In this article, we will discuss resetting the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and transmission on an Audi vehicle. The ECU, also known as the car’s computer, controls various systems, such as the engine, transmission, and emissions. Sometimes, the ECU can become corrupted or malfunction, leading to poor performance, harsh shifts, jerking when changing gears, reduced fuel efficiency, and transmission problems. By resetting the ECU and transmission, you can potentially fix these problems and restore your car’s performance to its optimal level.
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It’s important to note that resetting the ECU and transmission is not a guaranteed fix for all issues. It should only be done under the guidance of a professional or with proper knowledge and tools.
Reset Audi ECU / Transmission
If your Audi automatic transmission has been having problems changing gears or never seems to know which gear it should be in, you should try to reset the transmission setting to factory defaults. If your Audi is an older model year, disconnecting the battery will reset the ECU and Transmission modules. Disconnecting the battery will not reset your ECU and transmission on newer vehicles. Instead, try the following procedure. The next simple step is to reset Audi by pressing the gas pedal.
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- Press the gas pedal to the floor.
- Turn on the ignition but do not start the engine. Suppose your car has Start/Stop press the gas pedal but not the brake pedal. Only press the START button.
- Keep the gas pedal pressed for at least 15 seconds.
- Turn off the ignition. Release the gas pedal. Wait a couple of minutes and restart the engine.
- Drive your Audi carefully and allow it to change gears at low RPM for the first 10 minutes.
If the method above does not work on your Audi, the only way to reset the transmission would be with a diagnostic scanner.
The YOUCANIC Full System Scanner can read and clear fault codes through every vehicle’s control module. Below you will find instructions on resetting Audi transmission settings using various tools.
Reset Audi Transmission using VAG-COM VCDS
The best way to reset Audi transmission adaptation values is to use an OBD2 scanner designed for Audi / VW vehicles.
Ensure no fault codes are stored in the ECU or transmission module. You will need to go underEngine [01] and Transmission [02], go to Basic Settings,and reset both Kick Down Alignment and Throttle Body Alignment.
- Turn on the ignition but not start the engine. Do not press the gas pedal yet.
- Go to [02 – Auto Trans]
- [Basic Settings – 04] or [Basic Settings – 01] for 09G Trans
- Set Group to “000” or “060”
- Select Go and press the gas pedal down. Keep the gas pedal pressed for at least 4 seconds—no need to press the gas pedal on 09G.
- Hit DONE and release the gas pedal.
Alternative method
- Turn on the ignition.
- Load your VCDS software.
- Select [01 – Engine]
- Go to [Basic Settings – 04]
- Set Group to “063” and “060”
- Press GO and wait for the ADP. OK, to display under Throttle Body Alignment Status.
- Go back and release the gas pedal.
Once the Audi adaptation reset procedure has been completed, drive your Audi carefully for the next few miles.
- Drive the car for a couple of minutes without any hard acceleration.
- Stop the vehicle and switch the shifter from Neutral to Drive to Reverse a few times.
- Drive your Audi for another 15 minutes with minimal load on the engine. Be easy on the gas pedal. Shifting between gears should happen at low RPMs.
If the problem persists, have a mechanic diagnose your Audi automatic transmission. It may be low in transmission fluid, have worn clutches, or have a faulty valve body. These instructions work on various Audi models, including A1, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, Q3, Q5, Q7, and TT but not all model years.
What does resetting Audi transmission do?
Resetting the transmission on an Audi vehicle can help to fix certain transmission problems and improve overall performance. The transmission control module (TCM) is a computer that controls the transmission, which is responsible for shifting gears and managing the power transfer from the engine to the wheels.
Resetting the transmission on an Audi vehicle involves an “adaptation reset” or “transmission relearn,” which will reset the transmission’s adaptive learning to factory settings. This process can help to clear any stored codes or data that may be causing transmission problems.
This procedure will return the ECU and transmission to factory settings. While carrying the reset will not cause any damage, do not expect it to cure all problems. You may still experience problems after resetting the transmission to factory settings. It is worth considering updating the software for the transmission control module. It can sometimes resolve erratic shifting. This is a procedure that needs to be performed by your Audi dealer.
Audi gearbox malfunction reset
The “Gearbox Malfunction” warning message on an Audi vehicle is an indication that there is an issue with the transmission. This warning can be caused by various factors, such as low transmission fluid levels, a faulty sensor, or a malfunctioning transmission control module (TCM).
To reset the “Gearbox Malfunction” warning first, you need to diagnose and fix the underlying issue causing the warning message to appear. A professional mechanic or a dealership will use specialized diagnostic tools to read and clear the transmission-related trouble codes and then perform a series of tests to determine the root cause of the problem.
Once the issue is identified and fixed, the “Gearbox Malfunction” warning message can be cleared by performing an “Adaptation Reset” or “Transmission Relearn” process, which resets the TCM to its factory default settings. Also, clear the codes with a good OBD2 scanner. This will erase any stored codes or data that may have caused the transmission problem and allow the TCM to learn the driver’s driving style and habits again.
It’s important to note that this process should only be done under the guidance of a professional or with proper knowledge and tools.
Conclusion
Audi Transmission Adaptive Learning is a process where the transmission control module (TCM) “learns” the driver’s driving style and habits and adjusts the transmission’s shift points and behavior accordingly. The TCM uses sensors and data to monitor how the driver is using the transmission, and over time, it makes adjustments to optimize the transmission’s performance and efficiency.
The Transmission Adaptive Learning Reset, also known as “Adaptation Reset” or “Transmission Relearn”, is a process of returning the TCM to its factory default settings. This can be done using specialized diagnostic tools connected to the vehicle’s onboard computer. By performing this reset, the TCM will “forget” the previously learned data and start the learning process again, which can help to fix certain transmission problems and improve overall performance.
It’s important to note that this process should only be done under the guidance of a professional or with proper knowledge and tools, and it’s not a guaranteed fix for all transmission issues. In addition, It’s recommended to have the transmission checked for any other issues before performing the reset.
We hope you find this guide, “Transmission ECU Adaption Reset Procedure,” helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Audi vehicle.
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YOUCANIC Techs YOUCANIC articles are written by authors who collectively have over 60 years of experience in the automotive field and years of hands-on experience on vehicles. These authors are certified ASE G1 Automotive Maintenance engine professionals (the highest level certification for vehicle maintenance and repair). They hold associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, as well as having gone on to further study to receive a master’s and doctorate degrees. These authors collaborate on research, writing, editing, and fact-checking every article to ensure that it is accurate and up to date and delivers the best counsel and information to YOUCANIC readers. View all posts
