fail safe mode??
 

I drive a 2004A4 1.8T CVT- the transmission letters flashed on display today, pulled over, hauled out the manual and discovered that the car went into fail safe mode. Is this worthy of a $100 diagnosic plug in at the dealership? Drove it for an hour or so after and no problems.

Re: fail safe mode??
 

Where do you live? Find someone with a Vag-Com! get it checked out!

Re: fail safe mode??
 

^x2

If your in limp mode, your car should feel slow ( no boost)

Re: fail safe mode??
 

you should probably have it checked out soon...

Re: fail safe mode??
 

Just FYI for anyone else who gets a 'failsafe' mode.

My 2004 A4 CVT went into failsafe also. This was indicated by the dashboard (the PRND indiator flashes) and slow acceleration. It exhibited no signs of a mechancial problem (no jerking or bucking) so the dealer decided it was electrical. Evidently there are enough mechanical problems with the CVT that the dealer personnel are very familiar with how that problem manifests itself.

The car spent about 2 1/2 weeks at the dealer while they replaced one control after the next. They were trying to avoid replacing the entire control unit which they eventually did.

That was USD$2,300. And it took so long because Audi was backordered on the part. Evidently another frequent repair item.

Once that was replaced, it has worked fine.

Re: fail safe mode??
 

Good thing you got that sorted... 2 and a half weeks does seem like a long time tho...

Re: fail safe mode??
 

The dealer took some of that time trying other cures before charging me for the expensive part, and part of it was waiting for the part to come in.

They gave me a loaner (Toyota Corolla, awful little car) the whole time so I can't complain about their treatment (especially since I didn't even buy the car there.)