Multitronic is the name of Audi’s continuously variable transmission (CVT). As a stepless automatic transmission, the multitronic allows for continuous gear ratio adjustment. The multitronic’s production ceased in 2014, and Audi’s newest S-tronic transmission took its place.
In This Article...
How reliable is the Audi Multitronic transmission?
I miss having that wonderful gearbox! I thought it was the nicest feature of my last Audi. Super smooth, and no matter what you were doing, it always seemed to be in the appropriate “gear” and at the right revs.
The automobile had 15k miles when I acquired it, and I later added another 75k. It never skipped a beat and drove just as well as the day I bought it when it departed.
If it went bang, I wouldn’t want to pick up the cost! Having said that, I wouldn’t want to foot the money for any premium brand gearbox!
What distinguishes Audi Multitronic from Tiptronic?
What distinguishes the Multitronic and Tiptronic transmissions? While the multitronic is automatic yet offers virtual shifting, the tiptronic features a shifter within the vehicle that enables manual shifting.
Audi Multitronic: Does it have a clutch?
After being introduced by Audi in 1999, Multitronic is a type of automated CVT gearbox that has been employed by the automaker for many years. Based on continuously variable transmission, it functions as a step-less transmission (CVT). The ability to adjust the ratio between the input and output shafts across a wide range distinguishes multitronic from other systems. This makes a wide range of conceivable ratios possible. Multitronic employs a system with an oil-cooled multi-plate clutch, electronics, and a link-plated chain drive.
The transmission can choose between preprogrammed underdrive and overdrive to boost performance or increase efficiency. Audi’s Dynamic Regulating Program (DRP), which keeps tabs on the following:
- Pedestrian Inputs
- Driving circumstances
- Motor Load
Multitronic was made available as a manual option for sports mode in 2004. Additionally, sensors were added to detect when the vehicle was decelerating in order to offer additional engine braking. Additionally, there are now more driver-selectable ratios available. The number of ratios has been expanded from the previous six to eight.
How is the Audi Multitronic transmission used?
Release the interlock button after moving the selection lever to the desired position, such as D, by pressing and holding the interlock button (the button in the selector lever handle).
Hold off until the gearbox engages the gear (a slight movement can be felt).
Multitronic is it automated?
A continuously variable transmission ratio is used by the Multitronic automatic transmission. This type of transmission is also known as a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The driving belt (a link chain) can glide infinitely over different radii on the two axles of the gearbox by way of two conically shaped variators. The transmission ratio is continuously monitored and optimized by the electronic control as it operates.
Transmission is made possible without disrupting traction thanks to this automatic feedback regulation of the transmission ratio. With the Multitronic, the best possible acceleration and fuel efficiency are always achieved.
When used with the Tiptronic, the Multitronic has the unique ability to replicate permanently preset “virtual” gears. This mode enables the driver to change gears using the steering-wheel rocker switches when the relevant mode is selected.
Audi CVT dependability
Although Audi vehicles are often dependable and consistent over time, as you can guess, if the CVT starts acting up it can seriously affect your Audi’s performance. It’s important to pay attention to your car’s behavior so you can describe any unusual behaviors to your trusted Audi specialist for a more precise diagnosis. Additionally, the symptoms of CVT troubles can mimic those of other car-related problems, so it’s critical to have an Audi specialist conduct a differential diagnostic to rule out any additional potential causes of the unsettling symptoms.
Rough Running Conditions
Audi automobiles are often renowned for their comfortable rides and plush interiors, but when the CVT has problems, it’s usual to encounter unpleasant driving conditions like strong vibration, general vehicle trembling, or even bucking when moving at higher speeds. This is alarming and hazardous, and it needs to be investigated right soon.
Slipping Transmission
Slipping is a typical indicator of transmission problems. When the car’s RPMs increase significantly yet it doesn’t exert the power it is producing, transmission sliding takes place.
Fluid Leaks
Any type of transmission variation is susceptible to fluid leaks, and the transmission fluid is essential for efficient operation. The CVT has more than a dozen distinct seals and valves, all of which have the potential to leak transmission fluid, so it’s crucial to fix leaks as soon as they are discovered.
Hesitation Upon Gear Shifting
It is also typical for drivers of Audi vehicles equipped with CVTs to experience delayed gear shifting, depending on where in the transmission the issue is originating. Typically, a fluid leak or a loose connecting belt is the cause of the issue.
Burnt Odor Coming from Engine
Overheating and fluid leaks, both of which may make the car smell like it’s burning, are other prevalent CVT problems with Audi vehicles. If transmission fluid leaks into the exhaust, it can lead to major problems and needs to be fixed right away to prevent further harm.
Which automatic transmission does Audi employ?
Both quattro drive systems and automatic transmissions vary widely from one another. In this section, we break down the various technologies, clarify how they work, and discuss ideas like the Audi valvelift system and “rightsizing.”
Eight-speed tiptronic
The eight-speed tiptronic is a traditional torque-converter automatic transmission, and one of its greatest strengths is how smoothly and comfortably it shifts. Shifts in gear are smooth, impulsive, quick, and incredibly adaptable. It is a common feature in cars from Audi with longitudinally placed engines. The engine always runs close to its ideal operating point because of the eight gears’ minimal rpm jumps between them. Unwanted engine vibrations are balanced out by a rpm-adaptive torsion damper, allowing for economical driving at extremely low engine speeds.
The torque converter lockup clutch with integrated damper is another component that significantly contributes to the efficiency ensemble. The lockup torque converter connects the transmission and engine directly when driving normally. It occasionally employs limited slip, which when combined with the built-in damper allows for very low engine speeds without experiencing vibrations. An internal clutch separates the transmission from the engine when the vehicle is at a stop, even though the “The D stage is still chosen to prevent converter oil circulation losses. The clutch closes instantly once the driver lets off the brake, and the torque converter’s dampening effect assures a smooth drive-off.
Within the gear-shift unit, a compact steel box holds the dynamic shift program (DSP), which manages the eight-speed tiptronic. It makes use of a quick processor. In the “The ideal shift point is automatically determined by DSP in D mode. It favors big gears and low engine speeds to facilitate an efficient driving style. The tiptronic’s second shift gate enables human control of the automatic transmission’s operation. This enables downshifting, for example, on winding descents to increase engine braking or to drive extremely sportily. By choosing later shift points, the automatic transmission improves driving characteristics when in sport mode. There is no mechanical connection between the selecting lever and the transmission; all communication is electrical (shift-by-wire).
The Audi start-stop system is compatible with the eight-speed tiptronic. For this, it incorporates a tiny, continuously filled hydraulic reservoir. Its oil volume of about 100 milliliters (0.1 US qt) is pressured upon restarting after a stop, which is required for drive-off. Within a very short amount of time, the transmission is prepared to begin.
The eight-speed tiptronic includes an electronic oil pump in select Audi models. It takes care of the transmission’s lubrication and makes it possible to engage the gear required for an engine restart following a coasting period. This makes it feasible for the car to turn off its engine while driving when it is not required for propulsion because of mild hybrid technology. A clutch is open near the wheel sets when the car is coasting and the engine is running at idle. The gearbox control device ensures highly comfortable driving starts and recognizes stop-and-go conditions.
Which transmission is used by the Audi A4?
Audi has now only provided complete information on a subset of the A4 range’s seven engine variations, three gearbox choices, and front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive options.
Then there are the S4 model and the 35 TFSI, 40 TFSI, 40 TDI, and 40 TDI variants, all of which have TDI engines as well. Even after a few years with Audi’s new model naming system, we’re still not entirely sure what the double-digit numbers mean (even though they don’t directly correspond to any output). TFSI and TDI, meanwhile, stand for the company’s gasoline and diesel engines.
The A4’s 35 TFSI is a 2-liter in-line turbocharged engine that produces 199 lb-ft of torque between 1350 and 3900 rpm and 148 horsepower between 3900 and 6000 rpm. Six-speed manual or seven-speed S-tronic gearboxes are both options; the latter is Audi jargon meaning a dual-clutch automatic.
With the 40 TFSI, you still get two liters and four cylinders, but the power increases to 187 bhp between 4200 and 6000 rpm and the torque increases to 236 lb ft between 1450 and 4200 rpm. The only available transmission, a seven-speed S-tronic, still only sends power to the front wheels.
What gearbox is used by the Audi A4?
The new Audi A4’s four-cylinder turbodiesel engines and six-cylinder normally aspirated petrol engines both utilise the ML311 gearbox up to an engine torque of 350 Nm. Both a front-wheel drive and a quattro version of the gearbox are offered.
Are Audi automatic transmissions dependable?
I have the chance to purchase my 2014 Audi A3 corporate vehicle, which I have had since new and has only 39,000 miles on it. I’m trying to decide if it’s a smart idea or not because I’m scheduled to retire next year.
However, I’ve been informed that many vehicles, including mine, with DSG dual-clutch automatic gearboxes reach the five-plus-year mark with major issues that frequently need replacing the entire gearbox. My car wouldn’t be a decent purchase after this. Please let me know if DSG gearbox issues are frequent.
What Car? says…
The current Audi A3 is a highly reliable vehicle, scoring 96.8% for gasoline versions and 96.6 percent for diesel models in our most recent reliability survey. Only 1% of owners reported gearbox problems. 15 percent of owners of the prior generation (20032013) A3 reported gearbox issues, suggesting that these issues are more prevalent. Your vehicle is the most recent model, thus there shouldn’t be a problem.
Get your Audi automatic transmission problems fixed by the experts
Automatic transmissions from Audi frequently exhibit the same issues as those from Volkswagen. Audi transmission repairs are one of our specialties at A Automotive.
Audi gearboxes used in vehicles made after mid-1995 operate at a high level of technicality. These transmissions may display a variety of common auto trans issues. Sometimes, rather than needing a mechanical service, certain Audi transmissions may have electrical issues. Particularly relevant here are Audi A4 cars produced after 2001.
Audi automatic transmission problems
The following are typical ways that gearbox issues with your Audi are discovered:
- Dashboard light or flashing indicator
- Extreme shifting or binding
- Surging sensation when moving forward after stopping
- Reverse gear disappears (a common problem on Audi A4 CVT)
- Gearshifts stop working (stuck in one gear)
- The engagement of the forward and reverse gears is delayed.
- At low speeds and with a small throttle opening, there is a surging, vibrating sensation.
Issues with the Audi multitronic transmission
The 01J CVT transmission, sometimes known as Audi’s “multitronic transmission,” is found in a significant number of Audi automobiles.
Although this transmission typically provides acceptable service, some owners report driving difficulties. Common criticisms about the Audi multitronic gearbox include:
- A trembling feeling during takeoff
- Losing backward
- Losing interest
- Slipping or accelerating to about 50 km/h
- Hill hold function lost.
The forward clutch’s insufficient holding strength frequently contributes to these Audi transmission issues.
In order to rectify issue, Audi suggests upgrading the forward clutch assembly’s friction plates from six to seven. This suggested update is one we routinely carry out at A Automotive.
We also flash the computer when we upgrade the forward clutch unit. By doing so, it is ensured that the valve body operates within the proper parameters and that the pulleys driving the chain are set to the proper ratio. If this is not done, the multitronic transmission won’t last as long as it should and the upgraded clutch assembly will be harmed.
Faults with the ZF transmission in Audi
Audi either produces its own traditional automatic gearboxes in-house or uses the well-known ZF transmissions, which are produced in Germany. European automakers frequently employ these gearboxes. Torque converter shudder is a problem with the Audi ZF gearboxes. This is typically perceived by the driver as a surging sensation while traveling at a light throttle speed of 40 to 50 km/h. The torque converter needs to be completely overhauled and upgraded in order to fix this transmission issue.
Audi automatic transmission repairs
A Automotive repairs and overhauls all different varieties of Audi gearboxes, including the 6-speed and 7-speed DSG units, in addition to the particular Audi transmissions mentioned above.
With over 30 years of expertise servicing European gearboxes for dealerships and the general public, A Automotive are experts in Audi transmission repair.
Get a quote from A Automotive Services to have the professionals rebuild or repair your Audi automatic transmission today.
Audi Multitronic is it a DSG?
No, all A4s (and A6s) with front-wheel drive are multitronic (or manual). Due to how the engine is positioned in the chassis, DSG is only offered on A3s and TTs. It appears that DSG will eventually be available for the new A4s.