RS6 Torque Converter Issues: Warning Signs & Fixes

As someone with some experience working on similar cars, I dealt with nearly identical symptoms on my 2006 RS4. The transmission repair turned out to be exactly what you suspect, a failed lock-up clutch in the torque converter. The diagnosis process at my trusted workshop involved: Complete transmission diagnostic scan, Test drives to verify the clutch problem, Fluid pressure testing, Inspection of metal particles in transmission fluid They confirmed the auto transmission torque converter needed replacement. The engine surge and rough shifting were classic symptoms of converter failure. The total repair came to 2120 Euro, covering: New torque converter, Transmission fluid change, New filter, Labor costs The repair has held up perfectly for 2 years now, with no transmission issues since. Before offering more specific advice, could you share: Current mileage on your RS6? When did you last change the transmission fluid? Are you experiencing any slipping between gears? Does the engine surge happen at specific speeds? This information would help determine if your situation matches what I experienced and whether you might be looking at similar repair needs.

Thanks for sharing those details. I just had my 77592 KM service done last month and can confirm the auto transmission fluid was clean with no metal particles. The engine surge is most noticeable between 50-70 during acceleration, and the converter fault seems worse when the engine is warm. There is some slight slipping when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. Your repair experience sounds very similar to what I am experiencing. The automatic gearbox symptoms match exactly, especially the grinding noise during gear changes. My mechanic also suspects the lock-up clutch as the root cause. How long did the complete repair take in your case? I need to plan for potential downtime.

Thanks for the additional details. On my RS4, the complete repair took 4 days, including: 1 day for complete diagnosis and torque converter removal, 2 days waiting for parts delivery, 1 day for installation and testing Your symptoms at 77592 KM align precisely with when my converter failure occurred. The engine surge between 50-70 and slipping between 2nd and 3rd gear mirrors my experience exactly. Since your transmission fluid is clean, this supports the lock-up clutch theory rather than wider transmission damage. The grinding during gear changes typically indicates the clutch problem is progressing, so I would recommend not delaying the repair. Key observations from my repair: The converter fault worsened quickly after the initial symptoms, The workshop needed to drain and refill transmission fluid twice after repair, They had to reset several transmission control modules, Required a specific break-in procedure for the new torque converter The investment was worth it, the transmission now shifts as smoothly as new. Just ensure your workshop is familiar with these specific automatic transmission issues, as proper installation is crucial for long-term reliability.

Thanks to everyone who shared their insights. After hearing about these similar experiences, especially regarding the converter fault symptoms, I feel much more confident about moving forward with the repair. I will schedule the work for next week and plan for 4-5 days of downtime. The 2120 Euro cost estimate helps set realistic expectations for the repair budget. The matching symptoms, particularly the engine surge between 50-70 and the automatic transmission issues, confirm I am likely dealing with the same lock-up clutch failure. I have already contacted a transmission specialist who has experience with these specific automatic transmission repairs. They mentioned following similar diagnostic steps and repair procedures as described here. Will make sure they do the double fluid flush and proper break-in procedure for the new torque converter. Will update this thread after the repair is complete to share my experience for others who might face similar issues in the future.