Gearbox Malfunction Audi A6 – Why Does My A6 Show This to Me?

Did you just receive a gearbox malfunction message on your Audi A6? You are not alone. This is a common error that can pop up anytime. Whether or not you should be scared about this issue depends on numerous factors, which we will explain further below.

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

Understanding the Audi A6 Automatic Gearbox

Gone are the years when the gearbox needed to prove its strength. Although manual gearboxes still rely on the power of the clutch, meshing gear, and other components, the Audi A6 automatic gearbox fuses the mechanical component and an electronic system. The electronic system is responsible for automatically selecting the most appropriate gear for a specific driving need. 

However, how each automatic Audi A6 gearbox performs depends on its type. There are two types of gearboxes on the Audi A6. These automatic gearboxes are the classic and double-clutch. 

Among these, the classic automatic gearbox is the best at managing gear changes, while the double-clutch automatic gearbox is effective but much less durable. 

All these gearboxes have a common feature: an interconnected electronic system responsible for notifying you when there is a malfunction in your Audi A6.

What are the signs of a gearbox malfunction in my Audi A6?

The first sign of the Gearbox malfunction is that the malfunction notification message appears and disappears intermittently on your dashboard at different times. There is also a quick RED warning that immediately follows the malfunction alert. 

You may also observe the vehicle stuttering while the RED caution light is on.

Clear signs that your Audi A6 gearbox is malfunctioning besides the warning indicator are shaking, jerking, or grinding. During a gear change, you may also experience delay, slippage, or shaking. Manual transmissions are more likely to grind when the gearbox malfunctions.

How to understand Audi A6 Gearbox Malfunction messages: A detailed guide

• "Gearbox overheating! Please come to a stop!"

If the gearbox is overheating, it may be compromised. There are numerous potential causes for overheated transmissions. For a proper investigation, you must gather the following information: operating temperatures, ambient temperatures, and OEM-specified lubricant specifications, such as viscosity grade, to ensure that the gearbox is running within the OEM recommendations.

Action

Stop the car and let the transmission cool while the engine is idling and the selection lever is in Park. The first consideration is if the used lubricant is of the proper type and viscosity. A lack of lubricant viscosity could be a possible cause of overheating if it occurs.

Next, you must evaluate whether the lubricant is degrading and oxidizing. Does the oil smell? An oil analysis will help determine whether the grease is oxidizing and impairing its function. If this is the case, the lubricant's oxidation must be investigated. This could result from operating conditions, climatic conditions, lubricant selection, or a combination of these variables.

Due to their greater viscosity index, synthetic lubricants provide superior thermal and oxidation resistance and improved viscosity-temperature behavior. Mineral oil may exacerbate the overheating problem is not surprising. However, it is unlikely to be the sole or core cause. 

Do not continue driving if the warning bulb is illuminated and the message remains on your dashboard. Consult a specialist for assistance.

• "Gearbox malfunction: continue driving."

A "gearbox malfunction: continue driving" sign is likely caused by an electrical fault. If it is an electrical issue and the warning light is out, there won't be any codes stored for a diagnosis. But, check your fluid levels to ensure you can continue driving. If all is well, then go on your trip. 

Also, after checking the transmission fluid, check the multipoint connector cable plug and socket on the transmission for signs of corrosion/water contamination.

Action

Drive to a qualified repair shop immediately and have the problem fixed. 

• "Gearbox malfunction: Continue driving in D until the engine stop."

This message means that the electronic diagnostics system in your car found a bad problem with the transmission and it assumes that after you stop the engine, the vehicle won't be able to move anymore. The best decision is to head directly to the repair shop.

Action

Trying to repair your transmission by yourself is a bad option in this case. Just head to a mechanic who can provide a solid investigation of the problem and repair the unit.

• "Gearbox overheating: Adjust driving style."

This error message might be indicative of a gearbox malfunction. You may have to adjust your driving technique should your gearbox also start overheating. In the latter case, it is clear that your Audi A6 has been driven aggressively, causing the transmission temperature to rise substantially. 

Action

Continue driving at a reasonable amount of speed. Avoid driving hard until the temperature returns to normal and the indicator light turns off. If the indicator light goes out, you can return to everyday driving. 

• "Gearbox malfunction: you can continue driving (limited functionality)"

This is a clear signal that there is a serious malfunction in your Audi A6 gearbox. In this circumstance, the transmission will transition to its backup program and will only be able to change into specific gears, or it may be incapable of shifting. The engine could die. A primary cause of this issue could be a broken or dirty gear selector sensor causing the console's gear position LEDs to light up simultaneously.

Another cause could be the computer plug underneath the vehicle by the gearbox. 

Action

Drive immediately to a qualified repair facility and have the problem fixed. If it is a faulty plug, it may need to be removed, cleaned, or replaced. 

What Causes Audi A6 Gearbox to Malfunction?

A gearbox failure can result in a complete machinery breakdown, costing money for repair and lost productivity.

Here are some of the most common forms of gearbox failure:

• 34.4% - Inadequate lubrication
• 19.6% - Contamination
• 17.7% - Installation errors
• 6.9% - Overload
• 2.8% - Handling errors

The major factors that cause a gearbox to malfunction include insufficient lubrication, which is brought on by underfilling the lubricant or using improper or wrong specifications. Other factors that cause gearbox failure include particulate contamination.

Underfilling the gear lubricant can hasten component failure and wear rates. The gearbox needs the oil's cooling effect, which mitigates the effects of metal-to-metal contact.

In water contamination, the lubricating abilities of the oil are effectively lost when it becomes contaminated with water, which can result in oil foaming. Condensation or broken seals permitting water infiltration are two possible causes of water in oil.

Particulate contamination may result from using contaminated oil, failing to close a filling plug, wear, or failure particles inside the gearbox. This is not, however, the only sign of problems within the gearbox itself; these particles can accelerate and hasten component wear and breakdown.

6.8% of component failures are due to overloaded components failing due to exceeding load, speed, or temperature design limits. Overloaded components cause 6.8% of failures, particularly exceeding design limits for load, speed, or temperature. The greater the overload proportionately shortens component life.

When your vehicle carries overload, it will begin to give you some signs like noise and vibration, elevated temperatures, metallic chip debris, and decreased equipment performance.

Improper handling and installation are brought as a consequence of component failure. This is true, particularly for bearings, whose cages are vulnerable to improper handling, setting up, or removing. It is also applied to misaligned shafts, which can result in bearing or gear failure.

Common Audi A6 Gearbox Problems and Why They Occur

• Weak Acceleration and Poor Throttle Response

You may sometimes experience a little delay in your car's acceleration after changing/shifting gears while driving. Should you notice that the RPM rises after shifting, but the car's speed barely climbs, you have a problem that warrants attention. As such, you need professional assistance.

• Fluid Spilt Under the Car

Another common gearbox problem is lubricant leakage. Your transmission fluid will drop incessantly under your parked automobile when this occurs. If you suspect a leakage, check underneath your parked automobile for a bright orange liquid-the color of gear fluid. 

• Grinding Sound During Gear Shifts and Car Trembles

Ideally, your car shouldn't shake or grind when driven. A faulty component in your gearbox often triggers this occurrence. Primary causes are insufficient lubricant, malfunctioning clutch, wrongly adjusted binding, or faulty transmission linkage. These factors cause a grinding sound or sensation during gear shifts, and the car may tremble visibly.

• Gears Slipping

Slipping gears usually happen when a transmission has already put over 150,000 miles on itself. A slipping clutch, damaged transmission bands, low or burnt transmission fluid, and broken shift solenoids are all possible causes. 

• Burning Smell

A problem you may also face with your Audi A6 gearbox is a burning smell. Note that you are exposed to danger if you detect any burning odor from your car. If you perceive it from your car's gearbox and experience faulty or sluggish gear shifts, your gearbox needs an expert look. The primary cause of this issue is low or burnt transmission fluid.

How to Reset Your Audi A6 Gearbox Transmission

Resetting your Audi A6 gearbox can eliminate minor transmission issues. Here are the required steps:

1. Push down the accelerator pedal until it touches the floor, and then turn the key in the ignition, but do not start the automobile.
2. Wait approximately 30 seconds, then turn off the vehicle while keeping the accelerator pedal still and removing the key. 
3. Remove the accelerator pedal, start the engine, and drive the car.

Essentially, this reset will make your gearbox smoother if it has no severe issues. You can also attempt this process multiple times.

Conclusion

The first sign of gearbox malfunction is that the malfunction notification message appears and disappears intermittently. This is often accompanied by other signals. Our guide goes through the various warning signals on your Audi A6 and what to do in each circumstance. 

We have also reviewed the plausible causes of transmission problems and provided insight on resetting your A6 transmission. Although the Audi A6 gearbox is not problematic, these challenges do occur. As such, it pays to know what to do.