RS3 Transmission Slipping & Grinding Needs Expert Fix

Had the same torque converter failure symptoms on my 2014 Audi S3. The automatic transmission would slip and produce grinding sounds exactly as you describe. The torque converter was severely worn, causing metal particles to circulate through the transmission fluid. This turned into a major transmission repair job. The automatic gearbox needed a complete overhaul since metal debris had already damaged other components. The repair included: Full transmission flush, New torque converter installation, Replacement of damaged clutch plates, New transmission filter, Fresh transmission fluid, Computer system reprogramming The work took 5 full days at the shop. This is a serious issue that requires immediate attention to prevent complete transmission failure. Continuing to drive with these symptoms will likely destroy the entire automatic transmission. Get it checked by a certified transmission specialist who has experience with Audi DSG gearboxes. The combination of slipping, grinding, and warning lights strongly indicates torque converter failure, which unfortunately is not a quick fix.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the automatic transmission repair. My situation sounds identical, even down to the warning lights and grinding. I took my RS3 to a specialist last month for the exact same torque converter fault. Just curious, how much did the complete repair cost in your case? My converter failure repair bill was substantial but wondering how it compares. Also, have you had any transmission issues since the fix? My lock-up clutch feels solid now but always good to know what to watch for long term.

Since getting my S3 fixed by the transmission specialist, the automatic gearbox has performed flawlessly. The total repair cost for the torque converter fault came to 2120 Euro, which included the complete overhaul needed to address the metal contamination. The engine surge and transmission slipping issues completely disappeared after they replaced the defective torque converter and automatic transmission components. The lock-up clutch engagement is now smooth, with no grinding or warning lights in the 15000km since the repair. Most importantly, having a proper transmission specialist do the work was worth every cent. The automatic transmission shifts perfectly now, no hesitation, no noise, just clean gear changes. This type of converter fault really needs expert attention to be fixed right the first time. From your description, it sounds like you caught the problem at about the same stage I did. These torque converter issues tend to follow a similar pattern in these models, but once properly repaired, they typically stay fixed.

I finally took my RS3 to a certified transmission specialist after reading about your experience. The diagnostic confirmed what you mentioned, a failing torque converter causing transmission slip. The repair took 6 days and included a complete automatic gearbox overhaul due to metal contamination. Total cost came to 2450 Euro, which covered: New torque converter, Complete transmission flush, System recalibration, New transmission fluid and filter, Labor costs Been driving for about 2000km since the repair. The automatic transmission now shifts perfectly with no engine surge or grinding. The shop showed me the damaged parts, the torque converter was completely worn out, exactly like you described. Really glad I addressed this before the transmission failed completely. The repair was expensive but worth every cent to have the transmission working properly again. No more warning lights or strange noises. Thanks for helping me understand what I was dealing with.