Audi gearbox malfunction warnings on S tronic cars

Which Audi models are affected?

This page covers Audi S tronic gearboxes. For other Audi work, see our Audi and VW specialist page.

DL501 (0B5), in these models:

• A4 (B8), 2008 to 2013
• A5, 2008 to 2014
• A6 (C7), 2011 to 2014
• A7, 2010 to 2014
• Q5, 2008 to 2012
• S4, 2009 to 2012
• S5, 2009 to 2017
• RS5, 2010 to 2015

DL382. We diagnose this S tronic gearbox too. For the 7-speed DQ200 used in models such as the A1, A3 and TT, see our DSG gearbox problems page.

If you are not sure which gearbox your Audi has, put the registration in the enquiry form and we will check.

What are the symptoms?

• a gearbox malfunction message, often with the EPC and gear-display lights
• limp mode
• harsh or erratic gear changes
• half the gears missing
• no reverse, or a delay of a few seconds before reverse engages
• a jerk when slowing to a stop

When you book, tell us which message you saw, when it appeared, and whether it cleared after a restart.

What causes it?

On the DL501, gearbox repair specialists put these symptoms down to electrical faults inside the mechatronic unit, the part that controls the gearbox. One specialist names worn or clogged solenoids and a circuit board harness that has been degraded by heat.

How do you confirm the fault before fitting parts?

A fault code is not a repair, and a warning message is not a diagnosis. Before we recommend any work, we:

• scan every control unit on the car, not only the gearbox
• read the gearbox’s live data, including the main pressure and cooling-oil valves
• road test the car, because these fault codes often clear and come back within a short drive
• check the gearbox’s fluid history against its service interval

We then show you what we found and set out your options in writing. No work is done until you give us your written approval.

What does the repair involve?

That depends on what the tests find. If the tests point to a fault inside the gearbox, we explain in writing what we found and what the options are.

Oil service. Volkswagen Group’s guidance for the motor trade gives 40,000 miles for the DL501, fluid and filter, and 40,000 miles for the DL382, fluid. Audi UK says S tronic oil is generally changed before each 38,000-mile interval and that models vary. If the fluid is overdue, the oil service is the next step, carried out to your car’s own schedule. It is maintenance, not a repair for a fault the tests have found. See our DSG and S tronic service page.

How long does it take?

It depends on what the tests find. Scanning, reading the gearbox data and road testing come first, and we tell you the result before any further work.

Before any work starts, you get a written price and a promised time for your next update. If the car needs to stay with us, ask about a courtesy car when you book.

Is there a recall for the S tronic gearbox?

Whether a recall applies depends on the individual car, so check your registration on gov.uk. Recall work is done by the manufacturer’s network, not by us.