Transmission Issue????
 

I have a 2019 GS A8 with less than 1700 miles on the odometer. A couple of times in the last few weeks I've experienced a weird shift from first to second on the initial start of the day. The car is garaged in Mesa AZ and lately the temp has never gone below 75 in my garage. On the initial start of the day, I let the car idle for probably less than a full minute, until the idle stabilizes then I back out of the garage, put the car in drive and pull away. Sometimes, not always, when the car shifts from 1 to 2 it's like it pauses between gears so the RPM increases to about 2500 or so. I have immediately lifted my foot from the accelerator then RPM decreases and within moments it finishes the shift into second. From the initial start moving forward to the finish of the shift doesn't take more than 5 seconds or so. This issue only occurs on the first start of the day, no codes are displayed and the car acts normally from then on.

Anyone else have this happen? Anyone know a possible cause/cure? I intend to set an appointment with the dealer, but intermittent problems are difficult to diagnose.

Don't we love our A8's?

I MUST let it idle for at least 30 seconds before shifting it into gear on the first start of the day or it jerks into gear.

I have a '15 A8 and the shifts from 1-2 when on the first start of the day are definitely at higher RPM over when the engine is fully warmed up. But a 5 second 1-2 shift does not sound right at all.

In the early days of the A8 headache, there was new tranny software that would fix this problem but since yours is a '19 you got the latest. There used to be a "learn" procedure in a tech bulletin as part of the early A8 when GM had no idea what was wrong with the A8, but I don't think the new A8 software needs that learn procedure anymore.

I would take it in and let them keep it overnight. Hopefully the dealer will see the problem. Or maybe ask to be present on the first start of the day to make sure!

Welcome to the A8!

Bring it to the dealer and ask them about re-flashing the TCM, Service Fast Learn, and Shift Adaption. Hopefully they will re-flash your TCM under warranty and do the Service Fast Learn Procedure. Worked for me when I was getting hard first shifts and other anomalous shifting issues. The A8 feels like a new trans and the shifting is smooth, fast, and on time.

If you want to know more about the A8, I have a tech presentation that explains everything you as an end user needs to know about the A8. PM if interested.

Good luck.

I had similiar issues, 2015 A8 with 10k on it. 3 visits to dealers to diagnose. First 2 times they tried the TCM relearn and the issues returned after a few miles. This last time they diagnosed a faulty valve body which includes a tranny flush so hoping for better results. Too early to tell yet, only have less than 100 miles since getting it back. GM has several bulletins to help you and the mechanic figure out the issue. Below are 2 areas you can research. GL.

GM TSB 16-NA-14 and 16-NA-364

https://www.corvetteactioncenter.com...ents-1365.html

I have a 2015 A8 I don't drive it every day but the first 1-2 shift is a little weird sometimes.

I bought a 2019 Stingray with A8 transmission in January. For the first 3000 miles my A8 transmission had a hard first to second shift. I now have 7000 miles and it has stopped the hard shift from first to second. Not sure why it stopped. I did not take it in for a warranty claim.