The Multitronic CVT transmission family used within the VAG Group, mainly across many longitudinal front-wheel-drive Audi applications and selected SEAT Exeo models, combines electronics, hydraulics, software management and adaptation within a highly specific transmission system.
It should not be confused with DSG / S tronic dual-clutch transmissions.
At ecu1.fr, we work on the main Multitronic generations:
- 01J – VL300
- 0AN – VL380
- 0AW – VL381 / VL381F
Our work may involve:
- diagnostics;
- TCU repair;
- internal electronics;
- sensors;
- data;
- software;
- cloning;
- programming;
- coding;
- adaptation;
- recommissioning after replacement.
With more than 20 years of experience in automotive electronics, advanced diagnostics, ECU / TCU repair, programming and embedded automotive software systems, we use a complete approach:
Diagnose correctly – preserve the original unit – repair when possible – program and adapt correctly when required.
Technical contact
E-mail: contact@bfgzone.com
Phone / WhatsApp / SMS: +33 6 66 77 33 00
Multitronic – a specific transmission architecture
Multitronic uses a different architecture from a conventional automatic transmission or DSG.
Depending on generation, it combines:
- multi-plate clutch;
- variable pulley system;
- CVT chain;
- hydraulic circuit;
- internal sensors;
- solenoids;
- TCU;
- dedicated software;
- calibrations;
- adaptation data.
An apparent transmission fault may therefore have several possible causes.
Before replacing a control unit or complete transmission, it is important to distinguish between:
- electronic fault;
- sensor fault;
- power-supply issue;
- wiring problem;
- hydraulic fault;
- clutch issue;
- mechanical fault;
- software issue;
- coding or adaptation problem.
01J – VL300
The 01J / VL300 represents one of the first major Multitronic generations.
It is widely known across various Audi models produced from the late 1990s through the 2000s.
Its architecture includes:
- longitudinal CVT transmission;
- multi-plate clutch;
- variator;
- chain;
- dedicated hydraulic circuit;
- TCU;
- internal sensors;
- selector management;
- solenoids.
Faults may involve:
- power supply;
- communication;
- sensors;
- speed signals;
- selector recognition;
- internal circuits;
- electronic connections.
0AN – VL380
The 0AN / VL380 is a reinforced development of the Multitronic family.
It was used on selected applications requiring higher torque capacity.
Although its overall principle remains close to the 01J, it has its own:
- references;
- software;
- calibration;
- hydraulic components;
- parameters;
- TCU configurations.
It should therefore be identified correctly before any repair or programming operation.
0AW – VL381 / VL381F
The 0AW / VL381 represents a newer generation and is particularly important in the field of TCU electronics and programming.
We have extensive practical experience with this family, including:
- sensor faults;
- intermittent faults;
- temperature-related failures;
- signal loss;
- no communication;
- electronic repair;
- cloning;
- data transfer;
- programming;
- coding;
- adaptation;
- donor TCU preparation.
When a VL381 is correctly diagnosed and handled, unnecessary replacement can often be avoided.
VL381 / 0AW – electronics and TCU management
The 0AW / VL381 TCU is a sophisticated TEMIC control unit.
Depending on the version, it manages:
- input speed;
- internal speed signals;
- output speed;
- selector position;
- hydraulic pressure;
- solenoids;
- clutch strategy;
- CVT ratio;
- CAN communication;
- thermal protection;
- torque strategies;
- engine-specific software;
- calibration;
- adaptations.
An electronic failure can therefore create symptoms very similar to a mechanical fault.
Main vehicle applications
Multitronic is primarily used on Audi vehicles with:
- longitudinal engines;
- front-wheel drive.
The exact application always depends on:
- model;
- year;
- engine;
- market;
- engine output;
- gearbox code;
- drivetrain.
Audi A4
Audi A4 B6 – 8E
Possible applications include:
- 1.8 T;
- 2.0 petrol;
- 2.4 V6;
- 3.0 V6;
- 1.9 TDI;
- 2.5 TDI.
Mainly 01J / VL300, depending on configuration.
Audi A4 B7 – 8E
Possible applications include:
- 1.8 T;
- 2.0;
- 2.0 FSI;
- 2.0 TFSI;
- 2.0 TDI;
- 2.5 TDI;
- 2.7 TDI.
Depending on version:
- 01J;
- 0AN.
Audi A4 B8 / B8.5 – 8K
The B8 generation is particularly associated with the 0AW / VL381.
Possible applications include:
- 1.8 TFSI;
- 2.0 TFSI;
- 2.0 TDI;
- 2.7 TDI;
- other market-specific variants.
Audi A4 Cabriolet
Depending on version, certain front-wheel-drive Audi A4 Cabriolet models may use Multitronic.
Possible applications include:
- 1.8 T;
- 2.0;
- 2.0 TFSI;
- 2.0 TDI;
- 2.4 V6;
- 2.5 TDI;
- 3.0 V6;
- selected 3.2 FSI applications.
Audi A5
Certain front-wheel-drive Audi A5 models use the 0AW / VL381.
Depending on version:
- A5 Coupé 8T;
- A5 Sportback 8TA;
- A5 Cabriolet 8F.
Possible engines include:
- 1.8 TFSI;
- 2.0 TFSI;
- 2.0 TDI;
- 2.7 TDI;
- selected 3.2 FSI variants.
Quattro versions generally use a different transmission architecture.
Audi A6
Audi A6 C5 – 4B
Possible applications include:
- 1.8 T;
- 2.0;
- 2.4 V6;
- 3.0 V6;
- 1.9 TDI;
- 2.5 TDI.
Mainly 01J.
Audi A6 C6 – 4F
Depending on version:
- 01J;
- 0AN;
- other later developments depending on application.
Possible engines include:
- 2.0 TFSI;
- 2.4;
- 2.8 FSI;
- 2.0 TDI;
- 2.5 TDI;
- 2.7 TDI.
Audi A6 C7 – 4G
Certain front-wheel-drive versions use the 0AW / VL381.
Possible applications include:
- 2.0 TFSI;
- 2.0 TDI;
- 2.8 FSI;
- other market-specific variants.
Audi A7
Certain front-wheel-drive Audi A7 4G / 4G8 models may also use the 0AW Multitronic family.
Audi A8
Certain front-wheel-drive versions were also offered with Multitronic depending on generation and market.
Possible applications include:
- 2.8;
- 3.0;
- 3.2 FSI.
SEAT Exeo / Exeo ST
The SEAT Exeo shares a significant part of its technical architecture with the Audi A4 B7.
Certain versions were fitted with Multitronic transmissions.
Possible applications include:
- 2.0 TSI;
- 2.0 TDI.
Volkswagen and Škoda
The Multitronic family technically belongs to the wider VAG environment, but it remains primarily associated with longitudinal Audi platforms and selected SEAT Exeo applications.
We deliberately avoid generalising 01J / 0AN / 0AW across all Volkswagen or Škoda models without verified identification.
To confirm an application, send us:
- gearbox code;
- TCU reference;
- Auto-Scan;
- VIN.
01J / VL300 references
The 01J family commonly uses control units from the:
01J 927 156
series.
Examples include:
- 01J 927 156
- 01J 927 156 AH
- 01J 927 156 J
- 01J 927 156 K
- 01J 927 156 AA
- 01J 927 156 AB
- 01J 927 156 AC
- 01J 927 156 AD
- 01J 927 156 BA
- 01J 927 156 BB
- 01J 927 156 BG
- 01J 927 156 CA
- 01J 927 156 CB
- 01J 927 156 CE
- 01J 927 156 CF
- 01J 927 156 CG
- 01J 927 156 CH
- 01J 927 156 CJ
- 01J 927 156 CK
- 01J 927 156 CL
- 01J 927 156 CM
- 01J 927 156 CN
- 01J 927 156 CP
- 01J 927 156 CQ
- 01J 927 156 CR
- 01J 927 156 CS
- 01J 927 156 CT
- 01J 927 156 DE
- 01J 927 156 DR
- 01J 927 156 DS
- 01J 927 156 EA
- 01J 927 156 EB
- 01J 927 156 EC
- 01J 927 156 ET
- 01J 927 156 FA
- 01J 927 156 FD
- 01J 927 156 FE
- 01J 927 156 FF
- 01J 927 156 FH
- 01J 927 156 FK
- 01J 927 156 FM
- 01J 927 156 GA
- 01J 927 156 GB
- 01J 927 156 JE
- 01J 927 156 JJ
This list is indicative and not exhaustive.
OEM references associated with VL300
Depending on the application, references may also include:
- 4B0 910 155
- 4B0 910 155 A
- 4B0 910 155 B
- 4B0 910 155 C
- 4B0 910 155 D
- 4B0 910 155 E
- 4B0 910 155 F
- 4B0 910 155 G
- 4E1 910 155 F
- 4E2 910 155
- 4F0 910 155 M
- 4F0 910 157 J
- 4F0 910 157 K
- 4F0 910 157 M
- 4F1 910 155
- 4F1 910 155 B
- 8E0 910 155 E
- 8E0 910 155 F
- 8E0 910 155 G
- 8E0 910 155 J
- 8E0 910 155 K
- 8E0 910 155 M
- 8E0 910 155 N
- 8E0 910 155 P
- 8E2 910 155 Q
- 8E2 910 155 S
- 8E2 910 155 T
- 8E2 910 156
- 8E2 910 156 B
- 8E2 910 156 C
- 8E2 910 156 D
- 8E2 910 156 E
A similar reference does not guarantee compatibility.
0AW / VL381 references
The 0AW / VL381 / VL381F family commonly uses TEMIC control units from the:
0AW 927 156
series.
Examples include:
- 0AW 927 156 D
- 0AW 927 156 E
- 0AW 927 156 G
- 0AW 927 156 H
- 0AW 927 156 K
Common Audi VL381 references
Common references include:
- 8K0 927 155
- 8K0 927 155 B
- 8K0 927 155 C
- 8K0 927 155 E
- 8K0 927 155 T
- 8K0 927 155 AA
- 8K0 927 155 AC
- 8K0 927 155 AF
- 8K0 927 155 AG
- 8K0 927 155 AH
- 8K1 927 155
- 8K1 927 155 A
- 8K2 927 155 G
- 8K2 927 155 K
- 8K2 927 155 L
- 8K5 927 155
- 8K5 927 155 M
- 8K9 927 155 B
- 4G0 927 155 T
- 4G1 927 155
- 4G1 927 155 C
- 4G1 927 155 D
- 4G1 927 155 E
- 4G1 927 155 F
- 4G1 927 155 N
- 4G1 927 155 P
- 4G1 927 155 Q
- 4G2 927 155 D
- 4G2 927 155 E
Additional variants exist.
TEMIC VL381 references
TEMIC manufacturer references may also include:
- 00403263A9
- 00403263B1
- 00403263B2
- 00403263B3
- 00403263B4
- 00403263B5
- 00403263B6
- 00403263B8
- 00403263B9
- 00406532A2
- 00406532A3
- 00406532A4
- 00406532A5
- 00406532A6
- 00406532A7
- 00406532A9
The same hardware platform may use several software versions and calibrations.
Example VL381 identification
An Auto-Scan may display information such as:
Part No SW: 8K0 927 155 AF
HW: 0AW 927 156 G
Component: 0AW 20TDI
ASAM Dataset: EV_TCMVL381
This identification helps determine more precisely:
- hardware;
- software;
- version;
- engine application;
- configuration;
- compatibility.
Similar references – important warning
For example:
01J 927 156 K
belongs to:
01J / VL300
whereas:
0AW 927 156 K
belongs to:
0AW / VL381
An identical suffix never means automatic compatibility.
Common symptoms
Depending on generation and fault:
- flashing PRNDS / PRND;
- transmission malfunction warning;
- limp mode;
- no forward drive;
- no reverse;
- intermittent loss of drive;
- complete loss of drive;
- incorrect P / R / N / D recognition;
- starting only in Neutral;
- reverse lights not operating;
- temperature-related fault;
- intermittent fault;
- jerking;
- speed-signal loss;
- sensor fault;
- solenoid fault;
- no TCU communication;
- problems after replacement or programming.
Flashing PRNDS
Flashing PRNDS indicates that a significant fault has been detected.
It does not automatically mean:
TCU failed or complete transmission replacement required.
The cause may involve:
- electronics;
- sensor;
- power supply;
- wiring;
- hydraulics;
- clutch;
- mechanical components.
P0706 / 17090 – F125
The fault:
P0706 / 17090 – Transmission Range Sensor F125 – Implausible Signal
may cause:
- flashing PRNDS;
- incorrect selector recognition;
- starting only in certain positions;
- no reverse;
- reverse lights not operating;
- limp mode;
- intermittent fault.
Before condemning the TCU, it is also important to check:
- selector position;
- live values;
- power supply;
- wiring;
- connectors;
- magnetic elements depending on generation.
P1757 / 18165 – Supply Voltage
P1757 / 18165 – Supply Voltage: Open Circuit
may be associated with:
- limp mode;
- intermittent fault;
- loss of operation.
Before any electronic repair, we recommend checking:
- fuses;
- power supply;
- grounds;
- connectors;
- wiring.
P0716 / 8342 – Input / Turbine Speed Sensor
On certain VL381 units:
P0716 / 8342 – Input / Turbine Speed Sensor A – Range / Performance
may be present.
P0717 / 17101 / 2226 – G182
P0717 – Input / Turbine Speed Sensor – No Signal
or:
17101 / G182 – No Signal
may cause:
- flashing PRNDS;
- limp mode;
- loss of drive;
- intermittent fault.
P0721 / 17105 / 2227 – G195
P0721 – Transmission Output Speed Sensor G195 – Implausible Signal
indicates a signal considered inconsistent.
P0722 / 17106 / 2228 – G195
P0722 – Transmission Output Speed Sensor G195 – No Signal
may involve:
- sensor;
- circuit;
- internal connection;
- TCU electronics;
- external wiring.
P1793 / 18201 – G196
P1793 / 18201 – Transmission Output Speed Sensor 2 G196
may also be encountered.
P171E / 2230 – Input Speed Sensor 2
On certain VL381 units:
P171E – Transmission Input Speed Sensor 2 – No Signal
is an important fault during electronic diagnosis.
P171F – Input Speed Sensor 2 Implausible Signal
P171F – Transmission Input Speed Sensor 2 – Implausible Signal
may indicate an intermittent or inconsistent signal.
P0750 / P0753 – N88
Depending on generation:
P0750 – N88 Malfunction
or
P0753 / 17137 – N88 Electrical Fault
may be present.
The fault must be differentiated between:
- solenoid;
- circuit;
- connection;
- TCU driver;
- external wiring.
P1813 / 18222 – N215
P1813 / 18222 – Pressure Regulating Valve 1 N215 – Electrical Fault
may indicate an electrical pressure-control fault.
P1818 / 18226 – N216
P1818 / 18226 – Pressure Control Valve 2 N216 – Electrical Fault
may also be present.
P0730 / 2250 – Incorrect Gear Ratio
P0730 / 2250 – Gear Ratio Monitoring – Incorrect Gear Ratio
must be interpreted carefully.
It may be related to:
- slipping;
- clutch;
- hydraulic pressure;
- valve body;
- variator;
- internal mechanics.
It should not automatically be interpreted as a TCU fault.
P1701 – Transmission Control Unit Locked
During replacement or programming:
P1701 – Transmission Control Unit Locked
may appear.
The following should then be assessed:
- donor control unit;
- software;
- data;
- coding;
- configuration;
- electronic protection.
Fault only when hot
Some electronic faults only appear once temperature increases.
A typical example:
- normal operation when cold;
- fault after several kilometres;
- flashing PRNDS;
- signal loss;
- limp mode;
- temporary normal operation after cooling.
This type of behaviour can strongly guide diagnosis toward:
- internal sensor;
- connection;
- electronic component;
- TCU circuit.
Diagnosis before removal
When the vehicle is available, we recommend, whenever possible, a complete check before removing the control unit.
Depending on the situation:
- Auto-Scan;
- TCU identification;
- fault-code analysis;
- live values;
- power supply;
- grounds;
- CAN communication;
- sensor signals;
- temperature;
- selector position;
- adaptations;
- cold testing;
- hot testing.
This helps avoid sending a TCU for repair when the actual fault is elsewhere.
TCU electronic repair
Once the fault is confirmed inside the control unit, repair may include:
- controlled opening;
- electronic inspection;
- microscopic inspection;
- electrical measurements;
- circuit analysis;
- connection testing;
- sensor-related testing;
- track repair;
- targeted component replacement;
- professional microsoldering;
- controlled manual rework;
- data backup;
- final validation.
Preserve the original control unit
When the TCU is repairable, we prefer to keep the original unit.
This helps preserve as much as possible:
- original hardware;
- original software;
- coding;
- calibration;
- engine configuration;
- transmission configuration;
- parameters;
- adaptation data;
- electronic identity.
This approach often avoids the difficulties associated with used control units.
Data backup
Whenever technically possible, a backup may include:
- software;
- calibration;
- coding;
- parameters;
- vehicle data;
- transmission configuration.
Backup is particularly important before:
- complex repair;
- replacement;
- cloning;
- programming.
VL381 – repair, cloning and reprogramming
On 0AW / VL381 units, we can work at several levels:
Electronics
- sensors;
- connections;
- circuits;
- components;
- power supply;
- communication.
Data
- reading;
- identification;
- backup;
- recovery;
- transfer.
Software
- programming;
- restoration;
- coding;
- configuration;
- adaptation.
We have extensive practical experience with VL381 units and their recommissioning after repair or replacement.
TCU cloning
Cloning may be useful when:
- the original unit is beyond repair;
- original data can still be recovered;
- a compatible donor unit is available.
Compatibility must be checked according to:
- hardware;
- software;
- engine;
- gearbox code;
- version;
- market;
- vehicle configuration.
Transferring data between incompatible control units may create additional faults.
Used control units
A used TCU may look identical while still being incompatible.
It may have:
- different hardware;
- different software;
- different coding;
- different calibration;
- different engine configuration;
- locking;
- Component Protection.
Before purchasing:
E-mail: contact@bfgzone.com
WhatsApp / SMS: +33 6 66 77 33 00
Multitronic reprogramming
We can work on various software-related problems:
- corruption;
- interrupted programming;
- incorrect file;
- incorrect software;
- incorrect configuration;
- poorly prepared donor control unit;
- restoration after programming failure.
Depending on the situation:
- reading;
- recovery;
- rewriting;
- restoration;
- transfer;
- reprogramming.
Component Protection
On certain Audi platforms, including some A6 4F applications, a replacement unit may be affected by Component Protection.
Recommissioning may require:
- manufacturer-level diagnostics;
- online procedure;
- coding;
- adaptation;
- final validation.
Coding after replacement
Coding may depend on:
- model;
- engine;
- market;
- software;
- transmission;
- vehicle configuration.
If the original TCU still communicates, we recommend saving its identification and coding before replacement.
Multitronic adaptation
After repair, replacement or programming, depending on generation, the following may be required:
- ATF temperature verification;
- Basic Settings;
- clutch adaptation;
- Drive engagement;
- Reverse engagement;
- acceleration / deceleration phases;
- Defined Test Drive;
- final value verification.
Adaptations should not be reset or restarted without a clear technical reason.
Not every Multitronic fault is electronic
It is essential to distinguish the different categories.
Electronic faults
- TCU;
- sensors;
- power supply;
- drivers;
- circuits;
- CAN;
- software;
- data.
Hydraulic faults
- pressure;
- pump;
- valve body;
- solenoids;
- regulation.
Clutch faults
- wear;
- slipping;
- incorrect adaptation;
- pressure issue.
Mechanical faults
- CVT chain;
- variator;
- pulleys;
- shafts;
- bearings;
- internal components.
Jerking, vibration and slipping
Symptoms such as:
- shuddering;
- jerking;
- slipping;
- vibration;
- harsh D / R engagement;
are not enough on their own to condemn a TCU.
They may come from:
- clutch;
- adaptations;
- pressure;
- valve body;
- internal mechanics.
Not sure which Multitronic you have?
Send us:
- VIN;
- model;
- year;
- engine;
- engine output;
- engine code;
- drivetrain;
- gearbox code;
- TCU reference;
- Auto-Scan;
- SW / HW identification;
- module photos if available.
We can identify:
01J / VL300
0AN / VL380
0AW / VL381 / VL381F
Previously opened or repaired module
If the TCU has already been opened or repaired, it is important to tell us.
A previous intervention may have:
- modified the circuit;
- damaged tracks;
- replaced components;
- added bridges;
- modified connections;
- compromised sealing.
Each unit is then assessed individually to determine whether repair remains technically possible.
Extensive stock of electronic components
We maintain an extensive stock of automotive electronic components.
Depending on the application, we use:
- original components;
- OEM components;
- high-quality automotive-grade components.
This helps reduce turnaround time on many repairs.
Repair turnaround time
When the control unit is repairable and the required components are available, many interventions can typically be completed within:
1–2 working days after receipt and confirmation of the fault.
Actual turnaround depends on:
- the fault;
- module condition;
- previous interventions;
- component availability;
- required programming operations;
- current workload.
Fast service and targeted repair
We avoid keeping a control unit unnecessarily.
Our approach:
Accurate diagnosis – original TCU preservation – targeted repair – correct programming – validation – fast return.
Urgent service – Côte d’Azur
When:
- the fault is confirmed;
- the TCU is repairable;
- the required components are available;
- the necessary programming can be completed;
- our workload permits;
a same-day urgent service may be possible.
Availability:
WhatsApp / SMS: +33 6 66 77 33 00
Shipping – France, Monaco and Europe
You can send your Multitronic control unit from:
- France;
- Monaco;
- Belgium;
- Luxembourg;
- Switzerland;
- Italy;
- Germany;
- Spain;
- the Netherlands;
- other European countries.
For shipping:
- remove excess oil where necessary;
- protect the connectors;
- use a rigid outer box;
- immobilise the module completely;
- use tracked shipping;
- insure the shipment where appropriate.
Before shipping:
E-mail: contact@bfgzone.com
WhatsApp / SMS: +33 6 66 77 33 00
Invoice and warranty
Every completed intervention is supplied with an invoice.
Our repairs include a warranty covering the work actually performed, subject to the conditions stated on the invoice and without affecting applicable statutory rights.
A TCU repair does not automatically cover:
- clutch;
- CVT chain;
- variator;
- valve body;
- hydraulics;
- internal mechanics;
- normal wear;
- external wiring;
- vehicle power supply;
- unrelated later faults.
24/7 support
Our support remains available 24/7 for questions, technical information and problems encountered.
We can assist with:
- TCU identification;
- 01J / 0AN / 0AW;
- VL300 / VL380 / VL381;
- diagnostics;
- removal;
- shipping;
- refitting;
- cloning;
- programming;
- coding;
- adaptation;
- Component Protection;
- post-repair issues.
Technical contact
E-mail: contact@bfgzone.com
Phone / WhatsApp / SMS: +33 6 66 77 33 00
Request Multitronic diagnosis or repair
For an initial assessment, send us:
- make;
- model;
- year;
- engine;
- engine output;
- mileage;
- VIN if necessary;
- gearbox code;
- TCU reference;
- SW / HW identification;
- complete fault codes;
- diagnostic screenshots;
- symptoms when cold;
- symptoms when hot;
- details of any previous intervention.
We can then determine whether the intervention involves:
Diagnostics · TCU Repair · Sensor · Electronics · Power Supply · Solenoid · Data · Cloning · Reprogramming · Coding · Adaptation · Hydraulics · Clutch · Mechanical Transmission Fault
Contact
ecu1.fr
E-mail: contact@bfgzone.com
Phone / WhatsApp / SMS: +33 6 66 77 33 00
01J / VL300 · 0AN / VL380 · 0AW / VL381 / VL381F
Audi A4 · A4 Cabriolet · A5 · A6 · A7 · A8 · SEAT Exeo
Advanced Diagnostics · ECU / TCU Repair · Microsoldering · Electronic Repair · Data Backup · Cloning · Reprogramming · Coding · Adaptation
More than 20 years of experience in automotive electronics, advanced diagnostics, ECU / TCU repair, programming and embedded automotive software systems
Côte d’Azur · Monaco · France · Europe · Fast Repair · Urgent Service Subject to Availability