Hello, I have a '99 Z28 A4. Recently the transmission has not been engaging 2nd gear. When accelerating, normally or quickly, once the car shifts from 1st to 2nd it acts as if there is no gear, like a slipping clutch in a manual trans. If I manually shift it into 2nd the car will not accelerate, only the rpms rise. Does my transmission need to be rebuilt? I am going to check the fluid later today.

 

After doing some searches it sounds like I might have a worn band. If so I read that I would have issues with 2nd and 4th. I did notice that the car was slipping on the hwy yesterday so I think the band is the culprit. I am going to look for a how to on replacing/fixing it.

 

If just the band was slipping.....The trans will just stay in 1st....Then shift to 3rd late....Just like when the reaction sun shell breaks/strips.

If the band doesn't hold in 4th.....It will stay in 3rd or fall out of 4th back into 3rd if the band holds initially.

 

It sure sounds like a worn band. The end play of the servo increases as the band wears. To check the servo end play, press on the servo cover with a crowbar while holding a small ruler nearby. Estimate how much the cover moves in under pressure. The stock spec is .075 to .125 (1/16 to 1/8"). When the end play gets around .175-.200" (3/16"+) the band is likely worn and will start slipping in either 2nd or 4th or both.

By the time the band is worn, the 3/4 clutch and other parts of the trans are probably well worn too and it is time for a complete rebuild.