2021-2022 Audi A4/Q5 Gearbox Malfunction TSB

Symptoms

Owners of 2021-2022 Audi A4 and Q5 models may experience several symptoms related to a Audi A4 Q5 gearbox malfunction. These include a warning message in the instrument cluster stating "Gearbox Malfunction". The vehicle might also intermittently fail to shift up or down, enter a limp home mode, or display the message "Reverse gear unavailable". In some cases, the instrument cluster may show "You can continue driving (functions limited)".

Fault Codes / DTCs

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 34 23 62 2067653/3 addresses specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that may be stored in the transmission control module (TCM), J217 (address word 0002). These include:

• P071800: "Input/Turbine Speed Sensor 'A' Circuit Intermittent" (passive/sporadic with Symptom Code 20736)
• P276800: "Input/Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor 'B' Circuit Intermittent" (passive/sporadic with Symptom Code 20737)

These primary DTCs may also appear in combination with:

• P081100: "Excessive Clutch Slippage" (passive/sporadic with Symptom Code 20870)
• P081E00: "Clutch 2 excessive clutch slippage" (passive/sporadic with Symptom Code 20872)

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

To diagnose the Audi A4 Q5 gearbox malfunction, technicians should first attempt to reproduce the customer's reported complaint. A crucial step involves verifying the transmission's manufacturing date. This TSB specifically applies to transmissions built between June 15, 2020, and May 31, 2022.

Technicians must locate the transmission data stamps, which are found on the bottom of the front differential and the top of the bell housing, to confirm the production date. If a P071800 or P276800 fault is logged as active/static, the repair procedure outlined in this TSB does not apply. In such cases, the ODIS test plan must be followed completely, and an Audi Technical Assistance (TAC) Contact should be opened for repair authorization.

Important Warnings

Audi has issued specific instructions for technicians to prevent misdiagnosis or incorrect repairs related to this Audi A4 Q5 gearbox malfunction. Owners should be aware of these directives:

• Do not delete any learned values for the transmission in the TCM during diagnosis.
• Do not perform the ODIS test plan for replacing the transmission during diagnosis or the repair.
• Do not perform the ODIS test plan for replacing the mechatronics unit during diagnosis or the repair.
• Do not perform the ODIS test plan for replacing the valve body during diagnosis or the repair.
• Do not perform any SVM updates to the TCM during diagnosis.

Repair Procedure Summary

If the event memory entry P071800 or P276800 is logged as passive/intermittent, the recommended repair is to replace the transmission control unit J217. This procedure should be performed according to the detailed instructions provided in the Workshop Manual. After the replacement, a test drive is required to confirm that the concern is resolved and the Audi A4 Q5 gearbox malfunction is no longer present.

Required Parts and Tools

For the repair specified in TSB 34 23 62 2067653/3, the following parts are typically required:

• Control unit for 7 speed gearbox: Quantity 01. This part must be ordered to the vehicle's VIN.
• Gasket for oil pan, Plugs, tube from oil pan to transmission cooler: These parts must also be ordered to the vehicle's VIN.
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As needed per the Repair Manual. Technicians should consult ETKA for the latest information and part numbers.

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under Audi's warranty program. The claim type is 110 for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, the claim type is G10, requiring owner verification. If the vehicle is outside of warranty, this TSB serves as informational guidance only.

The Service Number for this procedure is 3511, and the Damage Code is 0040. Labor operations include removing and installing the mechatronic unit (code 3511 19xx) and removing and installing the control unit (code 3481 1950). Diagnostic time is allocated as GFF (code 0150 0000). Road tests are also covered, with 10 TU for the procedure prior to service (0121 0002) and 10 TU for the road test after service (0121 0004).

Source: NHTSA ID 10230967