2005 Audi A6 Shift flare

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My 80.5 year old father is the owner of this vehicle. Many years ago in the 80K mile range, he got annoyed with the 'Lifetime' transmission Fluid, but The Audi dealer would not go through the procedure to change it out and Local mechanics were to iffy on being able to get the procedure right, and recommended against. It otherwise has been impeccibly maintained.

@ 120K miles he got a bit more miffed at not being able to have this 'lifetime' fluid changed out and was told the same thing by Audi, and independents. They wanted nothing to do with the TX fluid change procedure.

Now he has 155K of primarily highway flatland( Florida) miles, and when warm it is slipping then flaring upwards by ~250 rpm just before shifting. Put it in sport mode, and it is not noticeable. Regular mode and cold it seems fine, warm and it slips and flares just before upshifting. I can tell it is slipping even before the shift flare but he disagrees. There are some vibrations sometimes which he says have always been there but feel new to me. I only really drive it once or twice a year though.

The Bluebook value is only ~3500$ in excellent condition, and it is is absolutely excellent condition. The engine is strong, burns little oil, everything but the transmission is tight. He likes the car, always has and, if the TX were not acting up would have Zero desire to replace it.

Besides the impending demise of the transmission, the vehicle is flawless, and very comfortable, and paid for.

He has researched new/used transmissions and comes up with a ballpark range of 6K dollars installed. I have no idea how accurate this number is.

He is either considering a low mileage Used Infinity or similar, in the 20 to 25K range, and my inclination, since he has AAA and no longer travels far, is to drive it until the TX fails, and then perhaps spend the rather considerable $$ to have a new or used TX installed.

He is not inclined to waiting until complete failure at some unknown future mileage, but we of course have no idea how much further it will go before it reaches this point.

There is no way and mechanic in a can or even a fluid exchange at this point will do anything, It is replace TX before complete failure, After failure, or sell it/ trade it on something newer but of equal respectability/driveability.

For 80 years old, he is in good health physicaly and mentally, and I hope he lives much much longer, but he is also pretty frugal and always says he could croak tomorrow and does not want to waste money. A higher end new to newish Accord is as low as he is willing to go. Honestly he wishes the TX was not acting up and he could just keep driving this car, but the Transmission, is going, the only unknown is when, and how much it will cost.

Expected mileage driven per year from here is 3500 to 5K per year


Any Input/ recommendtions?
 
The dealerships probably won't change the fluid because Audi tells them it can't be changed, or that you can only do it when the transmission is disassembled. Maybe they don't want the liability of deviating. BMW is the same way with their DCT boxes.

Any competent German indie shop should be able to do this no sweat. Worst case is that nothing improves and you're out the $200 or whatever. Best case is that it largely goes away and it only cost you $200.


I don't know why people perpetuate the "German cars are unreliable" meme. It's a transmission, there's nothing mystical about the German ones versus a domestic. Made by many of the same companies as the domestics. I can guarantee you that if someone replaced the words "Audi" with "Ford" and reposted this exact thread you'd all just tell him to change the fluid and keep on driving, not replace the whole car. Sheesh.
 
The Audi will be worth about zero once the tranny dies, however nice it might be.
I'd personally do the fluid exchange and if the problem persists, a new valve body might be good shot.
I'd also find an indy who really knows these VAG boxes.
The good guys tend to leave the dealers and either set up their own shops or go to work for someone who has.
The dealership may not have any guys with any expertise in diagnosing and correcting this transaxle's ills beyond what they can read in the online service manual or find with a code reader.
Many dealerships, although not all, have inexperienced techs.
 
Changing your fluid will eliminate the flare.

Do 3 drain+fills with Dex VI to keep it cheap. Add 1oz of Lubegard Platinum per quart total capacity.
 
https://www.blauparts.com/shop-parts/f2a1021-c.html

Quote:

Fits OE Fluid Fill and Trans Code HLL,HLK,HWD,HWE or JER

Fitment Notes:
1) Note: 2005-2008 Audi A6 6 speed automatic transmission came with two transmission pan gasket types. 2005-2008 A6 owners must confirm they have transmission code HLL,HLK,HWD,HWE or JER before ordering. See our helpful 'How To Find Your Audi Transmission Code' page.
2) Note: This automatic transmission fluid filter kit, F2A1021-C, is for the vehicle owner who wishes to use the original factory fill ATF fluid parts number G 055 005 A2 (Tan in color).
3) Note: The car manufacturer has issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) for this model encouraging owners to change to an updated ATF, along with installing transmission control unit (TCU) software updates. This TSB is for vehicles experiencing chirping, hooting, squeaking, light vibrations, or shudders when changing gears. The TSB updates your vehicle ATF fluid using part number G 060 162 A2 (Green in color) or G 055 162 A2 (Blue in color) along with the corresponding TCU software updates. ATF fluid part number G 055 162 A2 (Blue in color) has been superseded by G 060 162 A2 (Green in color). If your transmission has the G 055 162 A2 (Blue in color) ATF, it can be mixed with G 060 162 A2 (Green in color) ATF.
4) Note: If your vehicle has NOT had the TSB update and your transmission has NOT been experiencing any noises or shudder when changing gears you may wish to use this kit with the original factory fill ATF fluid G 055 005 A2 (Tan in color) for a considerable cost savings when compared to the updated ATF fluid G 060 162 A2 (Green in color).
5) Note: If your vehicle HAS had the TSB performed using the updated ATF fluid G 060 162 A2 (Green in color) or G 055 162 A2 (Blue in color) along with TCU updates, use transmission fluid filter kit F2A1028-C.
6) Note: It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to confirm if your vehicle HAS or has NOT had the TSB performed with the updated ATF G 060 162 A2 (Green in color) or G 055 162 A2 (Blue in color) and TCU software updates before purchasing this transmission kit. To determine if your vehicle has received the TSB follow the five steps provided:
a) Determine the ATF fluid color (Is your fluid Tan, Green, or Blue.)
b) Have confirmed documentation of this TSB in your vehicles service history records.
c) Contact the local dealership with your VIN number to confirm your vehicles service history records.
d) Contact the local dealership with your VIN number to confirm if your model transmission is eligible for the updated ATF fluid and TCU update.
e) Determine your transmission code. This can be located on the transmission identification plate, owners manual, and vehicle identification label located in the well area that carries the spare tire. See our helpful 'How To Find Your Audi Transmission Code' page.

Audi A6 Automatic Transmission Filter Fluid Kit with 6 Speed Includes:
High Quality German Components

Automatic Transmission Filter
Filter to Valve Body Gasket
Oil Pan Gasket
Oil Pan Drain Plug Gasket
Oil Pan Fill Plug Gasket
Extra Oil Drain Pan Mounting Hardware
9 Liters of Fully Synthetic German Audi A6 Automatic Transmission Fluid (See Below Technical Information)
Fluid meets VW G 055 005 A2 specifications required for 09L 6 speed Tiptronic transmissions.
Polypropylene Output Pump Dispenser (Hand operated with clear dispensing hose used for transmission fluid transfer. This cost-effective tool can be used in place of Audi VW special tool VAG 1924.)
Blauparts Installation Guidelines / Tips
 
Originally Posted By: dparm
The dealerships probably won't change the fluid because Audi tells them it can't be changed, or that you can only do it when the transmission is disassembled. Maybe they don't want the liability of deviating. BMW is the same way with their DCT boxes.

Any competent German indie shop should be able to do this no sweat. Worst case is that nothing improves and you're out the $200 or whatever. Best case is that it largely goes away and it only cost you $200.


I don't know why people perpetuate the "German cars are unreliable" meme. It's a transmission, there's nothing mystical about the German ones versus a domestic. Made by many of the same companies as the domestics. I can guarantee you that if someone replaced the words "Audi" with "Ford" and reposted this exact thread you'd all just tell him to change the fluid and keep on driving, not replace the whole car. Sheesh.


But the typical Ford transmission does not cost 6K installed or even half that.
 
Originally Posted By: Silverado12

But the typical Ford transmission does not cost 6K installed or even half that.


I'm thinking you haven't priced transmissions for newer cars yet.
 
Thanks all. I will forward the info to Dad, and see if we can find a VAG Indie shop to do the work. He has little desire to own a different vehicle.
 
120k miles is a little too early if it's primarily highway driving. Mine has 210k miles with the original fluid and has just started to "flare" sometimes from 4 to 5 when cold.

I've read the new fluid usually fixes the issue.
 
Originally Posted By: Rand
https://www.blauparts.com/shop-parts/f2a1021-c.html

Quote:

Fits OE Fluid Fill and Trans Code HLL,HLK,HWD,HWE or JER

Fitment Notes:
1) Note: 2005-2008 Audi A6 6 speed automatic transmission came with two transmission pan gasket types. 2005-2008 A6 owners must confirm they have transmission code HLL,HLK,HWD,HWE or JER before ordering. See our helpful 'How To Find Your Audi Transmission Code' page.
2) Note: This automatic transmission fluid filter kit, F2A1021-C, is for the vehicle owner who wishes to use the original factory fill ATF fluid parts number G 055 005 A2 (Tan in color).
3) Note: The car manufacturer has issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) for this model encouraging owners to change to an updated ATF, along with installing transmission control unit (TCU) software updates. This TSB is for vehicles experiencing chirping, hooting, squeaking, light vibrations, or shudders when changing gears. The TSB updates your vehicle ATF fluid using part number G 060 162 A2 (Green in color) or G 055 162 A2 (Blue in color) along with the corresponding TCU software updates. ATF fluid part number G 055 162 A2 (Blue in color) has been superseded by G 060 162 A2 (Green in color). If your transmission has the G 055 162 A2 (Blue in color) ATF, it can be mixed with G 060 162 A2 (Green in color) ATF.
4) Note: If your vehicle has NOT had the TSB update and your transmission has NOT been experiencing any noises or shudder when changing gears you may wish to use this kit with the original factory fill ATF fluid G 055 005 A2 (Tan in color) for a considerable cost savings when compared to the updated ATF fluid G 060 162 A2 (Green in color).
5) Note: If your vehicle HAS had the TSB performed using the updated ATF fluid G 060 162 A2 (Green in color) or G 055 162 A2 (Blue in color) along with TCU updates, use transmission fluid filter kit F2A1028-C.
6) Note: It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to confirm if your vehicle HAS or has NOT had the TSB performed with the updated ATF G 060 162 A2 (Green in color) or G 055 162 A2 (Blue in color) and TCU software updates before purchasing this transmission kit. To determine if your vehicle has received the TSB follow the five steps provided:
a) Determine the ATF fluid color (Is your fluid Tan, Green, or Blue.)
b) Have confirmed documentation of this TSB in your vehicles service history records.
c) Contact the local dealership with your VIN number to confirm your vehicles service history records.
d) Contact the local dealership with your VIN number to confirm if your model transmission is eligible for the updated ATF fluid and TCU update.
e) Determine your transmission code. This can be located on the transmission identification plate, owners manual, and vehicle identification label located in the well area that carries the spare tire. See our helpful 'How To Find Your Audi Transmission Code' page.

Audi A6 Automatic Transmission Filter Fluid Kit with 6 Speed Includes:
High Quality German Components

Automatic Transmission Filter
Filter to Valve Body Gasket
Oil Pan Gasket
Oil Pan Drain Plug Gasket
Oil Pan Fill Plug Gasket
Extra Oil Drain Pan Mounting Hardware
9 Liters of Fully Synthetic German Audi A6 Automatic Transmission Fluid (See Below Technical Information)
Fluid meets VW G 055 005 A2 specifications required for 09L 6 speed Tiptronic transmissions.
Polypropylene Output Pump Dispenser (Hand operated with clear dispensing hose used for transmission fluid transfer. This cost-effective tool can be used in place of Audi VW special tool VAG 1924.)
Blauparts Installation Guidelines / Tips


linkie no workie
 
We just visited two European/German auto specialists, and once we said 155K miles on the original fluid, they started shaking their heads and said they would recommend going and trading in the vehicle today.
Both said that a fluid/filter change at this point, would simply make it worse and perhaps undriveable, that they'd gladly perform the service and take our money, but it was too late and would be a waste.

With it being a quattro a new or used transmisssion replacement is Big big bucks and far more than the vehicle is worth.

Both said

"unless you have a sentimental attachment.............."

Gonna research a replacement vehicle. Such a shame that such a nice car is nearly essentially worthless.
 
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