Fix or replace Audi mechatronics unit AND clutch together?

tupacamaru

I have a 2011 Audi A3 Sportback 1.4L TFSI with S-tronic and have issues with the gearbox (EOBD II fault code P17BF; no VAG diagnostics done yet).

I've spoken with a few companies specializing in automatic transmissions, and just got off the phone with one that told me that nearly always the underlying cause of faulty mechatronics is a worn clutch. As such, he recommended I repair or replace both the mechatronics and clutch so I don't have to come back to him in a few weeks' time for another repair, nearly doubling the repair costs: I've been quoted €1,200 for the mechatronics unit (by 2 companies) and €2,000 for the mechatronics unit and clutch, including labor and towing from my home.

Considering the car's current market value (which I estimate to be €6,000 to 7,000), any repair will be relatively expensive, but obviously I'd like to minimize costs. What do you recommend: fixing the mechatronics unit, fixing the mechatronics unit and clutch, or something else (for instance, getting rid of the car)? While the quoted prices seem reasonable to me, I'd love your thoughts on those as well, please (I live in Ireland).

Thanks for your help!

Toyotafanboi

I'd disagree. You'd occasionally see a clutch wear prematurely as a result of a mechatronics being faulty but not the other way around. In fact I dont think I've ever seen an example of a bad clutch pack somehow damaging a mechatronics.

You do occasionally see people advising to replace both as that's kind of a cover all solution for anything that could be wrong with a DSG box. If the car hasn't got mega mileage and hasn't any noises or shudders changing gear I would be doing the clutch pack.

tupacamaru

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

I'd disagree. You'd occasionally see a clutch wear prematurely as a result of a mechatronics being faulty but not the other way around. In fact I dont think I've ever seen an example of a bad clutch pack somehow damaging a mechatronics.

You do occasionally see people advising to replace both as that's kind of a cover all solution for anything that could be wrong with a DSG box. If the car hasn't got mega mileage and hasn't any noises or shudders changing gear I would be doing the clutch pack.

That’s extremely helpful, thank you. The car has 88,000 km on the clock (which probably doesn’t qualify as “mega” for this car) and there are no noises nor shudders changing gears. So I take it you wouldn’t advise doing the clutch pack (you write “I *would* be...”, but assume that’s a typo).

galwaytt

tupacamaru wrote: »

I have a 2011 Audi A3 Sportback 1.4L TFSI with S-tronic and have issues with the gearbox (EOBD II fault code P17BF; no VAG diagnostics done yet).

I've spoken with a few companies specializing in automatic transmissions, and just got off the phone with one that told me that nearly always the underlying cause of faulty mechatronics is a worn clutch. As such, he recommended I repair or replace both the mechatronics and clutch so I don't have to come back to him in a few weeks' time for another repair, nearly doubling the repair costs: I've been quoted €1,200 for the mechatronics unit (by 2 companies) and €2,000 for the mechatronics unit and clutch, including labor and towing from my home.

Considering the car's current market value (which I estimate to be €6,000 to 7,000), any repair will be relatively expensive, but obviously I'd like to minimize costs. What do you recommend: fixing the mechatronics unit, fixing the mechatronics unit and clutch, or something else (for instance, getting rid of the car)? While the quoted prices seem reasonable to me, I'd love your thoughts on those as well, please (I live in Ireland).

Thanks for your help!

You need to go to George Dalton on here or contact him directly at https://www.daltons.ie/

He is the go-to guy for VAG imho, so get his opinion and diagnoses first. Too much vagueness in the ones you have.

tupacamaru

Thanks for the tip. The two mechanics I’ve spoken with, both recommended to me by acquaintances, have highly recommended Pat Cassidy/Autotranz. Any experience with them? If so, why would you prefer working with George Dalton? Thanks!

Edit: I live in the Dublin area and see that Daltons is in Port Laois, which is (way) too far for me.

Toyotafanboi

tupacamaru wrote: »

That’s extremely helpful, thank you. The car has 88,000 km on the clock (which probably doesn’t qualify as “mega” for this car) and there are no noises nor shudders changing gears. So I take it you wouldn’t advise doing the clutch pack (you write “I *would* be...”, but assume that’s a typo).

Yes, I meant wouldn't. I'm terrible for typos!

galwaytt

tupacamaru wrote: »

Thanks for the tip. The two mechanics I’ve spoken with, both recommended to me by acquaintances, have highly recommended Pat Cassidy/Autotranz. Any experience with them? If so, why would you prefer working with George Dalton? Thanks!

Edit: I live in the Dublin area and see that Daltons is in Port Laois, which is (way) too far for me.

Let me put it this way: I travelled to Portlaoise from Galway for him to work on my car - it's just he knows VAG cars inside out: always the best way imho.