Hard shifting procedures, individual gears not fully locked, shifting procedures too long

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Audi A4, 2004 Audi A4, 2003 Audi A4, and 2002 Audi A4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Illustration shows the damage on a disassembled valve body. Valve body must not be disassembled in customer service.
Possible damage:

Fig 1: Rubber Shock Absorbers (3 Total)

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

One of 3 rubber shock absorbers broken - arrow -.

Required actions:

Check ATF level → Evaluating wear by evaluating ATF color and impurities .

ATF is OK:

Replace valve body → Valve body, removing and installing .

ATF is not OK, damage was not repaired in a timely manner. In this case, clutch "G" is possibly damaged:

Completely disassemble and clean transmission.
Clean ATF lines and ATF cooler.
Disassemble and check all clutches.
Replace valve body → Valve body, removing and installing .