Tiptronic Failure - Info Needed

[Mark I]

Hi All: ('04 C2) Tiptronic car will not not move under its own power... pulled away from stop under aceleration and at the point of expected upshift went to empty revs. D, M & R unresponsive & when attempting to put in P slow grinding sound that subsides in 3 secs w/o Park engaging. Pushed backwards while in R, slow vague rotating metalic noise. Ideas, info, suggestions, pointers etc. appreciated. No prior issues with transmission car has 64K mis. on it.

[PILFILR]

How often have you changed the ATF and filter in the 64k miles?

[Mark I]

I have had the car less than 10K and prior unknown service history. I haven't serviced the trans at all & since it's sealed can't see the fluid. Since I have had the car the transmission has performed flawlessly at all ranges in automatic and manual (seldom used) modes. While I'm hoping otherwise, it has the feel of a serious mechanical failure. Any info is appreciated.

[Loren]

The car needs to be put on a PST2 or PIWIS tester and have the Tiptronic diagnostics run.

[PILFILR]

I am no expert here... But, I had an experience with a BMW 735i with 36,100 miles... The forward gears just went... I stopped at a stop sign and when I pushed the gas pedal again... the engine just roared... no forward movement from any gear. But reverse worked. I drove 4 miles in reverse. :thumbup: It was a $10k repair... and my last BMW. I was told a internal seal just tore. Are you #$%^@! kidding me? I am still bitter. Good luck!

[Mark I]

Thanks for the replies. Would a Durametric provide useful data?

[Loren]

Thanks for the replies. Would a Durametric provide useful data?

Durametric can read and reset fault codes as well as display actual values -- but it can not perform the Tiptronic specific diagnostic tests.

[wvicary]

Does the shift indicator in the instrument cluster look normal.... no flashing lights?? I would have it checked for codes and then the fluid level. Also inspect the drive axles for damages. They sometimes fail internally and you can't tell until the rear wheels are unloaded.

[Mark I]

There are no unusual lights. However, normally even with the car sitting still (I think) you can change between the forward gears, at least 1st & 2nd. Can no longer see that.

I looked under the car, everything appears normal. When placed in gear there is nothing that is visible trying to move....but it would certainly be nice if it were something like that. I'll investigate that further. Meanwhile other thoughts, ideas appreciated.

[Mark I]

After having the car towed to my house I found that ALL of the bolts on the CV joint connecting to the transmission on the passenger side are backed completely out. Haven't had it up in the air yet, but just by feel seems like one might be sheered off at the end. Can't tell for sure. Looks like others on the site have experienced this problem, which prompted me to check. Looks like maybe large caliber bullet dodged.

[wvicary]

Good result. Recommend using Loctite 242 or 262 on new bolts to pervent this from happening again. Be sure any oil/grease is removed from the thread area.