Dreaded “gearbox error, reverse gear unavailable” message

4.2 V8 32v FSI - 444 bhp
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Sidicks
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Joined: Tue Jan 15, 2008 9:01 pm

Dreaded “gearbox error, reverse gear unavailable” message

Post by Sidicks » Tue Nov 08, 2022 11:01 am

Car was serviced last week, all running fine beforehand and immediately afterwards, including a 400mile trip at the weekend.

Travelling to a physio appointment, I remember thinking that the back end of the car seemed a bit noisy and then noticed some very abrupt gear changes - I think from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. Driving home it seemed to be quieter and the gear changes back to normal, but then I got an error message “gearbox error, reverse gear unavailable, ok to continue driving”. Shortly after I had a TPMS error message.

I got home, turned the car off and then restarted, and the gearbox error had disappeared (but not the TPMS error), and I was able to manoeuvre the car (including reverse) onto the drive.

This morning, I had no errors and the car was driving normally until suddenly I had a different error message “gearbox overheating, modify your driving style” - this was after 5mins of sedate (30mph) driving.

I drove straight to the local Audi garage (who had done the service last week, including the relevant gearbox oil) and is now with them for diagnostics.

A quick search online suggests mechatronic gearbox might need to be repaired ‘ replaced?

Anyone with experience of this issue?

Thanks
2006 Clio 1.4 16V :bash:
2014 Audi S1

Sidicks
1st Gear
Posts: 70
Joined: Tue Jan 15, 2008 9:01 pm

Re: Dreaded “gearbox error, reverse gear unavailable” message

Post by Sidicks » Sat Nov 12, 2022 11:20 pm

For completeness, I’ll complete the story, but the fact no-one has replied suggests no-one is interested!

The garage took the car back and, after investigations, found that the oil was not replaced to the correct level.

Thry were very apologetic, gave me a gift, and the car is now driving perfectly.
2006 Clio 1.4 16V :bash:
2014 Audi S1

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stuartbarriskell
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Re: Dreaded “gearbox error, reverse gear unavailable” message

Post by stuartbarriskell » Sun Nov 13, 2022 5:26 am

Wow, lucky one that, don't like the sound of any oil level being wrong..

Glad you got it sorted, I'd of been shitting myself till it was sussed out.

Glad your sorted mate

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Current stable: B8 RS4.
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MJ_RS4
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Re: Dreaded “gearbox error, reverse gear unavailable” message

Post by MJ_RS4 » Sun Nov 13, 2022 6:53 pm

Glad you got it sorted, and wasn’t a major fault in the end.
Thanks for posting the outcome, always helpful for future reference.

goram
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Re: Dreaded “gearbox error, reverse gear unavailable” message

Post by goram » Mon Nov 14, 2022 10:20 am

Glad it's sorted mate. The previous owner of mine had his gearbox replaced under warranty after receiving similar messages to yours. It cost £9000..... Didn't really want to post that, but based on your experience I wonder if his 'box really did need replacing?!

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