Multitronic fault "gearbox malfunction you can continue driving limited functionality "

Daniel-be

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Today after 50km of usual driving I went shopping,but when I came back I got a nasty surprise on the dashboard :

gearbox malfunction you can continue driving limited functionality

I couldn't start the engine - after starting the ignition it was starting to crank to motor but immediately it was cutting off.

The gear lever was stuck in P,I couldn't move it into another position. There was a clicking multiple sound coming from the gear selector area.

Morever, there was a glow plugs warning on the dashboard flashing,as well as the check engine light.
After waiting some time I was able to start the car again. I went for a test drive,no problems at all. After few minutes when I stopped again I had all the warnings back,but this time I could move the gear selector ( with the engine running),the difference was that the car didn't see in which position the selector was - it was asking to put it on P even though it was in P or D/S.

Again I stopped the engine. After 30 min I started the car with no problem this time and I was able to drive to the service 100km on highway with absolutely no problems (I left the car there as they are closed today,so I need to wait until Monday).It was an usual,smooth ride,no power loss,no other problems.

When the error was present on the dashboard and I was able to put a reverse car was jerking at the time of going from P to R. When the error was gone that jerk was gone too.

Car has 140000 km done,always serviced at the dealer and multitronic oil replaced as it should be. Never had any problems with the car,ride is always smooth,without any difference if it's cold or warm,it holds on the hill strongly. Only thing I sometimes observe is a tiny,tiny jerking when driving on R on a parking. But no big thing,not during the changing between P to R or from D to R.

Could it be,that this is a problem with the gear selector sensor? Or maybe brake pedal sensor ( I had it almost the same in my previous A6 C5 multitronic).

Many thanks for help
 
Just wondering if you ever found a solution to your issue?

I'm having a similar problem with my A6. Tiptronic

Thanks

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
 
Not sure what could it be in tiptronic gearbox,in mine multitronic it was the gearbox controller ecu which I needed to replace for a new one.
 
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Thanks mate. Did Audi diagnose that ?

Mine is going in for a service in the next couple of weeks so will ask them to read the fault codes

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
 
Yes indeed they did. It was a typical error code. Anyway I replaced the part in a vag-specialist garage,as dealer wanted to charge me 1000 euro more for replacing the same part. I paid about 2000e in total as I remember,1500e for an gearbox ecu and rest for the gearbox oil and garage work. Although in tiptronic it can be something else. Error codes should tell you more
 
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Hi Guys, I have a similar issue. I have my car 2013 A6 all-road 3.0tdi (270 bhp ? ) about 6 months now and had no issue till Saturday. I was took the wrong turn and had to reverse up an incline (first time) and not a very steep one, more gradual. Anyway it was very slow and then I got a gearbox warning light with no fault recognised and also said limited driving. Eventually i made it up and with in to drive but it would not change out of D1. I switched off the engine and restarted it and all was okay drove home perfectly, didn't try reversing on an incline although it is okay reversing on the flat and in and out of parking spaces. Sorry I don't know if the gearbox is multitronic, tip tronic or s s tronic , Tonight I did a scan and got the following .......

Address 01: Engine (J623-CDUD) Labels:. 059-907-401-V2.clb
Part No SW: 4G0 907 401 Q HW: 4G0 907 401
Component: 3.0TDI EDC17 H40 0002
Revision: 53H40---
Coding: 32254012052609020000
Shop #: WSC 02391 785 00200
ASAM Dataset: EV_ECM30TDI0114G0907401Q 001003
ROD: EV_ECM30TDI0114G0907401Q.rod
VCID: 313EE3CDE1ABE18FCEA-8064
1 Fault Found:
2937 - Please Check Fault Codes in Transmission Control Module
0-7: 161

Readiness: 0 0 0 0 0
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 151666 km
Date: 2019.03.16
Time: 13:34:24
Engine speed: 1702.00 /min
Normed load value: 99.2 %
Vehicle speed: 11 km/h
Coolant temperature: 90 ∞C
Intake air temperature: 23 ∞C
Ambient air pressure: 980 mbar
Voltage terminal 30: 14.540 V
Unlearning counter according OBD: 37
Accelerator pedal travel: 33.92 %
Accelerator pedal: sensor voltage 1: 1822.8 mV
Accelerator pedal: sensor voltage 2: 913.8 mV
Accelerator pedal: switch positions-Bits 0-7: 64
Starter control: Interlock- or P/N-signal-Bits
Limitation: torque: 281.5 Nm
Control Module temperature: 28.9 ∞C
U1026 00 [032] - -
[Transmission control moduleplease read DTC]
Intermittent - Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
--------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------
Address 02: Auto Trans (J217) Labels:| 0B5-927-156.clb
PartNoSW:4G2927156E HW:0B5927156J Component: 0B5 30 TDIRdW H01 0004
Revision: --H01---
Coding: 000001

Shop #: WSC 02311 785 00200
ASAM Dataset: EV_TCMDL501021 001010
ROD: EV_TCMDL501021.rod
VCID: 3038E6C9EAA1E887C14-8064
1 Fault Found:
18051 - Shift Fork 2
P284A 00 [096] - Stuck
Intermittent - Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Reset counter: 37
Mileage: 151666 km
Date: 2019.03.16
Time: 13:34:24
Engine speed: 1221 /min
Transmission input speed: 1221 /min
Transmission output speed: 90 /min
Engine torque: 188 Nm
Transmission fluid temperature: 90 ∞C
Accelerator position: 40.8 %
Clutch status: Kupplung 2 kann Moment ̧bertragen
Unlearning counter according OBD: 37

Cleared the fault codes, ran the scan again and they are gone although I didn't drive the car. Any help would be very much appreciated as I have googled the codes and some of the replies I got are frightening.
Cheers lads.
 
Last edited:
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Hi mate. Mine has been to a Audi who couldn't find a fault then to a gearbox specialist who after diagnostic checks and test drive. Also ZF salesperson drove it they couldn't fault it and days it drives really well.
I paid for a gearbox service, atf oil and filter change and the gear changes are much smoother now. Fingers crossed the fault was just a glitch and won't come back.

I would get yours to a gearbox specialist to read the codes etc. Don't take to Audi as they reset the codes so the gearbox guy couldn't even find them.

Good luck

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
 
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Just an update, I took the car to Audi and they had a specialist techie do a deep scan, after an hour he diagnosed the mactronix. I had it replaced this week and the car is driving perfect since.
 
Similar symptoms to mine.
On 38000 miles.
It happened 3 weeks after a Gearbox Oil change ! Which apparently is quite common.
Independent wanted 4k.
Small gearbox specialist changed the Mechtronics Box for a reconditioned one and fresh oil for £1400
All done in a day with a 12 warranty.
 
2011 A6 S-Tronic 7 Speed 3.0 Quattro (0B5 DL501)

91k on the clock. Gearbox been serviced twice with Audi since new.

I was literally driving to my local dealer yesterday for a routine major service... 'Gearbox Malfunction - you can continue driving' .

After diagnosis , Audi have recommended I replace the Mechatronic Unit at a cost of £2,500 for the part alone.
I dread to think of total labour @ £150 p/h.

This was the first time this has ever flashed up on the dash, and it was Amber, not red.

Would it be safe enough to drive the car home, to an independent transmission specialist . The journey is approx 75 miles.

Many thanks.
 
2011 A6 S-Tronic 7 Speed 3.0 Quattro (0B5 DL501)

91k on the clock. Gearbox been serviced twice with Audi since new.

I was literally driving to my local dealer yesterday for a routine major service... 'Gearbox Malfunction - you can continue driving' .

After diagnosis , Audi have recommended I replace the Mechatronic Unit at a cost of £2,500 for the part alone.
I dread to think of total labour @ £150 p/h.

This was the first time this has ever flashed up on the dash, and it was Amber, not red.

Would it be safe enough to drive the car home, to an independent transmission specialist . The journey is approx 75 miles.

Many thanks.

I should probably add, I was around 20 miles from the dealer when this happened, so I continued to drive. I felt the car lost a bit of torque (guessing this is a safety feature).. But it ran through gears 1-7 perfectly, and reverse..

One thing I did notice was it wouldnt select S Mode by pressing the gear selector downwards as I'd usually do.

Any help very much appreciated
 
I managed to drive 80 miles from when the fault occurred to my house. However the next morning, when cold, it struggled to drive up the recovery truck ramp !
 
I managed to drive 80 miles from when the fault occurred to my house. However the next morning, when cold, it struggled to drive up the recovery truck ramp !

Where did they source a reconditioned mechatronic box pal?
 
No idea !
The place is in Manchester.
I have seen 'Kits' to refurbish these units. Maybe they do their own.
No matter how complex things are, its usually just one part that goes wrong.
The Mechatronic box looks like an array of Solenoids and oil ways.
Do a google ? And there's lots on YouTube.
 
Images
 
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Similar symptoms to mine.
On 38000 miles.
It happened 3 weeks after a Gearbox Oil change ! Which apparently is quite common.
Independent wanted 4k.
Small gearbox specialist changed the Mechtronics Box for a reconditioned one and fresh oil for £1400
All done in a day with a 12 warranty.

Even the contact details of this specialist would be a great help to me... I need some sound advice.


Selector Level Sensor Control Unit
Transmission Control Module
Signal Wire for Gear Display in Selector Level (Implausable signal)
Signal Wire for Gear Display in Selector Level (Electrical Error)
Signal for Tiptronic Electrical Error

This is all my Dealership was able to share via email and advised they'd like to discuss the issue in person with a technician..
 
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C.A.L. Trans Limited.
Manchester
Unit 4
Turner Ind. Est.
Denton.
Manchester
M34 3EG
0161 3201110
Good Luck with it
Mine was £1440 inc. VAT
 
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Just plucked from Google?
A description might have helped the op.
(Water ingress of wiring I'm guessing ).
Everyone's dream cheap fix ?
It would be nice but my money is on the Mechtronic box like 90% of S tronic problems.
 
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Just plucked from Google?
A description might have helped the op.
(Water ingress of wiring I'm guessing ).
Everyone's dream cheap fix ?
It would be nice but my money is on the Mechtronic box like 90% of S tronic problems.

Apologies I posted that half sleeping last night. No those are actual images my Audi Dealer sent me. I'm praying hard it is just water leakage on the wiring - and yeah it would be my dream fix.

Fingers crossed! Car going to independent gearbox specialist on Wed. I just can't afford to have Audi do the work.
 
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I agree Audi are stupidly expensive and no better than the Independents.
New wiring certainly would be the cheap fix. I have heard of this before but not too common.
Best of luck.
 
That actually looks like coolant contamination!
Do a google, I've read about it.
Not too bad to sort out.
 
That actually looks like coolant contamination!
Do a google, I've read about it.
Not too bad to sort out.

That's what it is - your right.. So hopefully not a major a job as initially thought. Will know a lot more next week when I get time off work to take car to the specialist..
 
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Just an update, I took the car to Audi and they had a specialist techie do a deep scan, after an hour he diagnosed the mactronix. I had it replaced this week and the car is driving perfect since.

Just another update, the original fault is back after vcds scan, grrrrr!
 
There are three people with similar problems on this one thread!
Its very difficult to keep up?
I'd go back to Audi with the latest fault after having a new Mechtronics box fitted. That is an expensive non fix !
 
Turns out my leak of coolant/antifreeze made its way down a wiring harness into my Mechatronic unit. So it's been sent to ECUTESTING.COM to be reconditioned.

Will post updates nxt wk when I know more.
 
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Sounds like a good outcome.
Quite rare but it happens.
I wonder what the bill will be ?
I'm guessing £1500 ?
Good Luck.
 
Really not sure Micky - I was thinking around the £1k area.. Just guesswork though.
 
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The dreaded codes after Main Dealer repair. The fault seems worse than before they repaired it. I get gearbox malfunction now if driving and the box goes from D2 to D1.

Address 02: Auto Trans (J217) Labels:| 0B5-927-156.clb
Part No SW: 4G2 927 156 E HW: 0B5 927 156 K
Component: 0B5 30 TDIRdW H07 0009
Revision: --H07---
Coding: 000001
Shop #: WSC 04940 001 00001
ASAM Dataset: EV_TCMDL501021 001025
ROD: EV_TCMDL501021.rod
VCID: 3038E6C9EAA1E887797-8064

2 Faults Found:
18011 - Gear Selector 2
P187B 00 [104] - Engagement not successful
Intermittent - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 12
Reset counter: 40
Mileage: 165981 km
Date: 2019.12.22
Time: 14:40:58

Engine speed: 800 /min
Transmission input speed: 800 /min
Transmission output speed: 0 /min
Engine torque: 20 Nm
Transmission fluid temperature: 87 ∞C
Accelerator position: 0.0 %
Clutch status: Kupplung 2 kann Moment ¸bertragen
Unlearning counter according OBD: 40

18051 - Shift Fork 2
P284A 00 [096] - Stuck
Intermittent - Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 2
Reset counter: 40
Mileage: 164233 km
Date: 2019.11.28
Time: 20:54:44

Engine speed: 812 /min
Transmission input speed: 812 /min
Transmission output speed: 0 /min
Engine torque: 36 Nm
Transmission fluid temperature: 88 ∞C
Accelerator position: 0.0 %
Clutch status: Beide Kupplungen offen
Unlearning counter according OBD: 40

This is what AUDI did the last time,

SnSPIdr.png


SnSPIdr
 
Bull**** Mate.
If its out of warranty take it to an independent gearbox specialist.
 
I got my car back two nights ago, I've done around 100 miles since, with no issues.
ECUtesting didn't have to replace any parts of my mechatronic unit, but it did need a cleaning. Due to the fact I took my car off the road immediately the very first time I got the dreaded gearbox malfunction message on the dash, I must have saved any further damage.

So repair of my wiring harnesses, new coolant pump and lots of lovely new gear oil and I'm back on the road a very happy man!
 
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I got my car back two nights ago, I've done around 100 miles since, with no issues.
ECUtesting didn't have to replace any parts of my mechatronic unit, but it did need a cleaning. Due to the fact I took my car off the road immediately the very first time I got the dreaded gearbox malfunction message on the dash, I must have saved any further damage.

So repair of my wiring harnesses, new coolant pump and lots of lovely new gear oil and I'm back on the road a very happy man!
Nice one.
Great result.
Very Lucky !
Few on here not so !
I'll bet you've ****** QuattroV6tdi off ?