The largest online repair guide library for every car

About us
Contact support
FAQ
Sign up
Sign in

Rough Shifting & Hesitation in my 2020 Audi Q5 45 TFSI Prestige

0

Mike T. · rep 0 · May 26, 3:47 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Audi Q5 45 TFSI Prestige

Hi everyone,

I'm experiencing some concerning transmission behavior in my 2020 Audi Q5 45 TFSI Prestige. Lately, I've noticed rough shifts, especially when accelerating from a stop or at lower speeds. It feels like the car hesitates for a moment before engaging the gear, sometimes with a noticeable jerk.

It's most pronounced in stop-and-go traffic, but I've also felt it when downshifting. There are no warning lights on the dash, but it definitely doesn't feel right. I'm worried about the long-term effects on the S-Tronic transmission.

Has anyone with a similar Q5 experienced this? Is it a common issue, or could it be something serious? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 26, 3:47 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

Rough shifting and hesitation in a 2020 Audi Q5 45 TFSI, which uses the S-Tronic (dual-clutch) transmission, can be a cause for concern, even without warning lights. These transmissions are known for their quick and smooth shifts, so any deviation from that norm warrants investigation.

Potential Causes for Rough Shifting/Hesitation:

  1. Mechatronic Unit Issues: The mechatronic unit is the control center for the S-Tronic transmission, integrating the TCU (Transmission Control Unit) and hydraulic actuators. Failures or software glitches within this unit are a common cause of shifting problems.
  2. Clutch Pack Wear: Over time, the clutch packs can wear down, leading to slipping or rough engagement. This is more common in vehicles with higher mileage or aggressive driving styles.
  3. Transmission Fluid (ATF) Condition: Old, contaminated, or low transmission fluid can significantly impact shifting performance. Although sealed, fluid degradation over time can occur, especially if maintenance intervals are missed.
  4. Software Glitches/Adaptation Values: Sometimes, the transmission's adaptive learning values can become skewed, or a software update might be needed to address known shifting eccentricities.
  5. Sensor Malfunctions: Speed sensors or other transmission-related sensors could be providing incorrect data to the TCU, leading to improper shift points.

What to do:

  1. Check Service History: Ensure the transmission fluid and filter have been serviced according to Audi's recommended schedule (typically around 40,000 miles for S-Tronic).
  2. Observe Driving Conditions: Note when the issue occurs most frequently (cold start, hot, specific gears, etc.) as this can help diagnosis.
  3. Avoid Aggressive Driving: Until the issue is resolved, try to drive gently to prevent further stress on the transmission.

When to See a Shop:

It's crucial to have your Q5 inspected by an Audi specialist or a transmission expert as soon as possible. While there might not be a check engine light, a specialized diagnostic scan (using VCDS or ODIS) can often reveal fault codes within the transmission control unit (TCU) that generic OBD-II scanners won't pick up. Ignoring transmission issues can lead to more extensive and costly repairs down the line. Early diagnosis can often lead to simpler solutions like a software update or fluid service, rather than a full mechatronic or clutch replacement.

Menu

Help & account