ryoung

The procedures on audipages and in the ZF 5HP24A technical information pdf call for running the tranny thru RND432 a few seconds each with the engine idling and then rechecking fluid level.

I can see how Reverse, Neutral, and Drive (1st) can get the juices flowing thru different passages, but not 432 (or 5th). With the motor idling, doesn't the tranny just stay in first whether in D43 or 2? In Tip mode, you can't get out of 1st with the motor idling.

The ZF pdf also mentions using "step shift (manual winter program) to shift thru to 3rd gear". Is this some VAG tool to force shifts at idle? Without it, it seems you'd have to actually drive the car to run thru all the gears before rechecking fluid levels (after the tranny cools for a few hours).

PaulW

But at least driving it through park, reverse, nutral, and drive will get most of the hydraulic passageways filled with ATF. But it won't shift out of first, so there are a few solenoid valve hydraulic passageways that won't get fluid through them I would guess.

pw

skiwi

so the gear changes cause the tranny to change gears, and exercise all the solenoids & pressure valves...

A8L_Driver_Dan

Tomorrow I'm scheduled to have the transmission fluid and filter changed at the dealer. I was going to do it, but when I contacted Wendy she told me that aftermarket tranny kits are not yet ready for 2000's. So instead of going to the dealer to get the parts (at stealer pricing) then freezing my tail off in the garage, I just decide to have them do the whole thing. I know "Bak bak BAAAKK"!

Anyways, you guys mentioned someplace earlier that I should save some of the used fluid for testing somewhere...anybody remember where to send this and why we want to do this? How much should I ask for them to save?

Thanks.

Karpedmman

That is the way I understand the PDF as well.

bpower1

both ntc dealers i've spoken to didn't leave me with much confidence when i asked about trans filter/oil change; don't recommend it, don't do them often, etc.

thanks

A8CT

well, I guess that's a deterent for us 2000 guys huh ? Guess I'll do the same...

BongoCruiser

and now 6 days later it is done. After rescheduling once before for parts not in stock they drained my fluid only to find they had the wrong gasket. If it wasn't for the complicated procedure to run through the gears, check the temperature, and recheck the level I would never have gone to the dealer. I'm not even allowed to talk to the mechanic to inquire about the amount of metal on the magnets or to discuss the process. I have a lot more trust in my usual family run shop.
Tomorrow I will post the cost and condition of this filter job. I'm sorry I didn't provide the parts myself.