Gearbox Malfunction, what should I expect from Audi? S3, 6 months old!

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Bob Regis

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I have a 2016 S3 (auto) which has done just under 10,000 miles.

This morning I developed some stuttering after a short drive. Thought nothing of it. At lunchtime I developed the "Gearbox malfunction! Please stop the vehicle and select P" warning. It won't move.

What should I expect from Audi (UK) when I call in the morning?

I assume that they will collect the car at their cost?
Should they offer me an equivalent vehicle for repair, and if so what kind of vehicle should I expect? (eg. Is an A4 a suitable replacement for an S3?).

Has anyone got any ideas of what this fault might be and the length of time it might take them to fix?

Many thanks.
 
I assume you would call your dealer. I also assume that you have breakdown cover with your new car provided by Audi and they will recover the car to the dealer.

As for what to expect that’s up to your dealer. There are a few threads with some serious issues on here worth searching.
 
Very sorry to hear your car has broken down. I'd call the Audi Roadside Assistance in the first instance. They will be able to recover the vehicle to a dealer. Is the car broken down at home (in which case you may as well just call the dealer in the morning)? In terms of what courtesy car they give you it depends on what they have available. Audi had my car for a day to replace a faulty seal and they gave me a rather powerless A3 but it was sufficient.

Here is a thread about the same error message (different car, long thread, it was a "parking solenoid" and the gearbox went into a protection mode to prevent damage)

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/gearbox-malfunction.305292/
 
Last edited:
Bob Regis said:
I have a 2016 S3 (auto) which has done just under 10,000 miles.

This morning I developed some stuttering after a short drive. Thought nothing of it. At lunchtime I developed the "Gearbox malfunction! Please stop the vehicle and select P" warning. It won't move.

What should I expect from Audi (UK) when I call in the morning?

I assume that they will collect the car at their cost?
Should they offer me an equivalent vehicle for repair, and if so what kind of vehicle should I expect? (eg. Is an A4 a suitable replacement for an S3?).

Has anyone got any ideas of what this fault might be and the length of time it might take them to fix?

Many thanks.
Click to expand...
My A4 developed the same issue after only 1300 miles and it was a faulty park solenoid. The A4 is a class above the A3 so you will probably just get a A3. Did you not call out Audi assistance?
 
This is a topic I know well. Mine is currently in for the 2nd time for the same fault.

Its something which happens occasionally, normally at start up and doesnt allow me to drive.

The first time I asked to travel to a car hire shop at an airport and collect a TT, at their expense. This time I pushed for an S3 which they kindly provided.

They claimed the first time it was happening because I pressed a button on the key as I turned the engine on.....and this time they claim they are unable to replicate the fault....

Personally I am of the mind set that its something that shouldnt affect a new car. Its ridiculous and Audi UK havent been hugely helpful to date.

I wish you the best of luck and if like me, you are on a pcp deal, push for a replacement car that you are currently paying, ita reasonable and well within your rights.

Audi UK have a deal with enterprise rent a car and they hold a fleet of S & RS cars.
 
Svenedin said:
Very sorry to hear your car has broken down. I'd call the Audi Roadside Assistance in the first instance. They will be able to recover the vehicle to a dealer. Is the car broken down at home (in which case you may as well just call the dealer in the morning)? In terms of what courtesy car they give you it depends on what they have available. Audi had my car for a day to replace a faulty seal and they gave me a rather powerless A3 but it was sufficient.

Here is a thread about the same error message (different car, long thread, it was a "parking solenoid" and the gearbox went into a protection mode to prevent damage)

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/gearbox-malfunction.305292/
Click to expand...
That was mine...
 
The technician who came out initially to look at the car whilst it was imobilised in my driveway said there was a fault code with the park mechanism but he couldn't indentify what it meant. Once it was in the dealership they identified the fault. However the only way the car could be moved was to use the park overide rod through the top of the gearbox. Then the car could only be pushed as all that did was release the parking pawl, and then onto the back of a flatbed. We are only talking about, probably, a component of not a great cost and to replace it the master technician just dropped off the bottom of the gearbox. However mine is a longitude gearbox where as yours is transverse and quattro so the design is different.
 
Rather than start a new thread I thought I'd just add to this one. I did post the issues last week but thought it best to post again on a more relevant thread.

2016 S3 SB FL DSG
7000 miles

Last Thursday I noticed that the gear changes felt sluggish while driving around town. Stopped at shops for 10mins and then set off again. After a couple of hundred yards got the following message and car felt like it was missing gears then was stuck in third.
33404bfa9ea4d5c37a9eca51c9dc4dbb.jpg


Pulled over and had no reverse gear, turned engine off and on and managed to reverse and reveal this puddle.
dcc2c09c1c42e7add85d65e44418866a.jpg


Called Audi Assist and 2hrs later AA man turned up and advised that a filter was only hand tight and this was where fluid was coming from. Tried to drive the car but fault remained and was then towed the 7miles to local Audi dealer who advised they had 48hrs to diagnose fault which meant Monday.

Audi Assist arranged taxis to get me home and to work the following day then had a 2017 S3 SB DSG with 4000 miles delivered (like for like replacement apart from colour without having to push for it).
bc8621cd0ae067a92ce5b0843d3cbfb0.jpg

Out of interest I went on to the hire company site and got a quote for an S3 on a 4day hire..........£650!! Realise Audi won't be paying that to them but ****** hell.

Phone call from dealer tonight advising the new gearbox and mechatronic unit has been ordered and car should be ready by the end of this week.
When car is ready for collection I will try and get some more info on the cause etc.

Also chinned them about the missing Audi Beam puddle lights on my car which are fitted to the hire car. Had questioned this with Audi Customer Care after delivery but had never been into a dealership to get it sorted. So he will look into this and hopefully fit while it's in.

Will update thread when I have anymore info.

Cheers

Barry


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Just had dealer on the phone, another 7days before gearbox will be with them......hopefully! Meaning it should be ready for 1st sept, now with that being new car day for a lot of people I'm guessing workshop will be very busy next week with PDI's etc. So let's see if it gets delayed to the following week. There was a however at the end of the call though, if gearbox doesn't arrive next Tuesday then the need to contact factory for an ETA. At least the miles are going on the loaner S3 and not my lease S3


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BarryG79 said:
When car is ready for collection I will try and get some more info on the cause etc.
Click to expand...

Not sure about the S3, but on the A4 there was a revision made in 2014 where the S-Tronic oil filter caps were fitted with a locking mechanism from the factory and also secured with what looks like a cable tie in the diagrams.

It even says in the service manual that any earlier cars which don't have this locking mechanism MUST be fitted with a new, modified oil filter cap which features a locking mechanism when they are serviced.

Seems to me this is an common issue on older cars that Audi have fixed and are trying to sort on older cars as well when they come in for an S-Tronic service.

Strange thing is you car is a 2016 car, so I would have expected it to have the locking mechanism + cable tie from the factory. Maybe they have not started fitting them on the A3/ S3 cars yet?? Possible these cars don't experience the issue as often as the A4, so they fixed them and left these without one.

To be honest, without checking on ElsaWin when I get home I can't say for sure. Just a possible theory. Either way, hope you get it sorted soon.
 
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BarryG79 said:
Just had dealer on the phone, another 7days before gearbox will be with them......hopefully! Meaning it should be ready for 1st sept, now with that being new car day for a lot of people I'm guessing workshop will be very busy next week with PDI's etc. So let's see if it gets delayed to the following week. There was a however at the end of the call though, if gearbox doesn't arrive next Tuesday then the need to contact factory for an ETA. At least the miles are going on the loaner S3 and not my lease S3


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Click to expand...

Just had the call to say car is ready as parts came in earlier than expected. Need to wait till tomorrow though as keys need recoded for some reason and they need the spare key too.


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BarryG79 said:
Rather than start a new thread I thought I'd just add to this one. I did post the issues last week but thought it best to post again on a more relevant thread.

2016 S3 SB FL DSG
7000 miles

Last Thursday I noticed that the gear changes felt sluggish while driving around town. Stopped at shops for 10mins and then set off again. After a couple of hundred yards got the following message and car felt like it was missing gears then was stuck in third.
33404bfa9ea4d5c37a9eca51c9dc4dbb.jpg


Pulled over and had no reverse gear, turned engine off and on and managed to reverse and reveal this puddle.
dcc2c09c1c42e7add85d65e44418866a.jpg


Called Audi Assist and 2hrs later AA man turned up and advised that a filter was only hand tight and this was where fluid was coming from. Tried to drive the car but fault remained and was then towed the 7miles to local Audi dealer who advised they had 48hrs to diagnose fault which meant Monday.

Audi Assist arranged taxis to get me home and to work the following day then had a 2017 S3 SB DSG with 4000 miles delivered (like for like replacement apart from colour without having to push for it).
bc8621cd0ae067a92ce5b0843d3cbfb0.jpg

Out of interest I went on to the hire company site and got a quote for an S3 on a 4day hire..........£650!! Realise Audi won't be paying that to them but ****** hell.

Phone call from dealer tonight advising the new gearbox and mechatronic unit has been ordered and car should be ready by the end of this week.
When car is ready for collection I will try and get some more info on the cause etc.

Also chinned them about the missing Audi Beam puddle lights on my car which are fitted to the hire car. Had questioned this with Audi Customer Care after delivery but had never been into a dealership to get it sorted. So he will look into this and hopefully fit while it's in.

Will update thread when I have anymore info.

Cheers

Barry


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Click to expand...

The S3 you have isn't owned by Europcar (likely who handed it out), it is owned by Audi UK.

I had the same loan S3 twice, Audi UK use hire companies to distribute the cars to customers in the event of problems.
 
AudiNutta said:
The S3 you have isn't owned by Europcar (likely who handed it out), it is owned by Audi UK.

I had the same loan S3 twice, Audi UK use hire companies to distribute the cars to customers in the event of problems.
Click to expand...

You are probably right, this one is from AMT Vehicle Rental with Leeds Audi plates. Normally hire companies Europcar, Avis etc have blank plates so makes sense if it's owned by Audi.


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BarryG79 said:
You are probably right, this one is from AMT Vehicle Rental with Leeds Audi plates. Normally hire companies Europcar, Avis etc have blank plates so makes sense if it's owned by Audi.


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Click to expand...

I had two S3's the one day. Picked up a black Sportback and it was damaged by the Europcar driver on the way to me, caught a post badly in the Audi car park and did the rear door and quarter.

Went to pick up another S3, brand spanking new Saloon this time with 200 miles on the clock. Both cars had Audi UK on the bottom of the plates. It isn't viable for Audi to send drivers nationwide, so they plonk cars around the country in hire companies who offer delivery services and the cars can be with you in a matter of hours.

When the first one was damaged they told me it was their car, the hire company didn't tell them and left it, just handing it over to me and Audi weren't happy at all. It's fair to say I was surprised to see it when I walked around the car.

3b93338a58c472eaa51b27ee29037b27.jpg
959f67b532408cf925ef320597cd8f9d.jpg

e600e25dee33643b3ddbb84ffb907065.jpg

1fe2179786a6b4e990e316c3a9615004.jpg
 
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Picked my car up today complete with new gearbox. The invoice being claimed back by the garage was for £4,300 ex vat, service guy said £6,000 job to man in the street!!

However need to go back in the morning as when in park the car rolls forward unless handbrake is on. I'm guessing that the shift lock override has not been reset....hopefully nothing worse!


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BarryG79 said:
Picked my car up today complete with new gearbox. The invoice being claimed back by the garage was for £4,300 ex vat, service guy said £6,000 job to man in the street!!

However need to go back in the morning as when in park the car rolls forward unless handbrake is on. I'm guessing that the shift lock override has not been reset....hopefully nothing worse!


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Click to expand...

Issue might be with gear selector that needs an adjustment, battery needs to come out to allow access so currently car less. Hopefully it's back today!


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All sorted now, some linkage cable needed adjusted. Car delivered by workshop controller, who wanted me to test drive it with him to make sure I was happy.


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910e7575bbf37929e7eecf122f3a8c94.jpg
a40810bbc8b18258f70f36b0732510bf.jpg


Back to the dealer in the morning!

Always reverse into the drive so hadn't notice the oil stains, hopefully this is the remnants from the gearbox leak and not another issue!


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***! I would have hoped they properly cleaned it when refitting, but surely it can't have yet another leak?! Terrible work by Audi if it does!
 
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Well apparently there is some some "mesh grill" behind the engine that needs replaced. Had been sprayed with oil from original leak (clearly not cleaned properly!) and has started dripping when engine gets hot. Part not in until tomorrow so got an A7 3.0 BE overnight. Still to hear about what they plan to do about the drive too!


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BarryG79 said:
Well apparently there is some some "mesh grill" behind the engine that needs replaced. Had been sprayed with oil from original leak (clearly not cleaned properly!) and has started dripping when engine gets hot. Part not in until tomorrow so got an A7 3.0 BE overnight. Still to hear about what they plan to do about the drive too!


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Click to expand...

This just keeps getting better, haha! Try your best not to be disheartened though, the car is worth it!
 
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BarryG79 said:
Well apparently there is some some "mesh grill" behind the engine that needs replaced. Had been sprayed with oil from original leak (clearly not cleaned properly!) and has started dripping when engine gets hot. Part not in until tomorrow so got an A7 3.0 BE overnight. Still to hear about what they plan to do about the drive too!


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Click to expand...
Oh dear, frustrating.

Off topic but how you finding the A7? My neighbour has just bought one, it's a good looking beast.
 
TYb said:
Oh dear, frustrating.

Off topic but how you finding the A7? My neighbour has just bought one, it's a good looking beast.
Click to expand...

Not bad for a big motorway cruiser, not as a daily driver suited to my needs though. Have to agree that they do look good though.

Ignore the parking please, only stopped to take a picture

3228f8998c2a8720c6800d946f80868b.jpg



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BarryG79 said:
Well apparently there is some some "mesh grill" behind the engine that needs replaced. Had been sprayed with oil from original leak (clearly not cleaned properly!) and has started dripping when engine gets hot. Part not in until tomorrow so got an A7 3.0 BE overnight. Still to hear about what they plan to do about the drive too!


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Click to expand...

The part never arrived this morning, but will hopefully arrive today. However it's not a 2 minute job, service said that the servo needs to come out. But the driver who dropped me at work said it's an engine drop job!! Don't look like I will be getting the S3 back today then. They needed the A7 back, but plan to drop another car off later. Told them I expect something good, no A1 or Q2 etc (no disrespect to anyone) given that it will be over the weekend.


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BarryG79 said:
Not bad for a big motorway cruiser, not as a daily driver suited to my needs though. Have to agree that they do look good though.

Ignore the parking please, only stopped to take a picture

3228f8998c2a8720c6800d946f80868b.jpg



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Click to expand...
I like that, shame those wheels aren't an option on the S3.
 
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I guess beauty is in the eye and all that but I hate the look of those A7, big odious looking things if you ask me :)
 
My brother had one as a loaner when his TT went in to have its wheels refurbished. Double glazed windows and all!

The looks of them don't do it for me either though, I'll agree with you on that @Pickle1970

GLQFz2z.jpg
 
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Yeah I don't like them much either, the interior is very dated compared to modern Audi's aswell.
 
Back in the A7 for the weekend, as the part hadn't arrived by 5:30 tonight. Tried to fob me off with a Q2 or A3 saloon, unfortunately the aftersales managers S5 SB has been sold or I could of had that.

Turns out it's the silver lining to the rear of the engine bay along with foam sound proofing that's being replaced. Servo needs removed from bulkhead and engine may need dropped to allow fitting. Only worry is that instruction are in German and for LHD

Once mine is fixed they plan to see me right including sorting out the drive. For the time being I can take the family out for a meal to value of £200. So hats off to them for that, just need to negotiate an R8 for a few days and maybe a track day


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BarryG79 said:
Back in the A7 for the weekend, as the part hadn't arrived by 5:30 tonight. Tried to fob me off with a Q2 or A3 saloon, unfortunately the aftersales managers S5 SB has been sold or I could of had that.

Turns out it's the silver lining to the rear of the engine bay along with foam sound proofing that's being replaced. Servo needs removed from bulkhead and engine may need dropped to allow fitting. Only worry is that instruction are in German and for LHD

Once mine is fixed they plan to see me right including sorting out the drive. For the time being I can take the family out for a meal to value of £200. So hats off to them for that, just need to negotiate an R8 for a few days and maybe a track day


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I'm glad you're being looked after and it seems the dealer is on top of it, the A7 is a nice car.. make the most of the magic carpet ride :D
 
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BarryG79 said:
Back in the A7 for the weekend, as the part hadn't arrived by 5:30 tonight. Tried to fob me off with a Q2 or A3 saloon, unfortunately the aftersales managers S5 SB has been sold or I could of had that.

Turns out it's the silver lining to the rear of the engine bay along with foam sound proofing that's being replaced. Servo needs removed from bulkhead and engine may need dropped to allow fitting. Only worry is that instruction are in German and for LHD

Once mine is fixed they plan to see me right including sorting out the drive. For the time being I can take the family out for a meal to value of £200. So hats off to them for that, just need to negotiate an R8 for a few days and maybe a track day


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Got car back on Tuesday and all seems fine, car was delivered to work with the tank topped up. Was expecting a call to discuss my drive and goodwill but have heard nothing. Been really busy with work so not had a chance to chase them up, will need to get on to them next week.


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