Hard shifting, slipping in 4th and 5th gear

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.

Possible damage:

Fig 1: Cylinder "E", Overview

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Plates - 3 - of clutch "E" burnt out.

Cause:

Worn or faulty torque converter clutch

Required actions:

Check torque converter clutch while driving → Torque converter clutch, checking .
Completely disassemble and clean transmission.
Clean ATF lines and ATF cooler.
Disassemble and check all clutches.

If there is heavy soiling → Evaluating wear by evaluating ATF color and impurities , replace torque converter (cannot be cleaned).
Replace components - 2 to 5 - of clutch "E".
Replace overheated cylinder "E" - 1 - (blue color).
Replace ATF filter → Figure.