Tranny troubles (V6)

[Herr Vorragend]

I have been a fan of this site for years and only now have stepped up to become a member. I have been round and round with my 04 V6 Cayenne and a tranny issue.

I had the tranny serviced at 165k (filter change with Redline fluid) and had no issues until I recently was told I had a wick leak in a wire harness. Despite having no driving symptoms, decided to change (via an Indy) both wire harnesses and the filter (parts sourced at Sunset, Aisin fluid via Pelican Parts).

The car had 185k miles when the job was done (e.g. 20k since the first service). Since, the car drives normally cold with the first take off in 1st gear. However, on subsequent starts (while still 'cold'), the car slips in 2nd gear if I try for a quicker acceleration or turning up a hill. If I am real easy on it, then there are no problems at take off. If I hit the gas, slippage. I had the fluid level checked at 40 degrees and the level is right (also confirmed by Porsche Dealer).

I had it over to Porsche Mainline in PA who reset the transmission, which did not solve the problem of slipping in 2nd gear. As I thought it could be a fluid issue I also changed the fluid to Toyota T-IV (same specs as Mobil 3309 as I found on this site) - still slips. I just had it checked at AAMCO (OK, I'm grasping at straws perhaps). They noted they can't do anything without getting into it. For him, that means either buying a new/reman one or rebuilding it.

I am at a loss to understand what to do. I never had a slip - ever - despite the mileage and even after the filter and fluid change at 165k. My Indy friend in NC (who did the first service) believes it may be the module that went, despite trying to get to the wick leak before it would affect it.

I know it has a lot of miles and parts wear out. I am just surprised about the sudden symptoms after a service.

HELP team!

[Herr Vorragend]

I made a mistake in noting a 'module'....should have written 'valve body'

[RFM]

Start with the error codes, they are needed to have an idea what the issue is related to, are you sure the Redline fluid have the same specs as the OEM fluid?, it is so that a fluid which does not meets the OEM specs can destroy the Tiptronic in the longer term, not only from one day to another. Once the oil has done its destructive work, it is very difficult to impossible to save the Titronic with OEM specs fluid when the damage is already done.

[Herr Vorragend]

Hi and thanks! Unfortunately, I don't have any error codes. I also notice that have a rev up when it shifts from 4th to 5th gear.

Also, after starting in the morning, if I rev the engine a little before heading out, this seems to reduce the slipping upon cold take off.

[Herr Vorragend]

Oh, and I should have noted that I did not check the specs on the Redline as it was done by and Indy shop (who also noted Porsche fluid as a choice but I guess I accepted the Redline - just don't remember the conversation really).

[Herr Vorragend]

Bought a new valve body and Toyota T-IV....dropping of at the dealer tomorrow.....will post results

[wvicary]

It does sound like a valve body fault with the rpm flare between shifts.

[Herr Vorragend]

Sorry for the long delay in responding. I'm not sure what a valve body fault sounds like.

Took it in to have the valve body changed at Knopf Porsche in Allentown, PA. Working fine now with a rather hefty investment......

[grdlaw]

Sorry for the long delay in responding. I'm not sure what a valve body fault sounds like.

Took it in to have the valve body changed at Knopf Porsche in Allentown, PA. Working fine now with a rather hefty investment......

If I may ask, what was the total cost for the repair for parts and labor?

[Herr Vorragend]

Hi, sorry for the delay in my response. The valve body and associated parts came from Sunset. The valve body alone was just over $1000. You also need a new filter and bolts. Sunset will set you up with a 'kit' as they know what is needed to do the job. I used T-IV tranny fluid from Toyota and the local dealer in Allentown PA charged net $575 for labor (coupon was 15-20% off total if I remember right). Running right again but it was an investment......

[grdlaw]

Thanks for the info. I will be bringing my 2008 Cayenne base to an Indy. I've noticed a couple of things. When shifting from 3rd to 4th gears there is somewhat of a pause or lag. This also happens sometimes between 4th and 5th gears. The second thing that I noticed is that when accelerating, the gears shift pretty quickly and sometimes, by the time I reach 40 mph it's already in 5th gear. I've only had the car for less than a month, but this doesn't seem normal.

I looked at the car maintenance history and the prior owner had the spark plugs changed in December 2013. I'm wondering if these issues are coil related problems or if this is a major tranny issue. Any thoughts?

[Neon]

40 mph in 5th gear is normal with PSM on. If you turn off PSM then it will be different.

[Omoige]

Hello guys. I need some help here. I just serviced my 08 Cayenne S the other day. As I was driving away from the mechanic, I lost my transmission fluid as a line broke open. We couldn't get the OEM fluid, but we drained it all out and used the Audi Trans fluid.  Now my car is v-e-r-y to get and get going. Have I broken something? I am vacationing in in West Africa where I have the car and cannot immediately get the OEM oil. So I ordered the Aisin to come on next week. My question is have I destroyed the transmission or will it go back to normal once I changed the fluid to the right one? Thanks you all in advance for your answer.

Edited September 2, 2014 by Omoige

[hahnmgh63]

Just an FYI.  I have been using the Redline D4 fluid in my '06 CTTS for 3 yrs and over 30K and it still shifts great. Much better than the old fluid and the Redline D4 exceeds the JWS 3309 specification which the Toyota Type IV is based on. Definitely don't use the Redline D6 as it is too thin and is meant for newer design transmissions than ours.

For Omoige, I don't think you destroyed your transmission. But you may have the wrong fluid, not all Audi fluids are the same, some do meet the same specs as our Aisin tranny and some don't. Post what fluid you used if you have the part number but otherwise just get the new fluid and a new filter in there. Try to have it flushed if able but if not at least let it drain overnight to get as much of the old stuff out as possible.