CVT Be All/End All

[Forge04]

So, I'm going to use this thread as the catch all for the CVT. Reason being, the CVT is a problem. A huge problem. And so far searching around is wasting time, and I'm sure not just for myself. If anyone has further resources towards the CVT, PM me and I'll add it to this thread.

TCM Replacement: If you want to further stave off the possibility of your CVT going kaput.

Class Action Suit: Information for the lawsuit against Audi regarding the CVT. Only affects up to the 2006 model of B7 A4.

FWD to AWD: If you just want to be rid of the CVT completely.

The Basics:

CVT doesn't exist in Quattro. Only FWD.

The tranny should have the code stamped underneath. And it should be written on a sticker somewhere in your car. Either in the spare wheel recess in the trunk or on the drivers door or maybe in the owners manual.

The CVT is the automatic transmission used in our FWD A4s. If you're a Quattro, congratulations, you don't have to worry about the CVT! :D

The recommended service interval in order to keep it running well is 40K miles, which is to say that you need to change the oil of the transmission.

[Forge04]

Here's the first question I personally have about the CVT, after reading a whole bunch of stuff, what typically is the reason for failure? Is my 2007 more robust than the pre-2006s?

Also, does THIS apply to us? Post #37 to be exact. I know it's a 1.8T, but I'm still learning (always).

[Brandon9999]

My 2007 killed it's tcm... Will this lawsuit be for the entire b7 generation


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[1killera4]

Mine works fine. 2007 with 82k, Changed the fluid at 65k. at Audi dealer.

[Forge04]

My 2007 killed it's tcm... Will this lawsuit be for the entire b7 generation?

According to the article, no. So it makes me wonder then, did Audi do something different with the 2007s and up?

Mine works fine. 2007 with 82k, Changed the fluid at 65k. at Audi dealer.

I had mine changed at Eurotech here in Killeen. I asked if the fluid looked "good" and the tech confirmed as much. Who knows though if he even looked at it.

Yeah I'm trying to nail down if fluid changes alone will be enough to stave off the failure, or if I can expect a TCM replacement. BECAUSE...

If I'm going to invest $2K dollars into JUST the TCM, knowing it will go out again in the future, why wouldn't I buy the parts for THIS. It just doesn't make sense to me.

[1killera4]

I hear ya. From what I understand changing the fluid is a definite positive move on the longevity issue. When I changed my fluid it really made it much less whiney too. Quiet as a mouse now.

[Theiceman]

First Gen CVT were nightmares for all manufacturers. Looks like almost none of the B7 will get any coverage. Model year 2006 went on the road in late 2005 and the ten year warranty has already expired. very very few B7s will get any help at all.

[dalmation53]

The B6 platform CVT were a nightmare. The B7 CVT which I have are hit or miss.. I have 100k miles on mine never changed the fluid and the transmission is smooth as butter. some people have 30k miles on them and they take a shit. some have a stage 3 tune and K04 and CVT and take the power. So it's a hit or miss..

[zeitmorder]

i have about 89k miles on a 2006 B7. My TCM failed at about 80k, replaced under recall. It started with a loud clunk quickly followed by the transmission disengaging. Switching the car off then firing it back up allowed me to limp the car home, and luckily to the dearlship the next day (side streets) Not sure if they reworked the TCM, or if the replacement unit will eventually also fail down the road.

[Forge04]

So hearing some of these testimonials, and please keep them coming, the more of a survey size the better to reference from, I wonder if I should call AoA and see if my TCM has already bit the dust. They should be able to look it up by VIN yeah?

[Okedokey]

If you launch from stop it will kill it. Also if you don't replace fluid.

[B72011]

If you have a CVT get rid of it--best move you can do for the wallet. Otherwise, its Russian Roulette every time you start the car!

[Forge04]

If you have a CVT get rid of it--best move you can do for the wallet. Otherwise, its Russian Roulette every time you start the car!

I understand this is the perception, but I'm trying to find out like, why? Is it the TCM? Is it a filter in there? There was a post on another forum talking about an exterior, in-line filter, do we have that on the B7 CVT?

Trying to find solutions. :)

[Okedokey]

I understand this is the perception, but I'm trying to find out like, why? Is it the TCM? Is it a filter in there? There was a post on another forum talking about an exterior, in-line filter, do we have that on the B7 CVT?

Trying to find solutions. :)

Yes.

[Forge04]

Epic awesome! According to another thread that I'll reference in the OP later, that filter solved a whole slew of problems for one owner. I'm curious to do more digging on it.

Also, OP updated with FWD to AWD DIY link and basic info.

[80sGuy]

I have a 2008 (latest and greatest of the B7) and my CVT was replaced at 39,000 miles. My car is 110% stock, never abused, never raced. CVT fluid changed at 27K due to year but it still failed! So far the replacement box is good at 55K but who knows. One important thing to avoid when you owned a CVT: Never valet the car. Ever see those guys move cars around? They accelerate faster than they can put the car in gear (reverse then drive, vice versa), with a CVT this is a death sentence. Another thing, try not to over-mod your car....or don't mod at all.

[firecaddie]

The problem with CVT's comes mostly from the person on the throttle. You have to understand the engineering aspect of this particular type of transmission. CVT's are not built for quick hard 0-60 acceleration, but perform quite well in acceleration from 20 mph and up. A CVT transmission is built for efficiency of fuel mileage and for attaining constant engine rpm without a drop in power. Most people want to feel the power of their new toy (understandably) and end up stressing the bands by accelerating very hard from a stop every time. If you want a 0-60 car then this is definitely not for you. I was very skeptical of a CVT until I researched the engineering purpose and began to understand the design. I absolutely love the acceleration and power you can achieve from a CVT around 60 mph on the freeway and the slingshot feel you get on your way to 100 mph! With that being said I definitely take it easy at stop signs. It's definitely not for everyone however if driven correctly and serviced at 30k it should last a long time. I'm aware of the weaker earlier design flaw they had but believe the main problem is People try to drive a CVT as a modern transmission.

[zeitmorder]

2006 B7 CVT TCM failed at 80k in 2013. Luckily covered under extended warranty by Audi.

They changed the fluid and filter when they replaced the TCM.

[80sGuy]

2006 B7 CVT TCM failed at 80k in 2013. Luckily covered under extended warranty by Audi.

They changed the fluid and filter when they replaced the TCM.

They didn't replace the transmission at all? I got a whole new (new internals) different transmission dropped in.

[flowhigh]

Seems like there's a lot of indifference on the cvt. Posters are correct on characteristics of it side to the tiptronic. There's plenty of issues with failing torque coverters in the tip as well. If you aren't in the upper snow belt and you have cvt you aren't missing any "end all and be all". The cvt is a more efficient transmission and actually has faster times than the tip.

To be honest even with quattro, when you lose it in the snow you still lose it. That's the dangerous thing about schmucks that don't know how to drive and added sense of security that makes them wanna drive faster in bad conditions.

[zeitmorder]

They didn't replace the transmission at all? I got a whole new (new internals) different transmission dropped in.

Negative. Class action lawsuit and extended warranty only covered replacement of the TCM for 2006's. I think for earlier years they replace the transmission (2002, 2003,2004,...)

Details of settlement are here:

http://www.mysettlementclaims.com/blog/?p=2079

[80sGuy]

^^Mine is a 2008 but then again it was replaced under the extended warranty.

[Ovi789]

In Europe all CVT Audi change the oil every 60000 km and external magnetic filter every 180000km.
Dont do that and your good to pay. I have a 2007 B7, so maybe got a got CVT