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magdalenaghost63

A2 Transmission Control Unit Failures and Repairs Guide

Looking for advice on transmission control issues with my 2005 A2. The gearbox has been acting up lately with rough shifting, grinding sounds, and unresponsive paddle shifters. Car went into emergency mode recently and shows error codes. Previous mechanic visit wasnt great, so wondering if anyone has dealt with similar transmission problems? Car has only done 166k km with a gasoline engine. Main concern is whether this points to a faulty transmission control unit and what to expect repair-wise. Any experiences with similar gearbox issues would be really helpful.

6 comment(s)

willikaiser42

Had similar transmission problems with a 2008 A3 2.0 TFSI. The symptoms match exactly what you describe, rough automatic gearbox operation, grinding during shifts and eventual limp mode activation. The transmission control unit was indeed the root cause. When diagnosed, multiple error codes pointed to internal faults in the control module. The issue became serious enough that the transmission would out of nowhere disconnect while driving. The repair required replacing the entire transmission control unit, plus recoding and adaptation of the new module to work with the vehicle systems. This is not a basic repair, it needs specialized diagnostic equipment and proper coding knowledge. The gearbox issues you describe, especially the unresponsive paddle shifters and emergency mode, strongly suggest transmission control module failure. These units commonly fail on this platform between 150-180k km. Given your mileage, this timing fits the typical failure pattern. This requires attention from a workshop with proper diagnostic capabilities. Unusual shifting behavior can lead to internal transmission damage if left unchecked. Would recommend having it properly diagnosed rather than continuing to drive with these symptoms.

magdalenaghost63 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your A3 experience. I recently faced near-identical issues with my A2 transmission control unit. The automatic gearbox showed similar symptoms and also went into emergency mode. After diagnosis, they found the automotive ECU was malfunctioning and needed replacement. Just wondering, do you remember the final repair cost for your transmission problems? Also, has everything worked smoothly since the control module replacement or did you notice any other issues?

willikaiser42

Thanks for asking about the cost. My transmission control repair ended up costing 1000 Euro for the complete fix, this included the new control module, programming, and labor. It was definitely worth the investment. I can happily report that since replacing the faulty transmission control unit, the automatic gearbox has been working flawlessly. The car computer now communicates properly with the transmission, and all those worrying symptoms completely disappeared. No more rough shifting, strange noises, or emergency mode activations. Its been over a year now and the transmission problems never returned. The shifts are smooth again, and the paddle shifters respond instantly. Getting the control module replaced by a qualified shop was definitely the right call for fixing these transmission issues. The workshop also mentioned these transmission control units are a known weak point, so its quite common to need replacement around this mileage. Good to hear you got yours sorted too, these symptoms really need proper attention to prevent more serious gearbox damage.

magdalenaghost63 (Author)

Just had my transmission diagnosis completed at a specialist workshop last week. After seeing the transmission repair costs at several places, I went with a shop that specializes in gearbox issues. The automotive ECU replacement plus programming came to 1200 Euro total. The mechanic completed the control module replacement in about 4 hours. They had to fully reprogram the new transmission control unit and run several adaptation tests. The difference is incredible, no more grinding, hesitation, or emergency mode warnings. The automatic gearbox now shifts perfectly again. Was definitely worth paying a bit more for a proper transmission specialist rather than risking further issues at a general garage. Glad I caught the problem before it caused internal gearbox damage. Will update if any new issues come up, but so far the fix seems solid after 2 weeks of daily driving.

ozerozturk

What is the A2 T Speed Function Malfunction? The vehicle is a 2006 Nissan Micra Automatic.

(Translated from Turkish)

CarlyMechanic

Quotation:

@ozerozturk wrote on

What is the A2 T Speed Function Malfunction? The vehicle is a 2006 Nissan Micra Automatic.

The "T Speed Function Malfunction" could indicate an issue with the transmission speed sensor or related components. Start by checking the transmission fluid level and condition, as low or dirty fluid can affect sensor readings. If the fluid is fine, the next step would be to inspect the transmission speed sensor for any signs of damage or loose connections. If you're unsure or the issue persists, it's advisable to have a professional diagnose the problem, as it could affect the vehicle's performance and safety. Let me know how it goes or if you have further questions!

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