SloopJohnB@mac.com

One thought is that although the transmission fluid is 'life of the car' it really is not. Fluid/trans should be changed about every 50K, transmission pan dropped and filter changed at the first one. **** can change filter and clean pan every time.

You do it once and you'll be a believer. If it's clean and clear and no crap in the pan you've gained information and haven't lost anything. But it generally won't be.

towertro11

From my experience, the way you drive can affect the torque converter sensor. If I stay below 40 mph, I never get the CEL. If I take it easy on hills and passing, I hardly ever get it. If I down shift using the tip for passing and hills, I don't get it. One drive without a CEL does not mean the problem is gone, and in MY OPINION one drive with a CEL does not mean I will replace the torque converter.

Good luck.
John

ajg617

'03 A6 Avant 3.0 - I started to get what I thought was a mis-fire in any gear, at any speed. Actually, it was more than a misfire - felt like the engine completely died for a second then caught again. At first, I thought I had picked up water in the last load of gas, but the problem is persisting. Tuesday night, it happened at 65mph on the highway. Driving to work this morning, the engine is a couple hundred revs higher then normal and my fuel mileage is down below 19 (usually at 22-23). Tranny shift points are fine, but is seems like the vanes just don't move. I'll pull codes tonight.

Does removing the 0741 code reset the lockup solenoid? Same problem with my 98 Avant (though that was not a Tiptronic) and a tranny flush took care of that problem. Difference was the solenoid never completely stopped working as it is doing on the 03.

towertro11

Whether I reset the code or not, the next time I drive the car the TC will lock up on the highway. I do not know if resetting the CEL 'resets' the solenoid or not. I tend to reset as soon as I get the CEL because I want to know if something else could be causing the code. The few times I have not though, I know the TC still locks up, even though the CEL is still on. I would hate to assume its the 0741 and have it turn out to be something worse.

John

ajg617

Torque Converter Clutch: Stuck Off / No power being transferred
P0741 - 003 - Mechanical Failure - MIL ON

Also got P1624 - 008 Implausible Signal (Check TCM for errors)

I cleared the codes so we'll see what happens, but not looking good IMHO.