New 98 Avant owner here - I have a 2.8 with the Tiptronic transmission. Whether it's in automatic or in Tiptronic mode, I notice a slight thud when it shifts from 1st to 2nd. The other gears aren't quite that noisy. Is this normal It's not loud or anything, but you can definitely feel it.

Also, how many of you use Tiptronic as opposed to automatic? Is there a big difference in fuel economy between the two?

thanks,

avantgarde98

 

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thanks. yeah, that seems to be pretty much the way my tranny shifts. Like I mentioned, I just bought the car and maybe it's something I get used to, maybe not. I did call the mechanic who has worked on the car in the past and he hadn't noticed anything amiss in the transmission. He did say that possibly it may need a transmission service and told me that it's pretty pricey. Around 6 bills total! Ouch!

 

Serviced for 600? Maybe with a goldplated pan. I say about a little over 300.

 

mines have that same problem going around 40mph. i feel that thud when i let off the gas. I got it checked out and the mechanic told me that the tcu is engaging (telling the transmision to shift up and downshifts) and recommended getting new transmission fluid but i havnt gotten around to getting that done yet.

 

thanks everyone. I'll probably shop around to get a quote on the tranny service and have that done asap. You know the old saying, "Pay me now or..."!

 

please update us with everything and if it fixes the problem or not...

let us know. THANKS

 

I certainly will. Thanks!

 

Well, I took it to a transmission shop, they test drove it and said I need to rebuild the tranny. they quoted me 3k which includes replacing the torque converter. Reasonable enough I think, but still not convinced and before I plunk down 3 grand, I want to know what you guys think. so far, here is what I experience:

Tranny shifts fine when cold, when it warms up then it occasionally slips.

It usually slips when shifting from 1st to 2nd, and sometimes from 2nd to 3rd. to be precise, it slips and then a thud when it engages the gear.

In tiptronic mode, it seems to slip far less. Also driving harder seems to experience it less as well.

So I'll check the fluid level to see if it's low.

Do you think it's worth it to replace the tranny fluid (14 bucks a quart) first to see if this fixes the problem?

thanks everyone for their input!

 

Definitely get the ATF topped off/changed FIRST,before dropping down 3 grand on a rebuilt tranny.

Second,you want to shop around for prices,don't go with the first shop that says,you need a new tranny rebuilt/replaced.

They want your money,so they'll say anything at the first hint of a tranny issue,no troubleshooting.

I got my tranny replaced,not rebuilt,3 months ago,tranny would not shift into 4th or 5th gear,only 1st,2nd,3rd gear would engage.

shift smooth as butter,after the replace.

I bought a used tranny,that was claimed to have 70,000 miles on it for 1000.00 and paid a shop 400.00 to drop it in,plus ATF,gasket ect...1588.00 total,which wasn't bad,being i bought the car for 5,300.00