Multitronic is Audi's chain-driven CVT automatic gearbox, found in front-wheel-drive versions of the A4 B6, B7 and B8, A5, and A6 C5 and C6. And if you've been looking into Audi Multitronic gearbox problems, I bet you've already heard a few horror stories. People come to our workshop after reading forum posts claiming that "Multitronic is a ticking time bomb". I wouldn't go that far. I've seen Multitronic gearboxes that work beautifully and others that cause their owners endless headaches. And do you know what? Very often, the difference comes down to how well they've been maintained.
How does the Multitronic gearbox actually work?
I'll keep it simple. Multitronic doesn't have the usual set of gears you'd find in a conventional automatic. Instead, it uses two cone-shaped pulleys connected by a steel chain. The pulleys move closer together or further apart, allowing the car to accelerate smoothly without you feeling any gear changes. Wet clutches handle pulling away and reversing. Everything is controlled by oil pressure and a control unit built into the gearbox itself. And that's exactly why the oil matters so much.
What are the signs of Audi Multitronic gearbox problems?
- The car jerks or vibrates when pulling away or driving at low speeds.
- You hear a humming or whining noise that changes with engine revs.
- The gear selector letters flash on the dashboard, or the gearbox goes into limp mode.
- On some versions, the speedometer also stops working when the gearbox develops a fault.
If you tell me your Audi jerks when pulling away, the first things I'll check are the clutches and the gearbox oil. If there's a humming or whining noise, I'll start suspecting wear in the chain and pulleys. On older Multitronic gearboxes, if the speedometer has stopped working as well, the gearbox control unit is often the culprit. But here's the important bit! We're not going to start replacing parts just because of what you can feel from the driver's seat. First, we need to find out exactly what's causing the problem.
If your Multitronic starts making a humming or whining noise, please don't ignore it and carry on driving for ages. A worn chain can damage the pulleys too. And once they're damaged, the repair becomes much more expensive. I'm telling you this because I'd much rather you kept that money in your pocket.
Can a Multitronic gearbox be repaired, or does it need replacing?
It can be repaired. And quite often, it's worth doing. The important thing is finding out exactly what's failed. At Das Auto Service, we start with diagnostics. We read the fault codes, check the live data, test the oil pressure and inspect the condition of the gearbox oil. Sometimes, all you need is an oil service and gearbox adaptation. Other times, we need to repair the clutches, replace the chain or repair the gearbox control unit. Just because your Multitronic is jerking doesn't mean we already know what's wrong with it.
When should you change the oil in your Multitronic?
I've explained this before in my article about gearbox servicing. Multitronic has one type of oil and one filter. Both need changing every 60,000 km, using genuine parts and fluids. Afterwards, the gearbox must be adapted. And there's something important I really want you to understand. In this gearbox, the oil doesn't just lubricate the moving parts. It also helps transfer power between the chain and the pulleys. Put the wrong oil in, and you could ruin the gearbox. Please don't experiment with this one.
How should you drive to help your Multitronic last longer?
- Don't pull away with your foot flat to the floor, especially when the gearbox is cold.
- Don't tow a heavy trailer with this gearbox.
- When you're stopped on a hill, don't use the accelerator to hold the car in place.
- Change the gearbox oil on time. Don't keep putting it off.
Advice from Kris Mladenov: If you've found an Audi with a Multitronic gearbox that you're thinking of buying, ask the seller to show you when the gearbox oil was last changed. If there's no service history, get the oil changed straight away and have the gearbox checked. Look after your Multitronic properly, and it rewards you with smooth driving and good fuel economy.
I hope you now have a better idea of how Multitronic works and why I'm so particular about keeping it properly serviced. Not every gearbox that jerks needs replacing. But fresh oil won't fix every problem either. If you've found this helpful, send the article to a friend who drives an Audi with Multitronic. You might save them a lot of headaches.
The solution in our shop
Genuine Audi Multitronic automatic gearbox service kit
Genuine Audi Multitronic service kit – gearbox oil, filter and seals.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does my Multitronic jerk when pulling away?
The most common causes are worn clutches or old gearbox oil. We start with a diagnostic check. In many cases, an oil service followed by gearbox adaptation helps.
How often should I change the oil in my Multitronic?
Every 60,000 km, using genuine oil and a genuine filter. After the oil change, we always carry out a gearbox adaptation.
Can a Multitronic gearbox be repaired?
Absolutely. It depends on what's gone wrong. We can repair the clutches, replace the chain or repair the gearbox control unit.