HPDE at VIR problem
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 503
Likes: 6
From: Rochester Indiana
HPDE at VIR problem
I was VIR this week for my first HPDE. I have a 2005 with auto. trans, whenever I went around the Oak Tree turn I would loose all drive train for a little ways. Engine was running but the car acted like it was out of gear. After I got the car level it would re-engage and off I would go. Also the trans. "to hot" would come on every now and then. The car has the z51 pkg, so am I low on trans fluid or is something else going on. This problem was not on every lap just when I really went into the corner really hot. Any ideas would help as I plan on doing more of these events but can afford to buy a stick.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
Was the trans fluid at the full mark before you left the pits?
Back when my car was an A4, I added a stacked-plate aux cooler that was sized for an RV. Also flushed out the trans and refilled with Mobil-1 synthetic fluid.
Even with all that, the fluid was only good for 2-3 HPDE track days before it was in need of changing. The torque converter clutch would shudder when it engaged, change the fluid and it would return to normal.
I switched to a T56 eventually, as will you. Resistance is futile...
Back when my car was an A4, I added a stacked-plate aux cooler that was sized for an RV. Also flushed out the trans and refilled with Mobil-1 synthetic fluid.
Even with all that, the fluid was only good for 2-3 HPDE track days before it was in need of changing. The torque converter clutch would shudder when it engaged, change the fluid and it would return to normal.
I switched to a T56 eventually, as will you. Resistance is futile...
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
Just a thought...are you by any chance running with Active Handling and Traction Control on? On the track you should be using Comp Mode (at least until you get proficient enough to run with all nannies off).
I run with sticky tires. If I use comp mode (with its reduced level of AH and no TC) the system engages at virtually every corner and many curves. Sometimes, coming out of a tight corner system intervention seems to 'bog' the car down. It's almost like I have to straighten the car out again before full acceleration resumes.
I'm not sure if your problem is related to the automatic transmission but cooking the fluid isn't good with any gearbox. At the very least I'd change fluid. I use Royal Purple Synchromax in my manual gearbox and it seems to holdup very well (and I run in a hot desert climate). Try to keep an eye on your fluid temps as you run...if something gets too hot start short-shifting and running cool-down laps. Good luck!
I run with sticky tires. If I use comp mode (with its reduced level of AH and no TC) the system engages at virtually every corner and many curves. Sometimes, coming out of a tight corner system intervention seems to 'bog' the car down. It's almost like I have to straighten the car out again before full acceleration resumes.
I'm not sure if your problem is related to the automatic transmission but cooking the fluid isn't good with any gearbox. At the very least I'd change fluid. I use Royal Purple Synchromax in my manual gearbox and it seems to holdup very well (and I run in a hot desert climate). Try to keep an eye on your fluid temps as you run...if something gets too hot start short-shifting and running cool-down laps. Good luck!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 503
Likes: 6
From: Rochester Indiana
Just a thought...are you by any chance running with Active Handling and Traction Control on? On the track you should be using Comp Mode (at least until you get proficient enough to run with all nannies off).
I run with sticky tires. If I use comp mode (with its reduced level of AH and no TC) the system engages at virtually every corner and many curves. Sometimes, coming out of a tight corner system intervention seems to 'bog' the car down. It's almost like I have to straighten the car out again before full acceleration resumes.
I'm not sure if your problem is related to the automatic transmission but cooking the fluid isn't good with any gearbox. At the very least I'd change fluid. I use Royal Purple Synchromax in my manual gearbox and it seems to holdup very well (and I run in a hot desert climate). Try to keep an eye on your fluid temps as you run...if something gets too hot start short-shifting and running cool-down laps. Good luck!
I run with sticky tires. If I use comp mode (with its reduced level of AH and no TC) the system engages at virtually every corner and many curves. Sometimes, coming out of a tight corner system intervention seems to 'bog' the car down. It's almost like I have to straighten the car out again before full acceleration resumes.
I'm not sure if your problem is related to the automatic transmission but cooking the fluid isn't good with any gearbox. At the very least I'd change fluid. I use Royal Purple Synchromax in my manual gearbox and it seems to holdup very well (and I run in a hot desert climate). Try to keep an eye on your fluid temps as you run...if something gets too hot start short-shifting and running cool-down laps. Good luck!
My in car instructor did not want me to run in comp mode. Car acted like it was out of gear until I completed the turn and was going straight, fairly scary with cars coming around corner at high rate of speed with me coasting to the side.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,639
Likes: 39
From: Winston-Salem North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I run with with a very capable experienced driver who has an auto. He has lots of cooling for his trans, if your going to start doing this often, start looking into coooling options. Send a pm the Rouge Wave.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
the stock A4/A6 isn't up to the task for a hardcore track dog.Tom
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