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susan_loewe42

S7 Transmission Warning: Grinding Shifts & Limp Mode Alert

Grinding noise when shifting gears

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Fault stored

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Illumination of the engine warning light (MIL) or transmission warning light

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Transmission slips/shifts erratically

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Gearbox is in emergency mode

My S7 (2020, 197188km) started acting up with transmission issues recently. The warning lights are on and the gearbox is behaving strangely, rough shifting and making grinding sounds. The car went into limp mode. I suspect the transmission oil pressure sensor might be faulty, but my last mechanic visit left me skeptical about their diagnosis. Has anyone experienced similar symptoms? Would really appreciate hearing about your experiences and trustworthy repair solutions. Also curious about typical repair costs for pressure sensor replacement if that turns out to be the problem.

4 comment(s)


paulice62

Last month I dealt with similar symptoms on my S5 (2017). The transmission fault warning appeared alongside rough shifting and grinding noises. Initial checks with a pressure gauge revealed the transmission oil level was critically low, causing the transmission sensor to trigger warnings. The oil pressure readings were inconsistent, but the main issue turned out to be more serious than just a faulty sensor. There was a slow leak from the transmission cooler lines that had gradually depleted the oil level. The transmission control unit was registering these issues and activating limp mode as a protective measure. The repair required: Complete transmission fluid flush, Replacement of deteriorated transmission cooler lines, New transmission oil pressure sensor, Full system diagnostic scan Based on your symptoms, especially the grinding sounds and rough shifting, its vital to address this quickly. Low transmission fluid can cause permanent damage to internal components. The high mileage on your S7 suggests its worth doing a comprehensive transmission health check rather than just replacing the sensor. Worth noting that Audi S models are particularly sensitive to transmission oil quality and level. Having the correct specification fluid at the proper level is crucial for optimal transmission performance.

susan_loewe42 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience with the S5. Question, do you remember the total repair cost for fixing the transmission sensor and cooler lines? Im curious since my S7 might need similar work. Was wondering if any other issues popped up since the repair was done? The transmission oil pressure readings on mine are all over the place, so your case sounds pretty similar.

paulice62

Just wanted to update on my S5 repair costs. The transmission fault issues were fully resolved, costing 365 Euro for fixing both the oil pressure sensor and addressing the low gearbox oil level. Since having the work done two months ago, all transmission problems have completely disappeared. The sensor readings are now stable and consistent, unlike the erratic pressure readings you mentioned with your S7. The transmission oil pressure sensor replacement made a significant difference, no more warning lights or error messages. The mechanic also did a thorough system check to ensure no related issues remained. Getting the correct oil level was crucial for proper transmission operation. Its worth mentioning that leaving a faulty pressure sensor unaddressed can lead to more expensive transmission repairs down the line. The investment in fixing it properly now typically prevents bigger problems later.

susan_loewe42 (Author)

Thought I would update everyone on how this situation turned out. Took the car to a certified transmission specialist who properly diagnosed the issue. The total repair came to 420 Euro, which included a new oil pressure sensor and transmission fluid flush. The grinding noise completely disappeared after the repair. The mechanic found the transmission oil level was indeed way too low, and the old pressure sensor was giving false readings. The whole job took about 4 hours. They also performed a full diagnostic scan which showed no other transmission issues. Been driving for two weeks now and the transmission shifts perfectly, no more warning lights or limp mode. The repair cost was actually less than I expected, especially considering how serious the symptoms seemed. Really glad I got it sorted before any major transmission damage occurred.

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