Merry ***kin Christmas !

[Mark-RS]

Box has gone

Starting to slip more and more now and for the first time ever it appeared to jump out of gear, all the Box lights lit up (PNDRetc...) and it appeared to be driving on a slipping TC only. After a Restart all went back to normal, but the slippage is much worse.

So I think it's about time to have it done.

My options are...

1. Replace the TC only, as this seems to be the only issue and the box itself is fine. MRC said this was an issue when I had it mapped a few years ago, so I guess it's done well.

2. Have the box in total replaced.

3. Go manual.

Having spent around 3 grand already this year I was kinda hoping the box would last a bit longer but, hey ho... She's been good to me overall I think, especially being a daily and putting way in excess of 10k Miles on her for the last 4 years of ownership.

I would welcome any and all input, be it in the forms of advice, a shoulder to cry on, a hug,

[srichards]

They're an arse aren't they? It's why they are founding members of the burning £50 notes for fun club...

If MRC think it's likely to be the TC only then get that replaced and the gearbox serviced at the same time. Then see how it is. If there's warning signs in the gearbox oil then it's probably time to do the gearbox too.

[Shoppinit]

Even if the clutch in the TC fails it will still transmit power to the box ok. If the TC has failed completely then there will be a ton of swarf in your box. It’s rare for a TC to fail this way unless it’s in a dragster.

Your symptoms sound most like failed clutches in the box (assuming your ATF level is correct).

Either way you are looking at a new box and TC IMHO. I personally would try to get a ZF reman unit. Might no longer be available.

Failing that, a trusted gearbox rebuilder. There are a couple of names that keep cropping up in this respect.

[Shoppinit]

Check the DTC. That will give you confirmation of clutch slippage.

[Mark-RS]

Well as a first port of call I have emailed Chester Automatics for a drive in drive out price with an Uprated TC.

[steve2003rs6]

Hi mark. Sorry to hear you are having problems.
Personally I would put it in the hands of grizz.
And I believe they use Chester automatics.
The just have sooooo much experience on our cars.

Barry on the forum has recently had a similar job done.
Just what you need at this time of year. Another big bill.
Feel for you mate. Hope you get it all sorted.
I think Barry had a bill for around 4k all in.

[chunky79]

Even if the clutch in the TC fails it will still transmit power to the box ok. If the TC has failed completely then there will be a ton of swarf in your box. It’s rare for a TC to fail this way unless it’s in a dragster.

Your symptoms sound most like failed clutches in the box (assuming your ATF level is correct).

Either way you are looking at a new box and TC IMHO. I personally would try to get a ZF reman unit. Might no longer be available.

Failing that, a trusted gearbox rebuilder. There are a couple of names that keep cropping up in this respect.

This^^^^^^^.
Madness to remove the box and not have it stripped, you're just asking for longterm trouble. Penny pinch here, it'll bite you later!

[Mark-RS]

I'm certainly leaning to getting the whole thing done. Would hate to just go for one part of it and then have to rip it out again in a years time.

I also don't think I will be spending 4k on it either ! that's an insane price on a car that's probably worth around 10k if lucky these days. I think if that's the case I'd rather just get shot and put the money towards a C6 instead. Given the other bills this year I don't think I could justify nearly 7 grand on such an old car. I think I'm leaning towards setting a limit of 2.5k for it. Anything more and I think we will be parting ways



https://www.automatic-gearbox.co.uk/audi-gearboxes/

This place has a box replacement at nearly 5.5k ! Although the years of the car don't add up, so likely the wrong box ? 2004-2006 ? 4.2 V8 Rs6 ?

[steve2003rs6]

It’s a real headache of a decision mark.
But I know I would have to get the work done and suffer weeks of earache from my other half.
Spent too much on my pride and joy to give up on her.
I just hope I am not in your position for a few more years

Will follow this post with interest to see how everything turns out. Fingers crossed for you mate.

[Capt Ric]

Mark,
Sorry about your gearbox, never good timing.
Whilst I'm a long term customer (9 years of Unit 20) who I believe use Chester automatics, I got my last gearbox service done at http://www.autotransuk.com
in Wembley. Was about £260 and if i remember right he was talking about £1500 for box rebuild (plus engine out costs etc).
He previously has a C5 RS6 so knows a thing or two about them.
Might be worth considering.
Good luck.

[Mɐʇʇ]

When my TC lockup failed, I sent the whole lot to Chester Autos. While the box was working fine, they did say a couple of the clutches were pretty worn.

[steve2003rs6]

Good info ric. And yes Matt I have heard nothing but good feedback about Chester autos.

[Mɐʇʇ]

There is a reference somewhere here of one of their boxes that didn’t last long. No idea the cause. But you know what, the best engineer I’ve ever known has just built a beautiful engine. 3 hours of running and it’s first oil change and it’s gotta come apart again. So nobody ever gets it perfect all the time.

Anyway, my Chester box now has 16k miles on it in 7 years and it’s still sweet.

[Mark-RS]

Sent emails to both of the above mentioned, but have yet to get a reply from either of them yet.

Fingers crossed !

[srichards]

When the box is rebuilt is the F125 switch replaced at the same time as a precaution?