Scan Tool Testing and Procedures

Safety functions of transmission control module, 02E, 6 Speed Direct Shift A/T, AWD
In the event of a failure of one or more components/sensors, the transmission control module will activate appropriate backup functions. This ensures that the transmission will not be damaged, however, the function and quality of the gear shifts will be impaired.

Faults detected by the transmission are classified in four different categories.
^ 1) The fault is stored and a backup program enables the vehicle to drive on (in some cases with restrictions). The driver will not be made aware of the problem, as it is not critical to driving safety or to the transmission itself. The gear selection indicator in the instrument cluster will continue to show the selector lever position currently engaged in the normal way. If at all, the driver will only notice the fault if he experiences driveability problems and will then contact an Audi dealer to identify the cause.
^ 2) Certain positions on the gear selection indicator in the instrument cluster start to flash. This is to inform the driver that this particular selector lever position is currently not available. Example: position "D" is not available when selector lever is in position "R" and vehicle is still rolling backwards. In this case, selector lever position "D" will start to flash on the gear selection indicator in the instrument cluster. The transmission control module prevents the 1st gear from being engaged in order to avoid damage to the transmission. 1st gear will be engaged once the vehicle has come to a standstill.
^ 3) The complete gear selection indicator in the instrument cluster is lit up and flashing. The current selector lever position is indicated in the instrument cluster (e.g. "D" is highlighted). This is an indication that the transmission has been overloaded or the maximum temperature in the transmission has been exceeded (overheating), e.g. by towing a load that was too heavy.
^ 4) If the complete gear selection indicator in the instrument cluster is lit up and flashing, this means that a serious fault in the transmission has been identified. The display in the instrument cluster no longer shows the current selector lever position. The fault is critical with regard to driving safety or to the transmission itself. It may no longer be possible to use all gears. The driver is made aware by the flashing gear selection indicator that he should immediately contact an Audi dealer.