Car Mechanic

Based on the symptoms you've described, it appears that your 2018 Audi A3 is experiencing issues related to the mechatronic unit. Here is a detailed analysis and diagnosis of your car's problems: Warnings or dashboard lights: Mechatronic Unit Failure Possible causes: Failed or faulty mechatronic unit Wiring or sensor issues Low transmission fluid level or dirty transmission fluid Malfunctioning transmission control module Visual cues: Engine skips gears, it only goes to odd-numbered ones Possible causes: Failed or faulty mechatronic unit Malfunctioning transmission control module Low transmission fluid level or dirty transmission fluid Damaged or worn-out transmission gears Engine sounds: Sounds normal This symptom suggests that the issue is not related to the engine, but rather the transmission or mechatronic unit. Frequency of occurrence: Every time the car runs This indicates that the problem is persistent and not intermittent, which is another sign that it may be related to the mechatronic unit. Based on these symptoms, the most likely cause of your car's issues is a failed or faulty mechatronic unit. To confirm this diagnosis, you can perform the following diagnostic tests or inspections: Check the transmission fluid level and condition: Make sure that the transmission fluid is at the proper level and is clean. Dirty or low transmission fluid can cause issues with the mechatronic unit and other transmission components. Check for fault codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any fault codes related to the mechatronic unit or transmission control module. Perform a transmission adaptation reset: This can help reset the transmission's shift points and may help alleviate the issue. Check the wiring and sensors: Inspect the wiring and sensors related to the mechatronic unit for any damage or faults. If the above diagnostic tests do not pinpoint the root cause of the issue, it may be necessary to take your car to a qualified Audi mechanic for further inspection and diagnosis. They may need to perform more specialized diagnostic tests to determine the exact cause of the problem. Once the issue has been diagnosed, specific repair or maintenance recommendations can be made. In the case of a failed or faulty mechatronic unit, it will likely need to be replaced. Other possible repairs may include replacing wiring or sensors or cleaning and flushing the transmission fluid. The cost of repairs will depend on the exact cause of the issue, the required repairs, and your location. A replacement mechatronic unit can cost anywhere from $800 to $1500. Labor costs can range from $150 to $300, depending on the amount of time required for the repair. Given the persistent nature of the issue, it is important to prioritize repairs to avoid potential risks. Driving with a faulty mechatronic unit can cause further damage to your car's transmission and other components. It can also pose a safety risk if the transmission is not shifting properly. To prevent similar issues in the future, it is recommended to follow your car's recommended maintenance schedule, including regular transmission fluid changes. Additionally, it is important to be aware of any changes in your car's performance or behavior and address them promptly to prevent further damage. Overall, it is important to prioritize addressing the issues with your car's mechatronic unit to ensure safe and reliable operation of your vehicle.