Automatic transmission done?

[Avantgodoy]

2006 A4 Avant with 2.0T Quattro. Got on the freeway yesterday only to have my automatic transmission make a big thud and loose all gears. Rolled off the freeway. Still have motor power. Car will rev, but if I cycle through the gear positions, nothing engages. In park the car will roll like it's in neutral. Changed ATF and filter back in the spring. Have had lingering issues with rough downshift from 3rd to 2nd. But now I have no shift. Looking under the hood I see a big splatter of trans fluid coming from near the drivers side front axle, but doesn't look like it's the actual axle opening. Haven't climbed underneath to get a better look yet.

Found a transmission from salvaged car for a good price with warranty. Question is, can I swap to another automatic trans without screwing up the whole relationship to my car's computer and motor? Or do I try to rebuild? Thoughts anyone? Thanks everyone.

[AJacksA4]

Axle may have broken?

[Mindstorm20]

Was thinking something similar to Ajacks. May even be that the splines slipped out. One axle being disconnected will get these same results so I would definitely check there first as it's a lot cheaper problem.

[Avantgodoy]

You nailed it. On closer inspection, I put the car in gear and with the parking brake on that front axle is turning. It's still in the boot, so I didn't think it would be that, but now it totally makes sense. And when the one isn't getting traction, the rest of them shut down. Had recently replaced a long-time torn boot on that joint. I guess it had had enough. Thank you for the idea. Was totally prepared to buy a used tranny and drop it in. So again, Thanks.

[AJacksA4]

You nailed it. On closer inspection, I put the car in gear and with the parking brake on that front axle is turning. It's still in the boot, so I didn't think it would be that, but now it totally makes sense. And when the one isn't getting traction, the rest of them shut down. Had recently replaced a long-time torn boot on that joint. I guess it had had enough. Thank you for the idea. Was totally prepared to buy a used tranny and drop it in. So again, Thanks.

Glad that was the issue. I broke a cv joint on my way to Tahoe. 3hrs from South Lake and 3 hrs from home. The nearest garage was closed for the next 4 days...

Had to wait 8 hours for our friend to come grab us lol