2013 Audi RS5... "gearbox malfunction you can continue driving.."

[poorbastard]

Hi,

My wife = 2013 Audi RS5 B8, 53,000km

Over the past year my car has suddenly started giving me the warning "gearbox malfunction you can continue driving"
The car runs perfectly, no problem shifting up and down, no nothing.
the warning is intermittent, sometimes it comes on within 10min sometimes it doesn't come on, then it goes away.
I bought an ELM 327 OBDII wifi scanner and it can't even pick up the errors, only the usual dash and other parameters. I was hoping to see any errors and clear them.
When I was having an oil change I asked them to plug in their machine and they said it wasn't the gearbox it was coming from the high pressure fuel pump

1) Can anybody recommend a scanner that works 100% on an B8 RS5, preferably one that you are using, so I know it works! I don't want to buy a scanner and then have to pay for some app that maybe works, is there not a scanner that just does that out the box?

2) I'm guessing its most likely a faulty sensor, I mean if the HP fuel pump was faulty then the car would splutter right?

3) Do you think it could be a bit of dirt in the fuel from long ago that has got stuck in the fuel pump?

4) My car had been sitting at the coast in a garage for a few weeks, when I tried reversing out the car wouldn't move (the handbrake had slightly rusted to the discs) anybody at the coast will know that's pretty common after I had washed her. She did struggle and hunkered down to reverse, I was confused as to WTF was going on. Then she released and lunged backwards! The error all started after this about 50km up the road... now maybe its a coincidence, maybe not? I had also refueled a few weeks prior from a petrol station in the middle of nowhere, so could be bad fuel? I had also power-washed the car underneath with my Karcher. All just a guess and maybe not connected.

And no I'm not taking it to Audi because they'll just say "oh gearbox warning, lets change the gearbox... here's your bill for $100,000!"

Any people have the same problem with their wife?

[Kolbenringe]

You have to use VCDS or similar to read the codes. Typically on S-tronics this malfunction is due to the drive range sensors which is a very common fault, so look for that in the scan, though it can be a problem within the mechatronic unit. Unfortunately, the entire transmission needs to be pulled and disassembled to replace the drive range sensors. Eventually, the transmission will stop working properly, will let go during driving, necessitating a restart, but sometimes the lever will lock and require numerous cycles or using the unlock trick to get it to be able to cycle through park or neutral so the car can figure out where it is and allow a restart. All sorts of weird behavior and pretty dangerous. It happened to me while on a left turn on a highway, luckily got off the road enough. Your kilometer range is where they fail when they do (and identical to when mine failed).

[Neil F]

Unfortunately i have been seeing a number of these posts pop up

https://www.google.com/search?q=audi...4dUDCA4&uact=5

https://www.google.com/search?q=audi...w=1366&bih=611

https://www.facebook.com/groups/3934...32406013853045

https://www.facebook.com/groups/3934...57896077970706

https://www.facebook.com/groups/3934...82000952226886




Not much knowledge on the subject but I have seen there are rebuild kits that are not too bad to install and may not be the solution but indications are it is worth the try.

[hahnmgh63]

As mentioned, VCDS (ross-tech.com) is probably one of the best scan tools/software for VAG cars. The software must be loaded onto a laptop/computer and then the cable plugged into the OBDII port by the footwell inside the car like all scanners. The '13 model year had an updated Mechatronic electronics board but in year 2014 it was improved again. '13's are hit and miss on having problems. Your car is relatively low mileage but it has some age being a '13. I would first get that VCDS scanner or search for someone in your area that can check the codes for you, a dealer can at least read the codes and tell you what they are, just don't have them work on it. An updated Mechatronics electric board over her in N. America is around $500+ depending on if you replace the solenoids. Of course you'll have to do a fluid/filter change while at it which will be another $200. Not sure what kind of prices on parts/oil, etc... in S. Africa. You can use the ECS link below to see some of the Manufacturers part numbers and search those out. If you are mechanically inclinded, doing the Mechatrnonic service and oil isn't too difficult but you will need VCDS to perform it properly. There are a few youtube videos on servicing and swapping out the Mechatronic.
https://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B8_RS..._Transmission/

[poorbastard]

yeah I've read people have changed their mech unit (well Audi did) and it worked for a few days and then the error came back again... horrific waste of money

I see the VCDS scanner is very expensive, looks great buy expensive.

Since VCDS is a one only company, any VAG-COM scanners that anyone has used specific to an Audi RS5 and that can read and clear codes.
Theses are the makes I can purchase here in SA.

Konnwei
Autel (Autolink)
Launch
Vgate

I just don't know which model is the best one to use if I can use it at all.

[Kolbenringe]

yeah I've read people have changed their mech unit (well Audi did) and it worked for a few days and then the error came back again... horrific waste of money

I see the VCDS scanner is very expensive, looks great buy expensive.

Since VCDS is a one only company, any VAG-COM scanners that anyone has used specific to an Audi RS5 and that can read and clear codes.
Theses are the makes I can purchase here in SA.

Konnwei
Autel (Autolink)
Launch
Vgate

I just don't know which model is the best one to use if I can use it at all.

You can go with the OBD Eleven, but I think you posing this question shows you're out of your depth. Most all of your posts show you're out of your depth by pretty much continents. It's also a lie that VCDS isn't available in SA: https://autotronic.co.za/product-cat...vcds-ross-tech

I've also found OBDEleven in South Africa.

You have a gearbox error. Chances are it's the drive range sensors inside or the mechatronic. Maybe, maybe not. You scan the codes, it will say EXACTLY what failed, but you continue to want to fly blind here. The Mecatronic job is expensive, but doable in-car. The drive range sensors not. You have failed drive range sensors and change the mecatronic, the fault will return. You want to clear the codes, but not deal with the fault. You should also realize at least one person in Australia has been confirmed as having died due to this type of fault in the transverse DSG when the transfer of power was interrupted. I had this same fault and described my experience when power transfer was interrupted while making a left turn on a high-speed road.

I just don't know which model is the best one to use if I can use it at all.

Take the car to someone capable of handling this. I really don't understand why people buy known unreliable cars that will cost a lot to maintain and repair and then don't want to do it. You don't even want to buy the best and most economical scanner. I'm guessing you just want to try to clear the codes to infinity which won't work, or you're trying to scam someone when selling the car.

[poorbastard]

what don't you understand, the VCDS cables they sell are almost $500 USD, that is just for the cable, then I still have to buy the software. And again, this is not a shop that I can go to down the road, this is Africa and most probably NOT legit.

Why is it so hard to say, "yes I use the XYZ scanner and it can pick up the codes and tell me what's what?"
I CAN buy the OBDEleven here YES, but there are like 10 models to choose from, so clearly you don't have one otherwise you could just have said, "yes buy the exact same one I use"

Again, just because the car says "gearbox malfunction" does NOT mean its the gearbox, it can be a multitude of problems. I've read people having their entire gearbox changed and still its the same error. Hence why I am looking for a decent scanner so I can get a detailed error code of what it is that is wrong... My scanner doesn't pick up the error code, again this is why I am asking what scanner other people may be using that works SPECIFIC for an RS5, there is no point in one person having an A1 and saying this scanner works.. Surely someone with a B8 RS5 also has a scanner that they are happy with.

AGAIN I CAN'T SCAN THE ERROR CODES, MY SCANNER DOESN'T PICK THEM UP.

The only time I had the car scanned was over a year ago from a repair shop and they said it was the fuel pump, but I never got a print out or anything detailed.

This is not rocket science fml.

[Kolbenringe]

LOLLLL, you don't have to buy the software once you buy the cable. You mean the free software that's available on the RossTech site where it just scans for if you got a legit cable? And the cables aren't 500 by you. Meanwhile, you listed some crazy expensive scanners, just one of which is like 2.25x the price of VCDS. Not only that, I actually found the link and provided it for the authorized VCDS dealer in your territory. Sorry to inform you, but you're the problem here.

You've been told now to use the two specific scanners made for Audi/VW and they will tell you the exact fault, but somehow that's not computing inside your head. You're on about nonsense between different models and that you want an RS5 specific scanner which doesn't exist.

And you're right, this is not rocket science. You were told to buy VCDS or OBDEleven which is specific for Audi/VW. There is no model-specific scanner like you're looking for. You put up generic scanners that aren't Audi/VW specific and aren't guaranteed to give you the specificity you want, plus they cost more. Then you rage and make up stuff to rage about. This is why people shouldn't have cars like what you have. You want the proper scan tool, but don't want to buy the proper scan tool. You make up lies and fantasies, so how is anyone to help you? You got the name of the authorized VCDS dealer, but then say it's not legit. Maybe you're the problem?

You want a detailed reading of the error, but don't want the tools that provide the detailed readings? Also you do know there's an SA Audi/VW community that even makes YT videos and they're using VCDS, right?

[poorbastard]

https://www.takealot.com/all?_sb=1&_...arch=Obdeleven

Just because you typed in VCDS and came up with some online shop here that sells them DOESN'T means its legit etc. And yes they're almost $500 USD

5 OBDEleven scanners? Should I buy them all????

Why don't I just go changed the Mech unit because you said so, hell that's $4300.

First = diagnose the problem
Then fix..

ALL I'M ASKING IS WHAT SCANNER DO YOU USE? Clearly you DON'T use the OBDEleven one otherwise you would just have said, yes but this model one.

FML there is a reason you lost the war!

- - - Updated - - -

https://www.takealot.com/all?_sb=1&_...arch=Obdeleven

Just because you typed in VCDS and came up with some online shop here that sells them DOESN'T means its legit etc. And yes they're almost $500 USD

5 OBDEleven scanners? Should I buy them all????

Why don't I just go changed the Mech unit because you said so, hell that's $4300.

First = diagnose the problem
Then fix..

ALL I'M ASKING IS WHAT SCANNER DO YOU USE? Clearly you DON'T use the OBDEleven one otherwise you would just have said, yes but this model one.

FML there is a reason you lost the war!

[Kolbenringe]

https://www.takealot.com/all?_sb=1&_...arch=Obdeleven

Just because you typed in VCDS and came up with some online shop here that sells them DOESN'T means its legit etc. And yes they're almost $500 USD

5 OBDEleven scanners? Should I buy them all????

Why don't I just go changed the Mech unit because you said so, hell that's $4300.

First = diagnose the problem
Then fix..

ALL I'M ASKING IS WHAT SCANNER DO YOU USE? Clearly you DON'T use the OBDEleven one otherwise you would just have said, yes but this model one.

FML there is a reason you lost the war!

- - - Updated - - -

https://www.takealot.com/all?_sb=1&_...arch=Obdeleven

Just because you typed in VCDS and came up with some online shop here that sells them DOESN'T means its legit etc. And yes they're almost $500 USD

5 OBDEleven scanners? Should I buy them all????

Why don't I just go changed the Mech unit because you said so, hell that's $4300.

First = diagnose the problem
Then fix..

ALL I'M ASKING IS WHAT SCANNER DO YOU USE? Clearly you DON'T use the OBDEleven one otherwise you would just have said, yes but this model one.

FML there is a reason you lost the war!

There are people in this world that can't be helped and lead their lives with their anger over intellect. The RS5 is a car that you should not own and the poor person you're going to sell it to. There should be an alert to watch out for your car hitting the market in SA.

First = diagnose the problem

I know and at this point, it seems like an unlockable achievement for you.

FML there is a reason you lost the war!

Also I'm not German and you being in South Africa, we can have a very, very lengthy discussion about very ugly recent and distant historical facts, including ones that cross over with what you're referencing. But I'm guessing history and academics were not your thing since you said that.

[ultralightbeam]

just buy a ross-tech cable from china and use their version of VCDS. :)

dm me and i can point you in the right direction

[Kolbenringe]

just buy a ross-tech cable from china and use their version of VCDS. :)

dm me and i can point you in the right direction

He insists the software costs money.

[saltyrider]

I think he's getting confused on the VCDS cable, the cable itself costs money and is locked for a certain amount of cars, the more you pay the more cars you can have. The software is free, its good software albeit very old school. You can use that OBDEleven one, but its also a pay per amount of things you wish to change / view / clear etc. which can be irritating. I would recommend the VCDS route.

Anyway I have the same problem on my RS5, it doesn't seem to be the mechatronic unit, which is a good and bad thing. The mech unit itself is expensive, but anyone can really remove and install a new one, nothing too over the top.

-----
My issue once scanned with VCDS is this:

49,000km on the clock

17596 - Selector lever sensor
P179E 00 [040] - Electrical malfunction

17600 - Selector lever sensor
P179F 00 [040] - Malfunction

There is an Audi bulletin on this error, which seems to be the Drive Position Sensor G676
The part is pretty cheap, but FML one must remove the entire gearbox and split it and then replace that faulty sensor located inside the gearbox! (great design guys, clap clap)
So, cheap part but massive labor, maybe 15 hours worth and about 15 liters of oil and more bits and pieces!

I'm not sure how much it will cost as I haven't done mine yet, my car drives 100%, I'm just building up the balls to get it done, I'll call around tomorrow and see what the price is and then I'm sure I'll vomit.

-----

But before you do anything you'll need to scan the car and see what the exact problem is.