QuestionHi Naushad, My Audi (diesel, tiptronic) has hesitant or poor throttle response during first 10 mins of driving and if I apply just a little more acceleration, it tends to lunge forward. The gear changes are starting to become erratic - even AFTER the gear has changed up by one, the revs remain high for several seconds before dropping back down. I'm also experiencing a slight but noticeable judder between gear changes. Hope you can offer some suggestions. Many thanks
AnswerHi Matt,
well it sounds like a gear box problem, most likely the torque converter. could be that its not getting sufficient Oil to produce torque.
Id start with checking the quality of oil, dirty or black oil with mettalic particles could indicate a worn out gear box component. that is the worse case scenario,
Usually i find that the strainer right above the gear box oil pan is clogged and therefore preventing the oil from getting to the oil pump.
its relatively easy to sort out, as long as you follow a systematic process. the oil pan and strainer can be accessed from the bottom of the vehicle and is quite accessible. clean the strainer by rinsing it out with petrol( I'm assuming you know the dangers of fuel and will take all necessary precautions) until the fuel comes out clean. the clean all the magnets properly and re install it again.
To refill the oil you will need a special tool that looks like a hook that fits into the big plug on the oil pan. Put the vehicle into gear and atart filling the oil till it starts draining from the filing oil. the vehicle should be raised at this time as the wheels will start rotating.
After this if the vehicle does not improve then it could mean a faulty torque converter, oil pump or even a clutch or two. in which case id recommend handing it over to the professionals as it is a very labour intensive job.
