'08 multitronic CVT...hesitating, kicking, slipping...

[80sGuy]

The transmission problem threads are rolling out like Black Friday sales here in Audizine. Here's mine...
Recently I have been experiencing some very unpleasant performance issues on my '08 B7. Whenever I accelerate from a standstill (traffic light, stop sign, etc.) my car hesitates, then followed by heavy kicking and/or slippage. It felt like the car was searching for gear and just randomly throws itself in while the engine is revving. I can prevent this from happening only if I start really slow (delay acceleration from a Stop sign or Light) but this is not a good thing to do during heavy traffic hours.
The transmission was serviced at 27,000 miles and it is currently at 39,000 but I noticed the problem started around 36 or 37k. Not sure if the fluids are too low, or the techs did a bad job (drain & fill and call it a day) as it was done in two hours time including an engine oil change. The car drives fine from cold starts (R & D) and during cruising speeds, but after a while it starts to act erratically from stop and go accelerations. Such a shame for a car that I religiously takes care of and with such low fuckin' miles !

[speed racer]

well the trans service is a drain and fill. so it hard to do it wrong with the proper tools. well luckily i believe your covered under a cvt warranty extension if anything is wrong

[80sGuy]

^^It is not just a simple drain and fill. It requires special instructions and step by step procedures to perform the task. The car needed to be elevated and each 'gear' needed to be shift (R N D S) and acceleration to a certain degree, then fill, shift next, repeat, etc.. etc. It is not just a simple drain and fill. I could of done that myself if that was the case.

[eyesolution]

I had a similar problem. But it went away on its own. Did it about twice and never experienced it again. I'm at 157k miles. I'm afraid to have the tranny fluid changed because it's that old. If you tranny was services I would hold the shop responsible. Unless you agreed on their terms. I also received a letter for a settlement on the cvt transmission issue. I think i still have the papers.

[80sGuy]

I never receive such claim settlement for my car. Do they go by VIN? Mine is a 2008 but manufactured in July 2007, could be older batch leftover from '06. From what I know, year model doesn't mean shit unless they are manufactured after the said date(s). I supposed it doesn't make a difference if my car has an extended warranty? I'm going to schedule a date to drop the car off after the New Year - when they can get me a loaner. I'm starting to like Audi cars after owning it for a few years and I'm not gonna let this piece of crap transmission screw it all up....can you believe this, at 38,000 fucking miles???

[djsp00kyk]

The transmission problem threads are rolling out like Black Friday sales here in Audizine. Here's mine...
Recently I have been experiencing some very unpleasant performance issues on my '08 B7. Whenever I accelerate from a standstill (traffic light, stop sign, etc.) my car hesitates, then followed by heavy kicking and/or slippage. It felt like the car was searching for gear and just randomly throws itself in while the engine is revving. I can prevent this from happening only if I start really slow (delay acceleration from a Stop sign or Light) but this is not a good thing to do during heavy traffic hours.
The transmission was serviced at 27,000 miles and it is currently at 39,000 but I noticed the problem started around 36 or 37k. Not sure if the fluids are too low, or the techs did a bad job (drain & fill and call it a day) as it was done in two hours time including an engine oil change. The car drives fine from cold starts (R & D) and during cruising speeds, but after a while it starts to act erratically from stop and go accelerations. Such a shame for a car that I religiously takes care of and with such low fuckin' miles !

Mine did the same exact thing that you are describing when I decided to just swap it out. Let me know what you find out. If your tranny isn't bad and it was just a fluid issue I would like to know. That would mean that I have a good high mileage tranny sitting around that I can sell for really really cheap to anyone wanting it.

[eyesolution]

I'll have to look at the papers again. I'm not sure it goes by vin. If you search for the settlement you'll find a thread about it in detail. I'll see of I can find it.

[80sGuy]

Yes I will.

Mine did the same exact thing that you are describing when I decided to just swap it out. Let me know what you find out. If your tranny isn't bad and it was just a fluid issue I would like to know. That would mean that I have a good high mileage tranny sitting around that I can sell for really really cheap to anyone wanting it.

[eMacPaul]

I'll have to look at the papers again. I'm not sure it goes by vin. If you search for the settlement you'll find a thread about it in detail. I'll see of I can find it.

Going to the www.cvtsettlement.com website listed in your letter, it's only up to '06 models.

[dalmation53]

Wow 68k on my CVT and still rides like a charm.. last owner was a 65 year old granny and took care of my car with all services done..maybe this CVT's fail to the people that don't flush tranny oil or just beat the car like it was a pagani zonda lol

[80sGuy]

I drive like a granny, seriously. I don't abuse my rides whatsoever (not just this Audi) and services them religiously. The CVT fluid was replaced at 27,000 miles (a year ago). Like I mentioned, it drives fine and like a dream you can say, but the problems only arise during stop and go accelerations.

Wow 68k on my CVT and still rides like a charm.. last owner was a 65 year old granny and took care of my car with all services done..maybe this CVT's fail to the people that don't flush tranny oil or just beat the car like it was a pagani zonda lol

[B7Joe]

I've had something similar happen a couple of times only, and only in extreme heat (when it gets into the tripple digits). Not really hesitation, but a slight bump on takeoff. Serviced at 30k. Only at 46k though and while I don't abuse it, I'm stage 2 and a spirited driver. If it ever shits the bed, manual/quattro swap for sure. ;)

[dalmation53]

I drive like a granny, seriously. I don't abuse my rides whatsoever (not just this Audi) and services them religiously. The CVT fluid was replaced at 27,000 miles (a year ago). Like I mentioned, it drives fine and like a dream you can say, but the problems only arise during stop and go accelerations.

then now I'm very confussed because I don't see why it should fail an that low miles...! cars practically brand new still. do you have any mods what so ever?

[80sGuy]

^^My car is 100% bare-bone stock just like how it rolled out of the factory, not even tint. I believe the service wasn't done right.

[Stig Py]

Some news 80sGuy?

I hope you solved the problem, or at least, scheduled a visit to your dealer.

[80sGuy]

Not yet Stig, I will bring it in sometime next week or so but it seems to run fine for now so long as I go easy on the start (acceleration).

[Phantompooper]

80sGuy, are you throwing a CEL at all? I had a similar issue after I got my CVT swapped out (before I got my settlement/warranty extension letter) and it turned out it was a bad coil pack. It felt exactly like what you're describing but it wasn't the tranny at all. It's a simple check and coil packs are like $40 from autozone. Worth eliminating as a possible problem.

[Xaero]

Join the club. My wife's car is shaking like crazy when stopped or at low speeds. In Park, it is perfectly fine, and up to speed things are smooth, but that 1st gear starting is awful. It doesn't always do it, so I am confused. I just replaced all the spark plugs and coil packs, so unless I got a defective one that isnt my problem.

[80sGuy]

I'm pretty sure it isn't a coil pack although I am hoping it is. Reason is I know how these CVTs behave, they've always have this 'delayed' feel and now it jerks, slips and finally kicks into gear if I hurry the thing from a dead stop....believe it or not, I had this notion before the day comes. Coils usually sputters and feels like a bad carburetor throughout the whole drive (especially when the vehicle is warmed up) but this is typical behavior of a CVT sh!tbox.

Oh, and no CEL.

80sGuy, are you throwing a CEL at all? I had a similar issue after I got my CVT swapped out (before I got my settlement/warranty extension letter) and it turned out it was a bad coil pack. It felt exactly like what you're describing but it wasn't the tranny at all. It's a simple check and coil packs are like $40 from autozone. Worth eliminating as a possible problem.

[djsp00kyk]

Did you ever figure out what was wrong? Just wanted an update on your situation.

[80sGuy]

Not yet. I'm gonna schedule a time to drop the car off. Been really busy lately.

[Whats4dinner]

keep us posted!!

[80sGuy]

Car is in the shop since Wednesday. Got a 2014 2.0T (CVT 8-SP) as loaner. Great car with lots of gadgets, almost reminded me of a smartphone. Performance wise, it has a nice response for a CVT, but man I miss how my B7 looks, drives, and feel, our car is still a beast - looks wise!
They are testing it out and waiting to see whether the multitronic box is the issue or just low fluid. My bet is either way (sooner or later) I'm gonna be needing a new transmission.

[80sGuy]

My tech called me the other day that the warranty adjuster will be heading out to the dealer to check on the transmission for authorized repair. Well, they did and also duplicated the problem -- I need a new transmission....at 39,000 miles, which I cannot believe. I took care of this car more than myself. The car has been VERY well maintained with all up-to-date maintenance, along with every Audi bulletins, extensions & warranties. Also, since I'm not a heavy driver, the CVT fluid was changed at 27,000 miles because it was included under 'Audi Care'. Rule #1: do NOT buy AudiCare unless you plan on driving your car regularly, or even heavily because it is a waste of money. The scheduled maintenance are for normal miles driven per/year, etc. In my case I'd better use it before I lose it.

Anyway, back to subject. According to my tech, the transmission must be replaced. The terrible jerking, hesitations, kicking, slipping was enough to warrant the replacement. They will fit in a new CVT unit accordingly. Will update when I get the car back. I miss it terribly!

[V2Rider]

Tell them you want a manual, or a TIP in there. I have heard WAY to many CVT problems

[00_Bora]

hopefully you are not paying for a new CVT out of pocket...

[80sGuy]

I have the Fidelity Platinum Warranty which covers 100%.

[80sGuy]

Tell them you want a manual, or a TIP in there. I have heard WAY to many CVT problems

For warranty guidelines and security reasons under the dealer, I doubt if they were going to do this. If something happens in the future both the dealer and warranty company wouldn't want any type of liability issues because they went ahead and did a 'mod' instead of direct OEM replacement.

[V2Rider]

For warranty guidelines and security reasons under the dealer, I doubt if they were going to do this. If something happens in the future both the dealer and warranty company wouldn't want any type of liability issues because they went ahead and did a 'mod' instead of direct OEM replacement.

I know.....I typed that with a sense of sarcasm. Couldn't you tell that by the tone of my text?

[eyesolution]

What failed on the transmission? The dealer, regardless of the problem, would just replace a faulty part with a brand new one. I'm sure it can be repaired. Not saying you should get it repaired since your getting a new one for free.

[80sGuy]

I didn't ask but I know that the transmission is failing internally, or will fail - it's just a matter of time. There were no CEL or anything else other than the box slipping and kicking. Enough reason for the warranty adjuster to ok'd the work. I'll ask them when I go pick up the car. Can't wait to see the work order.

[Nicollo]

Car is in the shop since Wednesday. Got a 2014 2.0T (CVT 8-SP) as loaner. Great car with lots of gadgets, almost reminded me of a smartphone. Performance wise, it has a nice response for a CVT, but man I miss how my B7 looks, drives, and feel, our car is still a beast - looks wise!

Couldn't agree more man, at first I was excited to drive the 2014 as a loaner and then I realized I did miss my B7 a lot. It's hard to explain haha. Keep us posted bro.

[80sGuy]

She' back! The beast is now sitting in the garage after a three-week absence getting the transmission replaced - at a rate of $6,200 total. Not exactly new, because all new parts were installed into a 'used casing' (which seemed to look pretty shiny). Any tech that tells you the CVT cannot be rebuilt is B.S. because my guy told me most are and very slim chance you'll get a new since it is an older model. But all internal parts are readily available. My new transmission that came with my new car didn't last for shyte at 39K so what's the difference? It drives nice and tight, all the problems that were posted on multiple threads over many months ago are now gone (howling, moaning, mooing, whirring, whining sounds, etc..) and they all seemed to be related to the CVT. Everything is back to normal so far. I tested it in all modes (Auto, Manual and Sports). The 'Hill Assist' also kicks in fine when stopping at an incline. All in all I am satisfied because the '14 loaner doesn't even compare in terms of looks, feel, handling and braking. Will update this in the warranty thread section.

[AudiRay_722]

I also get the same hesitation/slipping/jerking in my car(cvt also) but only notice it happen while turning the car at in lower gears while simultaneously hitting bumps or potholes in the road. I've had the car since 38000 miles and currently sitting at 70000. I had the transmission service done at 55,000 with no noticeable difference in drive.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

[B72011]

Good deal, now sell it before it blows again. The likelihood of it blowing again ...is well........you know those chances. The CVT has been shown to be like Fukishima.....another meltdown waiting to happen.

She' back! The beast is now sitting in the garage after a three-week absence getting the transmission replaced - at a rate of $6,200 total. Not exactly new, because all new parts were installed into a 'used casing' (which seemed to look pretty shiny). Any tech that tells you the CVT cannot be rebuilt is B.S. because my guy told me most are and very slim chance you'll get a new since it is an older model. But all internal parts are readily available. My new transmission that came with my new car didn't last for shyte at 39K so what's the difference? It drives nice and tight, all the problems that were posted on multiple threads over many months ago are now gone (howling, moaning, mooing, whirring, whining sounds, etc..) and they all seemed to be related to the CVT. Everything is back to normal so far. I tested it in all modes (Auto, Manual and Sports). The 'Hill Assist' also kicks in fine when stopping at an incline. All in all I am satisfied because the '14 loaner doesn't even compare in terms of looks, feel, handling and braking. Will update this in the warranty thread section.

[Sanjman]

How does the car idle?

[QQQO]

I also get the same hesitation/slipping/jerking in my car(cvt also) but only notice it happen while turning the car at in lower gears while simultaneously hitting bumps or potholes in the road. I've had the car since 38000 miles and currently sitting at 70000. I had the transmission service done at 55,000 with no noticeable difference in drive.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

Same exact symptoms here. It only happens while turning at low speed and simultaneously hitting speed bumps or going up hills... Though, it doesn’t happen all the time. It feels like the equivalent to driving a manual transmission and having a hard time pulling out of gear into neutral thus causing the engine to almost stall. Is this a sign of possible CVT failure?

[B7Joe]

Same exact symptoms here. It only happens while turning at low speed and simultaneously hitting speed bumps or going up hills... Though, it doesn’t happen all the time. It feels like the equivalent to driving a manual transmission and having a hard time pulling out of gear into neutral thus causing the engine to almost stall. Is this a sign of possible CVT failure?

I don't think so. The slight hesitation and almost manual transmission feel in first is normal with the CVT. Shouldn't feel like it's stalling though.

[80sGuy]

^^Somewhat yes, but if it hesitates to the point of jerking and kicking then yes your CVT is on its way out. When my dealer drove it they knew it's time to file for a replacement, next step was to get the warranty adjuster behind the wheel. It took less than expected for them to give the green light. Sometimes it's hard for us to accept reality; for the love of our cars many seemed to shy it off as no big deal. Myself for a long time has thought that there's no way my CVT would take the shitter at this low mileage and thinking that was normal behavior. Deep down inside there's another side. It is what it is and especially for the CVT, you better believe that sooner or later it will crap out on you.
When my warranty expired, I was smart of enough to spend the extra $$$ for Fidelity's Platinum Package - manly because of the CVT. All else is bonus if something goes wrong. Well, the $6300 CVT Box and a Driver Power Seat Motor ($600) has paid off. Car is at 39K, warranty good till 2016/75K!
Lesson learned: (1) Never buy a CVT, (2.) Always buy the highest warranty coverage when owning an Audi.

[80sGuy]

If you're asking me it idles and runs fine but the unit sounded different from my original transmission. When the brake is applied during either in R or D, there's a prevalent spooling, whirring but more like a 'humming' sound - similar to bad water pump. Not as loud but definitely there compared to my previous unit. Once I accelerate it drives fine. No hesitation whatsoever and very responsive, then turbo kicks in and feels like it is sliding on ice. It's that smooth and responsive.

How does the car idle?