My 2002 tip has been diagnosed with the issue highlighted in TSB:3701 - basically bad TCU adaptation in stop-and-go driving causes the torque converter to lock up inappropriately, causing hesitation and grinding.

Anyone else have this problem, and attempt to fix with EVOMS' TCU upgrade? My understanding from the dealer (Porsche of Nashua, NH) is that it's basically a software problem, not hardware, but they can't reflash, only replace the TCU with an updated version. Replacement cost is ~$2000 ... while the EVMOS reflash is only $1000, and has the added benefit of improved programming.

Thoughts?

 

You'll end up spending 1k for the upgrade to find out it doesn't work then pay 2k for another TCU. And you'll never see any benefit of the TCU flash if you don't have a custom ECU tune to raise your rev limit.

 

Todd knows what he is talking about.

Of course eventually you will realize that for big power you want a manual.

 

Thanks for the feedback. Looks like I should just replace the TCU. No plans to upgrade power any time soon.

Oh - to be clear, I'm not so interested in raising the redline with the TCU (which I know requires an ECU flash also) as much as keeping the transmission from upshifting so aggressively. This transmission cries out for a "sport" mode. The loaner A4 I drove for a week felt "sportier" in everyday driving.

 

Upshifting aggressively? Not a bad problem to have. There's nothing "sporty" about the tip.

 

+1