7 Speed S-Tronic Clutch Valve and Mechanical Distance Calibration

[MadAboutCars]

Recently I've noticed a slight roll back on hill starts and the beginning of a slight jerk when the car shifts to first (which I didn't have up until now 12,000kms).

I decided to try this Ross-Tech procedure for the 7 speed s-tonic that someone on another forum had said worked on their 2013 S6. The good news is it works on the MY16 model, as well.

Ross-Tech 7-Speed S-Tronic Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG/0B5)

I followed the procedure pretty much as listed. In step 1 I got "not running" instead of finished correctly (nothing to worry about). I clicked stop but did not go back.

I then started the engine and proceeded with the clutch valve calibration. This one takes quite a while. You can hear the clutch load the engine during this procedure. I got "finished correctly" and then clicked stop.

I then proceeded with the distance sensor calibration, which did produce lots of clunking noises. I got "finished correctly" and clicked stop again, followed by done, go back.

I switched off the ignition by pressing the start/stop button twice and waited over 10s before turning it on again and checking for any error codes. There were none.

Took it for a drive and all is good. I made sure I used all gears, forced lots off changes in manual mode and drove in both D and S, before stopping the car. I'll report back after driving it more, as to whether it has improved at all.

Note:
1/ I took the car for a run first to warm the engine and to meet the temperature requirement for this procedure.
2/ I also checked if there were any error codes, and there were none in all modules.
3/ The car stays in park during the whole procedure.
4/ I had the drivers door closed and the handbrake on.

Ross-Tech Instructions (from the above link)

[Clipse3GT]

So any updates regarding this relearn procedure after some driving?

[MadAboutCars]

I'm very pleased with the result. The transmission is super smooth again and hill starts show no sign of any roll back. I haven't felt the 1st gear jerk, but this didn't happen often. Even my rough sports mode 3rd to 2nd downshift (that the car has had from new), is a little smoother (it had become a bit worse over time, so it's probably similar to how it was when new now. I'm pretty sure this is a software issue).

So all up, there are no negatives, that I can find, from doing this calibration.

[hubris]

Doesn't work in my 2014 S6. Step 2 gets stuck after hitting 'Go' for the Clutch valve calibration. VCDS result is ERROR: Unknown (0x86). No faults in the controller.

[MadAboutCars]

It worked on a 2013 S6, so it should work with your 2014. Did you meet the requirements of temperature and fluid level? I drove the car until the oil temperature registered in the lap timer mode, before doing the calibration. They also said to check for any drive train errors, as well. Probably a silly question, but you did start the engine before activating the clutch valve calibration?

[hubris]

It worked on a 2013 S6, so it should work with your 2014. Did you meet the requirements of temperature and fluid level? I drove the car until the oil temperature registered in the lap timer mode, before doing the calibration. They also said to check for any drive train errors, as well. Probably a silly question, but you did start the engine before activating the clutch valve calibration?

Yep I drove around until lap timer oil temp was 200*F, and I even got on it a bit before parking - not sure if maybe the temp was >100*C but I doubt it. NO errors in engine module. Yes engine was started . I didn't check trans fluid level.

[jfeger]

Doesn't work in my 2014 S6. Step 2 gets stuck after hitting 'Go' for the Clutch valve calibration. VCDS result is ERROR: Unknown (0x86). No faults in the controller.

Same here on my '13 S7. No errors on the Engine Control or the transmission control. Im on SW version 13 of the TCU.

- - - Updated - - -

Same here on my '13 S7. No errors on the Engine Control or the transmission control. Im on SW version 13 of the TCU.

.... and my fluid temp was 70C, oil temp was 204F.

[jfeger]

Same here on my '13 S7. No errors on the Engine Control or the transmission control. Im on SW version 13 of the TCU.

- - - Updated - - -



.... and my fluid temp was 70C, oil temp was 204F.

My VCDS setup is 15.7.4 on Windows 10.

[hubris]

Sounds like VCDS lacks coding for certain transmission revisions or something.

[MadAboutCars]

I used VCDS 15.7.1 on WinXP. The other person it worked for is in Toronto, Canada.

My TCU details:

Address 02: Auto Trans (J217)       Labels: 0B5-927-156.clb
   Part No SW: 4G0 927 166 E    HW: 0B5 927 156 K
   Component: 0B5 40TFSIRdW H03 0007  
   Revision: --H03---    
   Coding: 100001

[goliath1]

I am a little confused about the symptom. I experience a sudden jerk, intensity varies, when coming to a complete stop and releasing the brake about 1 second after. Is this the symptom you are describing? 2013 S6.

[Marc R]

Is it safe to do this procedure when the TCU has been re-programmed?

[DGVR6]

If you mean TCU tune, yes, I've done it a twice now

Is it safe to do this procedure when the TCU has been re-programmed?

[MadAboutCars]

Is it safe to do this procedure when the TCU has been re-programmed?

I can't think of a reason why. This procedure calculates the distance required to close the clutch, whereas the tunes affect clutch pressure and shift points.

[Dasquade]

Transmission fluid temperature between 40°C - 100°C. (one user reports this needs to be below 60°C)

That might be the cause it doesn't work for some? Haven't tried it myself but will do in the near future :).

[kpriv]

After this thread popped up last month I saved it and did the reset last weekend. The first step (erasing the counter) wasn't available for me but the other two worked just fine. I did a quick run beforehand to get oil temp to ~180, then let it sit for 15-20 min before initiating the procedure. Might just be placebo effect, but I feel like it improved the shifting. It definitely reduced the roll-back on a flat surface when putting the car in park, so something changed. I'm close to 15k miles, so perhaps something to do every 10-15k. Worst case scenario it doesn't hurt anything so nothing lost other than 5 min of your time.

[Dasquade]

Thanks for the feedback....i keep delaying it, but know i should give it a try aswell :).

[jsilas]

Subscribing for reference - plan to attempt this on my 2016 S6.

[Dasquade]

Finally took the time to try it aswell.
No vcds but obdeleven.
I made sure engine oil temp was around 70°, trans oil temp was 45°. Ignition on, car in P.
I had all availible options:
*reset the start/stop: i was able to rease that.
Started the engine and went to the clutch valve, not actief and not availible.
Same for the distance sensor.
:(.

[flyfishing]

mark to do this.

[Dasquade]

I ended up letting an audi tech shop do the clutch recalibration as for some reason (obdeleven?) it wouldn't allow me.
Sadely i wasn't with the tech at the time they performed the recalibration but he did told me it took longer then what it normally takes.
My car just entered the 80.000km (stage 1 since around 40.000km i think/stage 2 since 75.000km).
He told since it kinda took a long time, my clutch plates might worn out pretty much already but i should worry too much (but a rough pricequote came out on 2.200€ for new clutch plates all-in). For now i don't worry too much about it, but keeping it in mind that one day....
Not sure if there are upgraded or performance clutch plates for the S6 c7 trans?

Anyway, indeed a bit difference. Trans does grip faster and less slack on it, same for the reverse.
Not sure if this is a 'maintance' item, but looks it would be good to do a recal every 30.000km or so maybe?

[Arslàán]

I did tried to re calibrate it today but it keeps getting aborted-safety reasons when I select clutch valve calibration.

[Alister]

For anyone who hasn't tried this, I highly recommend giving it a go.

My S6 didn't always like reversing up my driveway - would semi-regularly require too many revs etc to behave.

I've recently done the adaptation and the experience since has been very positive - the car is happier to reverse normally up the driveway and into the garage without undue slipping/revving etc.

[elptxjc]

The first post was with version 15.7 of VCDS, and it's up to 18.2 now, but since it was on a 2016 S6 (face-lifted), I assume nothing on the procedure has changed, correct? Somebody please post after doing this, to make sure there're no new or different steps from post #1 on 2016+ cars. Thanks.

[Alister]

I was using the latest version of VCDS (18.2) when doing this, and nothing had changed.

[BozMan-S4]

Thanks for the post about this. I’m taking a leap and assuming this would work with a B8 S4 DSG as well? I’d like to give this a try today but wanted to confirm this isn’t specific to S6. Thanks

[Arslàán]

Thanks for the post about this. I’m taking a leap and assuming this would work with a B8 S4 DSG as well? I’d like to give this a try today but wanted to confirm this isn’t specific to S6. Thanks

It's gearbox specific not S6 or Audi buddy

[BozMan-S4]

It's gearbox specific not S6 or Audi buddy

Got’ya...I assumed but you know what assuming leads too sometimes. Thanks for confirm.


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[nvygw171]

Finally took the time to try it aswell.
No vcds but obdeleven.
I made sure engine oil temp was around 70°, trans oil temp was 45°. Ignition on, car in P.
I had all availible options:
*reset the start/stop: i was able to rease that.
Started the engine and went to the clutch valve, not actief and not availible.
Same for the distance sensor.
:(.

I was able to reset the counter, do the clutch valve calibration and distance sensor calibration with Obd eleven. If I remember correctly I wasn't able to do it the same way as the vcds instruction. The trans temp had to be under 60 and after each of the 3 above steps for some reason I had to completely close out of obdeleven and reconnect in order to move on the the next step. As far as the time it takes the clutch valve calibration I'm not so sure it's anything to be worried about if it takes a while. I did that step a few times because the first time it finished fast so I wasn't sure it did it correctly. While doing that step a few times i noticed sometimes it takes a while and sometimes it finishes faster.

[elptxjc]

Where exactly do you check the trans oil temp with VCDS? No mention on the procedure. And which is the optimal trans temp, since it's a bit confusing, with 40 to 100C and 40 to 60C, so guess below 60 (140F) then? Thx.

[mj1903]

I've been meaning to do this for a while now and just got around to it. The trans fluid temp (found in adv measuring under auto trans) was 55C. I was able to follow the directions to a T and it worked perfectly. (Latest VCDS, 2013 S7) VERY NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCE, I picked up the car with 65k on it back in December and did an EPL stage 1 tcu and ecu tune beginning of February. The car never felt slow or showed any lack of boost or power. After doing the calibration, I can say my head now stays at the back of the seat. This made a very strong difference and seemed to smooth out shifts also when in S mode at slower speeds. The car by far feels like a 477 WHP, 567 FT Lb rocket now (Local dyno test). When you would put down the power there would be this not so impressive pause until you felt the boost maximize. Now you can feel the power really transferring to wheels much better than before. This was probably the first time it has been done on the car since new. I highly recommend doing this if you bought the car used or have not done it in the last 10,000 miles. I can't wait to go for my next joy ride, what a difference! :P

[BozMan-S4]

I did tried to re calibrate it today but it keeps getting aborted-safety reasons when I select clutch valve calibration.

Same here...I am going to let my trans fluid temp drop. I’m thinking it’s aborting once it gets over 60. Also, when tuning I’d get an abort for safety if my battery voltage dropped too low. Anyone else have this issue and solve for it? I will try again in a bit

Also when I reset counter it says “Error out of range”...no idea on that one.

[Arslàán]

I will give it another shot tomorrow and report

[BozMan-S4]

I will give it another shot tomorrow and report

I wasn’t able to get back to it yesterday. Let me know how your re-try goes. Maybe between the two of us we can figure this one out. It doesn’t look like anyone else has this issue


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[flyfishing]

I just did it on a 13 s7 with no probs. takes 10 mins. i will report back if shifts are better.

[bhamcarnut]

I did this as well, on my 13 S7. Only drove it a little bit the downshifts seem to be a little more fluid. Thanks for the post!!!


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[BozMan-S4]

Do you guys remember what your starting DSG temp was? Be good to know finish temp too. Us S4 guys are experiencing aborting for safety and I’m trying to figure out what may be the issue. Thank you.

*if my temp is above 60 it’s shows too hot error. I’m wondering for S4 if we need to start around 40c so we don’t hit 60c while running the program.

[bhamcarnut]

I stared at 42c. I didn’t look to see what it was after. I couldn’t imagine it would have been much higher though. The entire calibration only took a few minutes.


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[flyfishing]

I have not driven fast or hard but can report smoother s down shifts from 3-2.


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[Arslàán]

I wasn’t able to get back to it yesterday. Let me know how your re-try goes. Maybe between the two of us we can figure this one out. It doesn’t look like anyone else has this issue


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So I tried to do it again today.

First attempt, temperature was 23 and it said temp too low.

Second attempt temp was 53 and it got aborted safety reason. Checked the temp again and it was 56.

I guess ideal temp should be between 40 and 50.

Will try again once temps are low