1996 audi a5 transmission is acting up, feels like it starts in 2nd then shifts to 3rd. Smells like tranny fluid after running about 10 minutes

SOURCE: transmission wont shift

Hello thank you for using FixYa.com my name is David It could be a list of things from what you are describeing but here is a list of things it might be.
1 Inspect Transmission Fluid Capacity Incorrect transmission fluid level 2 Inspect Transmission Fluid Type Improper type or level of transmission fluid. 3 Inspect Hose (Vacuum) Misrouted, damaged, loose, or clogged vacuum hose(s) 4 Inspect Transmission Cable Detent (A/T) Damaged, worn, or incorrectly adjusted transmission detent cable. 5 Inspect Transmission Cable Shift (A/T) Worn, or incorrectly adjusted transmission shift cable. 6 Inspect Transmission Cable Shift (M/T) Worn, or incorrectly adjusted transmission shift cable. 7 Inspect Transmission Control Solenoid Damaged or faulty transmission control solenoid or circuit. 9 Inspect Transmission Kickdown Solenoid Faulty transmission kickdown solenoid or solenoid circuit. 10 Inspect Transmission Modulator - (A/T) Worn leaking or faulty transmission modulator valve or vacuum system. 11 Inspect Transmission Shift Linkage (Auto) Broken or improperly adjusted shift linkage. 12 Inspect Transmission Shift Linkage (Manual) Broken or improperly adjusted shift linkage. 14 Inspect Transmission Temperature Sensor Damaged, worn, or faulty transmission temperature sensor or transmission temperature sensor circuit. 15 Inspect Transmission Filter (A/T) Clogged or dirty transmission filter. 16 Inspect Transmission Control Module Damaged or faulty transmission control module or circuit.

SOURCE: my transmission wont shift from 2nd to 3rd gear

did you drop the pan replace the filter and add four to five quarts,If still a problem try doing a full transmission flush at a quick lube.
A transmission flush with Lucas trans tune up will probably fix your non shift issue, try this first before looking into a new tranny !

SOURCE: 1996 audi a4 transmission hard shift problems

I would first check the level. If it is good then do a regular fluid/filter change. Do NOT do a flush. Just a regular change.

If it works well in all other gears and the car runs well and there is not check wngine light. Then it is probable a early sign of Tran issues. So the fluid change is about all you can do without major work needed.

SOURCE: transmission wont shift

check the kickdown/throttle valve cable. It may be bound up and stuck in the maximum position giving you extremely late shifts.

There ISN"T any modulators or vac lines on any Chrysler automatics

SOURCE: 1996 audi a4 transmission hard shifting

Get the transmission scanned at the dealership. If it has incorrect gear ratio code stored, it needs a transmission. Only the torque convertor or valve body can be replaced for any repairs at the dealership, so it needs to be diagnosed correctly. Any authorized ZF transmission repair shop can also repair them, more than the Audi dealerships can, so thats another alternative.