Got a 2010 Audi q5 2.0tdi Quattro it’s auto 7speed I think the clutch is going. It seems like it’s slipping bad certain gears it don’t do it like in 4th or 6th and sometimes 2nd but 1st,3rd,5th and 7th it just revs right up and then it comes up “gearbox malfunction you can continue driving (limited functionality)” if you put it in manual it will let you put your foot down abit more in a few of the gears especially 4th and 6th but still slips and comes up with malfunction. Does this sound like the clutch is going ? And how would I know which one to buy to replace it with. it was gearbox serviced about 1 month ago not long after we noticed it started slipping and the malfunction started coming up.
 

any help much appreciated want to figure out if it’s easier/cheaper to replace the clutch or the gearbox with a second hand one 

It certainly sounds like the 1/3/5/7th gear clutch has expired, in which case the 2/4/6th gear clutch will likely also be in its death throes. I hope you have deep pockets.

What exactly was done in the gearbox service?

 

On 7/13/2024 at 8:42 AM, cliffcoggin said:

It certainly sounds like the 1/3/5/7th gear clutch has expired, in which case the 2/4/6th gear clutch will likely also be in its death throes. I hope you have deep pockets.

What exactly was done in the gearbox service?

 

Not 100% sure just an oil change I think 

To clarify: there are two clutches in a DSG gearbox. One for 1/3/5/7 gears, and another for 2/4/6 and reverse. Two clutches allow for rapid gearchanges by preselecting the next gear before the current gear is released. It's a complex system as you may imagine.

I am surprised the clutch slip was not noticed at the service. Did you mention the problem when you took the car in?

I suggest you get the gearbox tested, preferably by a specialist gearbox company rather than Audi, as it is possible that it will need to be rebuilt or replaced. If so, the specialist will only charge a small fortune whereas Audi will charge a large one.

A secondhand gearbox is something I would be very wary of. One that fits your car will be a similar age and likely have only a short life before it developes similar problems.