Reasons Behind a Rough Transmission in an Audi A3 from the Certified Mechanics in Decatur
The transmission is such an essential part of a car that even a bit of trouble could lead to an undrivable vehicle. Miles of driving will eventually lead this vital component to wear. The Audi A3, however, houses the TF60SN automatic, which has exhibited problems that are not typical of most transmissions.
Over time, instead of the usual wear and tear symptoms, the TF60SN may cause rough shifting and slips into neutral. These complications left unattended can be dangerous for you and your car.
The TF60SN is also known as the 09G and is built into other cars as well. The Audi A3 and the Audi TT both use this transmission, and so does the Mini Cooper and some Volkswagens. Owners of these cars have been scratching their heads as they start struggling with shifting.
Finding the root of the issue is frustrating and messy. Luckily, our trained mechanics can pinpoint the problem and help get your car running smoothly. Here, we will delve into the symptoms of a problematic TF60SN and why it affects the Audi A3 in such an unusual way.
How do I know if my A3’s transmission has a problem?
It’s hard to diagnose a sick car if you don’t know that it’s having a hard time. Fortunately, your A3 will most likely make it clear that something is wrong with the transmission. These are red flags warning you that it is time to have an expert take a look. Here’s what to watch out for:
● A car that is bumpy and jolty as you drive, and it feels as if you’re trying to drive through a road full of rocks.
● A resistant shift lever or rocky shifting
● Slipping into neutral gear
● Jerking and stalling when accelerating
Why are these transmissions so faulty?
The complexity of the TF60SN’s design results in crucial parts, like valves, malfunctioning. This transmission was part of the new automatic design trend. Still, some of its new adaptations are contributing to defective functioning. While older transmission valve bodies are simple, TF60SN was made in such a way that, when worn down, connections within the system glitches. When it comes to this point, shifting gears becomes a nightmare. Let’s check out the specifics on what exactly is behind these transmission predicaments.
A Flawed Valve Body Design
The TF60SN automatic may give the driver around 20,000 to 50,000 miles before the quality of the valve body starts to decline. Its worn-down state over time causes problems that other designs often don’t face. Jagged shifting and slipping into neutral comes from valves that are ragged from usage.
Since automatic transmissions rely on a more intensive electrical system than manual ones, the TF60SN is designed to have more valves and solenoids. The abundance of these parts allows for the majority of the system to operate electronically. Functions like pressure regulation rely on these electronic solenoids to function. Let’s take a closer look at the unreliable solenoids of TF60SN and their roles.
Sticking Solenoids
Solenoids are valves for automatic transmissions like the Audi A3’s. They open and close their plungers to regulate transmission fluid and direct the pressure within the body. This pressure allows the transmission to shift gears. These solenoids have a pretty big responsibility.
Stuck solenoids will show symptoms that are too loud and harsh to ignore. It will feel like you’re wrestling with the shift lever. Your car may roughly jostle as you try to shift and drive. The most alarming part about sticking solenoids is that it can cause your vehicle to delay shifting or shift itself to neutral.
Sensitivity to Temperatures
This transmission does not like hot days or hot engines. Heat dramatically contributes to the rocky shifting in A3s. You may start your day commuting to work in your Audi A3 with everything working smoothly. However, when you begin to drive back home, and the weather is warmer, your transmission might start slipping and give you difficulty shifting. The faulty valve body and its components are at fault, but sometimes so is a bad temperature sensor.
Munich West For Your Transmission’s Longevity
Whether you are having issues with a 
TF60SN, or any other transmission, your relief will be guaranteed when you come have our experts at Munich West get your car shifting smoothly again.
Drivers of European cars in Atlanta, Georgia no longer have to fret over their transmission troubles. Affordable & client-oriented European auto service is available here at Munich West Auto Repair in Decatur. Call us today for a convenient appointment.
* Audi A3 Car image credit goes to: teddyleung.
