A5 Transmission Warning: Grinding, Slipping & Limp Mode

Had the same transmission issues with my A4 2012 2.0T last winter. The symptoms matched exactly, grinding during shifts, transmission warning light, and limp mode activation. Initially suspected a faulty transmission sensor like you, but the actual problem was more basic, critically low transmission oil level. The automatic transmission was losing fluid through a small leak at the pan gasket. The transmission repair involved: Complete transmission fluid flush, New transmission filter, New pan gasket replacement, Transmission sensor recalibration, Clearing transmission control module codes It was a serious issue that required immediate attention, running an automatic transmission with low fluid can cause permanent internal damage. The grinding noise typically indicates the transmission components arent getting proper lubrication. After the repair, all transmission issues disappeared completely, smooth shifting resumed and no more warning lights. Regular transmission maintenance since then has prevented any recurrence. Would recommend getting it diagnosed properly at a transmission specialist rather than a general mechanic. They can properly diagnose whether its just a sensor issue or an actual fluid leak causing the problems.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Really glad your transmission issues got resolved with fluid replacement and basic maintenance. Dealing with something very similar on my A5 right now, the gear shifting problems are quite concerning. Did the transmission sensor recalibration hold up well after the repair? My gearbox sensor readings still seem inconsistent even after visiting a shop last month. Just wondering if you remember roughly how much the full repair ended up costing you? And have you had any other transmission-related problems since the fix? Currently debating whether to try another mechanic or go straight to the dealer for proper diagnosis of these temperature sensor issues.

After getting the faulty transmission oil temperature sensor fixed at my new mechanic last month, the transmission has been working flawlessly. The repair bill came to 365 Euro, which included addressing the low gearbox oil level that was causing the gear shifting problems. The sensor recalibration has held up perfectly, no more inconsistent readings or warning lights. The mechanic explained that the combination of the faulty sensor and low fluid level was causing the transmission control module to receive incorrect temperature data, leading to those concerning grinding noises during shifts. Since fixing both issues, gear shifting has been smooth with zero overheating problems. I would definitely recommend finding a qualified transmission specialist rather than continuing with general repairs. A proper diagnosis of temperature sensor issues is crucial for preventing long-term transmission damage. No additional transmission repair has been needed in the months since. Regular fluid level checks have become part of my maintenance routine to catch any potential issues early.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses. I finally got the car checked at a specialized transmission shop last week. Turns out I had both a faulty gearbox sensor and low transmission oil, similar to what others experienced. The mechanic found the automatic transmission was struggling due to incorrect temperature readings from the bad sensor. Total repair came to 420 Euro including: New transmission oil temperature sensor, Complete transmission fluid change, Computer diagnostic reset, Labor costs The grinding noise and gear slipping completely stopped after the repair. Shifting is now perfectly smooth with no warning lights. The shop did a great job explaining the overheating problems were mainly caused by the sensor sending wrong signals to the transmission control unit. Really glad I switched to a transmission specialist instead of going back to my old mechanic. Their proper diagnosis saved me from potentially bigger transmission issues down the road. The car has been running great for the past week. Will definitely keep up with regular transmission maintenance from now on.