Transmission Warning: Emergency Mode Points to Fluid Issues

As someone with moderate experience working on cars, I dealt with a very similar issue on my S4 from around the same period. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I experienced, erratic transmission performance and limp mode activation. In my case, the root cause was actually an undervoltage condition affecting the transmission control module, not worn hydraulic fluid as I initially suspected. The workshop diagnosed it through proper testing and found the battery was no longer providing consistent voltage. The total repair came to 240 Euro, which covered: Diagnostic testing, Battery replacement, Control module reset, Basic transmission fluid check Before suggesting anything specific for your case, could you share: Current mileage, When was the last transmission flush performed, Any other electrical issues recently, Whether the check engine light is also on A transmission flush might help, but given the similarity to my experience, having the electrical system properly checked first could save you from unnecessary automatic transmission work. The voltage issue can mimic transmission problems since the control module needs stable power to manage shifting properly.

Thanks for the detailed reply. My current mileage is 51755 KM and the last major service was done 5000 KM ago where they performed regular maintenance but no transmission work. To your questions: I havent noticed any electrical issues and the check engine light is not on, just the transmission warning. The slipping transmission symptoms started quite suddenly during normal driving conditions. Since the automatic transmission was never serviced since I bought the car used, I am leaning towards getting the hydraulic fluid checked first. What do you think about this approach?

I can definitely relate to your situation since I went through similar symptoms with my S4. While my issue turned out to be electrical, your case seems different given the absence of other electrical symptoms that typically accompany voltage problems. Since your transmission fluid has never been serviced and considering the sudden onset of symptoms, checking the transmission oil condition is a logical first step. Low or degraded hydraulic fluid can absolutely cause the symptoms you describe. The car transmission control unit often triggers limp mode to prevent damage when it detects irregular shifting patterns. In my experience working with these transmissions, the automatic transmission should typically have its oil replaced every 60000 KM. At your current mileage, its definitely worth having the transmission fluid level and condition checked. From what you describe, I suggest: 1. Get the transmission oil level and condition checked first 2. If needed, do a complete transmission fluid replacement 3. Have the transmission control unit checked for error codes The basic transmission oil service should cost around 300-400 Euro depending on the exact fluid specification required. This is much more affordable than potential transmission repairs if the issue is left unaddressed.

Thanks for providing such thorough feedback. After considering your repair experience and comparing our situations, I think I will proceed with the transmission fluid check and replacement as the first step. The timeline matches since my car has never had a transmission service, and the symptoms appeared suddenly without other electrical issues. I will contact a workshop to schedule the automatic transmission fluid inspection. The 300-400 Euro cost estimate for a transmission flush seems reasonable compared to more extensive repairs that might be needed if I keep driving with potentially degraded fluid. If the slipping transmission symptoms persist after the fluid service, I will have them check the transmission control unit codes as you suggested. For now, I will avoid driving the car much to prevent any potential damage to the transmission system. I appreciate the step-by-step guidance. It helps having someone share a similar experience, even though your root cause turned out different. Will update once I get the results from the workshop.