A4 Hitting the REV limiter?!?

**01SsRacing** · 02-12-2013, 05:36 AM

My A4 has never done this before, But when at WOT its like the car cant keep up and not shifting in time and hitting the limiter!:/ Its happening 1st to 2nd shift and 2nd to 3rd shifts. The RPM clime fast the car hooks up with the new tires I just put on (when this started happening it seems) the tires are nitto NT05's 315-35-17 and they are smaller in height "25.55" then the NT555's that I had before. What do you guys think is going on?

***SMWS6TA*** · 02-12-2013, 06:37 AM

how many miles on the car?

**Valor X** · 02-12-2013, 06:42 AM

mine did the exact same thing at WOT... I ignored it and guess what.. eventually 3rd gear gave out and had to have the transmission rebuilt.
At least now its better than ever lol
Start saving money my friend...
My rebuilt cost 2.2k but they sure beefed up that 4l60e, I'm pushing 390whp and it doesn't even hiccup

**KMdef9** · 02-12-2013, 07:44 AM

What's the color and level of your transmission fluid?

**01SsRacing** · 02-12-2013, 08:18 AM

I just hit 47,300 miles this morning.. I hope its not the tranny I dont see why it would be. First time it happen I checked the tranny fluid tho the tranny wasnt really up to temp, it was still red and from what I could tell it didnt look low. but to get a proper read when sould I check it and would it hurt to just add a lil?

**RONS98TA** · 02-12-2013, 08:34 AM

Originally Posted by 01SsRacing

I just hit 47,300 miles this morning.. I hope its not the tranny I dont see why it would be. First time it happen I checked the tranny fluid tho the tranny wasnt really up to temp, it was still red and from what I could tell it didnt look low. but to get a proper read when sould I check it and would it hurt to just add a lil?

You need to check the fluid when the car is up to operating temp, in park, an on level ground. Never add more then the full level. I hate to say it, but it sounds like your tranny is about to bite the dust. Mine went out the same way your describing at 60k. The 4l60e is famous for breaking this way. Do your self a favor and have it BUILT to handle the torch-er your gonna give to it. It will cost you more now, but at least you wont get stranded 200 miles away from home like i did.

**RONS98TA** · 02-12-2013, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by 01SsRacing

My A4 has never done this before, But when at WOT its like the car cant keep up and not shifting in time and hitting the limiter!:/ Its happening 1st to 2nd shift and 2nd to 3rd shifts. The RPM clime fast the car hooks up with the new tires I just put on (when this started happening it seems) the tires are nitto NT05's 315-35-17 and they are smaller in height "25.55" then the NT555's that I had before. What do you guys think is going on?

You could also try putting the old tires back on to see if the tire height is the prob.

**01SsRacing** · 02-12-2013, 08:42 AM

What sounds like it is going bad, because its still drives the same and its smooth, just even since I put the tires on the past few times its hit the REV limiter and its never done that
47K tanny really should be having problems but I not going to lie I do it on it quite a bit

- - - Updated - - -

THose tires are gone! no tred left plus one got a huge blade in it.

**RONS98TA** · 02-12-2013, 08:52 AM

Originally Posted by 01SsRacing

What sounds like it is going bad, because its still drives the same and its smooth, just even since I put the tires on the past few times its hit the REV limiter and its never done that
47K tanny really should be having problems but I not going to lie I do it on it quite a bit

- - - Updated - - -

THose tires are gone! no tred left plus one got a huge blade in it.

Is it possible to put your front tires on the back to test the "tire size" theory? I know your rear tires are gonna look funny on the front, and you wont be able to make any u-turns cause they will rub, but you should be able to test the tranny that way.

**01SsRacing** · 02-12-2013, 04:40 PM

well I made two pulls today on my way to work, first one I rolled into it in 1st so no to spin em and let it run out and the shift to second was good felt strong. My second one was just after and it I did the same thing but let it run to about 100 so I made it all the way into third, and again was stong didnt hit the REV limiter and of the shifts. So now this is want im thinking everytime it has hit the limiter was morning night or after the car sat all day while I was at work and it has been cold, Thus the car not heat soaked the computer isnt tuning the car back.

**pajeff02** · 02-12-2013, 05:36 PM

Stock tire height is approximately 25.6" if I recall correctly. Your Nittos were not too far off the mark to be causing that kind of problem.

**RONS98TA** · 02-13-2013, 03:32 AM

Originally Posted by 01SsRacing

well I made two pulls today on my way to work, first one I rolled into it in 1st so no to spin em and let it run out and the shift to second was good felt strong. My second one was just after and it I did the same thing but let it run to about 100 so I made it all the way into third, and again was stong didnt hit the REV limiter and of the shifts. So now this is want im thinking everytime it has hit the limiter was morning night or after the car sat all day while I was at work and it has been cold, Thus the car not heat soaked the computer isnt tuning the car back.

Exact prob I was having before my tranny let go. It's just a matter of time. You could try changing the fluid with synthetic, but its just a matter of time.

**01SsRacing** · 02-13-2013, 04:34 AM

Originally Posted by RONS98TA

Exact prob I was having before my tranny let go. It's just a matter of time. You could try changing the fluid with synthetic, but its just a matter of time.

what if I do that and then use a handheld tuner and stiffin up the lines and that good stuff

**jakez28** · 02-13-2013, 10:06 AM

Stiffin up the lines?? I dont know....
You could try changing the pan and filter, and going back to stock tire height. It does sound like its going out, but youd be surprised how long that transmission will still last you. Good news is that it just gives you an excuse to go in there upgrade if you have the time and money. Which I dont!!!

**01SsRacing** · 02-13-2013, 02:12 PM

well is the auto worth getting build up or just do a t56 swap

**pajeff02** · 02-13-2013, 06:24 PM

Very happy with the Performabuilt Level II 4L60E installed in our car two years ago.

**redbird555** · 02-13-2013, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by 01SsRacing

well is the auto worth getting build up or just do a t56 swap

Sadly these guys are right, the trans is probably on the way out. If you're interested in a built auto call up Greg at FTI he's right up the road from us in deland and holds 1/4 mile records for fastest 4l60e. the man knows his stalls and transmissions and he's alos a great guy just to talk to.

with that said the other option you mentioned was the t56 route. When my auto gave out I went t56. In the end its not as consistent as a stalled auto but its more fun to drive and gets better mpg if thats a concern. a good rule of thumb is a well built auto with converter with run about the same as t56 swap. the t56 will be used and stock (although stock is plenty strong) but thats including new clutch, hydraulics and misc pieces.

if you're interested in that route look up my writeup thread where i went through it all step by step. overall its ot a hard sap just tedious to do correctly. If you got in my car and I didnt tell you it was an auto you would never know. there is also a good used t56 on craigslist right now for $1500 here in orlando might be worth checking out

**RONS98TA** · 02-14-2013, 03:08 AM

Originally Posted by jakez28

Stiffin up the lines?? I dont know....
You could try changing the pan and filter, and going back to stock tire height. It does sound like its going out, but youd be surprised how long that transmission will still last you. Good news is that it just gives you an excuse to go in there upgrade if you have the time and money. Which I dont!!!

What he means by "stiffin up the lines" is the line pressures and shift points. Not the trans lines themselves. You can do this with a hand held hyper tech controller and other brand names as well. I upgraded my trans 3 years ago by a local guy who installed the best parts like corvette servos and Kevlar bands etc. I also installed 2 ground straps to the left and right side of the trans to the frame to help with grounding the trans. That was recommended by the trans builder. Then i sent my pcm to Frost via mail order and i couldn't be happier.

**RONS98TA** · 02-14-2013, 03:12 AM

BTW, if you do have the trans rebuilt, you need to invest in a good stall conv. The trans will already be out of the car and no extra labor will be involved. I went with a vigilante 3600 stall and love it! Drives like a stock also, just gives you about a .5 -.8 quicker 1/4 times also!!

**pajeff02** · 02-14-2013, 03:40 AM

Just beware, if you have a tune that jumps up the line pressure and then add a built trans with a modified valve body you may have issues... ask me how I know.