Audi A4 Transmission Sensor Causing Limp Mode Issues

Had a similar transmission repair done on my 2009 Audi A6, also with a gasoline engine. I have some experience working on cars, mainly basic maintenance, but transmission issues are beyond my skill level. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I experienced, gear shifting problems, warning lights, and the dreaded limp mode. After scanning, my workshop found the gearbox oil level was critically low, which caused the temperature sensor to give faulty readings. The automatic transmission was struggling due to insufficient lubrication. The fix involved a complete transmission fluid change, filter replacement, and system diagnosis. Total cost was 365 Euro, which included parts and labor. The grinding noise and jerky shifts disappeared completely after the repair. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: Current mileage on your A4, When was the last transmission service done, Is the transmission fluid dark or does it have a burnt smell, Are the issues worse when the engine is cold or hot, Any leaks visible under the car Proper diagnosis is crucial as overheating problems can damage the transmission if left unchecked. These automatic transmission issues often start small but can escalate quickly if not addressed.

Current mileage is 166251 KM. Thanks for sharing your experience with a similar transmission issue. The transmission warning symptoms you mentioned match mine closely. Your point about checking the transmission fluid level first makes sense before jumping to expensive repairs. I checked underneath but found no visible leaks. The issues seem worse when the car is cold, especially during the first gear shifts of the day. Last transmission service was done 35000 KM ago, so it might indeed be time for fresh fluid and a filter change. If the gearbox sensor is giving false readings due to low fluid, that would explain the erratic gear shifting behavior. Will get it checked at a workshop and update with the results. Hopefully its just a fluid issue like in your case rather than a major transmission repair.

Thanks for the follow-up information. Your symptoms showing up mainly when cold, combined with the service interval, strongly suggest we are dealing with a similar transmission fluid issue like I had. My transmission troubles cleared up completely after the fluid service, but I learned its best to change transmission oil every 30000 KM in these models rather than waiting longer. The transmission sensor readings become unreliable when fluid degrades or runs low. At 35000 KM since the last service, the automatic transmission is likely operating with deteriorated fluid. The grinding during cold shifts matches my experience exactly, the old fluid gets more viscous when cold, causing those harsh gear changes until it warms up. Quick tip from my repair: have the workshop do a transmission fluid analysis when they change it. In my case, this revealed metal particles that helped identify early wear before it became serious. The complete transmission repair with fluid analysis cost slightly more but was worth the peace of mind. Please update once you get it serviced. Based on the matching symptoms and service history, I expect you will see similar positive results with fresh transmission oil and filter.

The gear shifting problems you described match my situation perfectly. After reading about your experience with transmission fluid issues, I feel more confident about my next steps. Since my car shows similar symptoms with cold starts and irregular gear changes, I will schedule the transmission service this week. The automatic transmission probably needs fresh fluid and a new filter after 35000 KM of use. Your suggestion about getting the transmission fluid analyzed is valuable. If the transmission sensor is acting up due to degraded fluid, this could reveal any developing issues before they become serious problems. Will book an appointment for a complete transmission service including fluid analysis. The 365 Euro cost estimate gives me a good reference point. Really hoping its just a fluid-related issue affecting the transmission sensor readings rather than internal damage. Will update the thread once I get the results from the workshop. Thanks for sharing such detailed information about your similar repair experience, it helps narrow down the likely causes of these transmission warning symptoms.