Audi A3 Transmission: Torque Converter Lockup Warning

I dealt with a very similar converter fault on my 2012 Audi A4 2.0T with the automatic gearbox. Having some experience with transmission issues, the symptoms you describe match what I encountered, rough shifting, grinding, and warning lights. My torque converter failure started with engine surge during gear changes, then progressed to the transmission warning light. The automatic gearbox eventually developed a serious clutch problem that required immediate attention. The repair involved replacing the torque converter and some related components. Total cost was 2120 Euro including labor. While expensive, it resolved all symptoms and the transmission has worked flawlessly since. Before proceeding with repairs, could you share: Current mileage, When you last changed transmission fluid, Whether there are any metallic particles in the fluid, If the issue occurs more in specific gears, Whether the car has been regularly serviced This information would help determine if your situation matches what I experienced and if similar repairs might be needed. Getting a proper diagnosis from a transmission specialist is crucial with converter faults, as symptoms can sometimes point to different underlying issues.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My A3 just had its regular service at 95865 KM. The transmission fluid check during service showed no metal particles, but the automatic transmission problems started shortly after. The rough shifting happens mainly when moving from first to second gear, and the torque converter seems to struggle most during slow speed maneuvering. The automatic gearbox warning appears consistently now, not intermittently like before. Based on your repair costs, sounds like I should budget around 2000 Euro for the converter failure fix. Did your shop suggest any preventive transmission work while they had it apart?

Thanks for those additional details. Yes, your symptoms are nearly identical to what I experienced with my A4, especially the first-to-second gear roughness and low-speed converter issues. The timing after a service is also similar. When fixing my automatic gearbox, the shop did recommend several preventive measures while the transmission was opened: Replacing the transmission fluid filter, Installing a new transmission oil pan seal, Updating the transmission control module software, Checking the valve body for wear I opted for all suggested work since the transmission repair was already costly, and adding these items only increased the total by about 380 Euro. The shop explained that addressing these components while accessing the converter fault would prevent potential future issues and save on labor costs versus doing them separately. Since your mileage and symptoms match my situation so closely, I would strongly suggest considering the same preventive work. My transmission repair has held up perfectly for 40000 km now with no signs of engine surge or shifting problems. Keep in mind that delaying repairs once you notice automatic transmission issues can lead to more extensive damage and higher costs. The grinding sounds particularly warrant immediate attention to prevent additional converter failure complications.

Thanks everyone for the detailed feedback. Those preventive steps make a lot of sense, especially while they already have the transmission opened up. I will schedule an appointment with a transmission specialist next week and budget around 2500 Euro to cover both the torque converter replacement and the suggested preventive work. The grinding noise is definitely getting worse during slow speed driving, so I agree about not delaying the repair. Better to fix the automatic transmission properly now than risk more extensive damage. Will make sure to specifically ask about the valve body check and control module update when I bring it in. Just wondering if I should get the lock-up clutch checked while they are in there too since that was mentioned in the error codes. But either way, at least I now have a clear picture of what to expect for the transmission repair process and costs.