'02 A6 2.7T torque converter issue

[Chris Semple]

Ben Swann wrote:
> I am contemplating purchase of a 2002 A6 Quattro with 2.7T engine and tip/auto trans.
> It has early warning of the torque converter issue that apparently is common to these
> cars.  I am trying to get any more info as to how long this car could be driven if there
> are no real problem sysmptoms other than occasional check engine light - I don't have
> all info. for the specific car yet, but I drove the car and did not notice any problem
> or CEL, but was advised the warning did pop up at random.
>
>
> Is there a permanent fix, uprated torque converter that is avaialble and possibly
> resulting in better than original shifting performance but most importantly a unit that
> will last through any potential power add mods given to the car.
> Ben
> _______________________________________________
>   
Hi Ben, we just finished up a torque converter job on an '01 Allroad at 
the shop. It started as a CEL on, but then progressed to 
slipping/grabbing making the car harder to drive. I told the owner I was 
concerned over causing more internal damage from heat buildup(slippage) 
and they stopped driving it. This was about 90days from CEL to appt. I 
don't know if the new p/n is an update, but I know AofA sells enough 
that dealers keep them onhand. They also recommended the converter to 
flywheel bolts, cheap at 1$ each. 775$ in parts as I recall, maybe 8hrs 
all told, plus some fluid. Shifts fine, no lights, no issues. I wouldn't 
think of it as a performance increase, just repair. If you were planning 
to go all out with a 2.7T motor build, consider sending the whole trans 
out to be built up, talk with Level10 in NJ. If it were me, I might 
build a whole meaner engine+trans out of the car, and swap it in as a unit!

-Cheers
-Chris Semple
Concord NH
'84 4000q
  '04 F350 DRW
    '93 E350 Club, 340k
      '01 Passat 4motion wagon