Gearbox Malfunction

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ClaLed

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Hello,

I know there has been multiple posts about the same subject, but I haven't found any that was describing my current issue.

I have a 2016 Audi A3 2.0T. Since the month of October 2019, when I start the car, the engine runs, then the EPC light remains ON, after 1 sec, there is an error message appearing on the dashboard's computer stating: "Gearbox Malfunction: You Can Continue Driving", then SAFE appears at the bottom right, then 1 sec later, the yellow warning triangle appears. But, if I try to engage the transmission, it does not engage and the car is in neutral. I can shift the transmission arm as much as I want with no result. Turning the engine off, removing the key and starting back again works most of the time, except once, where I had to do it 4 times to get the gearbox to engage. No weird sounds, no weird behavior from the transmission, nothing abnormal when the car normally runs.

I went to the dealership (I am still under extended warranty). They scan the error code (which they didn't give me) and came up as a miscommunication with the car key apparently. They got me to stop using my main key and use my second spare key and after a few weeks,, the result was the same. The error came back. Now, they say it is related to the key and want me to order a new key $$$ and pay the time spent so far as the key is not covered by the warranty.

Anyone has ever seen this issue before?
 
Well if you have to pay, then I would want written confirmation that if it doesn’t fix it you won’t have to pay.
If they say it is related to the key, then which one - seeing as how the problem shows with both keys.
 
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RichardT said:
Well if you have to pay, then I would want written confirmation that if it doesn’t fix it you won’t have to pay.
If they say it is related to the key, then which one - seeing as how the problem shows with both keys.
Click to expand...
Well, I have another appointment tomorrow and I will see what the "new" error code will give and hear what excuse they will come up with this time. I hope it will be more definitive this time.
 
pburv said:
Possibly the mechatronic unit is failing?
The A3 8v is not listed on this article but the symptoms sound similar???
https://www.ecutesting.com/common-faults/audi/audi-s-tronic-0b5-gearbox-mechatronic-problem/
Worth mentioning the possibility with the garage?
Click to expand...
Thank you. Actually, while reading this article, I found at the bottom in the comments area that someone asked specifically for A3 8V models and here is the link to the article where they directed the reader to: https://www.ecutesting.com/common-faults/volkswagen/volkswagen-golf-audi-a3-dsg-7-gearbox-problem/
This is useful. I actually mentionne dit to the dealership mechanic this AM and the reply I got is: "Let me look at the problem and make my diagnostic, then I will consider this as a reference if I don't find anything." Quite condescending. But I have been cleared with the garage service manager that I will not pay for "exploration" and "trial and error" until they come up with the logical explanation. The acr is in now, let's see what they come up with.
 
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ClaLed said:
Thank you. Actually, while reading this article, I found at the bottom in the comments area that someone asked specifically for A3 8V models and here is the link to the article where they directed the reader to: https://www.ecutesting.com/common-faults/volkswagen/volkswagen-golf-audi-a3-dsg-7-gearbox-problem/
This is useful. I actually mentionne dit to the dealership mechanic this AM and the reply I got is: "Let me look at the problem and make my diagnostic, then I will consider this as a reference if I don't find anything." Quite condescending. But I have been cleared with the garage service manager that I will not pay for "exploration" and "trial and error" until they come up with the logical explanation. The acr is in now, let's see what they come up with.
Click to expand...
Glad to be of help mate. I hope you get it sorted soon.
 
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ClaLed said:
Thank you. Actually, while reading this article, I found at the bottom in the comments area that someone asked specifically for A3 8V models and here is the link to the article where they directed the reader to: https://www.ecutesting.com/common-faults/volkswagen/volkswagen-golf-audi-a3-dsg-7-gearbox-problem/
This is useful. I actually mentionne dit to the dealership mechanic this AM and the reply I got is: "Let me look at the problem and make my diagnostic, then I will consider this as a reference if I don't find anything." Quite condescending. But I have been cleared with the garage service manager that I will not pay for "exploration" and "trial and error" until they come up with the logical explanation. The acr is in now, let's see what they come up with.
Click to expand...

Well...

Back from the dealership...

Apparently the issue is caused by my remote sarter control unit that has universal code box on it to allow keyless remote start. Apparently the control unit send the wrong information through the Canbus to the car computer and it creates a conflict between my real key and this keyless control box when starting the car manually. It shouldn't as the remote starter should not be sending commands to the car unless remote starting, but apparently this is happening and the computer the car is getting confused on mix signal and put the car in SAFE mode. In this case by deactivating the gearbox.

Now I am unplugging the remote starter control unit and will try this for a few weeks and see if the issue is still there or not. :-(

Time will tell.
 
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ClaLed said:
Well...

Back from the dealership...

Apparently the issue is caused by my remote sarter control unit that has universal code box on it to allow keyless remote start. Apparently the control unit send the wrong information through the Canbus to the car computer and it creates a conflict between my real key and this keyless control box when starting the car manually. It shouldn't as the remote starter should not be sending commands to the car unless remote starting, but apparently this is happening and the computer the car is getting confused on mix signal and put the car in SAFE mode. In this case by deactivating the gearbox.

Now I am unplugging the remote starter control unit and will try this for a few weeks and see if the issue is still there or not. :-(

Time will tell.
Click to expand...
computer-says-no-300x168.jpg
:whistle2:
Glad you are getting to the bottom of the fault.
 
ClaLed said:
Hello,

I know there has been multiple posts about the same subject, but I haven't found any that was describing my current issue.

I have a 2016 Audi A3 2.0T. Since the month of October 2019, when I start the car, the engine runs, then the EPC light remains ON, after 1 sec, there is an error message appearing on the dashboard's computer stating: "Gearbox Malfunction: You Can Continue Driving", then SAFE appears at the bottom right, then 1 sec later, the yellow warning triangle appears. But, if I try to engage the transmission, it does not engage and the car is in neutral. I can shift the transmission arm as much as I want with no result. Turning the engine off, removing the key and starting back again works most of the time, except once, where I had to do it 4 times to get the gearbox to engage. No weird sounds, no weird behavior from the transmission, nothing abnormal when the car normally runs.

I went to the dealership (I am still under extended warranty). They scan the error code (which they didn't give me) and came up as a miscommunication with the car key apparently. They got me to stop using my main key and use my second spare key and after a few weeks,, the result was the same. The error came back. Now, they say it is related to the key and want me to order a new key $$$ and pay the time spent so far as the key is not covered by the warranty.

Anyone has ever seen this issue before?
Click to expand...

If you are still under extended warranty, don't waste your time trying to self diagnose via internet forums.

Take it to the garage and leave it there until it's diagnosed and fixed (assuming the fault is covered by warranty).

That's what your warranty is for, if you mess about with it then you're giving the warranty provider (assuming audi) an excuse to not pay for the repairs.
 
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A1DEYB said:
If you are still under extended warranty, don't waste your time trying to self diagnose via internet forums.

Take it to the garage and leave it there until it's diagnosed and fixed (assuming the fault is covered by warranty).

That's what your warranty is for, if you mess about with it then you're giving the warranty provider (assuming audi) an excuse to not pay for the repairs.
Click to expand...

It is my original intent. Sadly, you have to check for the delaership as they are the one doing the diagnstic, then pitch its repair to Audi to get piad back on the possible repair. If Audi comes to a conclusion it was not covered, the dealership don't get paid. They get very sensitive to what would forbid them from being paid, and since they cannot pressure Audi, they pressure the customer, Me, in such case. This is why I just want to make sure that they don't bull"/$/ me. You guys form the communities are better expert than I am. Your precious feedback and experience help me in getting what I should get from the extended warranty and service from Audi.

At this time, they have stopped everything until I remove the remote starter control unit to make sure they were on Audi stuff all the way. So I did have it disconnected. Now we agreed I would run the car for a month and see if the issue comes back.

If it does, they will have to do their work and cannot pretend it is due to some third-party devices. If it does not, I will have to pay the bill for work done so far and I guess I will have to make the remote starter guy look into his stuff and pay me back for the default.

Time will tell.

Thank you for the feedback.
 
Oh it's not the Audi remote unit for preheating the car, didn't realise it had aftermarket kit fitted, so their request is fair to remove any possible adverse systems causing the problem.
 
HI Claled,

I am meeting the same problem with my S3 8v. Did you fix the issue? What was the problem please?

Thanks in advance for you help.

KM
 
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