S3 Transmission Failure: Lock-Up Clutch Symptoms & Fixes

I had a very similar issue with my 2013 A3 with the automatic transmission last year. With some experience working on cars, I initially thought it might be a minor transmission fluid issue, but it turned out to be more serious. The symptoms matched yours exactly, slipping gears, grinding sounds, and warning lights. The torque converter was indeed the culprit, causing intermittent engine surge and inconsistent power delivery. The transmission repair involved replacing the entire torque converter assembly. The total cost came to 2120 Euro, which included labor and parts. The workshop had to remove the transmission to access the converter, which explained the significant labor costs. The repair solved all issues completely, no more grinding, slipping, or warning lights. The transmission now shifts smoothly again. Before suggesting specific solutions, could you share: Current mileage on your S3? When was the last transmission fluid change? Are you experiencing any vibrations at specific speeds? Does the problem get worse when the engine is hot? This information would help determine if your issue is identical to what I experienced with my clutch problem.

Thanks for the detailed diagnosis. Just had my service done at 65319 KM where they checked all transmission components. The auto transmission issue seems worse when warm, with noticeable engine surge above 2500 RPM. Getting significant vibrations between 60-80 KM/h, particularly during gear changes. The converter fault matches your description completely. My mechanic also suspects the torque converter assembly will need replacement, but wanted a second opinion first. Good to know the repair solved it in your case. The clutch problem seems very similar, same grinding noise and transmission warning lights. Hoping I can get this fixed before any additional automatic gearbox damage occurs.

Thanks for the follow-up. Those symptoms definitely confirm my initial suspicion about the converter fault. The vibrations at 60-80 KM/h and issues above 2500 RPM match exactly what I experienced before my lock-up clutch failed completely. The fact that your problems worsen when warm is another telltale sign of torque converter issues. In my case, waiting would have likely caused more extensive transmission damage. The grinding during shifts particularly concerned my mechanic, as it indicated the lock-up clutch was already severely worn. After my repair, the mechanic showed me the old converter, the lock-up clutch was completely worn, explaining the slipping and grinding. While 2120 Euro seemed steep initially, preventing a full auto transmission failure made it worth the investment. One tip: if you decide to proceed with the repair, make sure they flush the transmission fluid completely. In my case, metal particles from the failing converter had contaminated the old fluid, and a thorough flush helped prevent future issues. The repair took about 2 days in total, but the transmission has worked flawlessly since then, no more converter failure symptoms or warning lights.

My car is currently at the shop and I authorized the transmission repair. After comparing symptoms and getting multiple opinions, I'm confident the lock-up clutch failure needs addressing before it causes more damage. The quotes I received were close to the 2120 Euro range you mentioned. The auto transmission issues match your experience exactly, especially the grinding during shifts and engine surge when warm. The mechanic also recommended a complete fluid flush due to potential metal contamination from the failing converter. They estimate 2-3 days for the full repair, which seems reasonable given they need to remove the transmission to replace the torque converter assembly. Glad to hear your repair has held up well, gives me confidence this should resolve my clutch problem completely. Will update once the work is finished. Thanks again for sharing your experience, it really helped confirm the diagnosis and expected repair process.