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[tysonxj]

I am trying to fix a friends car, 1990  Audi V8 Quattro, 65k miles. (auto trans)  The car will not move in any gear now, apparently moved in reverse for a short time.

I just picked up the car last night so I haven't even done the basics yet.  I would like to see if anyone local has a VAG setup that I could rent/borrow.  My research says I need a 2X2 adapter cable to connect.  
I am mostly trying to find out if it is a major transmission failure, or an electrical sub-component that is causing this problem.
I noticed that all gears are lit on the dash indicator, unless that was just during the power up sequence.

Any advice / help / recommendation s would be appreciated, I am a newbie with Audi's, usually I play with Jeeps or motorcycles.

I am down by Pueblo-

Thanks & Cheers,
Chris

[Southcross]

I could be very wrong, but I think the old 2x2 is just communication with the engine management (emissions, etc)... I don't think there is a "controller" for the transmission.  from the sounds of it, assuming it isn't just a severe fluid deficiency, the trans may be FUBAR

[Smokestack]

2x2 connector is an adapter to use the VAG-COM made by Ross Tech with the older OBD1 Volkswagens and Audis. I know you can talk through the diagnostic port with the engine computer, but I don't think you can communicate with any control module in the transmission with a car that old. Really, if there is a controller on a car that old it usually only controls the torque converter lock and maybe overdrive.

Usually reverse is the last gear to go on an automatic when bands and clutches are worn or there's an internal leak. Looks like you'll need to rebuild the transmission.

[tysonxj]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the info.  Sounds like you have prevented me from heading off in the wrong direction.

[yokust]

It needs a tranny, no questions asked.

That was the first AUTO quattro they built and had TONS 'o' problems with them

Sell the car or switch it to 5spd

[tysonxj]

Are there manuals available online for this car?

Thanks,
Chris

[scurvy_bandit]

probably not... just buy a bently manual for it.

[ekellock]

One easy cheap thing to try is a quick flush/refill of the tranny fluid.  If the thing even has a trans dipstick to check fluid level, the procedure to get an accurate level check requires having the fluid at operating temp, which can really only happen if you can drive the car.  So... get the car on level ground and pull the drain plug in the trans pan.  Replace drain plug and add one gallon of ATF.  If the first drain attempt was dry, start the engine, shift to drive and reverse and repeat the process... drain the pan and add a gallon.  Once you get some fluid to drain from the pan, adding a gallon (after draining the pan) ensures the fluid level in the AT is correct.  Check tranny function.  If you seem to have gained some function, I'd strongly suggest pulling the tranny pan and replacing or cleaning the AT filter.  Audi says it's a lifetime fill, but some of the problems were with this concept.  It is possible to get the proper AT filter kit though most 1st attempts result in getting the kit for an A6 AT kit.  I have a 1990 V8q with 160k that is running strong with a newer filter and yearly one-gallon drain/refills with Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF.  The trans is a ZF 4HP24A which was also used in V8 & V12 BMW's.