Audi S7 Torque Converter Failure Symptoms & Solutions

I had nearly identical issues with my 2012 Audi S6, which shares many components with your S7. Based on some experience working with automatic transmissions, those symptoms match perfectly with a failing torque converter. The lock-up clutch inside the torque converter was causing similar problems, slipping, rough shifting, and that distinctive grinding noise during gear changes. The transmission warning light was definitely a red flag pointing to converter failure. Had it fixed at a workshop specializing in automatic gearbox repairs. The full job including parts and labor came to 2120 Euro. They had to remove the transmission to replace the torque converter. The entire repair took about 3 days. Since the fix, the transmission has been shifting smoothly with no more grinding or slipping issues. The warning lights cleared up and never came back. To help provide more specific guidance for your case, could you share: Current mileage on your S7, When did the symptoms first start, Any transmission service history, Have you noticed any transmission fluid leaks, Does the problem get worse when the engine is hot This information would help determine if your issue is indeed similar to what I experienced with the converter failure in my S6.

Thank you for sharing your experience. My car has relatively low mileage at 18365 KM and had regular maintenance at authorized dealers, with the last service done 2 months ago. The transmission repair symptoms started last week after a long highway drive. Initially, the engine surge and gear slipping was subtle, but the grinding noise during shifts became more noticeable within days. No visible transmission fluid leaks so far, but the automatic gearbox definitely shifts worse when fully warmed up. The torque converter clutch problem diagnosis and estimated repair costs match what you described. Planning to book it at a transmission specialist next week since the dealer quoted significantly higher at 3200 Euro for the same work.

Thanks for the additional details. That behavior matches my S6 situation exactly, the engine surge and transmission issues also started becoming noticeable after highway driving where the lock-up clutch gets heavy use. The fact your problems worsen when warm is another classic sign of automatic transmission torque converter problems. My lock-up clutch also showed more severe symptoms after the fluid heated up during longer drives. Going with a transmission specialist saved me money too. The dealer quoted me around 3400 Euro while the independent shop did the full converter replacement for 2120 Euro. Just make sure they use OEM parts for the torque converter itself. Also worth noting, my S6 had similar low mileage when the clutch problem occurred (around 22000 KM). These converters can sometimes fail early despite proper maintenance. The specialist explained it's often due to the high-performance nature of these transmissions. One tip: have them do a full transmission fluid change when replacing the converter. This helps remove any metal particles from the converter failure that may have contaminated the system. My transmission has worked flawlessly for 40000 KM since the repair. Given the matching symptoms and similar vehicle platform, I'm quite confident your diagnosis of converter failure is correct. Let us know how the repair goes.

Good news, I got my S7 back from the transmission specialist yesterday. You were absolutely right about everything. The torque converter had indeed failed and the lock-up clutch was severely worn. The total repair cost came to 2350 Euro, which included the new converter, transmission fluid change, and labor. The shop completed everything in 4 days, including testing. The grinding noise and engine surge are completely gone, and the automatic transmission now shifts perfectly smooth again. They showed me the old converter, there was significant wear on the lock-up clutch mechanism, which explained all those symptoms. The transmission specialist mentioned these converters can fail early in high-performance vehicles even with regular maintenance, just as you described. The repair process was exactly as you outlined. They had to drop the transmission to access and replace the torque converter. Did a full fluid flush too, which was smart given the metal particles they found in the old fluid. Really appreciate your detailed insights. They helped me understand the issue and get comfortable with the specialist vs dealer decision. Will definitely keep monitoring for any converter failure signs in the future, though hopefully this one lasts longer.