I own a '98 A4 Quattro 2.8 for close to four years. When I first got this car, I became aware of a huge issue this model has with clogged breather hoses and subsequent sludge build-up. If not dealt with, oil can leak from various gaskets + sludge can accumulate in the engine block.

So I replaced the hoses and changed a leaking gasket and all was good. Life went on. But- I regressed back to a bad Audi owner. I know a lot of you will gasp at this & will send someone over during the dark of night to save the car however I did not do what I should of done like change the fuel filter and o2 sensors, use the right oil. I even used unleaded gas!

So now I am experiencing problems with the car. Go figure! I checked the breather hoses and sure enough they are restricted. Oil is leaking again as well. But the car also is acting up with the transmission. It jerks a little going into a gear. Then the car must be trying to adjust / compensate for it.

So - I thought I read somewhere that the car's engine performance (or lack there of) can confuse the car and interfere with the transmission as well. Is that correct? And if so- should I start with getting my car better by changing out the fuel filter and 02 sensors, put the right oil in, work on breather hoses?

Love to hear all your thoughts!

Cheers