2021-2023 Audi A4-A7, Q5 Gearbox Malfunction TSB

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may observe one or more of the following symptoms related to a gearbox malfunction:

• "Gearbox Malfunction" is displayed in the instrument cluster.
• The vehicle intermittently does not shift up or down.
• The vehicle enters limp home mode.
• "Reverse gear unavailable" is displayed in the instrument cluster.
• "You can continue driving (functions limited)" is displayed in the instrument cluster.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When diagnosing an Audi A6 gearbox malfunction, technicians may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the Transmission Control Module (TCM), J217:

Important Warnings for Diagnosis and Repair

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2067653/4 includes critical instructions for technicians to ensure proper diagnosis and repair:

• This TSB only applies to transmissions manufactured within a specific date range. If the transmission's manufacturing date is not between June 15, 2020, and May 31, 2022, this TSB does not apply.
• 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.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Technical Service Bulletin 2067653/4 specifies that the issue of an Audi A6 gearbox malfunction is typically found in transmissions manufactured between June 15, 2020, and May 31, 2022. Technicians must verify the transmission's production date by checking data stamps located on the front differential and bell housing. Figure 1 in the TSB illustrates these data stamping locations.

The diagnostic procedure varies based on the status of the stored fault codes:

• Active/Static DTCs: If DTC P071800 or P276800 is stored as active/static, the repair outlined in this TSB does not apply. In these instances, technicians are instructed to follow the ODIS test plan completely and accurately, open an Audi Technical Assistance (TAC) Contact, and upload diagnosis information for repair authorization.
• Passive/Sporadic DTCs: If DTC P071800 or P276800 is stored as passive/sporadic, the recommended repair is to replace the transmission control unit J217 according to the Workshop Manual.

Repair Procedure Summary

For vehicles exhibiting the Audi A6 gearbox malfunction with passive/sporadic DTCs P071800 or P276800, the primary repair involves replacing the transmission control unit (J217). The repair process, as outlined in TSB 2067653/4, includes several key steps:

1. Initial Diagnosis: Confirm the customer's reported symptoms and verify that the transmission's manufacturing date falls within the specified range of June 15, 2020, to May 31, 2022.
2. Control Unit Replacement: If the diagnostic trouble codes are passive/sporadic, the transmission control unit J217 is replaced. This procedure may involve the removal and installation of the mechatronic unit, or just the control unit, depending on the specific model and required labor operations (Service Number 3511, Damage Code 0040).
3. Post-Repair Road Test: A road test is required after the service procedure to confirm that the concern is fully resolved and the Audi A6 gearbox malfunction is no longer present.

Required Parts

Specific parts required for this repair include:

• Control unit for 7-speed gearbox (ordered to VIN)
• Gasket for oil pan, plugs, and tube from oil pan to transmission cooler (ordered to VIN)
• Fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws as needed (refer to ETKA/ELSA manual for specifics)

Warranty Information

This repair is generally covered under Audi's New Vehicle Limited Warranty for up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, coverage (G10) is applicable upon owner verification. If the vehicle falls outside of these warranty conditions, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only, and any repair costs would typically be the owner's responsibility. All warranty claims must strictly adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual.

NHTSA ID: 10245527