Multitronic transmission in Audi vehicles. Is it always necessary to be afraid of this?
Content
An automatic and continuously variable transmission called Multitronic was available in Audi's longitudinally-mounted, front-wheel drive vehicles. Many people are afraid of this design, mainly because of the popular belief about its high failure rate and high repair costs. It is right?
Multitronic box. Basics
But let's start from the very beginning. The number of gears is limited in classic manual and automatic transmissions. This state of affairs is influenced by the result between the cost of production, weight, size and convenience in everyday use.
CVTs don't have this problem, because they have a virtually unlimited number of gears and adjust them to the current needs. Multitronic, depending on the version and year of manufacture, was capable of transmitting from 310 to 400 Nm of torque, which meant that not every engine could be paired or some units had specially limited power in order for the gearbox to work with them.
Multitronic box. Operating principle
Its principle of operation can be compared to a bicycle gear system, with the difference that car gearboxes do not use gears, but cone-shaped pulleys. The connection is made with a belt or chain, and the gears change as the wheels slip or disengage.
The controller is also an important element of the transmission, it regulates the speed according to current needs. By lightly depressing the accelerator pedal, the revs are maintained at a constant (low) level and the vehicle accelerates. At wide open throttle, the RPM will fluctuate through the maximum power range until the desired speed is reached and the accelerator pedal is released. The speed then drops to a lower level than would be the case, for example, in the case of a manual transmission. In Multitronic, torque is transmitted continuously, the absence of jerks and a smooth ride are hallmarks that will satisfy the driver who drives the car calmly.
Multitronic box. Virtual gear ratios
Other users may be annoyed by the constant noise of the engine running at a constant and sometimes quite high speed. Accordingly, the engineers came up with a certain convenience, namely the possibility of manually shifting electronically programmable gears. In addition, the Multitronic used after 2002 has a sport mode in which virtual gears are shifted electronically.
Multitronic box. Operation and malfunctions
The service life of the Multitronic gearbox is estimated at up to 200 km. km, although there are exceptions to this rule. In this matter, much depends on the method of work and the quality of the site. There are cases where the gearbox has failed well below 100 300. km, and there are those where it easily reached the border of XNUMX thousand. km, and its maintenance was reduced only to regular oil changes.
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The first sign that something is wrong with the gearbox is jerking (at low engine speeds), as well as the car “crawling” with the jack in neutral, i.e. "N". Often a warning will also be displayed on the dashboard, which is better not to ignore.
Most transmission faults are self-diagnosed using a so-called self-diagnosis program. Displaying all driving mode icons at the same time means you need to contact the service center. If a red box also appears, this means that the fault is serious, and if the symbols start flashing, this means that you will not be able to start again after stopping.
Multitronic box. "Spreading" opinions and costs
There are many opinions among buyers and users themselves that Multitronic is not the best choice for the Audi of their dreams, but there are those who praise the power unit configured in this way. It is worth remembering that a more modern dual-clutch gearbox also wears out naturally, and the cost of replacing a clutch package will not be low.
In Multitronic, first of all, a chain is being worked out, the cost of which is approximately 1200-1300 zł. The pulleys often fail, and restoration costs about PLN 1000. If they are beyond repair, they will have to be replaced, and new ones will cost more than PLN 2000. We also pay attention to emerging malfunctions in the electronics and hydraulic system. The described gearbox is well known to mechanics, there is no shortage of spare parts, which is a big plus, because it has a positive effect on the final bill for a possible repair. The gearbox has also been upgraded over the years, so the newer the Multitronic, the better.
Multitronic box. In which models is the Multitronic transmission available?
The manufacturer installed the gearbox on the following models and engines:
- Audi A4 B6 (1.8T, 2.0, 2.0 FSI, 2.4 V6, 3.0 V6, 1.9 TDI, 2.5 V6 TDI)
- Audi A4 B7 (1.8T, 2.0, 2.0 TFSI, 3.2 V6 FSI, 2.0 TDI, 2.5 V6 TDI, 2.7 V6 TDI)
- Audi A4 B8 and A5 8T (1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI, 3.2 V6 FSI, 2.0 TDI, 2.7 V6 TDI, 3.0 V6 TDI)
- Audi A6 C5 (1.8T, 2.0, 2.4V6, 2.8V6, 3.0V6, 2.7V6, 1.9TDI, 2.5V6TDI)
- Audi A6 C6 (2.0 TFSI, 2.4 V6, 2.8 V6 FSI, 3.2 V6 FSI, 2.0 TDI, 2.7 V6 TDI)
- Audi A6 C7 (2.0 TFSI, 2.8 FSI, 2.0 TDI, 3.0 TDI) and A7 C7.
- Audi A8 D3 (2.8 V6 FSI, 3.0 V6, 3.2 V6 FSI) and A8 D4 (2.8 V6 FSI)
Interestingly, Multitronica is not found in convertibles, and the production of the gearbox was finally stopped in 2016.
Multitronic box. Resume
In order to enjoy (as long as possible) a functioning Multitronic transmission, it is first necessary to ensure that it is regularly serviced by an approved workshop and properly cared for. Experts recommend changing the oil every 60 XNUMX. km. After the morning start, the first kilometers should be driven calmly, especially in winter. Harsh starts and long periods of high speed driving should be avoided, at which the gearbox becomes very hot. If you follow these few rules, there is a high probability that the box will not generate unnecessary costs and will last for many years.
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