Audi8JC

New to the forum, and have tried to read most of the threads on transmission "hunting" and recoding.

Have a 1998 A8 with 88k miles, and have noticed that the car seems to search for gears and rev high at lower speeds before finding the next gear, but I'm fine once I hit around 55-60mph.

What I couldn't get from all the threads was whether this problem can be fixed with a recode (how much should this cost?), a trans fluid change, or something else, or, say it ain't so, I need to start thinking about a new transmission.

PaulW

However, I haven't done it myself so I can't be sure, but almost positive.

Audi8JC

How much should I expect to pay for this?

PaulW

Probably $3K-$4K including trans rebuild

ScotD

I have a1998, but it hunts between 42 - 50 Mph. I just use 4th in Tip mode.

Audi8JC

Is this a problem that needs to be fixed or can it be managed, ie, if I don't fix it will it only get worse and eventually degrade the whole transmission?

audilvr

You should buy one of Tozo's rebuilt trannys or have it rebuilt at some point-- when it goes into safe mode a lot or when you get tired of the thump and hunt. Be sure to get a rebuilt torque converter, and splash for a new valve body if you do your own. You can figure on $3500 as a top figure, some places charge less, some a lot more (just say no).

I would not waste the time going through the tranny service. I did that to no avail and things actually got worse once I did it.

TwinCitiesS8

Agreed, don't bother with the tranny fluid change at this point, it WILL make your situation worse. I sy this based on my own experience and on that of others in this forum. A complete rebuild or a rebuilt unit plus valve body rebuild and TC rebuild will solve your problem and your tranny will be good as new. Once they start to hunt it is all down hill from there, eventually it will shred the Clutch A housing and go into limp mode full time. Spend the money, get it fixed and you will love your car again! Since I rebuilt my tranny, tc and vb last summer my car acts like new and is so much faster off the line and shifts like a dream.

Audi8JC

How long have you been doing that for? How long do I have to get this fixed?