RS6 Trans Warning: Failed Sensor Causing Gear Issues

As someone with moderate experience working on these cars, I had a very similar issue with my 2014 RS7. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I experienced, transmission warning light, limp mode, and rough gear shifting between gears. After taking it to my workshop, they diagnosed a critically low transmission oil level, despite the dipstick showing normal readings. The transmission oil sensor was actually giving false readings, which led to the low oil condition. The total repair cost was 365 Euro, which included: New transmission oil, Transmission oil sensor replacement, Labor costs, System diagnostic check The repair took about 4 hours total. Since the fix, the transmission has been shifting smoothly with no warning lights or limp mode issues. Before offering more specific advice, could you share: Current mileage on your RS6, When was the last transmission oil change, Any recent work done on the transmission, Are there any other warning lights active, What type of driving do you typically do (city/highway mix) The transmission sensor issues are somewhat common in these models, but its important to rule out other potential causes.

I did my last major service at 45000 KM and currently at 49257 KM. Thanks for the detailed reply about transmission issues. The transmission repair cost seems reasonable compared to what I was quoted locally. No other transmission-related work has been done since purchase, and the overheating problems started suddenly last week. No other warning lights are active besides the transmission warning. Looking at the symptoms you described with your oil sensor issue, they match mine exactly. I will get the sensor checked first before considering more extensive transmission repair work.

Thanks for the mileage info, that definitely helps narrow things down. After fixing my transmission sensor, I learned these failures often happen around the 45000-50000 KM mark, which is right where your car is. The fact that your overheating problems started suddenly also matches my experience. The automatic transmission temperature sensor can fail without warning, causing the transmission control unit to receive incorrect readings. In my case, the gear shifting issues cleared up immediately after the sensor replacement. The grinding noise during shifts was also eliminated, which confirmed the temperature sensor was the root cause. Since you mentioned no other warning lights are active, this further supports the theory of a faulty transmission sensor rather than a more serious transmission problem. The transmission warning light alone, combined with the gear shifting issues, is a classic symptom of this specific sensor failure. Before my repair, I was also quoted much higher prices for a complete transmission overhaul. Starting with the sensor replacement saved me significant money. The temperature sensor repair restored proper shifting and eliminated all warning lights. Would recommend getting the sensor diagnosed and replaced soon, as continued driving with incorrect temperature readings could lead to more serious transmission damage.

Appreciate the thorough feedback on the transmission sensor issue. Your experience really helps confirm my suspicions, especially since your car had such similar symptoms around the same mileage point. I called my usual workshop and scheduled an appointment for next week. They will first check the automatic transmission temperature sensor before doing any major work. The quote they gave me was 390 Euro for parts and labor, which seems fair based on your repair costs. Really glad I asked here before going for expensive transmission repairs. The sudden overheating problems and transmission warning lights had me worried about major gearbox issues, but the sensor replacement seems like the logical first step. Will update once the repair is done. If the transmission oil sensor fixes the rough shifting and warning lights like in your case, that would be a huge relief compared to a full transmission rebuild.