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A1 Trans Warning: Bad Temperature Sensor Symptoms

My A1 automatic transmission has been acting up lately with some concerning symptoms. The transmission warning light came on, followed by rough gear shifting and grinding noises during gear changes. The gearbox seems to have gone into limp mode. After some research, I suspect the transmission oil temperature sensor might be faulty, but I need confirmation. Has anyone dealt with similar transmission problems and had them fixed? Im particularly interested in knowing if replacing the temperature sensor solved these issues, what other components were checked, and how much the repair typically costs. Any insights on the diagnostic process would be helpful too, as Id like to understand what Im dealing with before heading to a workshop.

4 comment(s)

Having faced similar transmission issues with my A3 from 2018, I can relate to your concerns. With some experience working on VAG cars, let me share my experience. The symptoms you describe match what happened to my car. The transmission warning light, rough gear shifting and limp mode typically point to low transmission oil levels, which was exactly my problem. A workshop inspection revealed the transmission oil level was significantly low, causing the temperature sensor to send faulty readings. The repair involved: Complete transmission oil level check, System diagnostic scan, Transmission oil refill, Sensor functionality verification, Test drive to confirm proper gear shifting Total cost was 365 Euro including parts and labor. However, to provide more specific guidance, could you share: Your A1 build year, Current mileage, Type of transmission (S-tronic/DSG or regular automatic), How long youve noticed these transmission issues, Any recent maintenance history This information would help determine if your case matches my experience or might need different attention. While low transmission oil was the culprit in my case, similar symptoms can stem from other transmission issues. Getting a proper diagnosis is crucial before proceeding with repairs.

Thanks for sharing your detailed experience. Just had my latest service 2 months ago at 108478 KM. Checking my service records, we never specifically addressed transmission oil maintenance. After reading about similar transmission issues online, I suspect this might be the root cause since regular gear shifting has become increasingly difficult. The temperature sensor warnings started appearing shortly after the last service, so I wonder if the transmission oil level check should have been part of regular maintenance. Would it make sense to first check the transmission oil level and sensor before considering more extensive repairs?

Thanks for the additional details about your service history. Your situation sounds even more similar to what I experienced with my A3, especially since transmission oil maintenance wasnt specifically addressed during regular services. The transmission oil level should indeed be checked during major services, but its sometimes overlooked. In my case, the transmission oil sensor started giving false readings because the oil level had dropped below the minimum. This caused erratic gear shifting and eventually triggered the warning lights. Based on my experience, absolutely start with checking the transmission oil level and sensor. Its the most logical and cost-effective first step. When my transmission issues appeared, I initially feared major transmission repair costs, but the solution was relatively straightforward. A proper transmission oil level check and refill resolved: Inconsistent gear shifting, Warning light illumination, Sensor malfunction alerts, Grinding noises during shifts The complete check including transmission oil top-up cost me 365 Euro, which was far better than a major transmission repair. Make sure to use the correct specification transmission oil, as using the wrong type can cause similar symptoms. If these checks dont resolve the issue, then exploring other potential transmission issues would be the next step. But given your symptoms match my experience so closely, Id be optimistic about a simpler solution.

Thank you all for the input. After considering the feedback and checking my warranty coverage, I decided to book an appointment at a workshop next week for a transmission oil level check and sensor diagnosis. The 365 Euro cost estimate seems reasonable compared to what a full transmission repair might cost. The connection between transmission oil levels and sensor readings makes sense, especially since we never specifically addressed transmission maintenance. Hopefully, a proper oil level check and possible sensor replacement will resolve the gear shifting issues and warning lights, just like it did in similar cases. Will update once I get the diagnostic results and know exactly what needs fixing. Really hoping its just the transmission oil level or sensor rather than a more serious transmission repair job. Question before I go: should I avoid driving the car until the appointment, or is it safe to use it sparingly while in limp mode?

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