pay £150+ for those "kits" on ebay!
Click to expand...

I'm in the US and a friend took his A6 in to have the transmission fluid changed, it was almost $1000. Outrageous.
 
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