Transmission Malfunction message

**User122085** · 12-27-2016 12:41 PM

Hey guys

This morning I got a message saying "Transmission Malfunction, you can continue driving". I noticed the car was putting itself into sport and manual mode, seems like it was glitching. This happened for a few seconds and then 5 minutes later happens again. I scanned for fault codes and this is what I got.

Audi A7

Any ideas as to what this could be?

Thanks :)

**TT 4.0T** · 12-27-2016 12:49 PM

http://forums.ross-tech.com/showthre...ay-on-Selector

**User122085** · 12-27-2016 12:59 PM

Yeah I've looked at that, no luck.

**TT 4.0T** · 12-27-2016 01:03 PM

Maybe reply to that thread and see if the other guy who had the issue responds with an update on his car?

Could be one of those unexplained codes that you get and then never comes back once it's cleared.

Originally Posted by JKnetz

Yeah I've looked at that, no luck.

**AntonioS6** · 12-27-2016 04:00 PM

Electrical Malfunction could mean you have to replace the battery. Had a transmission (rear differential turned off) issue that popped up on screen but went away after I turned the car off. Mentioned it when I got my 45k service done (which was going to be the next day regardless) and tech said it was the battery. $400 to replace it

**User122085** · 12-29-2016 02:48 PM

Bad news. So I took it to the dealer and they said

"Coolant from your transmission cooler control valve leaked into the transmission wiring harness- then wicked coolant into the transmission control module (TCM) that is inside the transmission -causing it to short out and fail. To fix this we will have to replace the valve, the wiring and connectors and the TCM."

I was quoted $6,400.

**slowguy** · 12-29-2016 07:09 PM

The entire mechatronics unit to be replaced? Wow. Sorry to hear that. Terrible news

**RAF_S7** · 12-29-2016 11:25 PM

If this is not under warranty, l would start by cleaning all my connectors, before agreeing to $6k of work, especially if the dealer is not willing to contribute towards the costs, for what is effectively a defective part.

I've never heard of fluid "wicking" into Audi connectors and cables before. Have you seen how well those connectors are built.....

**jrsAudiA6** · 12-30-2016 09:50 AM

I would suggest to make a call AoA to make them aware of the issue you are having. This is the first I have heard of this kind of failure. I would think that at the very least AoA should pick up a substantial portion of the cost if you are not under warranty. I wish you good luck at resolving this problem.

**User122085** · 12-30-2016 10:08 AM

Yeah it's not under warranty. I'll try giving AoA a call.

This is what they said the cause was,
"The seal inside the valve decomposed and allowed coolant to pass through to the wiring."

**schaNYC** · 12-30-2016 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by JKnetz

Yeah it's not under warranty. I'll try giving AoA a call.

This is what they said the cause was,
"The seal inside the valve decomposed and allowed coolant to pass through to the wiring."

just curious why dealer quoted if under warranty? just to gauge the amount of work that needs to be done?

**User122085** · 12-30-2016 11:26 AM

It's actually not under warranty.

**User122085** · 12-30-2016 11:36 AM

So the dealership called back and said they will cover half of it for being a loyal customer.

**zcd2.7t** · 12-30-2016 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by JKnetz

So the dealership called back and said they will cover half of it for being a loyal customer.

Given that your car is tuned, that's a decent offer...

FWIW, the DCT in the 2010-early 2011 B8 S4 had problems with the mechatronics units failing in a similar manner, but I've not seen that in the C7 S6. At the time, there was no mention of fluid wicking through the wiring harness - only that the enclosure (IIRC) would leak, leading to the issues.

I hope you get it fixed, and without huge out of pocket $$$$...

**User122085** · 12-30-2016 12:15 PM

It's actually for the A7, which is still stock.

AoA said they'll get back to me on Wednesday, after reviewing the issue.

**zcd2.7t** · 12-30-2016 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by JKnetz

It's actually for the A7, which is still stock.

AoA said they'll get back to me on Wednesday, after reviewing the issue.

Oh, wow - so it's a problem with the ZF 8-speed? That's a new one, in my experience.

**User122085** · 12-30-2016 12:32 PM

Yeah I told the dealership not to worry about it and that I'd come pick it up but they said they want to re contact Audi to see if they can get more help on it.

UPDATE: Dealership said,

"Ok, Great News! We got ok from Audi to repair this at No charge to you as a onetime final goodwill."

Honestly I think they already had fixed the issue but just wanted me to pay $3k...

Anyway I'm so relieved, thanks for all the input guys! :D

**zcd2.7t** · 12-30-2016 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by JKnetz

...Anyway I'm so relieved... :D

Wow, I'll bet. Congrats.

**Djpeaksd** · 12-30-2016 03:05 PM

Huge relief! That is fantastic news!!!

**User122085** · 01-11-2017 06:05 AM

Just in case anyone wants a full overview of what had to be replaced,

**zcd2.7t** · 01-12-2017 07:03 AM

Really glad that Audi stepped up and did the right thing - congrats again!

**bo2006** · 02-08-2019 05:22 AM

Originally Posted by JKnetz

Bad news. So I took it to the dealer and they said

"Coolant from your transmission cooler control valve leaked into the transmission wiring harness- then wicked coolant into the transmission control module (TCM) that is inside the transmission -causing it to short out and fail. To fix this we will have to replace the valve, the wiring and connectors and the TCM."

I was quoted $6,400.

Where is that plug located, I Want to check it on my transmission, is it inside the pan? I am getting the "Transmission Malfunction" message, and the dealer said the scanned for codes and didn't find anything, and want another $500 to investigate further, which seems crazy to me... 2012, A6 3.0T 8-speed ZF

**bo2006** · 02-12-2019 06:40 AM

I have the same issue, working with Audi to see if they will help cover this.
2012 A6 3.0T 8speed.

only code I had was P189400.

Here is a picture of my plug when I pulled it yesterday.

IMG_8215.jpg

**Wagsaudi** · 04-29-2019 04:29 PM

Just had the same message come up on the 2013 A5 Cabrio which is out of warranty by time but only has 45k-purchased it from an Audi dealer in Jan 19'-did AOA give you any assistance?

**Scotta7** · 06-18-2019 04:12 PM

Originally Posted by bo2006

I have the same issue, working with Audi to see if they will help cover this.
2012 A6 3.0T 8speed.

only code I had was P189400.

Here is a picture of my plug when I pulled it yesterday.

IMG_8215.jpg

Where is the plug located. I have a 2012 A7 and would like to check. Had you noticed a coolant leak prior to finding this with the plug.

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