Transmission Control Module Safety Functions

If one or more components and/or sensors malfunction, the automatic control module will activates the appropriate replacement function. This guarantees the non-destructive operation of the transmission with respective implications on shift function and quality.

When malfunctions are detected by the transmission, a distinction is made between 4 possible statuses.

• 1.: The fault is stored and a substitute program permits further driving (in some cases with restrictions). The driver is not notified of this status, because it is neither critical for the driving safety nor for the transmission. The selector lever position indicator in the instrument cluster provides a normal display of the current selector lever position arrow. The driver will only notice the fault - if it is noticed at all - in terms of handling problems and will then automatically consult Audi Service.
• 2.: Certain selector lever positions will flash in the selector lever position display in the instrument cluster. The driver is shown that a desired gear selection is currently not possible. This is the case if, for example, a reverse drive (selector lever position R and the vehicle rolls backwards) is engaged in the driving gear D. The selector lever position D in the selector lever position indicator in the instrument cluster will blink in this case. The transmission control module prevents engaging the 1st gear in order to avoid damaging the transmission. The 1st gear is engaged after the vehicle comes to a standstill.
• 3.: The selector lever position indicator in the instrument cluster is completely illuminated and blinks. The selector lever position can be recognized in the instrument cluster, for example, D is emphasized. The transmission was overloaded and the maximum temperature in the transmission was exceeded (overheating), for example, due to towing a trailer with an excessively high load.
• 4.: Fully illuminated, flashing selector lever position display in instrument cluster is an indication of a serious fault in the transmission. In the display in the instrument cluster, you can no longer recognize which position is selected on the selector lever. The status is critical for driving safety or for the transmission. Under certain conditions, all gears can no longer be engaged. Through the blinking gear selection indicator, the driver is told to visit an Audi Service.