TransmissionDiagnostic helpCommunity Starter

2017 Audi Q7 — clunk when changing from reverse to drive

DealHauler287Community StarterJan 21, 20262017 Audi Q7 3.0TBay Area
2017 Audi Q7 3.0T, about 138,000 miles. There is a single clunk when changing direction at low speed, especially reverse to drive. No vibration while cruising. What would you inspect first: mounts, driveshaft play, differential mounts or CV joints?
permalink

40 replies

TrailBuyerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 21, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. Move a coil or plug on the 2017 Audi Q7 if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. Save the big job until that test fails. On “clunk when changing from reverse to drive,” that was the fork that mattered for me. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
TowGarage486Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 21, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Get a real battery/charging test on the 2017 Audi Q7, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. No need to make it theatrical. Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
RustBeltEnthusiast679Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 21, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2017 Audi Q7 does it — then decide on parts. Save the big job until that test fails. Post the numbers (or the code) and people can get more specific. Cold start is when I can actually reproduce it.
NoMarkupFanCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 21, 2026permalink
Ask what changed right before it started. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2017 Audi Q7 is losing coolant with no puddle. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. Make the next action something you can finish this week. Heat soak after errands is the other window.
TrackDad558Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 22, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2017 Audi Q7 does it — then decide on parts. Save the big job until that test fails. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. I'll update if anything new shows up.
DealHauler287Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 22, 2026permalink
OP update: scanned the 2017 Audi Q7 again and still only have the one pending code, no new lights. Parking it somewhere I can hear it better next time.
LongMilesEnthusiast229Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 22, 2026permalink
Same neighborhood, different next step: Move a coil or plug on the 2017 Audi Q7 if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. That's the whole play. I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
TowGarage486Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 22, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, if a shop can't duplicate it on the 2017 Audi Q7, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. This is from a 2017 Audi Q7 in Bay Area with 138,000 miles. That's the sequence I'd use. Video is ugly but it shows the hesitation.
DealHauler287Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 22, 2026permalink
Tried a second charger / second scan and the story on the 2017 Audi Q7 didn't change. Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.
DealHauler287Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 23, 2026permalink
Cleared nothing. I want service to see the alert on the 2017 Audi Q7 first. Video is ugly but it shows the hesitation.
UsedCarTraveler624Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 24, 2026permalink
Asking because it changes the advice: Move a coil or plug on the 2017 Audi Q7 if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. This is from a 2017 Audi Q7 in Bay Area with 138,000 miles. If you share a photo of the worksheet, easier to sanity-check. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
DealHauler287Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 22, 2026permalink
It did clunk when changing from reverse to drive twice this week, both times after sitting. No change in mileage feel. Parking it somewhere I can hear it better next time.
SunBeltGal712Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 22, 2026permalink
Ask what changed right before it started. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2017 Audi Q7 does it — then decide on parts. Save the big job until that test fails. No need to make it theatrical. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
TowGarage486Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 22, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. Two 2017 Audi Q7s can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. On “clunk when changing from reverse to drive,” that was the fork that mattered for me. That's the sequence I'd use. Trying not to diagnose from the couch.
CleanMechanicish787Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 22, 2026permalink
That's a good start, but I wouldn't stop there. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2017 Audi Q7 does it — then decide on parts. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. This is from a 2017 Audi Q7 in Bay Area with 138,000 miles. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. That's coming from doing this as an owner, not a shop. I already checked the easy fluid levels.
ManualDetailerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 22, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. Loaded-suspension checks on the 2017 Audi Q7 catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
NoMarkupGuy509Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 22, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. Capture voltage while the 2017 Audi Q7 is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. On “clunk when changing from reverse to drive,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. Video is ugly but it shows the hesitation.
RustBeltWeekendCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 23, 2026permalink
Not convinced that's the whole story. Get a real battery/charging test on the 2017 Audi Q7, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. This is from a 2017 Audi Q7 in Bay Area with 138,000 miles. Not gospel, but it saved me a headache. That's coming from doing this as an owner, not a shop. Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.
ApexTunerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 22, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. Two 2017 Audi Q7s can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. Post the numbers (or the code) and people can get more specific. Not driving it hard until I know more.
RustBeltWeekendCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 22, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, get a real battery/charging test on the 2017 Audi Q7, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. Just my two cents from doing this recently. I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. I'd rather pay for diagnosis than a second guess-repair.
DealHauler287Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 22, 2026permalink
It did clunk when changing from reverse to drive twice this week, both times after sitting. No change in mileage feel. I refuse to clear codes until someone else sees them.
DailyHauler884Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 22, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. Move a coil or plug on the 2017 Audi Q7 if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. On “clunk when changing from reverse to drive,” that was the fork that mattered for me. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. Checking again after work.
CamberMiles675Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 22, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, move a coil or plug on the 2017 Audi Q7 if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Do that first. I'd rather be boring and correct. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
ApexTunerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 24, 2026permalink
I hear you, though I'd still want a second check. Capture voltage while the 2017 Audi Q7 is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. On “clunk when changing from reverse to drive,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Post the numbers (or the code) and people can get more specific. This is the filter I use when the thread starts repeating itself. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
V8CollectorCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 22, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Loaded-suspension checks on the 2017 Audi Q7 catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. Did the worksheet show tax yet? If that fails I'll eat the diagnostic fee.
NoMarkupGuy509Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 22, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. Get a real battery/charging test on the 2017 Audi Q7, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. On “clunk when changing from reverse to drive,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. I keep a notes app thread for this now.
DealHauler287Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 22, 2026permalink
OP update: scanned the 2017 Audi Q7 again and still only have the one pending code, no new lights. Video is ugly but it shows the hesitation.
CamberMiles675Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 23, 2026permalink
Agree — and I'd add this: Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 2017 Audi Q7 and see if the fault moves. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Do that first. I'd rather be boring and correct. If that fails I'll eat the diagnostic fee.
SunBeltMechanicishCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 22, 2026permalink
Ask what changed right before it started. Capture voltage while the 2017 Audi Q7 is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Run the total, not the monthly, before you commit. That's coming from doing this as an owner, not a shop. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
SunBeltGal712Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 23, 2026permalink
I hear you, though I'd still want a second check. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2017 Audi Q7 does it — then decide on parts. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. That's the sequence I'd use. I refuse to clear codes until someone else sees them.
RustBeltWeekendCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 23, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. Move a coil or plug on the 2017 Audi Q7 if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. On “clunk when changing from reverse to drive,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Take it or leave it — that's what I'd do. If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. Only after sitting overnight so far.
DailyHauler884Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 24, 2026permalink
I'd push back a little: Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 2017 Audi Q7 and see if the fault moves. That's the branch I'd chase this week. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' Parking it somewhere I can hear it better next time.
DailyHauler884Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 23, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2017 Audi Q7 does it — then decide on parts. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. No warning lights, which is why I'm documenting it.
DealHauler287Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 23, 2026permalink
It did clunk when changing from reverse to drive twice this week, both times after sitting. No change in mileage feel. Next check is the cheap one I can do in a driveway.
CleanMechanicish787Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 23, 2026permalink
Quick add on that: Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2017 Audi Q7 does it — then decide on parts. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. On “clunk when changing from reverse to drive,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. Parking it somewhere I can hear it better next time.
RustBeltEnthusiast679Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 24, 2026permalink
That's a good start, but I wouldn't stop there. Two 2017 Audi Q7s can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. This is from a 2017 Audi Q7 in Bay Area with 138,000 miles. Post the numbers (or the code) and people can get more specific. Your commute and mine probably aren't the same, but the test still applies. I'll poke at it this weekend.
RustBeltEnthusiast679Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 24, 2026permalink
Yes, with one caveat: If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2017 Audi Q7, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. Save the big job until that test fails. Post the numbers (or the code) and people can get more specific. I already checked the easy fluid levels.
DealHauler287Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 23, 2026permalink
Cleared nothing. I want service to see the alert on the 2017 Audi Q7 first. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
TowGarage486Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 23, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2017 Audi Q7, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. On “clunk when changing from reverse to drive,” that was the fork that mattered for me. That's the sequence I'd use. I'd rather pay for diagnosis than a second guess-repair.
UsedCarTraveler624Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 23, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Get a real battery/charging test on the 2017 Audi Q7, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. This is from a 2017 Audi Q7 in Bay Area with 138,000 miles. Post the numbers (or the code) and people can get more specific. Your commute and mine probably aren't the same, but the test still applies. That's my plan before I call anyone.
Sign in to reply

Similar discussions