CVT Gearbox worries.

[Smifffy]

I've got a 2003 A6 Avant 1.9TDI with the dreaded Multitronic gearbox.

Over the last couple of days my wife has reported that the PRND display has been 'flickering' occasionally, and when I was driving it last night the display started flashing. I pulled over and turned the engine off for 30 seconds, then re-started and everything was OK again. Again today my wife says it flickered for a short time, and then went back to normal. The car isn't showing any other symptoms, and apart from the PRND display everything seems OK.

I've contacted a couple of VAG specialists in my area and they've never come across these symptoms before. They also can't fit me in for a diagnostic check before next Thursday.

I've done a search on the forum and have got fed up and a bit worried reading tales of woe about the CVT 'box.

Is this the beginning of the end for my gearbox? And will I kill it off even quicker by towing a caravan?

Thanks in advance for any advice/opinions.

[a8 tech]

This normal means the multi function switch is faulty,however the multi function switch is part of the control unit and retails at £1000,as the so called vag specialist seems clueless go to Audi for diagnosis (you may find the dealer discounts the diagnostic rate as there are plenty of special offers for older Audi vehicles at present including the free Mot and promotion for servicing costs)and post a fault code for further help.
The dealers are running some great offers at the moment for older vehicles

[Smifffy]

Thanks for that a8 tech.

I've managed to get vag-com connected up and it came up with this.

Address 02: Auto Trans Labels: 01J-927-156.lbl
Part No: 4B1 910 155
Component: V30 01J 1.9l PD RdW 3400
Coding: 00001
Shop #: WSC 00618

2 Faults Found:
17090 - Transmission Range Sensor (F125): Implausible Signal
P0706 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent
17111 - RPM Signal from ECU: No Signal
P0727 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent

please.

[frani]

oh dear my friend. looking at those codes i would say you need a transmission ecu fitting . both the rpm and range sensor are in this unit .
depends where you are, but to supply and fit you'd probably be looking at around £1000 to £1200 bill. sorry to to give the bad news mate. but these box's are a nightmare. and certainly not great for towing a caravan. not anything big anyway

[a8 tech]

gearbox control unit failure £1000 plus 1 hours labour and oil level top up

[Smifffy]

Thanks for the bad news lads. But at least I know now.

I feel a bit guilty about it but I think I'll be getting rid asap.

Back to changing gear for us I think.

[jonnyw]

Hello, what mileage is your 03? I have an 04 2.5tdi CVT, had it about 5wks and think it is great. But a repair bill of a 1000+ scares me. Would that be an audi dealer cost or independant.


Thanks
Jonny

[Smifffy]

Mileage is about 112k. I think it's towing the caravan that's started the problems.

Over the last week or so it's been OK though. The PRND display has only gone out a couple of times, and the gearbox seems to be working OK.

[jonnyw]

Thanks for the reply. I have 75 k on mine so hopefully I should be ok.

[A6_JAck]

For CVT gear box issue I would receomend the company based in Milton Keynes Indi Tech http://www.inde-tech.co.uk/index.html

They replaced the 6 plate for a 7plate and it cost me icluding a major service £ 1300 I think they quoted me £900 for the conversion.

Very nice chaps

Jack