Recall - issued 02/09/2022

[alpesh26]

Is anyones gearbox holding onto first for longer since this update? Twice now, mine has hung onto 1st at slow speed, usually it cant get into 2nd quick enough! It holds 1st for around 3-4s which doesn't sound long but revs quite a bit. I thought it was wheel spin because of the ice but no traction control light came on.

It might not be related but this is the only thing thats changed recently

 

[apple12]

Hi,

i have read about this issue on the FB, and the guy has a solution - , reset the adaptations of the gearbox.

Please report back if it is ok after resetting.

 

[The_Ironist]

Is anyones gearbox holding onto first for longer since this update? Twice now, mine has hung onto 1st at slow speed, usually it cant get into 2nd quick enough! It holds 1st for around 3-4s which doesn't sound long but revs quite a bit. I thought it was wheel spin because of the ice but no traction control light came on.

It might not be related but this is the only thing thats changed recently

I think you’re right. As I mentioned I’ve noticed improved launch (not under launch control) since the update and this is probably part of it. It used to try and jump into 2nd too quickly and felt wrong.

 

[alpesh26]

I think you’re right. As I mentioned I’ve noticed improved launch (not under launch control) since the update and this is probably part of it. It used to try and jump into 2nd too quickly and felt wrong.

I'll keep an eye on it but might report it to Audi in any case. I preferred it hitting 2nd quickly because you were moving. Now it feels like its just revving but you're not going anywhere

 

[DrMal]

It feels a bit more "snappy" on initial pull away from stationary and I think it hangs-on to first a bit longer, but to be honest I'm not really focussing on the engine speed enough to make a mental note of when it makes the first transition.

 

[Audi s3 2017]

Bought the car a week ago from a private seller today this error poped up any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[AL_B]

Hi
It’s a very very long time since I’ve posted in this forum. So “hello” if anyone remembers me.
I had this recall update done in late December 22, and it immediately changed the drivability of the car. So much so, I’m back at Audi today to see if it can be reversed. It can’t. And as others have said, it’s been implemented to stop the pump within the gearbox from sheering itself to pieces.
In my experience, the car is very “lumpy” to drive now. Gear changes are not smooth. Clutch feels like it’s being slipped. And a slow speeds, like parking, the engage/disengagement of the clutch feels hesitant. Audi say it’s “adapting” but it’s now been 2 weeks. I’m very disappointed.
I was also advised against ever using the launch control (I rarely used it anyway).
So, thanks Audi for ruining my car.
IMO they should look at replacing the pump, not a software solution.
All the best.
AL

 

[AlS3BE]

Hi
It’s a very very long time since I’ve posted in this forum. So “hello” if anyone remembers me.
I had this recall update done in late December 22, and it immediately changed the drivability of the car. So much so, I’m back at Audi today to see if it can be reversed. It can’t. And as others have said, it’s been implemented to stop the pump within the gearbox from sheering itself to pieces.
In my experience, the car is very “lumpy” to drive now. Gear changes are not smooth. Clutch feels like it’s being slipped. And a slow speeds, like parking, the engage/disengagement of the clutch feels hesitant. Audi say it’s “adapting” but it’s now been 2 weeks. I’m very disappointed.
I was also advised against ever using the launch control (I rarely used it anyway).
So, thanks Audi for ruining my car.
IMO they should look at replacing the pump, not a software solution.
All the best.
AL

Think the software is to detect pump failure so the box doesn’t explode. Cheaper replacing a pump than a new gearbox.

 

[AL_B]

I think the update is more than that tbh. I strongly believe, they’ve limited the performance / torque of the gearbox, to stop pump failures. And save themselves the cost of replacing pumps/gearboxes.

 

[AlS3BE]

I think the update is more than that tbh. I strongly believe, they’ve limited the performance / torque of the gearbox, to stop pump failures. And save themselves the cost of replacing pumps/gearboxes.

Most car affected would be out of warranty anyway so if it does explode we are on our own.
only way to tell is dyno before and after update.

 

[Audi s3 2017]

Most car affected would be out of warranty anyway so if it does explode we are on our own.
only way to tell is dyno before and after update.

How much does it cost get it fixed not from the dealers obviously

 

[AlS3BE]

How much does it cost get it fixed not from the dealers obviously

new dsg box doubt you will see much change from £10k

 

[Audi s3 2017]

***

new dsg box doubt you will see much change from £10k

 

[stubbly46]

I think the update is more than that tbh. I strongly believe, they’ve limited the performance / torque of the gearbox, to stop pump failures. And save themselves the cost of replacing pumps/gearboxes.

The pump failures are caused by a loosening of a pump fixing bolt. If it drops out it is likely to end up coming through the casing. If it is caught in time they can replace the pump. There have been reports of the securing threads being damaged in the housing requiring a new box.
I for one was happy to have my box updated and nothing was found to be wrong. I believe my car drives better now than it did before.

 

[Audi s3 2017]

The pump failures are caused by a loosening of a pump fixing bolt. If it drops out it is likely to end up coming through the casing. If it is caught in time they can replace the pump. There have been reports of the securing threads being damaged in the housing requiring a new box.
I for one was happy to have my box updated and nothing was found to be wrong. I believe my car drives better now than it did before.

What really brake is the part inside the gearbox as shown as the OGC.325.577.E or F

 

[AL_B]

@stubbly46
Sadly, my car drives completely different now. And not better at all.
The engagement/disengagement of the clutch is just not right. Especially at crawling speeds.
Setting off quickly (without launch control) is slow/hesitant, until the clutch engages properly.
Maybe the dealer is right, maybe it needs time to adapt.
I took the car out earlier for some stop/start driving and some brisk starts (non launch) on a quiet road. In the hope the car will learn that biting point of the clutch. Will just have to see how it goes.

Having done this bit of testing, I will correct myself from earlier. I don’t think there is a reduction in performance. Well not once the clutch is fully engaged.

Has anyone dared to test the launch-control since the update?

 

[stubbly46]

@stubbly46
Sadly, my car drives completely different now. And not better at all.
The engagement/disengagement of the clutch is just not right. Especially at crawling speeds.
Setting off quickly (without launch control) is slow/hesitant, until the clutch engages properly.
Maybe the dealer is right, maybe it needs time to adapt.
I took the car out earlier for some stop/start driving and some brisk starts (non launch) on a quiet road. In the hope the car will learn that biting point of the clutch. Will just have to see how it goes.

Having done this bit of testing, I will correct myself from earlier. I don’t think there is a reduction in performance. Well not once the clutch is fully engaged.

Has anyone dared to test the launch-control since the update?

My car has never been launched and I have no intention of starting now.
I kept changing drive modes after the software change just so it would hopefully learn adaptations in all modes. It can feel snappy in the take up occasionally but I put that down to cold starts in the freezing weather when the oil would have been thicker.

 

[ma2kster]

I'm new here; but have been on the 8P and MK1 TT forums since 2010. My 8V S3 is kind of new to me and it is my first automatic/DSG. It is a 2017, sportback; I bought it at 30K miles, just over a year ago. It has been great so far.
All my previous cars and my 8P and 8N are manuals. Due to being new to automatic/DSG and just finding about the 34L4 campaign, wanted to seek some answers.
- I had turned off Start/Stop upon getting the car (via VCDS, but tweaking the voltage measuring block; so, it has been permanently off). I suspect, before bringing the car in for the appointment, i'd need to restore Start/Stop back to original setting?
- Since i'm not the original owner i never received a campaign invitation letter, but both Audi CS and the dealership confirmed my car is part of the VIN batch and will need to be "software updated". Thanks to this forum/thread, i'm now in full understanding that the so-called "software update" is actually adding a diagnostic capability to the TCU and there is 50% chance a TCU fault code may follow as a result of this procedure... In that case, the car will likely remain at the dealer for weeks (awaiting transmission removal and inspection and/or a new replacement transmission). I was wondering if it would be possible to disable Start/Stop and keep using the car while they source a transmission? I mean, the software update wont change anything mechanically; and what's the harm in driving it with the fault code on, but Start/Stop disabled?
Does anyone have the campaign letter to share? I wanted to see if they described a timeframe or deadline to get the campaign completed?

any insight would be much appreciated,
Matt

 

[stubbly46]

I'm new here; but have been on the 8P and MK1 TT forums since 2010. My 8V S3 is kind of new to me and it is my first automatic/DSG. It is a 2017, sportback; I bought it at 30K miles, just over a year ago. It has been great so far.
All my previous cars and my 8P and 8N are manuals. Due to being new to automatic/DSG and just finding about the 34L4 campaign, wanted to seek some answers.
- I had turned off Start/Stop upon getting the car (via VCDS, but tweaking the voltage measuring block; so, it has been permanently off). I suspect, before bringing the car in for the appointment, i'd need to restore Start/Stop back to original setting?
- Since i'm not the original owner i never received a campaign invitation letter, but both Audi CS and the dealership confirmed my car is part of the VIN batch and will need to be "software updated". Thanks to this forum/thread, i'm now in full understanding that the so-called "software update" is actually adding a diagnostic capability to the TCU and there is 50% chance a TCU fault code may follow as a result of this procedure... In that case, the car will likely remain at the dealer for weeks (awaiting transmission removal and inspection and/or a new replacement transmission). I was wondering if it would be possible to disable Start/Stop and keep using the car while they source a transmission? I mean, the software update wont change anything mechanically; and what's the harm in driving it with the fault code on, but Start/Stop disabled?
Does anyone have the campaign letter to share? I wanted to see if they described a timeframe or deadline to get the campaign completed?

any insight would be much appreciated,
Matt

Congratulations on reading the thread and getting a good understanding of the campaign check
I would think that if your car shows a fault that they wouldn’t want you to take it away as if the bolt drops out of the pump it could be ejected through the casing. Their hope is to catch it before this happens so they can replace only the pump. The loose bolts can also damage the threads of the fixings which necessitate the replacement of the gearbox.
They would need to strip the box to determine their course of action dependant on damage.
I reinstated the start stop on mine before taking it in to be on the safe side, I didn’t want to chance having to pay for anything.
I found more details on the Golf R forum in the early days of this campaign.
Good luck with yours

 

[s3mad_dude]

I had a letter come through the post a few days ago. It was from the Audi dealer I take the car to for servicing. I am the second owner and the car was not originally supplied by the dealer that wrote the letter, but the dealerships are part of the same franchise “group”. It’s a very basic recall notice. There is no information about what it or what the fix entails but it’s referred to simply as “a product enhancement,” and to arrange a booking when possible as it’s not safety related.

I haven’t booked my vehicle in yet. My car is stage 1 remapped and my start/stop has been disabled by a third party cheat device that sits behind the climate control unit. I will simply hand in my car exactly as is. My vehicle is not under any warranty but it does have a service plan.

 

[ma2kster]

I had a letter come through the post a few days ago. It was from the Audi dealer I take the car to for servicing. I am the second owner and the car was not originally supplied by the dealer that wrote the letter, but the dealerships are part of the same franchise “group”. It’s a very basic recall notice. There is no information about what it or what the fix entails but it’s referred to simply as “a product enhancement,” and to arrange a booking when possible as it’s not safety related.

I haven’t booked my vehicle in yet. My car is stage 1 remapped and my start/stop has been disabled by a third party cheat device that sits behind the climate control unit. I will simply hand in my car exactly as is. My vehicle is not under any warranty but it does have a service plan.

Thank you.
In an effort to obtain my letter/campaign invitation, i reached out to Audi UK, but they said all letters were mailed out and they won't be able to process mine separately. I guess that's reasonable and understandable. I have also received a follow up email from Audi UK, per below.
If anyone finds this thread at a future date, i just want to highlight that neither the communication i had with the Audi UK office, nor the Service Advisor i spoke to at the dealership cautioned/informed me of the consequences. On paper/on the surface, 34L4 sounds like just a harmless "software update". But, thanks to this forum and above posts, i now have a different perspective. I'm still going to get the campaign performed on the car, but prepared myself mentally that it maybe weeks of waiting and things may not button up perfectly after a major transmission out type work. Because had i gotten burnt before with dealership losing hardware or over/under torqueing components and under/overfill situations with the fluids, i'm hoping we don't go down the gearbox replacement path, but will report back on my experience.

Dear Mr. xxxxxxxxxx
Thank you for your recent contact to Audi UK Customer Services.

Following our conversation on the phone, you requested for a summary of the current service campaign 34L4 on your vehicle.

Service campaign: 34L4
Start date: 2022-09-02
Designation: S-Software update for gearbox control unit
Remedy: A software update of the gearbox control unit must be carried out on the vehicles affected. Then the ignition must be switched off and then on again and a short road test must be performed

Unfortunately, we don't have access to copy letters or letters sent out for service campaigns or recalls.

Also, I can remind that your service campaign can be seen on your service history after it has been actioned.

 

[DrMal]

I'm new here; but have been on the 8P and MK1 TT forums since 2010. My 8V S3 is kind of new to me and it is my first automatic/DSG. It is a 2017, sportback; I bought it at 30K miles, just over a year ago. It has been great so far.
All my previous cars and my 8P and 8N are manuals. Due to being new to automatic/DSG and just finding about the 34L4 campaign, wanted to seek some answers.
- I had turned off Start/Stop upon getting the car (via VCDS, but tweaking the voltage measuring block; so, it has been permanently off). I suspect, before bringing the car in for the appointment, i'd need to restore Start/Stop back to original setting?
- Since i'm not the original owner i never received a campaign invitation letter, but both Audi CS and the dealership confirmed my car is part of the VIN batch and will need to be "software updated". Thanks to this forum/thread, i'm now in full understanding that the so-called "software update" is actually adding a diagnostic capability to the TCU and there is 50% chance a TCU fault code may follow as a result of this procedure... In that case, the car will likely remain at the dealer for weeks (awaiting transmission removal and inspection and/or a new replacement transmission). I was wondering if it would be possible to disable Start/Stop and keep using the car while they source a transmission? I mean, the software update wont change anything mechanically; and what's the harm in driving it with the fault code on, but Start/Stop disabled?
Does anyone have the campaign letter to share? I wanted to see if they described a timeframe or deadline to get the campaign completed?

any insight would be much appreciated,
Matt

I think Start/Stop being enabled/disabled isn't relevant to the service campaign 34L4 update, it wouldn't make any difference as to whether there's a catastrophic gearbox failure in progress. I never received a service campaign letter and I'm the original owner, it was only when I booked the car in for a service at Perth Audi that they informed me about it. I've previously worked in automotive powertrain but even with a helpful service manager and my existing knowledge I can't really find out what exactly this additional software strategy is measuring as a means to try to detect a bolt working loose. If the code detects this failure in progress, I doubt turning off start/stop will prevent the bolt coming out.

If my car flags this up, being outside my original warranty I'm not taking any chances, I'll stop the car and get it towed to an Audi main dealer. It's far too expensive a repair for me to want to take the risk.

Since the update my gearbox is definitely giving a harsher ride. Moving-off and gearchanges at low speed are much more jerky. I've done about 1000 miles since the update (mixture of motorway, city and countryside driving) and there's no sign that it's adapted or re-learnt at all.

 

[VeteranRich]

Most car affected would be out of warranty anyway so if it does explode we are on our own.
only way to tell is dyno before and after update.

I had a new gearbox fitted as part of the recall, not on warranty

 

[ma2kster]

Since the update my gearbox is definitely giving a harsher ride. Moving-off and gearchanges at low speed are much more jerky. I've done about 1000 miles since the update (mixture of motorway, city and countryside driving) and there's no sign that it's adapted or re-learnt at all.

A new question is forming then... is the harsher ride sensation with the gearbox and and taking to long to adapt/learn only existing with the "updated cars"?
In other words, not an issue with those who end up with a new gearbox fitted?
I'd assume a newly fitted gearbox would still need to go through the adaptation/learn curve, right?
I have my appointment end of next week; will definitely report the outcome, but trying to understand as much as i can.

 

[ma2kster]

I had a new gearbox fitted as part of the recall, not on warranty

I maybe getting paranoid on this stuff now, but trying to learn as much i can before the so-called "software update" appointment;
If a new gearbox is fitted, are you able to tell if it is a new build gearbox or remanufactured? Generally speaking remanufactured Audi/VW parts receive an "X" suffix, following the part number. e.g. 077-903-015-QX.
SKU:077-903-015-QX Other Names:Generator Description: A8, S8. Remanufactured, 4.2L

• SKU:077-903-015-QX
• Other Names:Generator
• Description:
  A8, S8. Remanufactured, 4.2L

Although performed free of charge, i suspect the dealership has to produce paperwork showing part numbers used, supplies and labor. The part number for the gearbox is likely on there.

 

[Jordan1996]

Very useful thread, car is in Audi Belfast today for an MOT check, got a call about doing this upgrade (2017 S3 8V FL). Car has All-In package.

Checked here before giving the go-ahead! Hoping gearbox feels ok after this but worried it won't now! Will update here if there is any interest

 

[VeteranRich]

I maybe getting paranoid on this stuff now, but trying to learn as much i can before the so-called "software update" appointment;
If a new gearbox is fitted, are you able to tell if it is a new build gearbox or remanufactured? Generally speaking remanufactured Audi/VW parts receive an "X" suffix, following the part number. e.g. 077-903-015-QX.
SKU:077-903-015-QX Other Names:Generator Description: A8, S8. Remanufactured, 4.2L

• SKU:077-903-015-QX
• Other Names:Generator
• Description:
  A8, S8. Remanufactured, 4.2L

Although performed free of charge, i suspect the dealership has to produce paperwork showing part numbers used, supplies and labor. The part number for the gearbox is likely on there.

Confirmed new box fitted, drives perfectly, over 1500 miles covered so far

 

[ma2kster]

Confirmed new box fitted, drives perfectly, over 1500 miles covered so far

Did you notice any learning/adaptation on the first few miles of driving with the new gearbox?
I'm asking because I'd expect both the new gearbox and "software updated old gearbox" to behave the same on initial driving cycles.
If others who received a new gearbox could also chime in to help us understand the trend, it would be great.

 

[VeteranRich]

Did you notice any learning/adaptation on the first few miles of driving with the new gearbox?
I'm asking because I'd expect both the new gearbox and "software updated old gearbox" to behave the same on initial driving cycles.
If others who received a new gearbox could also chime in to help us understand the trend, it would be great.

Its really difficult to tell, its fine margins, but it certainly appeared to hold on to lower gears more initially but very soon was spot on for me

 

[dantdi]

Just found out my a3 is up for the recall. Have an 2017 2.0 tdi with DQ250
Going to hold off for while see how people get on.
Was kinda hoping this was for newer dsg boxes not older DQ250.

 

[ma2kster]

The car had the "software update" appointment today. Service advisor brought it back in about 30-40 minutes and reported it had passed their road test too (i.e. no transmission/gearbox code). I asked if they were seeing a lot of these kind of cases/appointments , he said he has done about 10 of them so far and no issues had come up.
About 8 hours later and 148 km driven..., the dash beeped; "gearbox malfunction: you can continue driving in D until engine off"
Disappointing that it didn't happen at the dealer and i have to go back now.
I love my VCDS and thanks to it. i was able to retrieve the following. Looks like our "software update" enabled the gearbox controller with some sort of feedback from the auxiliary hydraulic pump. My theory is that the pump comes lose and won't spin at spec... and feedback is messed up (perhaps someone can better phrase this for us).
Car is at 31K miles and completely stock.
anyways, here is the aftermath Sigh!

VCDS Version: Release 22.10.0 (x64) Running on Windows 10 x64
www.Ross-Tech.com

Address 02: Auto Trans Labels: 0BH-927-711.clb
Control Module Part Number: 0GC 300 012 A HW: 0GC 927 711 G
Component and/or Version: GSG DQ381 H06 1630
Software Coding: 0014
Work Shop Code: WSC 00000 000 00000
ASAM Dataset: EV_TCMDQ381061 001 (AU37)
ROD: EV_TCMDQ381061.rod
VCID: A10A8957B05A68852D-80F4
1 Fault Found:

35494 - Control Circuit for Aux. Trans. Fluid Pump
P0C29 00 [047] - Implausible Signal
Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 0
Fault Frequency: 5
Mileage: 50586 km
Date: 2023.01.26
Time: 20:35:18

Engine RPM: 1061.00 /min
Vehicle speed: 1 km/h
Coolant temperature: 104 °C
Clutch: primary stat: Creeping
selected gear: GANG_1
Driving position: d
Engine torque: 52 Nm
Control Module temperature: 44 °C
Accelerator pedal position: 14.9 %
DTC memory status: 296

 

[ma2kster]

update: after the gearbox "broke down" in 8 hours of receiving the so-called "software update", i called the dealer very first thing this morning. Looks like they don't have an action plan in place and i'm still waiting for an answer. Today is a Friday, and if they didn't offer anything in the next couple of hours, im going to be without a car for the weekend and perhaps even longer...
When i booked the appointment, there was the loaner car available then. Now, after i drove 100 miles away from the dealers location and the issue came up after 8 hours, i'm desperate for a convenient solution they may extend.

 

[ma2kster]

My concerns became reality now. Gearbox rendered itself faulty; only after 8 hours of receiving the so-called "software update" and 100 miles driven.
Now, the dealer is saying the car needs to come back, BUT earliest it can be brought back is in 10 days.
I'm posting this here so that you all have some idea and prepare mentally for the various outcomes.

 

[Honest Mate]

@stubbly46
Sadly, my car drives completely different now. And not better at all.
The engagement/disengagement of the clutch is just not right. Especially at crawling speeds.
Setting off quickly (without launch control) is slow/hesitant, until the clutch engages properly.
Maybe the dealer is right, maybe it needs time to adapt.
I took the car out earlier for some stop/start driving and some brisk starts (non launch) on a quiet road. In the hope the car will learn that biting point of the clutch. Will just have to see how it goes.

Having done this bit of testing, I will correct myself from earlier. I don’t think there is a reduction in performance. Well not once the clutch is fully engaged.

Has anyone dared to test the launch-control since the update?

Hi
I think Audi decided to kind of ''tackle'' aggresive drivers and lunatic ''launch control'' nonsense launchers and prevent to damage car ...
They ''recall'' name may sound funny or might not make sense, but they just want to keep quiet.. Otherwise ppl especially from UK or USA would immediately slap and hang situation on social medias to bash audi or bias..
There are thousands ownres who are deluded and influenced by mighty youtubers, buys the car and straight away they will try ripp it off by ''launch control'' nonsense, whichever idiot invented crazy procedure by braking while accelrating.. You in reality stressing car to the limits engine+trans+brakes, where transmission must deal with massive vibration and stress shaking and making loose of mechanics inside.. I have never ever done this launch control nonsense way. I only was holding brake and released it immediately when pressed accelerate and I was even faster than those who did that nonsense way launch..
People destroying cars and then complaining it is Audi's fault that is the problem..
Social media is dangerous with copying
In your case if you been launching your car often or you've been harsh driver, of course it is gonna behave differently ...

 

[ma2kster]

some more progress update on my situation:
- A week ago, the software update was flashed into the car. It passed the road test, delivered back to my use, but triggered "gearbox malfunction: you can continue driving in D until engine off" while i was driving it (in 100 miles and within 8 hours)
The excellent VCDS scanner/tool then allowed me to read the details/DTC as "35494 - Control Circuit for Aux. Trans. Fluid Pump".
BTW, I'm a fan of Ross Tech./VCDS not only for building robust products, but also for excellent customer service. Highly recommend this; best money i had spent on my 20 year long Audi ownership with various models.
- Due to busy workshop/dealer, car had to be parked and wait for a follow up appointment. I immediately called the dealer seeing message "gearbox malfunction: you can continue driving in D until engine off"; they had said to avoid driving it it and requested i get it towed back to the shop.
I found a tow/recovery company and got it back to the dealer, at my own dime.
- Dealer called now, and said they need to order an auxiliary transmission fluid pump and will remove transmission; will be followed by tear down and replacement of the pump.
I'm not looking forward to my car getting pulled apart like that, but there seems no other option...
- They didn't offer to drain the oil; investigate for metal shavings (as opposed to what i saw here on earlier postings ). They made it sound like the definite next step is a tear down and pump replacement...
I'm wondering what happens if the transmission is opened up for the replacement, but is found to be far gone? i asked, but they are unable to comment...
I maybe able get into a loaner car next week. Due to this situation, i'm definitely carless a full work week and 2 weekends in a row. And then, there is a tear down and uncertain wait period for sourcing parts and actual work to be carried.
Sharing my experience in the hopes that it may help others plan for this unpleasant situation.

 

[dantdi]

Just found out my a3 is up for the recall. Have an 2017 2.0 tdi with DQ250
Going to hold off for while see how people get on.
Was kinda hoping this was for newer dsg boxes not older DQ250.

OK, im wrong about mine. Just got email form audi information about recall on my a3.

Good morning,

Further on from our phone call, here is the information you requested for the recall due on the Audi A3.

It is a software update for the engine control, as there is a possible chance that it may not detect diesel particulate filter (dpf). The diagnostic error relating to the diesel particulate filter will be corrected and a correction value for the warm-up phase relating to the NOx storage catalytic converter will be implemented in the software. This allows for the continuous ageing process of the NOx storage catalytic converter and stabilises emissions that occur even as a result of thermal ageing.

 

[ma2kster]

While I'm awaiting for the dealer to attempt the repair, i found some workshop study materials and also refreshed my memory on Audi/VW gearbox build codes. the DQ381 is no different... there are various iterations of it; each designated with a 3-letter code.
I checked my PR code sticker and FWIW, mine is an "SKX" code.
2017 S3 with DQ381 SKX
I'll know in a few days; they have the car on schedule for the upcoming week for removal and tear down of the gearbox . At that point, it will either be a pump replacement and refitting of the same gearbox or a new gearbox to be ordered (weeks of wait time i guess...)

and below is the offending part...

 

[DrMal]

The car had the "software update" appointment today. Service advisor brought it back in about 30-40 minutes and reported it had passed their road test too (i.e. no transmission/gearbox code). I asked if they were seeing a lot of these kind of cases/appointments , he said he has done about 10 of them so far and no issues had come up.
About 8 hours later and 148 km driven..., the dash beeped; "gearbox malfunction: you can continue driving in D until engine off"
Disappointing that it didn't happen at the dealer and i have to go back now.
I love my VCDS and thanks to it. i was able to retrieve the following. Looks like our "software update" enabled the gearbox controller with some sort of feedback from the auxiliary hydraulic pump. My theory is that the pump comes lose and won't spin at spec... and feedback is messed up (perhaps someone can better phrase this for us).
Car is at 31K miles and completely stock.
anyways, here is the aftermath Sigh!

VCDS Version: Release 22.10.0 (x64) Running on Windows 10 x64
www.Ross-Tech.com

Address 02: Auto Trans Labels: 0BH-927-711.clb
Control Module Part Number: 0GC 300 012 A HW: 0GC 927 711 G
Component and/or Version: GSG DQ381 H06 1630
Software Coding: 0014
Work Shop Code: WSC 00000 000 00000
ASAM Dataset: EV_TCMDQ381061 001 (AU37)
ROD: EV_TCMDQ381061.rod
VCID: A10A8957B05A68852D-80F4
1 Fault Found:

35494 - Control Circuit for Aux. Trans. Fluid Pump
P0C29 00 [047] - Implausible Signal
Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 0
Fault Frequency: 5
Mileage: 50586 km
Date: 2023.01.26
Time: 20:35:18

Engine RPM: 1061.00 /min
Vehicle speed: 1 km/h
Coolant temperature: 104 °C
Clutch: primary stat: Creeping
selected gear: GANG_1
Driving position: d
Engine torque: 52 Nm
Control Module temperature: 44 °C
Accelerator pedal position: 14.9 %
DTC memory status: 296

When I worked in Powertrain I didn't go near the transmission end of things, but in essence implausible signals normally mean something such as a signal is out of plausible range (i.e. there's no possible way in normal circumstances that the signal could be *that* far out of tolerance) or there are multiple signals coming back from a transducer/set of transducers/system and one of them doesn't correlate with the others. Without knowing what that particular fault code relates to in terms of the software strategies, it's anybody's guess. My guess was that the pump is working loose and hydraulic fluid is leaking somewhere and pressure is lower than normal tolerances.

 

[ma2kster]

When I worked in Powertrain I didn't go near the transmission end of things, but in essence implausible signals normally mean something such as a signal is out of plausible range (i.e. there's no possible way in normal circumstances that the signal could be *that* far out of tolerance) or there are multiple signals coming back from a transducer/set of transducers/system and one of them doesn't correlate with the others. Without knowing what that particular fault code relates to in terms of the software strategies, it's anybody's guess. My guess was that the pump is working loose and hydraulic fluid is leaking somewhere and pressure is lower than normal tolerances.

Thanks. That explains a lot and helps me connect the dots.
While i wait for the gearbox to be repaired, i had the opportunity to see the guts of it. Not my image, but see below; there is a metal cap on the auxiliary fluid pump, cap held down by four small bolts. In my case, the three screws had fallen off, final screw holding by a mere thread or two for its dear life! it appeared the cap was wobbly and would have come off if the last bolt unscrewed one more turn... I suspect at that point, the cap falls off and gears fall out too; most likely catastrophic results come at that point.
It is probable that with a wobbly cap, the pump can't hold desired pressure or work to design specification. Maybe that's how they are able to sense an impending mechanical failure by means of this so-called "software update"

The pump in question in a DQ 381 SKX seems to be "-E"
I also came across a "-F" pump video showing a much beafy cover/cap. link below.

 

[k9s3]

is audi footing the bill for cars out of warranty ,paid 27k for a car two years ago not happy