dparnas

So, I recently recoded my Tip ecu 00022, at the advice of others on the board, in response to my complaint that the transmission won't hold 1st gear. Here's what appeared to be the impact. My 2002 A6 has just D, S and Tip mode as options. With 00022, it didn't appear that behavior in D or S was any different. But, it now does hold 1st gear in Tip mode, which was my primary objective, so that made me happy. Also, I noticed that in D and S mode, if I hit the shifting buttons on the steering wheel, the car will still shift, which surprised me. I don't think I ever tried that prior to recoding the TCU, so not sure if that had anything to do with the recode, but I kind of like that too. Of course, within a few seconds, the car takes over the shifting for you again anyway, but it is nice to know that if you need a quick downshift, that you can do it yourself, even in D or S mode. Still have a rough 1st to 2nd shift unfortunately, but I think that must be attributable to the GIAC Tip Chip, which I'm going to have removed next time I have a chance to get down to the installer.

QuattroA6

New to posting in the forums here, but I've read lots of good info from many on here which i definitely have appreciated. From what I've read on the forums, the ecu recode to 00032 does in-fact make D=S and 00022 is somehow different. Probably not much a diff at all. Unfortunately my 02 A6 (and I would assume all stock A6s) doesn't allow tiptronic shifting w/ the steering wheel when the shifter isn't in tiptronic position. I would definitely like to make the same change you made but I have a question. Is the only way to change the code with VAG-COM?
One other thing, what do you plan to do w/ your GIAC Tip Chip?

dparnas

As far as I know yes, you need a VAG-Com. There's an online registry that lists people around the country that have VAG-Coms and will help people that want to use it. I'm on there for Norcal. Run a search, you'll find it. And if I remove the tip chip, I'll be returning it, it is still within the 30 day window for the money back guarantee.

allroad'Ed now

I did mine several years ago and love it this way. With the steering wheel buttons overriding the trans, it's great for momentary control.
BTW- the trans will stay in tip mode under a few conditions-
if you're still accelerating at more than just a modest pace.
if you're in a curve at a fairly aggressive clip, though I'm not sure what the G-load is that the trans looks for.
as long as you make a manual shift every 8-10 seconds.

I've had mine stay in tip mode for several minutes when I've been "playing" on back roads.

FYI- in my '02 allroad, the code was 00032 so it weems like different years and modesl respond to different codes.

5speed6 v.2

Why are you going to "remove" the GIAC chip??

QuattroA6

Thanks for the info for the VAG-COM, Stoney's FAQs have a ton of useful info on them. But like 5speed6 said, why were you going to remove the chip? You mentioned a rough shift from 1st to 2nd, that the only reason? Only ask because that is one thing i've considered purchasing due to the lazy stock tranny.

dparnas

Just the rough shift from 1st to 2nd. It's really annoying. I wasn't unhappy with the stock tiptronic shifting, but the GIAC guy said it would be a good idea to go with the engine chip. I don't really notice any improvement in shifting response, so all I notice is the rough shift and I paid $300 for it. I'd rather get my money back. I had the Tip chip in my A4 with the Supercharger and loved it, because I drove 95% of the time in Tip mode, but not the same animal here. Of course, once I get it out of the car, I may realize it was improving shifting response, but we'll see.