Help with 3rd gear problem - A4 99 T/A

[Jglisson]

Over the weekend I began to notice a problem in 3rd gear under light throttle. When I accelerate the car shifts into 2nd, 3rd, 4th very crisply - I have always suspected that I had a shift kit but have not way to confirm this. However, right after the car shifts into 3rd gear the torque converter locks up and the rpms drop a little (at least it seems this is the case). If I continue to maintain the same light throttle and as my speed continues to increases the car either loses 3rd gear for a second or the torque converter unlocks, I can't tell which. It only does this for a split second in 3rd gear and then everything else works like it should and it will make the 4th gear shift. It only does this under light throttle and in the middle of 3rd gear. The car runs and drives great and will grab rubber in 2nd gear under heavy throttle.

Any ideas or suggestions?

[griftymcgrift]

mine does the same exact thing, but in second, and i CANNOT figure out why.. i think im gonna save up for a Performabuilt, but i dont want to have to....haha

[performabuilt]

You need to data log it and see whats happeing , I suspect lockup is disablig just before the 3-4 shift, Which may be normal in the tuning , You can watch a scanner or data logger to determine this to be true

[griftymcgrift]

how and where would i aquire a data logging device?
is it like an HPtuner?

[performabuilt]

Yes they can do that and so can a snapon scanner

[griftymcgrift]

now i wish i had either, but im low on funds. can this hurt the tranny or is it mainly an annoyance?

[performabuilt]

No its actually likley some normal part of the programing but I cant actualy feel it so itis a guess But I dont think its a problem

[griftymcgrift]

hey thanks a lot Performabuilt. i swear...when my trans goes....your who ill be calling

[griftymcgrift]

it may sound insane... but get some MAF cleaner and some elec contact cleaner, take off the MAF, spray it w/ MAF cleaner, and all the plugs to the trottle body. take them off and spray them w/ elec cleaner. disconnect the battery before you start and reconnect it at least 10 mins after your done. i did it and it feels fixed. i think the different sensors were throwing the trans off. let me know if you do and how it goes...

[performabuilt]

It is tru the MAF plays a role in transmission funtion as do other engine sensors and are often not considered, A MAF sensor becoming dirty or oily can actually not only affect transmissions and engine performance, But can result in transmission failure.

[mrr23]

in his tune, i increased the TCC Duty Cycle. min = 60 max = 100. i zero'ed out the Torque Reduction Normal table.

most likely, it's the sudden release of the lock up just before the 3 to 4 shift.