Emma Davies
Updated on September 16, 2022
If you’re finding that your Audi vehicle is struggling with shifting properly and now giving a strong response when you accelerate then you may want to consider looking at your Transmission Control Module (TCM) or Audi Tiptronic Transmission.
To reset your Audi transmission control module you should turn your ignition on and keep your gas pedal pressed for 15 seconds to activate the kick-down. You then need to wait to restart your engine and drive at low RPM for 10 minutes.Resetting your TCM may help you to fix any issues with your automatic transmission system, and could even help fix your Audi if it is stuck in limp mode.
Keep reading to find out more about the Audi TCM location, how to reset it, and how to get out of limp mode.
Audi Transmission Control Module
If you find that your Audi is having issues with its automatic transmission system then you may be wondering where to look to try and fix such a complex system.
Your Audi may only be showing minor issues such as delayed gear changes. But this can develop very quickly into more serious issues such as not downshifting into lower gears for you to move off, or not working through the gears and causing excess strain to your engine components.
It may be overwhelming to consider fixing your TCM at home, but you may be surprised to find resetting your TCM can fix several issues and save you money.
Let’s look at the two most commonly successful methods for resetting Audi’s transmission control module so your vehicle can be safe to drive once again.
Method One
The first method for resetting the Audi transmission control module involves some simple maneuvers within your vehicle and leaving the computer system to reset.
You must leave your Audi alone for 5 minutes at the end of the process to allow the systems to restart. You shouldn’t interfere with any of the electrical systems so don’t open the doors, or use your mobile as it may be connected to your vehicle and jeopardize the whole process.
- Press your gas pedal to the floor.
- Turn your key so the ignition is on OR press the START button so that the electrical systems are on and your dashboard is illuminated but your engine is not running.
- Keep your gas pedal pressed for at least 15 seconds.
- Keep your foot down and turn the ignition off then release the pedal.
- Wait for 5 minutes to allow the engine to restart without interfering with any of the electrical systems.
- Drive your Audi at a low RPM for 10 minutes to allow the gears to work.
Method Two
If you find that the first method doesn’t work for you then you may need to reset your Audi TCM by using a diagnostic scanner.
The method you use to reset your TCM will vary depending on the type of scanning tool you have and its system layout, but here is a quick guide on how to reset using an OBD2 scanner for Audi vehicles.
- Check there are no stored fault codes in the transmission module or ECU.
- FollowEngine [01] > Transmission [2] > Basic Settings > Reset Kick Down Alignment AND Throttle Body Alignment
Audi Tiptronic Transmission
The Tiptronic Transmission System on your Audi allows you to manually select gears whilst driving on an automatic transmission system.
It is highly popular in modern Audi vehicles as it allows you to have the best of both worlds by taking away the work of manual gear changes, but still offering the option if you needed to have control in tougher uphill or downhill scenarios.
The TTS varies from the traditional TCM in an Audi so will require a slightly altered method if you need to reset it, luckily we’ve got you covered!
- Open the hood of your Audi and loosen the 10mm retaining nut on your negative battery cable clamp.
- Slide your clamp off the battery terminal.
- Wait 15 minutes then reconnect the battery cable.
- Your ECU and TCM should now be reset.
FAQs
Where Is My Audi Transmission Control Module?
Your Audi TCM will usually be located under the dash or the carpet on the passenger side of the car.
Can you replace a transmission control module?
You can replace a TCM yourself if isn’t new, otherwise you will need a mechanic to properly install and program your new module.
What causes TCM failure?
The most common cause of a TCM failure is voltage overload which usually causes other components to start malfunctioning.
How do I know if my TCM is faulty?
You will be able to tell if your TCM is faulty if you are having constant issues with proper up and downshifting, poor fuel economy, an illuminated check engine light, or being stuck in the same gear.
Why is my Audi in limp mode?
You may think that resetting your electrical transmission systems would fix your vehicle if it was in limp mode, and although it can be the answer, the limp mode can indicate some serious issues in your Audi.
Limp mode is caused by the sensors in your car’s mechanical and electrical components detecting an issue that triggers limp mode as a safety feature to get your vehicle to a safe location and prevent damage to your engine systems.
When you have reached a safe place, turn your vehicle off and start it back up to see if the limp mode was just a temporary glitch with your vehicle or a sensor fault.
If your vehicle is still in limp mode then you may find that there is a more serious issue that needs diagnosing through a scanner tool or by asking your local mechanic to check your engine.
To find out more, check out our in-depth article about the causes and fixes of limp mode.
Conclusion
A faulty Transmission Control Module can be an expensive repair to have on your Audi, but knowing how to safely reset your TCM and Tiptronic Transmission system on your vehicle can usually repair a lot of electrical system issues and even get your vehicle out of limp mode.
If your Audi is continuously having issues with its automatic transmission then you should seek the professional opinion of a mechanic as unpredictable shifting can be dangerous on the roads and cause a serious accident.
Here are other articles about Audi that you may enjoy:
Where Is The Battery In An Audi A4?
Why Are Used Audis So Cheap?
Does The Audi TT Have A Back Seat?
