Audi S tronic Gearbox Problems: DL501 and DL382

Does your gearbox jerk when you pull away, flash PRNDS or suddenly stop changing gears properly? I know how frustrating that feels, especially when you're driving an Audi A4, A5, A6, A7 or Q5. But there's something important I want you to understand about Audi S tronic gearbox problems. The S tronic in an Audi with a longitudinal engine isn't the same gearbox as the DSG in a VW Golf, even though they work on a similar principle. The design is different, the weak points are different, and the servicing has its own particular requirements. I'm Kris Mladenov from Das Auto Service, and I'll explain how the DL501 and DL382 differ, what usually goes wrong and how you can save yourself from a seriously expensive repair. Because S tronic can be a brilliant gearbox. As long as you look after it properly.

Which Audi S tronic gearboxes are used with longitudinal engines?

First, I want you to know exactly which gearbox is fitted to your car, because the S tronic badge doesn't tell us everything. Audi uses that name for several different dual-clutch automatic gearboxes, and their design depends on the model and engine layout. With longitudinal engines, the two main generations are the DL501 and DL382. Both have seven gears. But they're not the same gearbox.

• DL501 (0B5) – a seven-speed S tronic with wet clutches. You'll find it in the Audi A4 and A5 B8, A6 and A7 C7, and Q5 8R. It's been used since around 2008. This is the older generation, and it's especially important to service both of its separate oil systems.
• DL382 – the newer seven-speed generation found in the Audi A4 and A5 B9, Q5 FY and four-cylinder versions of the A6 C8. It works on a similar principle, but the design is different. So don't assume everything you know about the DL501 also applies to the DL382.

There's one more thing worth knowing. In the Audi A3, Q3 and TT, the engine is mounted transversely, and the S tronic is the same type of gearbox as the DSG used by Volkswagen. The name is the same, but the parts and servicing requirements aren't necessarily the same as those of the longitudinal gearboxes. That's why I always check the exact gearbox model. I never rely on the badge alone.

How does S tronic work, and why does it need two clutches?

Imagine two gearboxes packed into one. While you're driving in one gear, the next gear is already waiting, ready to engage almost instantly. That's the clever bit about having two clutches. In the DL501 and DL382, they're wet clutches, meaning they operate in oil, while the electronics decide when and how to engage them.

• The two wet clutches transfer power from the engine to the gearbox. They're what make gear changes so quick and smooth. When everything is working properly, of course.
• The mechatronic unit is the brain of the gearbox. It combines electronics and hydraulics to control the clutches and gear changes. When it starts playing up, you'll quickly notice a difference in how the gearbox behaves.
• The DL501 uses two separate oils. One lubricates the gears, while the other serves the clutches and mechatronic unit. They're different oils, and you must never mix them up.

You'll find these gearboxes in both quattro and front-wheel-drive cars. But here's what matters to you: S tronic isn't an ordinary automatic where you simply change the oil and forget about it. The clutches, mechatronic unit and oil all depend on each other. When something isn't right, you'll often feel it first when pulling away or changing gears.

What are the most common Audi S tronic gearbox problems?

When you tell me your S tronic is jerking or shuddering, I'm not going to tell you straight away that you need a new gearbox. Unfortunately, that happens far too often in our trade – one symptom, and someone immediately recommends the most expensive repair. But the real cause could be something completely different. First, we need to find out whether the problem is with the control system, the clutches or neglected servicing.

The mechatronic unit – when the gearbox's brain starts failing

One of the typical trouble spots is the mechatronic unit. You might see PRNDS flashing, find the car struggling to pull away or have the gearbox drop into limp mode. That's no longer a little jerk you can simply ignore. Your gearbox is telling you its control system isn't working properly. But! Just because PRNDS is flashing doesn't mean we already know which part has failed. We need to run diagnostics.

The clutches – why does S tronic jerk when pulling away?

Another weak point is the clutches. When they wear out, the car may jerk as you pull away or the clutches may slip under acceleration – you press the accelerator, the revs rise, but the car doesn't pick up speed as it should. This is particularly common with engines that have had their power increased through chip tuning. More power means more strain on the clutches. But! A bit of jerking on its own still doesn't mean they need replacing.

Missed oil changes – the problem you can prevent

With the DL501, plenty of owners don't even realise their gearbox uses two different oils. One is for the gears, and the other is for the clutches and mechatronic unit. Both need changing during a service. If someone changes just one and tells you, "All done, your gearbox has been serviced," that isn't a complete service. And don't forget that using the correct oil is just as important as changing it in the first place. I've explained this in more detail in my article S tronic 0B5: mechatronic unit, clutches and two oils.

How should you service your S tronic gearbox properly?

This is one recommendation I won't compromise on: change your S tronic gearbox oil every 60,000 km, whether you have a DL501 or DL382. I use genuine oil because the clutches and mechatronic unit need its specific properties to work properly. With the DL501, we always change both separate oils. And please don't tell yourself, "The gearbox is changing gears perfectly, so why touch it?" That's exactly when you should be looking after it – while everything is still working well.

• Change the gearbox oil every 60,000 km. Use genuine oil that's specifically correct for your S tronic gearbox.
• With the DL501, change both oils – the oil for the gears and the oil for the clutches and mechatronic unit.
• We carry out an adaptation after every service. Put simply, this means setting up the gearbox control system again after the oil change. It's a step we never skip at Das Auto Service.
• We don't use flushing machines on automatic gearboxes. I've explained exactly why I'm against this method in my article why we don't use machines to change DSG and automatic gearbox oil.

Simply draining the old oil and pouring in fresh oil isn't enough. You need to follow the correct procedure for your particular gearbox and then carry out the adaptation. That's the difference between a basic oil change and a proper gearbox service. And if you'd like to see how we approach servicing more powerful cars, have a read of how we change the gearbox oil in an Audi RS.

Is buying an Audi with S tronic a good idea?

Yes, absolutely. S tronic is a quick, efficient gearbox that's lovely to drive when it's in good condition. But if you've found a used Audi A4, A5, A6, A7 or Q5 that you like, don't just check whether it changes gears smoothly on the test drive. Ask for the service history and proof of the gearbox oil changes. Because "it's never had any problems" and "it's been serviced properly" are two very different things.

If there's no proof of servicing, I'd budget for an oil change straight after buying the car. With the DL501, I'd check whether both oils have been changed, not just one. And if the car is already jerking, shuddering or slipping, you need to find out why first. Don't buy it hoping that an oil change will definitely fix everything. Sometimes the damage is already mechanical.

Advice from Kris Mladenov: Found an Audi A4, A5, A6 or Q5 with S tronic that you really like? Ask for proof that the gearbox oils have been changed. With the DL501, check that both oil systems have been serviced. No paperwork? Budget for a gearbox service when you buy the car. And if it's already jerking or slipping, get it diagnosed before making any decisions.

I hope you've found this article useful! If you have, I'd really appreciate you sharing it with a friend who drives an Audi with S tronic or is thinking about buying one. My mission has always been simple: when I know something useful, I want more people to know it too. Because the better you understand what's happening with your car, the better decisions you'll make. And sometimes, changing the oil at the right time can save you a whole lot of trouble.

The solution in our shop

Genuine automatic gearbox service kit for Audi vehicles with S tronic

Genuine S tronic service kit. A good choice if you want your gearbox serviced with the correct parts for its exact model.

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Genuine G052529A2 1 l gearbox oil for S tronic dual-clutch gearboxes

Genuine S tronic gearbox oil. Using the correct oil is extremely important for the clutches and for the gearbox control system to work properly.

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S tronic 0B5 mechatronic unit for Audi A4, A5, A6, A7 and Q5

Mechatronic unit for the S tronic 0B5. This is the brain that controls the gearbox. When diagnostics confirm a fault and repair or replacement is unavoidable, this is the part we're talking about.

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Read more

• DSG and S tronic gearbox repairs
• Gearbox servicing
• S tronic 0B5 (DL501): mechatronic unit, clutches and two oils
• Audi RS gearbox oil change: how we do it
• Why we don't use machines to change DSG and automatic gearbox oil

Frequently asked questions

When should you change the oil in your S tronic gearbox?

Every 60,000 km, using genuine oil. With the DL501, you must change both oils, and the gearbox must always be adapted after servicing.

What's the difference between S tronic and DSG?

Both are dual-clutch automatic gearboxes. In Audis with a transverse engine, S tronic is the same type of gearbox as DSG. But in cars with a longitudinal engine, you have the different DL501 and DL382 generations.

What are the most common S tronic problems with the 0B5?

Common issues include mechatronic faults, worn clutches and missed servicing of the two oil systems. Symptoms include a flashing PRNDS display, jerking when pulling away, clutch slip and the gearbox going into limp mode.

How many different oils does an S tronic gearbox use?

The DL501 (0B5) uses two separate oils – one for the gears and another for the clutches and mechatronic unit. The DL382 has a different design, so the servicing procedure depends on the exact gearbox version.