Audi “Transmission Malfunction: You Can Continue Driving” – Your Actions

Audi cars are pretty much always durable and enjoyable on the road. But when they are broken, you should get ready to some spendings. If you see "Transmission Malfunction" message in your Audi car, be careful. You should read the message and find our if you can or can't continue driving.

Gearbox Malfunction message highlights

  • Common reasons:clutch in DCTs, low fluid level, low 12V battery glitch
  • How to fix:replace/recharge battery, add transmission fluid, replace the clutch kit (in DCT)
  • Possible consequences:fatal transmission damage, car completely immobilized
  • Priority level:High
  • Can you drive?No
  • DIY repair:Impossible
  • Repair price range:$150-$5000

 

Transmission malfunction you can continue driving audi

Which Models of Audi Transmissions are Prone to This Fault?

  • 2010-2014 Audi A7
  • 2010-2014 Audi S4
  • 2010-2014 Audi S5
  • 2010-2014 Audi S6
  • 2010-2014 Audi S7
  • 2010-2014 Audi RS5
  • 2011-2014 Audi A6
  • 2011-2014 Audi A4
  • Audi Q5
  • Audi Q7
  • Audi TT

What does "Audi Transmission Malfunction 'You Can Continue Driving'" mean?

When you see this message on the Audi dashboard, it means that the transmission is not working at its optimal level, meaning that you might experience certain driving issues.

These issues may include longer shifting times, rough gear changes, and a delay when accelerating. The transmission control unit (TCU) is the computer that controls the transmission system. From time to time, the TCU will run a self-diagnostic system to make sure that everything is working properly. If there is a transmission issue, you will get an "Audi Transmission Malfunction" message. The message can have different meanings, depending on when your car is telling you about the transmission problems.

What Causes This Error?

There can be many things that cause the transmission to malfunction. The most common causes are:

  • Overheating
  • Low fluid level
  • Low transmission fluid pressure
  • Faulty transmission solenoid

When Does This Error Occur?

Most Audi users complain that this error occurs when:

  • Trying to speed up from a stop
  • While merging on the highway
  • When driving uphill
  • Changing gears at low speeds

How Long Can You Drive With This Error on Your Dash?

In most cases, you'll be able to continue driving without any issues. It's best to pull over and stop driving until the issue is fixed. However, it's important to pay attention to the messages on the dashboard and take the appropriate actions.

How to Respond When Your Audi Transmission Malfunctions?

When you see the message 'You Can Continue Driving' on your car's dashboard, don't panic, it means that there's a problem with your transmission. If you continue driving, your transmission will have a higher chance of breaking down.

Audi has issued two fixes for this problem:

  1. Software updates: If your car is displaying strange behavior, such as jerking or the gear shifting being slow or delayed, you will likely need a software update to fix the issue.
  2. Hardware recall: If your car's transmission malfunctions and is labeled with "Transmission Malfunction" on Audi's website, you should go to your local dealership for a free diagnosis and repair as soon as possible.

Here's what you need to do:

  1. Check the message on the dashboard. The message will tell you what's happening and whether or not you can continue driving.
  2. If the message says that you can continue driving, do so carefully. Avoid sudden starts or stops, and take care when shifting gears.
  3. If the message says that you cannot continue driving, pull over as soon as possible and turn off the engine. Do not attempt to restart the engine until the problem has been fixed by a qualified technician.

Taking Your Audi to the Mechanic

If your Audi is experiencing transmission problems, you may be wondering whether you can continue driving or not. In general, it is safe to continue driving if the transmission malfunction message appears on the dashboard and the car is still able to move forward and backward.

However, if that's not the case we recommend you try to find a safe place to pull over and turn off your car. Then, call a tow truck or a qualified technician to come and help you. Do not attempt to drive your car if it is experiencing transmission problems, as this could make the situation worse and put you and others at risk, and may end up costing you more in repairs.

Many people just go to a transmission repair shop and get it repaired at a reasonable price but what you need to do is go to a trustworthy mechanic shop that knows how to diagnose the problem.

How much is it to Repair, Rebuild, or Replace an Audi Automatic Transmission?

When it comes to restoring your transmission to a decent functioning state, there are three different possibilities, repair, rebuild and replace. Make sure the best option is picked for your specific problem.

Note: Your car's transmission could still be covered by warranty if it's only a few years old or if it was just recently replaced. See your car dealer first for further information.

  • Audi Transmission Repair

The complexity of a transmission repair depends on whether mechanical and electrical engineering is combined. It is a more affordable technique for fixing a damaged gearbox. In-car adjustments, resealing work, and the restoration of specific gearbox components without a complete rebuild are all included. When the transmission damage is serious, this isn't always the recommended course of action. For the most expensive repairs, a remanufactured transmission is more than $3,400.

  • Audi Transmission Rebuild

In most situations, a transmission rebuild is a fantastic alternative. This indicates that you are simply replacing the defective components. You are repairing certain parts, just like a replacement, but not in a factory setting. To get this done, you should go to a highly reputed repair shop.

Because it is not produced at a factory level, the cost might be lower. Additionally, it is frequently understood that having it done in a factory setting does not mean that every component is brand-new from the manufacturer. In simple terms, be sure you have a knowledgeable mechanic doing each stage of the procedure. If you are rebuilding your transmission it will cost you $1500 to $3000+.

  • Audi Transmission Replacement

The most expensive alternative for repairing your transmission is a replacement. If the transmission is too damaged to even imagine a rebuild, this is a possibility. Your primary consideration when purchasing a transmission replacement shouldn't be price. Long-term savings can be achieved by buying a new transmission from a dealer.

The transmission is done in a factory setup when you replace it, so keep that in mind. Depending on your main objective and how badly your transmission failed, this might have a favorable effect. If you are replacing your transmission, it will cost you $5000 or more, depending on the model and year of the vehicle.

  • Labor Charges

When labor charges are added to the total cost of the transmission repair for your car, the cost can increase by up to $2,000, even if they aren't usually included in the first quotation. Make sure to get a thorough breakdown when you receive a pricing quotation. Although certain car transmission repair tasks may appear easy, they often require labor and time to remove the transmission from the car to complete them.

How to Prevent the Audi Transmission from Malfunctioning?

Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to help prevent transmission problems in your Audi.

  • Check your transmission fluid regularly: The transmission fluid lubricates and cools the transmission system. If the transmission fluid is low or if it has low quality, it won't be able to do its job. Make sure to check your transmission fluid level regularly.
  • Change your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles: If your transmission fluid is old and low quality, it can cause your transmission to overheat and fail. The effective solution is to change the fluid. Many mechanics recommend that you change the fluid every 30,000 miles.
  • Clean your transmission: There might be some dirt build-up in the transmission system. Check the transmission fluid path, and clean it if needed.
  • Have your Audi serviced regularly by a qualified technician: This will help ensure that your transmission is in good working order and catch any potential problems before they become serious.

Conclusion

If you own an Audi with an automatic transmission, it's important to be aware of a potential malfunction that could occur. While the company has issued a recall for the affected vehicles, they have also said that "you can continue driving" them in the meantime.

However, given the potential safety hazards associated with this issue, we believe it's best to err on the side of caution and get your vehicle checked out as soon as possible. You should also know which option to choose. We hope this article has helped to shed some light on the situation and we encourage you to stay safe on the road.

C
CarAraC Research

About the authors

The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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