1.9 tdi auto box problem.

[scotty33]

Hi

a mate has a problem with 2004 tdi Auto, there is a lot of 'judder' as he describes it when accelerating away from standstill.

an independent gearbox specialist diagnosed a new ECU and gearbox refurb as being necessary.
advice from Audi suggested a possible problem with plates in the 'clutch', a redesign sees 7 plates used now instead of the 6 originally used.
the car has done 80k and so he's told, g box oil should be changed religiously every 40k.
All I know about autos is that low oil level, or degraded oil can cause issues. He has no history of the oil being done at either 40k or 80k.
it is giving a fault code of

18151 - Clutch Slip Monitoring: Signal too large

Does anybody know if it would be worthwhile changing the gearbox oil, or is it likely to be a failed 'clutch'
Is it likely to be the ECU as well?

I don't even know how to check the gearbox oil level, is there a dipstick on these? Any advice appreciated:confused:

[danclyon]

Hi

a mate has a problem with 2004 tdi Auto, there is a lot of 'judder' as he describes it when accelerating away from standstill.

an independent gearbox specialist diagnosed a new ECU and gearbox refurb as being necessary.
advice from Audi suggested a possible problem with plates in the 'clutch', a redesign sees 7 plates used now instead of the 6 originally used.
the car has done 80k and so he's told, g box oil should be changed religiously every 40k.
All I know about autos is that low oil level, or degraded oil can cause issues. He has no history of the oil being done at either 40k or 80k.
it is giving a fault code of

18151 - Clutch Slip Monitoring: Signal too large

Does anybody know if it would be worthwhile changing the gearbox oil, or is it likely to be a failed 'clutch'
Is it likely to be the ECU as well?

I don't even know how to check the gearbox oil level, is there a dipstick on these? Any advice appreciated:confused:

It's a Multitronic then :)

The ECU would show as faulty, and another give-away would be inverted symbols on the gear position indicator in DIS - if that's not there and there are no other problems, it's probably just a knackered clutch-pack. The judder on pull away would normally be this - so replacement time. Expect no change from a grand at the main dealer.
Also, if it hasn't been changed since the 40k mark, get the Multitronic fluid change done asap - about £155 at the main dealer.

Cheers,
Dan.

[scotty33]

Thanks I appreciate the help!

I saw another post with similar issues: http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=116509
You suggest that after repairs the ECU is likely to fail, is this your experience? can you explain, I don't understand why a mechanical issue would kill the ECU. can the ECU be repaired? e.g. BBA rema?

[danclyon]

Thanks I appreciate the help!

I saw another post with similar issues: http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=116509
You suggest that after repairs the ECU is likely to fail, is this your experience? can you explain, I don't understand why a mechanical issue would kill the ECU. can the ECU be repaired? e.g. BBA rema?

There's 3 problems with this gearbox.

1. Clutch pack - if you have 6-plate - expect judder. If you have a worn 7-plate, it's also going to happen - just take longer.
2. Hydraulics - when they start to go, they are shot.
3. ECU - buried in the gearbox oil - it picks-up swarf and other stuff from the gearbox - and the connectors are on the rear and the seal for the connections can leak.

Typically, one or more happens and the others just follow as an added bonus. For instance, mine was juddering, they started on the hydraulics (£1800) didn't fix it - then changed the clutch pack (£1400) and it was fine for 2 weeks - at which point it started just losing drive totally - suggested to be the ECU - cue WHOLE replacement gearbox.....but mine was under warranty so it didn't matter.

The ECU can be repaired by the likes of BBA if you can be off the road for that long - I couldn't.....

I love my Multi - don't get me wrong - but they are expensive to live with. If your clutch-pack/hydraulics work sorts it then great.....but personally based on what I've been through - I'd just swap the whole thing now and save the pain of gradually swapping bits later....

D.

[scotty33]

Thanks mate, will pass this info on he can decide what to do.
I think I see a nice spec A4 with rear quarter damage going on E bay soon...:beerchug: