Sudden and catastrophic transmission failure

musashiz222 · Feb 17, 2025

I did some due diligence and got the a3 towed to another dealer for a second opinion. These folks are saying the mechatronic should be replaced first then revisit if the trans is at fault!

The Mech unit should be covered under the hybrid warranty right? Its active until March

DrOptiks · Feb 17, 2025

Let us know.

CarMark · Feb 18, 2025

My car was originally sold in California and it came with a 150K mile hybrid warranty. The warranty covers the mechatronic unit. Check with your dealer about your long-term hybrid warranty. It may be covered.

musashiz222 · Feb 19, 2025

Yup. Audi said they could get it covered under CA pzev warranty. They just needed it to be registered in ca and they'll cover it.

Im learning the mechatronic and the battery are the first things that should be replaced when buying one of these vehicles second hand.

Go get your battery and mech immediately folks!

DrOptiks · Feb 19, 2025

oh, interesting, my car was also an original CA car. Thanks for this note although not sure how to get it registered in CA.

musashiz222 · Feb 27, 2025

Replacement of the mech unit did bit clear the transmission codes and the car would still not drive. Apparently the mech failed in such a way that it caused transmission failure.

Since the mech is the cause of the trans failure, Audi will replace the trans under warranty

This just further backs up my feelings around the mech unit should be recalled for 2017 years. Esp if they can cause trans failure.

CarMark · Feb 27, 2025

I am pleased to hear your etron story has a happy ending. Did the dealership provide any suggestions on proper maintenance for the mechatronic units the rest of us can follow to avoid your situation?

musashiz222 · Feb 27, 2025

They did not. I know that they are essentially non-serviceable in the USA. Germany will service them but not here. Short of replacing them there's no other step that can be taken. Hopefully you live in a state with a state mandated pzev warranty!

2017 a3 etron ones are for sure faulty. Sadly a recall has not been issued for them.

CarMark · Feb 27, 2025

Thank you. Fortunately, I have the pzev warranty for my 2018. Please let us know how it runs when all the repairs are finished.

musashiz222 · Feb 27, 2025

Yea for sure. Ive seen vehicles not run the same after doing these kinds of repairs. We shall see!

DrOptiks · Feb 28, 2025

Good luck. I had another "electronic failure" pop up for 1 second again today on my 2018.

Jacks A3 ET · Wednesday at 2:42 PM

One way to monitored the 12Volt Battery is an inexpensive - $5 - on Amazon...
"LED Digital Car Voltmeter 12V/24V Vehicle Voltage Gauge Monitor for Auto Car Truck"
Plug into any 12volt (Cig Socket) like the one in the Console, and monitor your 12V battery all the time. I have had one for some time and it is accurate to 0.1 volt when compared to my OBD11 Battery voltage reading. Typical reads 11.8 to 12.3 at rest, not READY status. And when running (Charging from HV Battery) it is 13.5 or slightly more. Remember the e-Tron does not have an alternator so the charging is managed by the computers from the HV Battery. And the HV Battery is uses the EV Motor as the ICE Starter... and manages the Start/Stop function.

Sudden and catastrophic transmission failure

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