Audi Q5 Transmission Sensor Causing Grinding & Slips

Experienced something very similar with my 2011 Audi Q7 diesel last year. I have moderate experience working on cars, mainly basic maintenance and diagnostics. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I encountered, transmission warning light, limp mode, and rough shifting. Initially thought it was the transmission sensor fault, but when my mechanic checked it turned out the transmission oil level was too low, which caused the pressure sensor to give false readings. The fix cost me 365 Euro total, including: Diagnostic scan, Oil level check, Transmission oil top-up, System reset This was much better than replacing the pressure sensor unnecessarily. The low oil level was causing the transmission to slip and grind between gears, triggering the warning lights. Before proceeding further, could you share: Current mileage? When was the last transmission service? Are there any oil spots visible under the car? What specific error codes are you getting? This information would help determine if your issue is similar to what I experienced or if there might be other underlying problems with the transmission.

Had my last service at 178000KM and can confirm the transmission issue resolved itself after a proper transmission fluid change. The mechanic found metal particles in the old fluid which apparently caused the pressure sensor to give incorrect readings. After the fluid change and filter replacement, all warning lights cleared and the transmission is shifting smoothly again. Total repair cost was around 450 Euro for parts and labor. The oil level was indeed causing the transmission fault codes to appear. Worth checking the basics before replacing more expensive components.

Thanks for the update and glad to hear you got it sorted! This matches my experience exactly, transmission issues often trace back to basic maintenance needs rather than sensor failures. After I had my transmission fluid changed on my Q7, it also solved those exact same symptoms. The metal particles in the old fluid are actually quite common at higher mileages and can definitely trigger transmission sensor faults and pressure switch problems. Your repair cost of 450 Euro is pretty reasonable, I ended up paying a bit less only because my fluid levels just needed topping up rather than a complete change. The key lesson here for other owners is that transmission fault codes and warning lights dont always mean expensive electronic repairs. Regular transmission maintenance really proves its worth in preventing these issues. When the oil level drops or gets contaminated, it typically leads to those grinding noises and shifting problems you mentioned. Getting the fluid changed at recommended intervals helps avoid the emergency mode situations we both faced. Might be worth noting down when this service was done so you can stay ahead of any future transmission issues. These transmissions typically need fresh fluid every 60000KM or so, especially if you do a lot of heavy driving.

Good call to close this thread with a final update on how my Q5 transmission issue got resolved. Found it really helpful that others shared similar experiences about transmission fault warnings being linked to basic maintenance rather than sensor failures. The oil pressure sensor readings were definitely affected by those metal particles in the old transmission fluid. Pretty relieved the fix was just a fluid and filter change at 450 Euro rather than a major transmission repair. The pressure switch and transmission sensor issues cleared up completely once fresh fluid was in. My mechanic mentioned that transmission fault codes often appear when maintenance gets delayed, which matched what happened here. The oil level was low and contaminated, triggering those rough shifts and warning lights. For anyone else with similar symptoms, worth checking the transmission oil level and condition before assuming the worst. Going to stay on top of the transmission maintenance schedule from now on. Setting a reminder for the next fluid change at 238000KM to avoid these issues coming back. Thanks everyone for helping diagnose this one correctly and saving me from unnecessary repairs.