I have a 98 A4 with a Transgo kit a 3500 TCI stall converter. Other than HPTuners programming (not touching line pressures) the car shifts fine at cruise, part and WOT, but when it tries to shift into 3rd or 4th, it does not lock up (meaning all revs and no go)

The last time I hit it hard, I did feel torque converter shutter - but assuming the TQ is fine since it works in 1st and 2nd could it be the 3rd 4th bands/cluch packs or something as simple as low trans fluid?

For troubleshooting purposes, I have tried to use the "TCC lockup" in HPTuners and pretty much changed tables to the stock auto settings but does not help.


Any troubleshooting/solutions would be greatly apprecieated

 

The symtoms are typical of an A4 that is slipping away,mine was like that. Time for a beefed up one

 

Yep, the 3-4 clutch packs are the weak spot on those transmissions and are usually the first thing to go. Although it is most likely that, it's probably important to ask these questions anyway:
Did it happen all at once, or could you feel it slowly getting softer?
Have you checked the transmission for leaks and checked the fluid level and the condition of the fluid. New fluid is red and clear. Chances are your fluid resembles muddy water, does it smell bad?

 

I agree

 

I had this same problem also.. but only occurred at WOT... I could never figure it out... at WOT I would have to get out of the throttle and get back in it quickly in order for it to lock back up or go into third gear. My car is at MTI getting a stage 2 Century rebuild... I hope this solves my problem. If I can find out anything from the rebuilder once he completes mine I will pass the information on. O'Neal

 

Thanks for the response
It happened all at once...I was driving at a 50mph cruise and noticed it. Got it home and the next drive, same thing. I have about 300 miles since the removal, transgo kit and install since I put 3.42's and the TCI converter. I have a trans cooler also.

No leaks and have not checked the condition of the fluid yet. was going to fill or fluch to check it out.

the trans has about 77K, but hard driving (mostly hard take-offs on on-ramps) to break in the h/c and supercharger...

What can I check if I pull just the pan?
electrical connectors? bands? sticky pistons?

 

What's the cost to have one "beefed up"? any suggestions on who's the best to do it?

 

See the phone number and email in my post give Rodney "crashed94" a call he is the best with transmissions and will shoot you straight.

Good Luck!

 

Been There and Done That my friend ..several times! It's time for a rebuild. The 3-4 clutches are just the weakest link in a generally mushy transmission designed for the masses.

Time to look into a performance transmission (4L60E). There several CF vendors available to help and guide you but for some quick credible info check out www.transmissioncenter.net
They're good people with great products. It won't cost a dime to get some good info and check out the complete line of performance components and transmissions available BEFORE you buy anything.

 

If you want to go somewhere local, you can try the Vette Doctors on Long Island. http://www.thevettedoctors.com/

 

Thanks buddy - I'm sure you feel my pain
Need the care on the road as soon as I can. Summer's are short here in Upstate NY. Had the tranny out when I did the 3.42's and should have had it done then (did a transgo but that is far as I go!)

I can get one with 28k on it for about 500.00,have one done,get a stage 4/5 or just waste summer time and do a M6 swap

 

i wouldn't waste my time with another stock tranny. You might get lucky and it will last for a few years or you might be in the same boat before this summer is gone.

 

Welcome to Disco Inferno...the 3/4 clutch pak burial grounds!
I have used several places, after rebuilding my 4l60e 3 or 4 times now, and I can tell you, that today, I will never again let anyone touch my tranny except the following:

1. Century Transmissions(6 month warranty)

2. FLP (get their level 5. 6 month warranty last time I checked)

3. Rossler(no warranty last time I checked)

4. Allstate Transmissions, out of DFW (you get a 1-year warranty)

Be prepared to drop around $2500, and make sure you get 8 or 9 clutches and not the usual 6 in the stock trans.

Vstella obviously had a better experience than I had, but I let Transmissioncenter(PATC) rebuild my 4L60e twice, with their top of the line pkg...both times the tranny went out in 3-5 months. They rebuilt it with substandard parts to get me through the remaining warranty period, at which time it promptly went out again...this time out of warranty. Also the guy who runs the place is a dick...Go figure!

I'm sure there must be other reputable builders, some mentioned above, that I have not done business with, but after spending thousands of dollars on 3 or 4 level 4 and 5 trannys at $2500 a pop, all I can say is I will never let anyone touch my tranny again, with the exception of those listed above, who are tried and proven.

 

Did Rodney do a trans for you?....getting alot of opinions that he is "the best"

 

No, I haven't experienced Rodney's work. As I say, there may be other reputable builders out there, just be sure that there are LOTS of people speaking out for that builder, and not just a few.
I too, have heard many good things about Rodney's work, just haven't used him, so I'm not qualified to have an opinion.

My last trans was done by Allstate locally(didn't want to ship it out and have to wait). It has been in there right at a year now, with several grueling passes wearing drag radials, and high tranny temps at times, and still no problems, and with my mods I consider that great workmanship. Craftsmanship has everything in the world to do with it. Just do your homework before buying.

Good luck, and remember to get a level 5, and a warranty!

 

I would also like to join the 3/4 clutch pak burial grounds

 

I might be a new member also. Recently my 2-3 or perhaps 3-4 shifts have been kinda "flakey" or kinda "indecisive" on a couple occasions. It has happened only a couple of times and just after I tuned and changed shift points/firmness for the first time. I was not getting on it, my car has 88,000 miles.

 

Sorry to hear about you guy's transmission woes.

When mine went I had it rebuilt back to stock.
I definitely advise against that option. I did so because it was a "warranty" repair.

Don't get me wrong, my transmission runs fine. But I wish I had put a few extra dollars on it, when it went down, and had it rebuilt with stronger and more durable parts.

Even though I am not making the HP that some of you guys are, just the quality and the peace of mind of a well built A4 tranny is worth the cost.

Thats what you are paying for.

I have heard good things about Rodney, Crashed 94, and Rossler. A member of our club replaced the stock transmission in his 2000 vert with a Rossler and was satisfied with it.

 

Thanks everyone for the advice. It pays to ask for direction when it comes to members experience and opinions.
I just ordered a level 5 4L65E (5 pinion planetaries) from Rodney. I think it's worth the few extra $ want to leave room for more power. I understand that he builds level 4 & 5's for other "big name" shops, which leads me to believe that others have had good experience with his work.

 

How much does rodney charge for a stage 4?

Im just wondering since it seems my shift points were off a lil bit and i was spraying through the 1-2 shift by accident. Seems a lil rougher then the other shifts.