R-Tronic Problems (Long)

[Orion Quest]

Hello Everyone,
I know there are numerous threads regarding R-Tronic transmission problems on R8Talk but wanted to start a compilation thread. I would be very interested in hearing from anyone who has had any issues with their R-Tronic transmission, what the symptom was and what if anything was done to resolve the issue.

Please keep in mind that my car has the Heffner TT kit, but I noticed my R-Tronic issues well before the kit was installed.

I always felt my R-Tronic was a dog, very slow to take off, felt like the TCM was really slipping the clutch when leaving from a full stop. At 6K miles I received a very cryptic message on the dash that said "Gearbox Malfunction" and that it was OK to continue driving. Brought it into the dealer shortly after, they didn't see anything wrong. At around 10K miles it felt as if the clutch was slipping during spirited driving. More recently I would receive the "Clutch Overheating" message whenever I drove off from a full stop on the smallest incline, or backed up the smallest incline. I would have to really step on the gas to just keep the car moving ahead, sometimes having to floor it. The RPM's would be up around 6-7K with the car barely moving. This gradually became worse and worse with the clutch feeling like it was slipping during hard acceleration between shifts. I brought it in to the dealer and mentioned some of the TSB's/software upgrades regarding the R-Tronic I found on this board, they couldn't find them, nor could they get Audi to confirm their existence. They took it out for a test drive and decided the clutch was gone and needed to be replaced. The car had just passed the 13K mile mark.

I figure if the clutch has to be replaced I might as well upgrade to the V10 clutch, and I did. However the original clutch was inspected once it was removed and the clutch was in great shape. Actually everyone stated it looked brand new. My new clutch is acting the same way as the old one, not to the same degree but it is still slipping and hunting, which leads me to a software/electronic issue or a larger gearbox issue.

I am going to go back to Audi with this. Every auto journalist that has ever driven the R-Tronic has complained about it being confused and schizophrenic. I bought the R-Tronic because I use it as a daily driver, and commute 40 miles a day in a lot of stop and go traffic. I really want Audi to fix this issue once and for all and will need all the ammo I can get to fortify my case. They will blame the Twin Turbo install and I know that it has nothing to do with the install. Their R-Tronic issues that I have read on R8Talk and other forums lead me to believe that not all of the issues have been resolved. I can't even get them to update my TCM with software I know exists.

Any information you can provide will help me out tremendously.

Regards,
Orion

[R84ME]

Sounds like the finger pointing is about to begin! I don't have any experience with the R-tronic but this will definitely be a valuable post for future readers/owners contemplating a SC or TT upgrade. Any maintenance issues really need to be addressed before plunging into the abyss of aftermarket mods that may affect the warranty.

Sorry for your troubles!

[harrison]

BUTT...Scott, his problems began before the increase in power.

[R84ME]

Right, that's the point. Those problems need to be fixed before introducing more variables to the situation. It makes it too easy for Audi to blame the upgrade.

[mngolfer]

I had the Gearbox malfunction, Okay to drive light just after it rained. I took it to the dealer. The mechanic told me there are two systems that control the gearbox. If one system gets a defect signal the second system checks to see if the signal is real. If it is not real it lights up the okay to drive light. If both systems indicate a failure the gearbox malfunction flashes and to immediately contact the dealer. They want the car towed to the nearest approved dealer.

I had ~10k miles on the car when I received the error message. I have had all of the software upgrades and I do not have any slippage. My transmission works perfectly.

Orion, Where are you located. it does not say in your profile.

[drbf]

I had the "Gearbox Malfunction" light as well. Went to dealer, they spoke to Germany and I got a new software re-flash of all chips. Now car runs great. No slippage, much better response and much smoother shifting without any hesitation.

[Orion Quest]

Thanks so much for your posts, I live in CT. I honestly think that Audi is aware that the software on the R-Tronic is lacking. My frustration is with the fact that they continue to deal with in on a one on one basis for customers that complain.

In regards to finger pointing, according to the Magnuson-Moss Act it is Audi's onus to prove that the Turbo is the cause of the issue. I have proof from my dealer records showing that the issue existed before the TT's were installed. I have been a long time Audi customer, I believe this is my 6th Audi in a span of less then 8 years. Just bought the wife a 2010 TTS. I have sold more Audi's at my dealership by bringing friends in than I can count on two hands. My next step is to send a letter to the R8 Advocate and Audi of America with a thorough description of the issues along with a time line. I will also be very honest about the modifications made to my R8, and I strongly believe that they have nothing to do with the programming issues of the R-Tronic transmission.

I also have an LP640 and the E-Gear in that car is so much better than the R-Tronic, as is the E-Gears in the LP560-4 Gallardo's or equivalent year Gallardo's.

Thanks again for all of your input and feedback.

-Orion

[harrison]

My buddies '05 Gallardos' E-gear works MAGNIFICENTLY untill it would over heat.I think the overheat problem has been fixed. Kudos to Lambhorghini.

[SDR8]

Orion,
One question. When you take off and feel the clutch slipping, are you using your left foot on the brake pedal and right foot on the gas, or not moving you right foot completely over? If the car reads brake input, it engages the clutch. I have done this a couple of times by mistake and noticed slipping. I have also experienced an unintentional use of launch control by being on a hill with the ESP off. The Hill Hold feature kept the brake on and when I hit the gas the engine rev'd and the car didn't take off like normal.

[Orion Quest]

SDR8, I never use my left foot for the brakes. I lift my right foot completely from the brakes and apply the gas. All of these issues are with the ESP on, with sport on or off. The clutch is also hunting/slipping during normal driving while running through the gears in both automatic and manual mode.