illbay

I bit the bullet and recoded my '01 2.7T TIP transmission to the 00032 setting. Those of you who don't remember what this does; it's supposed to put you into a permanent sport mode and allow use of 1st gear in TIP mode.

First of all, doing the coding takes 2 minutes max. Very simple if you have the SW tool and the special diagnostic cable.

My impressions: the good news:
1. Yup, in TIP mode from a standing stop you can hold 1st gear all the way to redline. You need to have your foot into the throttle just a "bit" or it will shift to 2nd right away, but it isn't a problem. This is a huge improvement as I feel like I gained another gear. A word of caution; 1st gear is REALLY low and it's easy to get to redline VERY quick. BIG FUN. This works as advertised. Hallaluiah
2. In TIP mode, the shifts are now quicker. Shifting is a blast as you no longer have to be a psychic and plan ahead 2-3 seconds for upshifts and downshifts. There's still a small delay, but it's greatly improved from stock and quite OK.
3. In normal DRIVE, it "feels" like there's less throttle modulation between shifts. Maybe I was just in a good mood. I can't back this up, but that's my impression. The car seemed to "GO" a bit better, but again, that's just an impression.

My impressions: so so news:
4. You can't downshift into 1st to decelerate. Granted, you can tap the gas and click the TIP lever into "1" and it will downshift easier than stock, but as soon as you let off the throttle it'll shift right back into "2". I tried everything; I'm convinced you can't use "1" to decelerate (is there another secret?)
5. The 1->2 shift in "D" still happens too early just like the stock coding. Stepping harder on the throttle delays the shift, but you REALLY have to add a lot of throttle to delay the 1->2 shift. This is still annoying to me. [But now I can play all I want accelerating with 1st gear in TIP mode].
6. When in "D" or in TIP mode and coming to a slow stop, I still feel the annoying 2->1 downshift at 2-3 MPH. [What's that all about?], Same behavior as the stock coding.

This is definately a worthwhile mod and makes the car more fun to drive. I still have a wish list of improved TIP features (like forced 2->1 downshifts for engine braking).

As I mentioned, the coding operation takes just 2 minutes (or less). It's just as easy to return the coding to stock if you're paranoid about the warranty. I'm sure this new coding will be widely deployed as time passes as the car should have been shipped this way.

Finally, to the person or persons that discovered and contributed to this feature, THANKS!

...bill

Stoney

BTW, others don't necessarily see the down sides mentioned here, and feel even more positive. The consistency and smoothness of shifting and lack of need for throttle modulation is a real plus, making shifting "transparent."

May depend on the model and year you have, though.

Auto Union Jack

It really is that good, ain't it?

Stoney

TCM = Transmission control module.

VAG-com = an interface between your car and a computer that allows reading of error codes, and some recoding of settings in your TCM and engine computer. It is made and sold by

<A HREF="https://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/145099.phtml">drhaller's recoding information, "00032"</A> describes the recoding that changes Tip performance.

Be warned: this is not supported by Audi, and may void warranty (esp if people keep talking about it). Don't ask the dealer to do it!

Also, you should recode it back to normal before you take your car in for service. Otherwise, the mechanics may think something is wrong, and could waste time/money diagnosing it. Be ethical and wise.

<A HREF="http://www.steve-hall.com/cgi-bin/VAG-Locator.pl">VAG Tool Locator - where to borrow one</A> to get someone nearby to help you do the recoding (or just go to an Audi/VW meet).

<A HREF="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VAG-COM/messages/?threaded=1&amp;amp;viscount=100">Yahoo! Groups : VAG-COM Messages </A> for more about VAG-com, or search Audiworld for "vag-com" and perhaps "Tip" or "TCM".

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Potomac-Greg

It's a fairly pronounced thunk , which is not a problem to me if it's only in TIP mode. But in (D) mode, I can see it becoming annoying.

DWP

It's rare, but on the last turn at Streets of Willow, you definitely need 1st going in.

rally

The quickest way to brake a tranny is to shift into first at speed.

hemant

Are the shifts quicker in "D" mode also, or just in TIP mode?

DWP

Nah! Gotta come out in 1st. Therefore, gotta go in in 1st.

illbay

..even before recoding. I'ts not a big deal, but it's annoying.

...bill