Transmission Malfunction Rebuild or Replace Mechatronics?

[pnwRS5]

Hi! I'm new here and have really enjoyed lurking on here until recently I became a member. I just got a 2013 Audi RS5 and sadly the dreaded "transmission malfunction" came on the dash. Car ended up not wanting to move forward and went into limp mode not going above 3 mph. The lights on the gear selector also went off. If the battery cables were taken off and put back on, the car would drive fine, no rough transmission shifts, and engine ran perfectly for another 10 miles or so, then goes back to not wanting to move forward or go into gear. After doing this a couple times, was able to drive it to a European mechanic nearby, which haven't used before. They gave me a reading and without looking into it other than just reading the codes, they thought it might be the mechatronics unit and suggested replacing that and the wiring harness while we are in there as well. Do you guys concur with replacing the full mechatronics unit as well as the wiring harness next to it? I mentioned to the mechanic about the possibility of rebuilding the mechatronics unit with the rebuild kit, and they also heard of that and was okay with doing that although mentioned it may not be a longterm fix. From the codes in this picture and from what I'm describing, what do you guys think? Is it the mechatronics? Is it a problem with the transmission control module? Is rebuilding the mechatronics a good fix or not so much verses buying the more expensive new unit?
Thank you for your time. IMG_1865.jpg

[hahnmgh63]

It's pretty tough for anyone to give you a good analysis online only. Because of the communications loss it does sound more electronic related (Mechatronics Electric unit https://www.buyaudivwparts.com/oem-p...-kit-b5398009f). What is the mileage on the car? Do you have the service history of the transmission? Should've been service first at 40k then again at 75k. The Mechatronic was updated in early 2014 so the 2013's can be hit or miss. Mileage and Mx history would be a factor for me in determining what to do. In addition to the Electronics board listed above, there are Solenoids that could all be checked for the proper resistance once the Mechatronic mechanical unit is pull (must be pulled to replace the electronics board).

[pnwRS5]

Thank you for the information that helps a lot. The car has 64k miles and is a clean title, no accident vehicle. According to the Carfax, it has been to the Audi dealer since new several times for it's standard services, but the only transmission service that I see that was done was a couple months ago, just before I bought the car, which definitely raises a question mark.

[hahnmgh63]

I think with that kind of mileage I'd go for a full service, Mechatronic electric board replacement, and a full adaption. Don't know if Eugene area would have a reputable shop familiar with the DSG but Portland would for sure. Not something I'd want a beginner attempting. It's definitely not rocket science but putting the Mechatronic back in, you have to be careful lining up the shifting forks, and even servicing the fluid level, dealers can sometimes do a crappy job. I check the level, drive it 1/4mi., let it cool, and then check the level again, and it is almost always needing a slight level change to get it perfect.

[pnwRS5]

That's good word. The car is in Portland currently since it ended up breaking down there which was convenient at least for being near good Audi mechanics, so I'm hoping to get it fixed there. So, from what I'm understanding, I guess I will plan on having the car double checked at a good indy shop, have the mechatronics rebuilt and have the solenoids checked, and then send it to the Audi dealer for adapting the software.

[hahnmgh63]

The link I added to the first reply is for the Audi Mechatronic electric board repair kit. This was the updated part I mentioned that came during the 2014 model year. The Mechatronics mechanical unit that the electrical board bolts on to is a fairly large unit with Solenoids and valves, you could say it's the DSG equivalent to a conventional automatics Valve body. The Mech unit can be removed with the transmission in the car so that is a savings.

[pnwRS5]

Oh that's really good to know. Thank you very much for your help.