DSG circuit board needs replacing -- gearbox malfunction

[mjames]

I have a '10 with 74k miles, got the gearbox malfunction light yesterday but no other symptoms. Drove it safely to dealer (no other issues or alerts) and they ran codes and told me this morning that it's the circuit board that needs replacing. $1500 parts and labor, but they'll take off $150 because I'm a loyal customer. They are emailing me the print out with all the codes.

My question is this: is having the circuit board replaced the same as having the mechatronic replacement? And if not, how likely am I to experience more transmission problems after the circuit board is replaced? My fear is this is a precursor to needing the whole transmission replaced. Scares me, to be honest.

I've read a lot of threads on this, but I'm curious what people's experiences are specifically related to replacing the DSG circuit board.

[mjames]

Here are the codes...

What are the chances I'm okay with a new circuit board?

Is there anything else I need to have the dealer do while replacing this?

I assume they'll update my DSG software? Fluid was just done 5k miles ago.

[infinkc]

https://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B8_S4...ion/ES2697203/

looks like parts are around $400. I say the price they quoted you is very fair.

[mjames]

Yes, I have a wonderful dealer, Audi of Charlotte, and am happy with my SA....

[jran76]

My question is this: is having the circuit board replaced the same as having the mechatronic replacement? And if not, how likely am I to experience more transmission problems after the circuit board is replaced? My fear is this is a precursor to needing the whole transmission replaced. Scares me, to be honest.

No, it is not the same. The board being replaced is just a sensor and wiring that commonly fails, and would typically be part of the entire mechatronics unit. Whether more failures are in store is the million dollar question. I think you just have to replace the smaller part and hope for the best.

[mrmomo313]

No, it is not the same. The board being replaced is just a sensor and wiring that commonly fails, and would typically be part of the entire mechatronics unit. Whether more failures are in store is the million dollar question. I think you just have to replace the smaller part and hope for the best.

Going to echo what Jran said especially the bolded part.

I had the same issue as you OP, opted to replace the circuit board first.. I think it was roughly 3k miles and I was back in the shop to replace the entire mech unit... Hopefully the circuit board is all you need though. My audi dealership charged me roughly the same, think ~1200 OTD for the same repair IIRC.

[jimrobbington]

Sorry guys, but this thread makes me feel a little better about my 6MT clutch and clutch pedal woes. Lol!

[Zman84]

I just had this done on my 2011 (or something similar as they seemed to have a TSB on it), thankfully under CPO warranty....especially since it did not resolve the problem, which resulted in them replacing the mechatronics, which also did not solve the problem, resulting in them finally replacing the entire transmission. All good so far for the few miles I've tested it, but we'll see. Planning on posting the details too as an FYI to everyone. Look into TSB's to try and have it covered, and if not see what you can do to avoid being double billed for the labor in the event that the dealer's recommended repair does not resolve the issue.

Please report the problem as well so they can hopefully start recalling/covering these obviously defective transmissions.

[jygesq]

Seems there is as much talk about can't start my MT CAR UNLESS my foot goes to the floor as there is bad met tonics units. At least the metronics unit failures are so far in very early models. Only 2 2015 owners have had Dsg problems.

[will13k7]

Sorry guys, but this thread makes me feel a little better about my 6MT clutch and clutch pedal woes. Lol!

haha, there's alway one of you in these threads!

[SQuattro08]

Had the board replaced on my 2010 S4 at 52k. Began with gearbox malfunction warning and decided to take it in. Was quoted $1,700 but ran with luck and didn't pay a dime since it fell under an California emission warranty that is cover fully.

[RudyH]

haha, there's alway one of you in these threads!

You pretty much replace mech units, like you replace clutches, it seems. The only difference is there are more Stronic owners then 6-speed owners, even here, so it seems like a larger issue. That's what I determined.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B8_S4...ion/ES2697203/

looks like parts are around $400. I say the price they quoted you is very fair.

That should fix the problem, pretty sure I had the same codes. I did research last year when mine went and the overheating ones look very familiar. I paid around $1,400 as well from an independent transmission shop. What is REALLY GOOD, is the fact your dealer is recognizing the fix and doing it the way we have been doing it for the past couple years. Before dealers were saying that doing the mech repair kit wasn't a viable solution, even though it was coming up in their parts catalogs.

[mjames]

Dealer also said there's a 12k, 1 yr warranty on their service. Just hoping it holds together.

[scottycs]

Who are you using? I need to get warranty work done and they want me to come there and wait. NO loaner.... Audi Northlake has loaners but there service is less than stellar.

Yes, I have a wonderful dealer, Audi of Charlotte, and am happy with my SA....

[mjames]

Who are you using? I need to get warranty work done and they want me to come there and wait. NO loaner.... Audi Northlake has loaners but there service is less than stellar.

Ask for John at Audi of Charlotte. He gave me a new Q7 loaner, and gave me free Audi bags and drinks on my way out. They treat you really well, probably because they have to go above and beyond given the competition with Northlake.

[mjames]

I've gotten the TPMS alert now two days in a row, rear right tire, it doesn't appear to be low.

What does the TPMS have to do with the transmission? I've read that alert being part of the symptoms. I just had my DSG circuit board replaced and all seems fine, now I'm getting odd TPMS errors ... is there a connection? I cannot take more repairs...

[ATX_S4]

is there a connection? I cannot take more repairs...

I certainly wouldn't think so. You are supposed to store your tire pressures whenever all 4 are inflated to the proper psi. Either your tire is indeed low or perhaps the pressures were not set correctly and you need to re-calibrate.

[mjames]

Yep ... nail in tire. Getting it replaced. #FML At least it's not related to the tranny.