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mariefuchs1

Audi A6 Trans Grinding Points to Failing Torque Converter

Looking for advice on my 2003 Audi A6 (2.4L, 177k km) with transmission issues. The auto transmission is acting up with rough shifts and grinding sounds. Both check engine and transmission lights are on. Had a code read suggesting torque converter failure. Not feeling confident about my local shop after previous repairs. Has anyone dealt with similar symptoms? What was the actual problem and repair cost? Would appreciate honest feedback about repair vs replacement options.

4 comment(s)

karen_davis9

Having experienced similar symptoms on my 2006 Audi A4 2.0T, these signs strongly indicate torque converter failure. The rough shifts and grinding sounds match what I encountered before the transmission completely failed. The auto transmission warning combined with the check engine light is a serious red flag. When my torque converter started failing, it began with engine surge issues during gear changes, then progressed to harsh engagement when shifting from park to drive. The repair required removing the entire transmission to replace the torque converter. This was not a quick fix, the shop needed several days to complete the work. The transmission had to be dismantled to check for additional internal damage caused by metal particles from the failing converter. Given the age and mileage of your A6, you might want to consider a complete transmission rebuild rather than just replacing the converter. In my case, the metal debris from the failing torque converter had already caused significant wear to other transmission components. This is definitely a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Continuing to drive with these symptoms will likely cause catastrophic transmission failure. Based on your description, the symptoms are nearly identical to what led to my complete auto transmission overhaul. Looking back, I wish I had addressed the early warning signs sooner. The grinding sounds usually indicate internal damage is already occurring.

mariefuchs1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your A4 experience. My A6 showed identical symptoms last year, rough shifting and that dreaded grinding during gear changes. The torque converter fault turned out to be just the start of my transmission repair saga. The automatic transmission needed a complete rebuild due to internal damage. Really interested to hear if you recall your total repair costs? Also wondering if any other issues popped up after the fix? Mine has been running smoothly for about 8 months now but always good to know what to watch for.

karen_davis9

Thanks for asking about the repair costs. After getting the automatic transmission torque converter lock-up clutch defective issue fixed last year, I can share the complete details. The total bill came to 2120 Euro for parts and labor, which included addressing the converter fault and checking all related components. The repair has proven reliable with no additional transmission problems since then. The grinding and rough shifting completely disappeared after the converter failure was addressed. The shop did a thorough job checking for metal debris damage, which helped prevent any cascade issues. For preventive maintenance, I now pay extra attention to transmission fluid condition and changes. The automatic gearbox has been shifting smoothly for over a year now. This repair was expensive but worth it compared to a full transmission replacement. My recommendation would be to stay vigilant with regular transmission servicing to avoid another converter failure. Clean fluid and proper maintenance make a huge difference in transmission longevity. Good to hear yours is running well after 8 months. These repairs tend to last when done properly with quality parts.

mariefuchs1 (Author)

After dealing with those transmission problems last year, I finally got everything sorted. The initial symptoms exactly matched what you described, rough shifts and grinding noises in my A6. Took it to a reputable transmission specialist after losing confidence in my regular shop. The diagnostic confirmed a failed torque converter that had already caused some internal damage. The automatic transmission needed a complete rebuild, running about 3800 Euro total. The work took 5 days but was worth the wait. They found metal debris throughout the system from the deteriorating torque converter lock-up clutch. The shop did a thorough job cleaning everything and replacing worn components. Been driving it for 8 months now without any engine surge or shifting issues. The transmission shifts smoothly through all gears. Regular fluid checks show everything staying clean with no metal particles. If you decide to get it fixed, make sure they do a complete inspection for internal damage. My experience showed that converter failure usually affects other transmission parts too. The sooner you address it, the better chance of limiting additional damage.

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