Originally Posted by ltooz_a6_a8_q7

You didn't feel the thumb while test driving the car before taking delivery? Transmission thumbing is troublesome. I thought they fixed the trannie in D3, D2 was horrible.

Cheers,

Louis

Originally Posted by MP4.2+6.0

Let me try one more time. I would suggesting moving past the history now and get to what could be wrong. I spent the time in the prior response on several ideas relevant to the tranny function, but they didn't seem to stick. Please re read.

To answer your new question, that fluid part number is the standard/original "gold" color used in 4.2's as factory fill. There is a "blue" version from the W12 used when the 4.2 tranny "hoots" or acts up some, but the usual pointer for it is shifting in the higher gears, not the 1-2 point. Also happens on Jag XJ8's and BMW's w/ the V8 from the same era that use the RWD flavor of the same basic ZF 6 speed tranny. Search the D3 A8 archives here for a bunch more info, variously on the hoot, the "gold" and the "blue" (or the "green" that is newer and sometimes seen/used on the 6 speed ZFs). Changing to a different fluid type takes a very thorough change, and may take 3+ drain cycles to get to a 90% fluid change. Being clear, your 1-2 symptoms don't fit that very well, so while I am trying to pass along some context, I wouldn't jump to that path very early.

Meantime, consider buying VAG-COM/VCDS if you don't have already. Most DIY'ers or even guys trying to know what their car's issues are get it. Then you could scan for codes in both the ECU and TCU for starters, assess MAF, etc. My prior message already had pointers for other non tranny areas. The tranny, its computer, the engine computer, the MAF and the electronic throttle are all very closely coupled in the shifting context. See my prior message for suggest next things to look at or ask dealer about if that is your current service point.

Originally Posted by ltooz_a6_a8_q7

I read a lot about transmission thumbing when I owned my D2 although I never had the problems. People changed oil and it didn't help but screwing it up more due to wrong procedures. I think one person changed the F1 switch and it did fix it with some solenoids cleaning. It's been many years ago.
As I understand this type of transmission, all gears were controlled by fluid pressures from these little solenoids mounting on the front of the transmission. Since you're very handy, look under the transmission and make sure there's no contacts on these solenoids were dirty or not making contact.
The guy spent $8k on a car at 63k miles and let it go at 77k miles, must be very fishy... trannie must be the cause.
Just a hunch,

Good luck,

Louis

Originally Posted by mishar

You can ask your dealer to update your transmission software. He should perform adaptation after that too. It might help.

Originally Posted by mishar

There is newer software. It has to be updated if ATF is replaced with blue one, but it may help in your case. It takes minutes to update. Adaptation requires driving around in a prescribed manner.