Audi 1.2TDI (3L) gearbox problem

The clicking does not sound like a switch clicking but more like a click under the car in the gearbox. It is hard to explain.
The flashing appears to be a sign that it is trying to engage.
I guess checking the oil level will be very easy when the car is prepared for the basic setting? To do this the undertray needs to come off anyhow?

John
 
Hey!

Do you get RTFM! message when performing the basic setting?

Clicking most likely to be actuator related. You need to get the car on a ramp and take undertray off. You also need to reset the linkage that hands down at the back of the gearbox when the Basic Setting says ADJUST!. See VAGCOM page on the subject.
 
Owing to the iced driveway and given that the dealer could not demonstrate that they did the basic setting it is heading in next week to be adjusted.
I have noticed that reverse seems to be found more quickly now the temperature is closer to freezing.
It is only having any issues finding reverse but seems not to lag even if using the tiptronic mode and changing up and down often (testing on a large open car park)

John
 
Hello John L,
I'm the one that started this thread. I finally went to Audi so that they do the clutch/gearbox basic settings.They also changed some of the hydraulic hoses and checked oil level. It didn't solve my problem: it's still difficult to select the reverse (same symptoms as yours, the 'R' light also flickers) but not always. What I found out is that, in my case at least, this happens (probably) when the accumulator pressure is low: when I can't change to reverse, I go to Tiptronic mode and change gears until I hear the accumulator being pressurized again (pumping noise), and then I can select reverse without problem. Probably it's harder for the gearbox mechanism to select reverse than the other gears (?). I just bought a new accumulator but I hadn't yet found time to install it. I'm hoping it will fix the problem for once.
Cheers,
Miguel
 
On mine where the "R" flashes but did not engage changing the accumulator did not fix the problem.
The operating rod was suggested as being the problem (P/N: 085 142 471) and so I changed it. The ball stud was not worn but the hole on the end of the operating rod was so worn as to be lose.

The dealer suggested that it was necessary to remove the whole hydraulic control unit to change the rod but it is actually quite an easy job once you get under the car.

Here are a few pictures that may be useful:
WP_20140402_21_40_16_Pro.jpg DSC00803.jpg DSC00801.jpg

The rod is accessible once the undertray is removed and the car lifted. Then you just need to find the rod and prize it off. The new rod should then be reattached.

The new rod is the same length as the old rod but looks slightly shorter due to the angle. In my case the dealer did not identify this as the problem as it is not shown during a basic setting and is not logged electronically.

The gear changing is very crisp now and the car is more responsive. I did not need to do another basic setting after changing the part.
There is more advice/details on the German forum and it is an issue that seems to be fairly well covered on Lupo forums too...

I hope this helps a bit!

John
 
Dear John L,

Thank you very much for all the detailed information and photos. I'll give an update once I've changed the accumulator.

Cheers,
Miguel
 
Miguel,

Good luck with the accumulator.
The operating rod should be easy to examine once the car is lifted. It "snaps" on and off and so could be inspected easily by the mechanic.
If the part is rusty or if you can see the locking ring it is probably worth changing.

John
 
Dear John L,
I managed to install the accumulator by myself (I had to unscrew the liquid cooling tank to have enough space for the accumulator to pass). So far engaging reverse is now good. On the other hand I'm a bit disappointed than I can only change 4 gears until the compressor restarts (I know some people can change up 7 gears!). Maybe there's a small leak somewhere or maybe mine's it's just like that. Thanks again for the help.

Cheers,
Miguel
 
Miguel,

My A2 only manages 3 changes whereas both our Lupos manage 6/7, with the same accumulator. It's probably due to internal wear or possibly a faulty pressure sensor.

RAB
 
I found that a new accumulator on my car (that does not appear to have any leaks) managed 4-5 changes at best.
I wonder if the A2 is the more heavily loaded version does this affect the number of changes? For example if you have aircon and turn it off does this make any difference? (I can't see how it would/should but there is a lot more running from the engine)

John
 
Hi John,

No, the hydraulic system on the A2 is absolutely identical to that on the Lupo 3L. The the pump is electric and not connected to the engine.

RAB
 
Hi,

An update of my gearbox problem, just for your information: after a few days the problem reappeared. In the meantime I realized that moving the gear handle slightly into the stop direction (while already with the gear handle in reverse position but the gearbox staying in neutral) and holding it there, the reverse gear would always change without a problem. I decided to go to Audi and tell them that and they found out a bad electric connection (somewhere near the gear handle) and they suggested a new part (650CHF for the part and job..., that's about 430GBP). With that information in mind, I decided to try pressing down/up the gear handle while in reverse position: if I push the gear up and the metal circle down (just underneath the gear handle) it will change the gear also.
I will probably let Audi do the job but I will ask them to give me whatever they replace so I can take a look and try to understand where's the bad electric contact.

Cheers,
Miguel
 
Hello RAB,

Apparently they replaced only part 13. At least that's the one they gave me back. Makes me think if after all the problem was mechanical rather than electrical.
Anyway now it works.

Cheers,
Miguel
 
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