Audi A8 Transmission Grinds: Torque Converter Alert

Had virtually the same automatic gearbox issue with my 2017 Audi A6. The symptoms matched exactly, rough shifting, grinding noise, warning lights. As someone with some hands-on experience working on cars, I first considered cheaper fixes, but the error codes pointed straight to the converter fault. The transmission repair shop confirmed a defective torque converter. The entire job, including parts and labor, came to 2120 Euro. The workshop needed the car for 4 days total, one for diagnosis, two for the actual repair work, and another for thorough testing before release. The fix completely resolved those transmission problems. The automatic transmission now shifts smoothly again, no more warning lights or strange noises. Before offering more specific advice about your A8, could you share: Current mileage, Transmission fluid service history, Exact error codes stored, Whether the problems occur more in cold or warm conditions, If the symptoms get worse during specific driving situations This information would help determine if your converter failure presents similarly to what I experienced.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My A8 has 117833 KM and had its last transmission fluid service done during routine maintenance 6 months ago. The auto transmission symptoms are most noticeable when the engine is cold and particularly during highway driving when the lock-up clutch should engage. The detailed error codes point to P0741 (Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance) and P0218 (Transmission Fluid Over Temperature), which seem to confirm the torque converter issues others have mentioned. Interesting that your repair cost was 2120 Euro, thats helpful to know for budgeting the fix. The automatic gearbox problems have definitely gotten worse over the last few weeks, especially the grinding sounds during shifts. Your confirmation about the workshop timeline is also useful for planning around the repair.

Thanks for those additional details. Your symptoms and error codes are remarkably similar to what I experienced, especially the cold start issues and highway-speed problems with the torque converter clutch. The P0741 code paired with the transmission fluid temperature warning is a classic sign of converter failure, just like in my case. The grinding during shifts typically happens when the lock-up clutch starts deteriorating, allowing slip when it should be fully engaged. Since you mentioned having a recent transmission fluid service, that rules out basic maintenance issues. My converter failure developed similarly, started with occasional rough shifts and gradually worsened to consistent problems. I would strongly recommend getting the repair done soon, as continuing to drive with these automatic transmission issues risks more extensive damage. The converter clutch debris can circulate through the transmission system, potentially causing wider transmission repair needs. For reference, my final repair included: New torque converter: 1450 Euro, Labor: 670 Euro, Transmission fluid and filter change after repair, Extended testing period before delivery The 4-day workshop timeline should be similar for your A8, though verify this with your chosen transmission repair shop.

Thanks everyone for the detailed feedback. Really helpful to hear about similar torque converter issues and repair experiences, especially with comparable symptoms and error codes. Since my engine surge and transmission problems match what others experienced with their converter fault, I feel more confident moving forward with the repair. The lock-up clutch issues during highway driving and cold starts are too risky to ignore. Will schedule the repair next week and budget around 2500 Euro for the full job including parts, labor and fluid change. The 4-day workshop timeline works well for arranging alternate transportation. Good to know others had success fixing these exact automatic transmission symptoms by replacing the torque converter. Will update the forum once the repair is complete in case it helps others with similar problems.