Update

I took apart the MFS wiring harness and it had coolant/water inside it. I thoroughly cleaned/dried both sides out (doesn't appear to be any corrosion).

I finally got it hooked up to a vagcom and it came up with the following codes...

(I scanned and cleared the transmission codes first then ran the full scan)

VAG-COM Version: Release 409.1-US

Control Module Part Number: 8D0 927 156 J
Component and/or Version: AG5 01V 2.8l2V US D89
Software Coding: 00000
Work Shop Code: WSC 00000
2 Faults Found:
00293 - Multi-function Switch (F125)
27-10 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent
00526 - Shareware Version. To Decode all DTCs
27-00 - Please Register/Activate





VAG-COM Version: Release 409.1-US


Chassis Type: 8D - Audi A4 B5
Scan: 01,02,03,08,15,17,25,35,45,55,56

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine
Controller: 8D0 906 266 B
Component: 2,8l V6/2V MPI OBD2 D01
Coding: 01251
Shop #: WSC 06335
No fault code found.
Readiness: N/A

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 02: Auto Trans
Controller: 8D0 927 156 J
Component: AG5 01V 2.8l2V US D89
Coding: 00000
Shop #: WSC 00000
1 Fault Found:
00526 - Brake Light Switch-F
27-00 - Implausible Signal

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 03: ABS Brakes
Controller: 4D0 907 379 J
Component: ABS/EDS BOSCH 5 7679
Coding: 0265109024
Shop #: BB 37679
2 Faults Found:
00302 - ABS Solenoid Valve Relay (J106)
35-00 - -
00290 - ABS Wheel Speed Sensor: Rear Left (G46)
30-00 - Open or Short to B+

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 08: Auto HVAC
Controller: 8D0 820 043 H
Component: A4-KLIMAVO
Note: Excessive Comm Errors



After clearing the codes I can get it out of limp mode, but after attempting to change gears it puts me right back in limp mode (no reverse/high gear).

Hopefully these codes stand out to someone and you can point me in the right direction..

Thanks.

 

Have you had the car up in the air to see if the main wiring going into the trans is clean and in good order?

 

I was having the same issue, i cleared the codes and it hasn't gone back into limp mode. However it is shifting weird, engine speed increases before it shifts into the next gear. Any Ideas?

 

I had a 97 A4 1.8T with the EXACT same problem. It was my MFS. I had a leak in the seal of the oil cooler that burst in the cold weather and caused basically ALL the oil in the car to come pouring out. I fixed the leaking seal and a few days later started it up and the trans was in limp mode and wouldn't go in reverse or shift above 3rd gear.

My codes were the same as yours. I put the car in the air and tried to clean the plug out, cleared the codes, and took it for a spin. Within about 20 seconds it went right back into limp mode.

So I ordered the new MFS (I believe it was like $150 from shokan.com). Put the new part in, cleared the codes and it's been working fine for the past year.

When the oil came pouring out of the oil cooler it fell directly on top of the MFS and took a few days to work its way in and corode the MFS components.

I would put money on your problem being the same... you probably got water and coolant on it (it's not protected AT ALL) during your coolant flush.

Bite the bullet, buy a new MFS, install it, clear the codes, and I bet it will fix your problem.

Good luck... and let us know if it helps!