PRND Flashing

[xaviexavie]

Hello All. I've been away from the forum here for a while but came back yesterday to peruse. I've a 2003 A4 3.0 Cab, 95K mi. My research indicates it could be something as simple as an interlock switch / TCU cover to a need of replacing the whole module. The flashing is intermittent (not solidly lit) and may happen one day and not the next. There has been no loss of power nor unusual acts in shifting gears, etc. When I called McKenna Audi (Norwalk, CA) and asked what the flashing could mean (I was in a parking lot going through the manual and there's nothing in there about that), the rep said I needed a "new computer" that would run me $2400 or so. Without seeing it - just over the phone, boom! $2400. I'm not comfortable w/ their service from past experience so I won't be going there (may use them to get/compare estimates), but I'm curious if anyone here has had this happen & what their outcome was. Thanks and best regards, Jill ("xaviexavie")

[Brian Cecil]

Hi, Jill. Nice to see you back on the forum again, but not so nice for the car problem you're having.

You probably know as much about these cars as anyone here on the forum, and I expect you've done a thorough job of searching this forum for likely causes. I personally never had that problem, so I can't give you advice there. I can share your distrust of a service department rep giving you such a casual and superficial diagnosis and billing quote. It seems a good idea to go to a different dealer for a more professional diagnosis and billing quote. I personally have had very good experiences over the years with the Keyes Audi service department, in Sherman Oaks, particularly with Tony. When I had a problem with the rear window and top separating a few years ago, they gave me several options regarding the repair, with a wide range of prices. I like that versatility. If it's convenient for you, you may consider contacting them regarding your current problem.

[xaviexavie]

Thanks, Brian! I'll check them out and if I go I will tell Tony you referred me.

I'd like to get a couple of quotes anyway.

Thanks again and so glad you are still here!

Best,
Jill

[xaviexavie]

Hi Brian. Saw Tony from Keyes last Friday. I so appreciate the referral! He seemed straight-up and waved the diagnosis chg due to your referral.
Yup, I need a new TCU. Keyes was $167. less for the identical TCU part than McKenna; in fact, less for all parts (though more for labor).
So important to shop around & compare prices as dealers have varying mark-ups.
Thanks again,
Jill

[Brian Cecil]

I'm glad it worked out for you, Jill, in what can be a pretty expensive repair. Good luck -- at least we're getting into weather that rewards having a cabriolet!

[mili2012]

Hi Brian and Jill
I am facing similar issue, your help will be valuable here is my situation.
I bought used audi A4 1.8 T cvt 2003 with 71000 miles, i drove it for 30 miles without any issues, tried to start car and PRND stared flashing. i changed the oil and spark plug, now the PRND is flashing intermittently. I dont see any issue with driving, cars goes above 40 mph with rpm being below 2000. I took the car for inspection to independent auto work shop he is quoting 2900 for replacing TCM and flushing transmission oil for fixing P0706 code, is this right quote for replacing TCM? I took the car out of this shop drove for 17 miles now check engine light and PRND are not flashing, could this be some issue with wiring? or with transmission oil? please help me with your valuable suggestion.

Mili

[xaviexavie]

Hi Mili.

Just checking back on the board & see your post here. What you describe sounds identical to what I had, only mine's a 3.9 V6. Bottom line, I needed a new TCU (transmission control unit). I was *hoping* it was just a bad relay switch or something ridiculously simple but no go.

It is a costly repair. I'd suggest you go and get a written estimate from an Audi shop. Be sure to have them give you in writing the parts cost (which will include the part #'s) and the labor cost.

Then, keeping that info under your hat, price out other dealers - either by getting a service estimate or calling the parts dept and pricing the parts out separate (sometimes it is less if you walk in off the street to just buy the part alone vs. purchasing & servicing there at the same time).

I found a $200 difference from one dealership to another. All told, I paid about $1530 in parts & $477 labor.With tax it was over $2100.

While I didn't have any noticeable issues w/ the driving while this was going on, be extra careful you don't knock into the gear stick while driving if PRND is flashing: your car WILL go into whatever gear you knock it into! When it is flashing, you don't need to have your foot on the brake before changing gears, and obviously, this would be a disaster to "accidentally" knock it into reverse while going 75mph on the freeway.

If you do a Google search, you'll see some people do experience a loss of power and/or the car won't go into reverse. Scary stuff if you ask me, so best to address sooner than later.

I hope you get lucky and have a faulty relay switch, but do get it chkd out to be sure. Good luck and let us know your outcome.

Best,
Jill

Originally Posted by mili2012

Hi Brian and Jill
I am facing similar issue, your help will be valuable here is my situation.
I bought used audi A4 1.8 T cvt 2003 with 71000 miles, i drove it for 30 miles without any issues, tried to start car and PRND stared flashing. i changed the oil and spark plug, now the PRND is flashing intermittently. I dont see any issue with driving, cars goes above 40 mph with rpm being below 2000. I took the car for inspection to independent auto work shop he is quoting 2900 for replacing TCM and flushing transmission oil for fixing P0706 code, is this right quote for replacing TCM? I took the car out of this shop drove for 17 miles now check engine light and PRND are not flashing, could this be some issue with wiring? or with transmission oil? please help me with your valuable suggestion.

Mili

[Brian Cecil]

Hi, Mili. For some reason, I didn't see your post until this morning, and I noticed that Jill had already responded to you. About the only thing I can add is underlining what Jill said about having the problem checked out sooner than later. The flashing PRND lights may occur intermittently, but the underlying problem causing the condition is serious, and doesn't usually go away on its own. Its much better to deal with the problem at your own convenience, and on your own schedule, rather to have the car become undrivable, and force you into a repair shop.