I completely agree and that is absolutely the line they will stick to. It's low blow though given that the failure occurrs even at stock power so the assembly of the box is clearly not fit for purpose and in reality mapping the engine and or box is not the issue, it's not like gear wear or clutch slip is occurring due to increased strain, it's bolts coming loose on a cover.
Recall - issued 02/09/2022
- Thread starter The_Ironist
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I'm following the thread and I'm thinking about what happened with my car at the dealership..
I bought it as Audi Approved in February 2023. It has had a recall done as a part of the "meticulous" Pre delivery inspection. You mentioned that they realized your car has been mapped and would not fall under warranty.
I am 99% sure my car has been mapped by previous owner, but they still put the car on Audi Approved Warranty during the sale.
What would have happened if the gearbox failed in this situation??
Update: I asked the dealer for the Diagnostic report. It shows the issue I had in March, but also another gearbox fault occurred when the car had done around 8k miles in early 2022. The fault was with the gear that ultimately caused the second fault ! The car was serviced by the same dealer last June - no mention of any fault then. When I said to the dealer that they should have seen this when the car was serviced, they said ‘they don’t routinely plug in for diagnostics when the car is serviced, only when there is a report of a problem’. Bonkers !!! The reason for posting this is that it may be worth your while asking Audi to plug in for diagnostics when you next visit them, and ask to see the report ! Might help avoid a problem later.
Something else that just occurred to me is that whilst Audi seemingly won't honour a repair, if required, based on the findings of the updated firmware. Surely there is no reason why they can't put the firmware on regardless? Whilst this will overwrite any custom tuning on the gear box it at least lets the owner know if there is a potential fault at that point and also will flag an issue should it arise later on.
Requires hours of labour to install and test, who’s gonna pay for that?
Also the flash counter won’t match so the mothership probably won’t let it update at all.
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ODIS (Offboard Diagnostic System)
They are talking rubbish. They The official VW group service tool used to complete a service by default performs a full diagnostic scan and details faults etc before a tech can even try to reset a service light.
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An update like this is performed via entering a campaign code in to the official VW group service tool, which then goes away and prepares to completed any required steps, 1 of which is to extract all software versions, coding etc from the car and compare the “actual” state to the “Specified” state logged in the cloud. 9 times out of 10 if something is different then the process / campaign will fail and the update procedure will be aborted.
34L4 recall AUDI A3 2.0 Turbo 190 hp - I have just received more information about the procedure.
The software update is to identify the problematic serial numbers, the recall is for all 2017 and 2018 cars in Mexico.
Step 1: Software update to identify serial number, the panel will send a transmission error message even with everything ok.
Step 2: visual inspection of the high pressure pump screw, this screw is loosening inside the transmission. Then it can be correctly positioned, partially displaced or in the worst case loose inside the transmission.
Step 2.1: if the screw is in place or partially moved it is the replacement of the pump with its respective screws.
Step 2.2 : for screws lost inside the box, full transmission replacement.
34L4 recall AUDI A3 2.0 Turbo 190 hp - I have just received more information about the procedure.
The software update is to identify the problematic serial numbers, the recall is for all 2017 and 2018 cars in Mexico.
Step 1: Software update to identify serial number, the panel will send a transmission error message even with everything ok.
Step 2: visual inspection of the high pressure pump screw, this screw is loosening inside the transmission. Then it can be correctly positioned, partially displaced or in the worst case loose inside the transmission.
Step 2.1: if the screw is in place or partially moved it is the replacement of the pump with its respective screws.
Step 2.2 : for screws lost inside the box, full transmission replacement.
34L4 recall AUDI A3 2.0 Turbo 190 hp - I have just received more information about the procedure.
The software update is to identify the problematic serial numbers, the recall is for all 2017 and 2018 cars in Mexico.
Step 1: Software update to identify serial number, the panel will send a transmission error message even with everything ok.
Step 2: visual inspection of the high pressure pump screw, this screw is loosening inside the transmission. Then it can be correctly positioned, partially displaced or in the worst case loose inside the transmission.
Step 2.1: if the screw is in place or partially moved it is the replacement of the pump with its respective screws.
Step 2.2 : for screws lost inside the box, full transmission replacement.
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Hi folks, I have a 2017 S3 Saloon Black edition , I would much rather just get a new gear box for this recall rather than splitting boxes and replacing parts, to me it’s never the same after doing internal work like this. Does anyone on here deal with DUNDEE AUDI??, just wondered what there take on it before I take mine in, are they replacing the pump or replacing the whole gearbox . Thanks very much folks
It depends on what is wrong, if anything.
If a fault is highlighted the box will be removed and checked to see if the aux pump securing bolt threads in the casing are damaged. If they aren’t damaged a new pump will be fitted, if they are damaged a new box will be refitted.
So my 2017 S3 has been at Bridgend Audi since March 15th for the dreaded recall. Expecting that the software update would be completed and no further action would be needed, as is the case for majority of the recalls, unfortunately that wasn’t the case. 2 replacement pump kits, a bearing of some sort, new clutch packs and still problems.
Audi Germany are now involved as they stated that these problems and faults have never happened before which i find hard to believe. Bridgend Audi have now been instructed to install a new gearbox and mechatronics unit but still no date when i will have my car back.
My S3 went there with no faults or causes for concern, now the car won’t go into any gear other than 2nd and to top it off I visited Bridgend Audi on my way home from work to see my car in the car park. As soon as I seen the front end something looked of, so I asked has any of the front end been removed to do any of the work and they said no. So I asked for the keys and on further inspection I noticed the headlight was completely out of alignment and then realised it was completely loose. I then got confronted by a manager who I’ve never dealt with before who’s way of communication was shouting, screaming and pointing his sausage fingers in my face without letting me get a word in edgeways.
Sorry all for the rant.
Audi Germany are now involved as they stated that these problems and faults have never happened before which i find hard to believe. Bridgend Audi have now been instructed to install a new gearbox and mechatronics unit but still no date when i will have my car back.
My S3 went there with no faults or causes for concern, now the car won’t go into any gear other than 2nd and to top it off I visited Bridgend Audi on my way home from work to see my car in the car park. As soon as I seen the front end something looked of, so I asked has any of the front end been removed to do any of the work and they said no. So I asked for the keys and on further inspection I noticed the headlight was completely out of alignment and then realised it was completely loose. I then got confronted by a manager who I’ve never dealt with before who’s way of communication was shouting, screaming and pointing his sausage fingers in my face without letting me get a word in edgeways.
Sorry all for the rant.
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Hi folks, can anyone check for me please if my car/gearbox is on this recall , I have done a check on a site but not showing up, my car is an S3 Saloon Black Edition 2017, registered June 17, my reg is L6 OGS, many thanks people
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Try calling your local dealer or Audi cs.
I have a 2018 and when I called Perth Audi last year they said it wasn’t part of the campaign but not to say it won’t be. Mine is going on for a service/warranty work next month so they can deal with it then. I also have the extended warranty so if it blows up it’s their problem.
I have a 2018 and when I called Perth Audi last year they said it wasn’t part of the campaign but not to say it won’t be. Mine is going on for a service/warranty work next month so they can deal with it then. I also have the extended warranty so if it blows up it’s their problem.
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Thanks for that, I also have the Warranty on my car( Audi all in) which expires August 2024 but I would hate for it to go bang after next August due to the same problem and I have to fit the bill for it, I suppose you are the same. Thing is the software update is to detect the problem coming on, it does not actually fix the fault. For me it should be the fault that’s being sorted not just something to detect the fault 
From what someone posted on here, as part of the software update it runs a series of tests, stress test on pump I think, and if it fails these tests then it’s strip box and fix problem or replace box.Thanks for that, I also have the Warranty on my car( Audi all in) which expires August 2024 but I would hate for it to go bang after next August due to the same problem and I have to fit the bill for it, I suppose you are the same. Thing is the software update is to detect the problem coming on, it does not actually fix the fault. For me it should be the fault that’s being sorted not just something to detect the fault
Just in case its any use to anyone, I had this update November last year - didn't get an error and didn't notice any change in performance
Last week the gearbox malfunction code came up, went into audi this week and they are putting in a new gearbox by the end of the week no questions asked.
Seems like its just a matter of time if you're unlucky enough to have a bad box, but at least the error gives you chance to get it sorted before it explodes. Good to know they will resolve it even after 8ish months since the update.
Mine got the error at 47k miles, but was still working perfectly fine in every other way
Last week the gearbox malfunction code came up, went into audi this week and they are putting in a new gearbox by the end of the week no questions asked.
Seems like its just a matter of time if you're unlucky enough to have a bad box, but at least the error gives you chance to get it sorted before it explodes. Good to know they will resolve it even after 8ish months since the update.
Mine got the error at 47k miles, but was still working perfectly fine in every other way
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What Audi dealership do you use just as a matter of interest ?, that’s great you are getting it done with no hassle. Free new stuff is always good , does that come with a new clutch and things aswell ??
My 2017 S3 Black Edition 3dr went in for a service in Jan 2023 with 51k miles on and that when I was made aware of the update. They did the update and it threw up some errors, 1 week later they had the box out and determined it needed a new one, not just a new mechatronic unit. Had to wait 2 months for them to get a new gearbox and it was returned to me with a bent headlight level sensor bracket (nearside front suspension had been off to get at gearbox...). Dealer came to collect to rectify the issue the next day.
Communication was poor throughout and then had all the hassle of it being returned to me in a worse state than when I took it in.
Also worth stating that I did not notice any reduced performance from the gearbox before it was replaced. I have noticed it now occasionally holds on to gears too long but not often enough to really bug me. I hope no one else has to go through wait and hassle I did, but at least it's done under warranty.
Communication was poor throughout and then had all the hassle of it being returned to me in a worse state than when I took it in.
Also worth stating that I did not notice any reduced performance from the gearbox before it was replaced. I have noticed it now occasionally holds on to gears too long but not often enough to really bug me. I hope no one else has to go through wait and hassle I did, but at least it's done under warranty.
Has anyone with a 2018 pre gpf car had this update? I took delivery of mine around august 2018 so build date must be between march and June.
not heard a squeak from Audi or the dealers that mine needs the update. I’m the first and only owner and full Audi service history.
not heard a squeak from Audi or the dealers that mine needs the update. I’m the first and only owner and full Audi service history.
Call your local dealer, I never got notification but asked them and they said it fell under the service bulletin. Mine is from Sept 2017 but is classed as MY18 for some reason.
I can't see them knowing about the issue and making part revisions on the newer cars without a recall/bulletin for the cars with the faulty parts at the same sort of time. It would cost them more in the long run but, who knows what they're thinking?!
Mine was first registered in January 2018, I checked with my local Audi dealer just after this update became public knowledge and they said mine wasn't included in the recall, it was also serviced late last year when i checked again and got the same answer. I guess there must have been a change in manufacturing / revision late 2017 (unless they're doing the recall in stages due to lack of availability of new parts..)
@AIS3BE - mine is the same age as yours (within a couple of build weeks).
In today for Service and mine not part the the recall.
Mine is going to dealers in 2 weeks for service and mot. See what they say then. I don’t have a problem with the recall I just don’t want the gearbox blowing up on me when I’m out in the car. It will blow up in the most inconvenient time like heading on holiday.
Agreed. Having seen the affected pump vs revised housing design (which seems much more robust) I’d go for ‘engineered out’ vs timebomb & replaced. A couple of dealers I have spoken to have all seen examples from early warning to catastrophic failure. Candid at first but get into the details and campaign number they are a bit more open and as a customer I do appreciate that vs marketing firewall BS.
With this, and the late MY18s without OPF/GPF but still having both direct injection & indirect port injection as well as getting the warranty move from Google Earth to Here satellite overlays, these seem to be even more goldilocks cars than previously thought.
Shame the legit map updates beyond 3 years are ~500 GBP vs download for MY19 and later. Yes - have seen the separate MMI hack thread.
Edit: did you get your oil smoke puff on start-up sorted?
With this, and the late MY18s without OPF/GPF but still having both direct injection & indirect port injection as well as getting the warranty move from Google Earth to Here satellite overlays, these seem to be even more goldilocks cars than previously thought.
Shame the legit map updates beyond 3 years are ~500 GBP vs download for MY19 and later. Yes - have seen the separate MMI hack thread.
Edit: did you get your oil smoke puff on start-up sorted?
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Thanks to everyone who posted on this thread - you saved me £7K! Gearbox warning messages, car wouldn't drive, recovered to a DSG specialist who told me there was a hole in the gearbox and would need replacing. On the verge of giving them the ok when I found this thread.
Contacted local Audi dealer who confirmed that the software fix was required and laughed when they said bring it in! Had to move the car to them so they could inspect and report back to Audi UK. But Audi UK agreed to replace under warranty even though car had done 50K miles.
Great result, thanks everyone!
Contacted local Audi dealer who confirmed that the software fix was required and laughed when they said bring it in! Had to move the car to them so they could inspect and report back to Audi UK. But Audi UK agreed to replace under warranty even though car had done 50K miles.
Great result, thanks everyone!
Nope. That’s another thing they are checking when it’s in. Last year they said they couldn’t find a problem and had gas analyser on it saying it wasn’t burning oil or too rich. Sent them a bunch of videos and they said they will look at it.
Hi all, those of you with remapped cars, what have you done about this recall; has anyone had repairs honoured with mods or if you ended up doing it and had no errors appear?
Though my car is listed for recall, it shows no symptoms/codes etc. but is mapped. I'm not sure if the dealer would even honour anything if a failure were present. Not sure what to do....
Though my car is listed for recall, it shows no symptoms/codes etc. but is mapped. I'm not sure if the dealer would even honour anything if a failure were present. Not sure what to do....
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The recall is to detect whether your box has a loosening bolt on an internal auxiliary oil pump, which could lead to a bolt dropping out and being ejected through the gearbox casing. New software will detect a drop in the pressure. I think if your gearbox has been mapped they may not do it, but if they do it, it will over write the map you’ve had installed.
If only your engine has been mapped there shouldn’t be an issue.
Unfortunately in my case, car is ECU + TCU tuned! So I believe it would be detected & wiped.
It’s your choice, you could ask Audi if they would do it and tell them it’s been mapped, if they agree to doing it, ask whoever mapped it if they would reinstall the map after it’s been done, they might refuse to do it in which case the decision is made.
I doubt you would get the update.
when they connect your car to the mothership the flash counter wouldn’t be same as the mothership and it will most likely stop and not apply the update at this point. Your car will also get a td1 flag.
dealers I don’t think has any control over this.
Just the risk of tuning your car. any recalls and updates you wont get. Like if you changed your steering wheel and there was a recall, would you still expect them to deal with it?
Probably wouldn’t worry about it as it didn’t seem that widespread that folks gearboxes are blowing up.
Hi ! For those wondering, my car is mapped ECU and TCU ! Went to audi and got the update done ! They don’t touch ecu, just tcu !
But do not expect the recall to be taken under warranty !
I went to a dsg specialist to get the pump replaced !
I advised you to stop using your car if the error pop up after the update!
But do not expect the recall to be taken under warranty !
I went to a dsg specialist to get the pump replaced !
I advised you to stop using your car if the error pop up after the update!
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As the recall is due to a manufacturing fault and not due to having it mapped I think it is wrong for them to refuse to correct this for free as they are doing for others.
