Robert Clegg

Hi,

Sorry for one of those panicy posts from a newbie where I probably haven't given enough information and impossible to give definitive answers!..

However my Q7 (2007 Sline 3.0TDI Auto) has just had to go in to the dealer for repair. The transmission was not working correctly and taking a while to engage gears and over revving - much like a slipping clutch on a manual.

They have just rang to say the transmission fluid is low - have you been off roading? Which it never has - and its only done 50,000 miles. Really worried now that the lack of fluid will have caused massive damage. Is it possible that just topping it up will cure it - assuming no leak to fix.

From what i have read elsewhere the transmission fluid is impossiblish to check by customer and should last for the lifetime. The car has full Audi service history - is there any precedence for Audi's helping with the repair costs.

They say they have to take bumper off for leaks - if a leak is found and a manufacturing fault - is there still any responsibility of Audi even well outside of the warranty..

Any information anyone has to ease my fears that this is really bad news.. please try and not scare me more! - and any advice on how to work with Audi to make sure the bill isn't astronomical would of course be much appreciated..

Cheers

B490MTL

Good possibility you took a rock in the oil cooler or an o-ring is leaking. Damage depends if the transmission slipped a lot or not. It is a myth that transmission fluid is eternal, usually with a vag-com it is possible to service it

Robert Clegg

Thanks for the reply - small update:

After further investigation they have found the source of leakage - there are apparently two hoses that leave the transmission and they (for an unknown reason) been rubbing together and chaffed the hoses over time until finally they perished and dumped the fluid from the transmission.

They need to source the hose or clips or something and they aren't a stock item and need to come from Germany - and have an eta of days or weeks currently. This "relatively simple" job once they have the part is going to cost over £900. Worst of it is they cannot guarantee this will fix it as the gearbox may have been damaged after the fluid was lost.

Best case scenario £900 - worst case scenario - doesn't bare thinking of i suppose. I have opened dialogue about a goodwill gesture and they are investigating - however they said any gesture would be at dealer level so worried it might be keyfob or set of mats or something :-( Not sure what flexibility they have and it just seems unfair that this appears to be something that we had know control over..

Fingers crossed - going to try and ring them today..

Edd W

The Aisin transmissions are pretty durable - same as used in the Toyota Landcruiser - so you may well find it is OK.

Robert Clegg

That is really nice to hear - and bodes well as worried of future problems too!

Well another update - they managed to get hold of the part after the best side of a weeek.

The next "issue" was that the cooler had to be removed and because of corroded bolts was unable to be put back on after. It was communicated that we weren't really that happy to pay 400+VAT for a new part that was fine until removal.

They agreed to fix the car and a bill of £700inc VAT for the worn pipe replacment and transimission fluid replacement, we are contesting the 400+VAT cooler replacement now.

Car seemed to run fine and they didn't tell us any further damage to be aware of - so fingers crossed!!

Just not sure what the outcome of the cooler would be - certainly don't want to be unfair and a problem customer but not sure it feels fair to have to stump up for this also.. hmmm