RSQ3 Transmission Slippage: Early Warning Signs & Fixes

As someone with moderate experience working on similar vehicles, I had almost identical issues with a 2015 RS Q5, which shares many powertrain components with your model. The symptoms you describe strongly point to a control module communication issue, particularly between the ABS system and transmission control unit. In my case, the fault codes indicated the torque converter was failing, but this turned out to be a false diagnosis. The actual problem was traced to faulty wheel speed sensors affecting the ABS system, which then caused the gear selector and transmission to act erratically. The powertrain malfunction warning appeared because the systems are interconnected. After the workshop properly diagnosed the root cause, they cleared the fault codes and recalibrated the systems. Since it was a known issue, the repair was covered under an extended warranty program. To provide more specific guidance, could you share: Current mileage on your vehicle, Any other warning lights present, Whether the issue occurs more frequently when cold or warm, If you have access to any diagnostic scan results This information would help determine if your situation matches what I experienced with the ABS system causing transmission symptoms.

Latest service was completed at 70000 KM, about 2 months ago. After multiple diagnostic scans, the workshop found the traction control system was indeed triggering false positives, causing the transmission to enter limp mode unnecessarily. The fix involved replacing a faulty gear selector position sensor and recalibrating the powertrain control module. Total repair cost was 780 Euro including parts and labor. Since the repair, transmission performance has returned to normal with no recurring issues.

I appreciate you sharing your repair experience, it's quite similar to what I encountered with my RS Q5. The gear selector position sensor issue seems to be a common failure point that can trigger these transmission symptoms and cause the system to enter limp mode unnecessarily. When my transmission started acting up, I initially feared a complete torque converter failure, which would have been significantly more expensive. The diagnostic trouble codes can be misleading in these cases, as the system often reports transmission faults when the root cause lies elsewhere. Your repair cost of 780 Euro is actually quite reasonable considering the complexity of the diagnostic work involved. In comparison, a full torque converter replacement typically runs 2000-3000 Euro. The key is proper diagnosis, having competent technicians who understand how the traction control and transmission systems interact can save substantial repair costs. Have you noticed any improvements in overall drivability since the repair? When my gear selector sensor was replaced, I found the transmission shifts became noticeably smoother, especially during cold starts.

The workshop diagnostic was spot on, really glad I didnt rush into major transmission work. Since getting the gear selector position sensor replaced and powertrain control module recalibrated, the transfer case is functioning perfectly. No more limp mode warnings or harsh shifting issues. The 780 Euro repair cost was much better than potentially wasting money on an unnecessary torque converter replacement. The drivability improvement is significant. Cold start performance is smooth, gear changes are crisp, and the transmission responds predictably again. Have put about 2000 KM on it since the fix with zero problems. The traction control system is also working normally now without triggering any false transmission faults. Just goes to show how interconnected these systems are, what presents as a major transmission problem can actually be caused by something relatively minor. Getting proper diagnostics from a knowledgeable workshop definitely saved me from an expensive repair I didnt need.