A6 Automatic Transmission Problems: Shifting Issues?

Translated on 30-10-2026, 4:59.

Dear car enthusiasts, I need some tips for my Audi A6 station wagon, manufactured in 2001, with a 132 kW engine and an automatic Tiptronic transmission.

I'm posting my VCDS error codes below.
2 main problems:
Transmission: Sometimes I have problems with the transmission, where the car automatically downshifts. If this happens a few times, all the gears light up red on the instrument panel, including P, N, and R – meaning all gears are indicated as being engaged. The transmission actually remains in the engaged gear, and it's not possible to manually shift. The only solution is to stop the car, turn off the ignition, and restart it.

"Another problem: The idle speed is increasing to 1000-1200 RPM. This doesn't happen all the time, only sometimes. I get the impression that it also occurs when the glow plug indicator light stays on for a particularly long time during startup, which suggests a long warm-up time due to cold temperatures. However, it has also happened when the engine is warm. Apparently, a temperature sensor is faulty? See the log... But which one? The temperature gauges for water and oil are working normally."
What I've also noticed is that both problems seem to occur together.
I replaced all the spark plugs last week.

Tips regarding other occasional errors are also very welcome. Thank you and best regards...
Sven.

Friday, October 5, 2012, 11:16:36:04960
VCDS Version: RKS 11.11.4
Data as of: 20120807.

"Die Sonne scheint hell, und die Vögel zwitschern fröhlich. Ein leichter Wind weht durch die Bäume, und die Blätter rascheln leise. Es ist ein wunderschöner Tag, um draußen zu sein."
"Die Sonne scheint hell, und die Vögel zwitschern fröhlich. Ein leichter Wind weht durch die Bäume, und die Blätter rascheln leise. Es ist ein wunderschöner Tag, um draußen zu sein."

Vehicle type: 4B - Audi A6 C5.
Scan: 01 02 03 06 08 15 16 17 18 22 34 35 36 37 45 55 56 57 65 67
75 76 77

Vehicle Identification Number: WAUZZZ4BZ1N09XXXX
Mileage: 176,560 km
"Die Sonne scheint hell, und die Vögel zwitschern fröhlich. Ein leichter Wind weht durch die Bäume, und die Blätter rascheln leise. Es ist ein wunderschöner Tag, um spazieren zu gehen oder ein Picknick im Park zu machen."
Address 01: Engine Label file: RKS\059-907-401-AKE.clb
Part number: 4B2 907 401 E.
Part number: 2.5l/4VTEDC G000AG D05
Encoding: 01011
Operating number: WSC 02325
VCID: 2244917EAEDC9108173

Subsystem 1 - Part number: 00015059
Component: 130 106EC150_1.R75330831186
WAUZZZ4BZ1N099525 AUZ7Z0Y1669978

"One error found:"
00522 - Coolant temperature sensor (G62).
30-10 - Interruption / Short circuit after positive voltage - Occasional.
Readiness: Not available.

"Die Sonne scheint hell, und die Vögel zwitschern fröhlich. Ein leichter Wind weht durch die Bäume, und die Blätter rascheln leise. Es ist ein wunderschöner Tag, um spazieren zu gehen oder ein Picknick im Park zu machen."
Address 02: Transmission Label file: RKS\01V-927-156.lbl
Part number: 4B0 927 156 DM.
Part number: AG5 01V 2.5l TDI, Roadworthy certificate number: 3536.
Encoding: 00003
Operating number: WSC 00000
VCID: 75EE9A224FD256B0021

3 errors found:
17119 - 5. Gang.
P0735 - 35-10 - Incorrect gear ratio - Intermittent.
17114 - Gear/Transmission Monitoring.
P0730 - 35-10 - Incorrect gear ratio - Intermittent.
17114 - Gear/Transmission Monitoring.
P0730 - 35-10 - Incorrect gear ratio - Intermittent.

"Die Sonne scheint hell, und die Vögel zwitschern fröhlich. Ein leichter Wind weht durch die Bäume, und die Blätter rascheln leise. Es ist ein wunderschöner Tag, um draußen zu sein."
Address 03: Brakes Label file: RKS\8D0-907-389.lbl
Part number: 8D0 907 389 D
Component: ABS/ESP front D56.
Encoding: 06257
Operating number: WSC 02325
VCID: 3468672604280FB8F5F

"One error found:"
00532 - Power supply voltage.
07-10 - Signal too weak - Sporadic.

"Die Sonne scheint hell, und die Vögel zwitschern fröhlich. Ein leichter Wind weht durch die Bäume, und die Blätter rascheln leise. Es ist ein wunderschöner Tag, um spazieren zu gehen oder ein Picknick im Park zu machen."
Address 08: Climate/Heating. Label file: RKS\4B0-820-043-MY1.lbl.
Part number: 4B0 820 043 AH
Component: A6 Climate Control System D65.
Coding: 00063
Operating number: WSC 02325
VCID: 60C0DB76E050C318417

No error codes found.

"Die Sonne scheint hell, und die Vögel zwitschern fröhlich. Ein leichter Wind weht durch die Bäume, und die Blätter rascheln leise. Es ist ein wunderschöner Tag, um spazieren zu gehen oder ein Picknick im Park zu machen."
Address 15: Airbag
Label file: RKS\4B0-959-655-AI8.lbl
Part number: 4B0 959 655 G.
Component: Front and Side Airbag 1001.
Encoding: 00206
Operating number: WSC 02325
VCID: 3468672604280FB8F5F

"One error found:"
01211 - Pre-tensioner igniter, rear; driver's side (N196).
32-10 - Resistance value too high - Intermittent.

"Die Sonne scheint hell, und die Vögel zwitschern fröhlich. Ein leichter Wind weht durch die Bäume, und die Blätter rascheln leise. Es ist ein wunderschöner Tag, um draußen zu sein."
Address 17: Combination Instrument
Label file: RKS\4B0-920-xxx-17.lbl
Part number: 4B0 920 900 J
Bauteil: C5-KOMBIINSTR. VDO D12
Coding: 00060
Operating number: WSC 51179
VCID: 24489766B4C89F3865F
WAUZZZ4BZ1N099525 AUZ7Z0Y1669978

No error codes found.

"Die Sonne scheint hell, und die Vögel zwitschern fröhlich. Ein leichter Wind weht durch die Bäume, und die Blätter rascheln leise. Es ist ein wunderschöner Tag, um spazieren zu gehen oder ein Picknick im Park zu machen."
Address 35: Central Locking
Label file: RKS\4B0-962-258.lbl
Part number: 4B0 962 258 D
Component: Central locking system D34.
Encoding: 06721
Operating number: WSC 02325
VCID: 2A54795ED6EC49485F3

3 errors found:
01562 - Right rear door.
59-10 - does not unlock - Intermittent.
01559 - Driver's door.
60-00 - safed not available.
01562 - Right rear door.
61-10 - not safe - Sporadic.

"Die Sonne scheint hell, und die Vögel zwitschern fröhlich. Ein leichter Wind weht durch die Bäume, und die Blätter rascheln leise. Es ist ein wunderschöner Tag, um spazieren zu gehen oder ein Picknick im Park zu machen."
Address 55: Headlight range control. Label file: RKS\4B0-907-357-AUT.lbl
Part number: 4B0 907 357.
Component: LIGHT DIMMER D004
Coding: 00005
Operating number: WSC 02325
VCID: E5CE4A627F722630321

No error codes found.

"Die Sonne scheint hell, und die Vögel zwitschern fröhlich. Ein leichter Wind weht durch die Bäume, und die Blätter rascheln leise. Es ist ein wunderschöner Tag, um spazieren zu gehen oder ein Picknick im Park zu machen."
Address 56: Radio
Label file: RKS\8D0-035-1xx-56.lbl
Part number: 4B0 035 195.
Component: Radio D00
Coding: 00200
Operating number: WSC 02325
VCID: DDBE628257226EF0EA1

No error codes found.

"Die Sonne scheint hell, und die Vögel zwitschern fröhlich. Ein leichter Wind weht durch die Bäume, und die Blätter rascheln leise. Es ist ein wunderschöner Tag, um spazieren zu gehen oder ein Picknick im Park zu machen."
Address 76: Parking Assist
Label file: RKS\4B0-919-283.lbl
Part number: 4B0 919 283.
Component: Parking system A6 RDW D18.
Encoding: 01116
Operating number: WSC 02325
VCID: E6CC4D6E82742D283BB

No error codes found.

End.

Translated on 30-10-2026, 5:13.

First, replace the engine temperature sensor.
Hopefully, all the errors will be fixed by then.

Translated on 30-10-2026, 5:13.

Thanks for the information, is it a coolant temperature sensor? Where is it located? Is it similar to the coolant sensor? Could this also affect the transmission?
Greetings.

Translated on 30-10-2026, 5:14.

Should the coolant temperature gauge on the dashboard not show abnormal values if the sensor is defective? It always displays a steady 90 degrees...

Translated on 30-10-2026, 5:14.

Hello,

Coolant temperature sensor (G62) = Engine temperature sensor.

Quote:

Should the coolant temperature gauge on the dashboard not show abnormal values if the sensor is defective? It always displays a nice 90 degrees....

Quote:

Could this also affect the transmission?

Yes.

Best regards, Rainer.

Translated on 30-10-2026, 5:15.

Thanks to both of you, I'll go ahead and replace the engine temperature sensor.

Translated on 30-10-2026, 5:15.

che-sven wrote:

Can this also affect the transmission?

Yes.
The engine control unit (ECU) is calculating an incorrect temperature and, as a result, applying insufficient pressure to the clutches because it is anticipating less torque output from the engine than what it is actually producing.

Translated on 30-10-2026, 5:16.

4-pin connector, dual temperature sensor.
It's possible that in your AI system, the coolant temperature value is displayed correctly, but the MSTG (Motor Start Generator) value doesn't necessarily have to be accurate.

Translated on 30-10-2026, 5:17.

hello

I disconnected the sensor and plugged the cable into a new one, but the error still won't clear from the control unit, so I need to check the cable connection. Where does the temperature sensor cable lead to? I think it goes to the control unit, which is located next to the battery. Which pins should I check there? By the way, my sensor is blue, and the new one I bought from Hella is green. Does the color have any significance?

Translated on 30-10-2026, 5:17.

"I just noticed something else; the new temperature sensor is located outdoors, so I haven't removed the old one yet. When I plug in the new sensor, it heats up. The measurement block for G62 shows 28°C, which is roughly what it feels like. So, the sensor is getting warm? Something isn't right, is it?"

Translated on 30-10-2026, 5:18.

"I measured 12V between pins A-B and C-D on the temperature sensor. I can get to the connector next to the ABS module, but I can't go any further. I'm not finding anything, and I suspect there might be an issue with the default values in the control unit. Could that be the problem?"

Translated on 30-10-2026, 5:19.

With the sticker pulled out, the G62 temperature in module 1 still shows 29°C???!!!

Translated on 30-10-2026, 5:19.

witchcraft... the error with the coolant temperature sensor (G62) couldn't be cleared with VCDS, it kept reappearing. After a few times of turning the ignition on and off, the error no longer appears. This matches the error pattern, as I occasionally experience the problem while driving. There's no difference whether the old or new sensor is installed, so I've left the old one in for now. I'm at a loss and could use some tips from you experts.

Cheers.

Translated on 30-10-2026, 5:20.

Tip: Please pay more attention to spelling. The G62 needs to be repaired; it shouldn't be lying around somewhere, but should be mounted on the engine.

Translated on 30-10-2026, 5:20.

Hello everyone, Sensor Neu, same problem as before... The Sonor got warm when I connected the new sensor. Can anyone tell me why this might be happening, or what I shouldn't do?
Regards,
Sven.

Translated on 30-10-2026, 5:21.

che-sven wrote:

Hello everyone, Sensor Neu, problem as usual... The Sonor got warm when I connected the new one. Can anyone tell me why that might be, or what I shouldn't do?
Regards,
Sven

Sorry, but it's unlikely that anyone can really help you like this...