Transmission fluid checking- While I had the engine covers off,
01-27-2003, 01:21 PM
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Transmission fluid checking- While I had the engine covers off,
I saw the transmission vent tube(?) between the cruise control servo and what I think is the idle air solenoid. Somewhere I saw a post(not this board) about removing the vent cap and using a dipstick to check the fluid level/condition. The guy even had a part number. Has anyone else seen this and took note of the info? I thought I made note of it, but can't seem to find it now. I can't get used to the idea of not being able to look at the fluid level of this"sealed" transmission.
01-27-2003, 01:52 PM
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Re: Transmission fluid checking- While I had the engine covers off,
Anyone got a view on where the transmission oil can be changed economically in the UK. Even my specialist thinks that it will cost around £300 ($500) just for the fluid, nevermind the labour. Cheaper than a new transmission, but that is on top of a new steering rack (ouch)
01-27-2003, 03:45 PM
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Re: Transmission fluid checking- While I had the engine covers off,
I'm not Paul (whose efforts I appreciate very much), but here is my 2-cents worth. If there is any back door way to get a dip stick into a non-dipstick Audi transmission, I would not recommend using it for checking ATF level. Without a dip tube and a calibrated dipstick, there is no way this method will give you an accurate ATF level. It must be done on the newer Audis using the filler plug hole at the specified ATF temperature as indicated by VAG-COM or the VAG 1551 scan tool. My A8 was done at 30C which puts a little more fluid in the pan. My 1992 100CSQ has a dip stick, but still must be measured at the correct temperature. Below is the A8 procedure from Bentley.
"The ATF level -3- is correct if, at an ATF temperature of 30-45C (86-113F) 1), there is still a slight escape of fluid through the filler plug hole -2- (the oil rises when it is heated).
1) For hot regions: 50C (122F)"
I haven't looked to see if any tech bulletins modify this procedure or temperature.
If no fluid escapes, the level is low. Lots of fluid escaping speaks for itself.
"The ATF level -3- is correct if, at an ATF temperature of 30-45C (86-113F) 1), there is still a slight escape of fluid through the filler plug hole -2- (the oil rises when it is heated).
1) For hot regions: 50C (122F)"
I haven't looked to see if any tech bulletins modify this procedure or temperature.
If no fluid escapes, the level is low. Lots of fluid escaping speaks for itself.
01-27-2003, 04:05 PM
#4
Sounds high
What I'm hearing is that around 7 liters comes out from the pan. Dealer is $17, I got Audi ATF from an independant shop for $14.80. You're closer to Esso than us, you should be able to do at least that good. ;-)
$500 sounds high - I'm thinking more like $250-$300, max. The filter and gasket kit can be had for $20, and that's all you need besides the ATF.
Is the mechanic thinking the entire rated fluid fill for the tranny comes out? That just doesn't happen, a lot of fluid stays in the torque converter when the pan is drained and dropped to change the filter.
$500 sounds high - I'm thinking more like $250-$300, max. The filter and gasket kit can be had for $20, and that's all you need besides the ATF.
Is the mechanic thinking the entire rated fluid fill for the tranny comes out? That just doesn't happen, a lot of fluid stays in the torque converter when the pan is drained and dropped to change the filter.
01-27-2003, 04:14 PM
#5
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If you had a lift, you can change it in 30 minutes
See the picture, the drain is the small one, the fill is the large recessed hole.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/22012/dsc01953.jpg">
If you don't have the scan tool, drive the car to the mechanic (or a lube place), they open the drain, and open the fill. Using a lube pump (marine pump to fill the case on an inboard/outboard motor, about $5), pump the fluid back in with the tranny warm until it overflows. Then it's full. You might have to run the engine for a minutes to make sure the tranny fluid is warm enough, but that's it. It's like filling a gearbox.
However, the real reason you are changing it is because you need to change the filter. That entails dropping the pan, which isn't that hard, it's something like 1.5 hours total.
pw
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/22012/dsc01953.jpg">
If you don't have the scan tool, drive the car to the mechanic (or a lube place), they open the drain, and open the fill. Using a lube pump (marine pump to fill the case on an inboard/outboard motor, about $5), pump the fluid back in with the tranny warm until it overflows. Then it's full. You might have to run the engine for a minutes to make sure the tranny fluid is warm enough, but that's it. It's like filling a gearbox.
However, the real reason you are changing it is because you need to change the filter. That entails dropping the pan, which isn't that hard, it's something like 1.5 hours total.
pw
01-27-2003, 04:17 PM
#6
AudiWorld Super User
I wouldn't worry about checking the level, it's a sealed system
If it had a dip stick, this could provide a path for contamination.
Unlike an engine, the transmission in a perfect world doesn't consume oil, it just uses it for lubrication, transferring torque, heat removal, etc.
It shouldn't leak. If you had puddles under your car, then you need to have it checked for level.
Otherwise, there is no reason for it to change level. A yearly check would be more than adequate and it keeps it a sealed system.
pw
Unlike an engine, the transmission in a perfect world doesn't consume oil, it just uses it for lubrication, transferring torque, heat removal, etc.
It shouldn't leak. If you had puddles under your car, then you need to have it checked for level.
Otherwise, there is no reason for it to change level. A yearly check would be more than adequate and it keeps it a sealed system.
pw
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01-28-2003, 06:07 AM
#10
AudiWorld Super User
Probably need 6 or 7
The first time I had it done (at the stealer) it was 6 quarts, that time they dropped the pan. The second time they didn't drop the pan, just changed the fluid and they charged me for 7 quarts.
The second time the fluid was $22/qt, the first time $17/qt.
No wonder I'm back to doing my own maintenance, would rather share it with you, we've already convinced a few of you to do your own brake jobs....
Do you think the downturn in the economy could be attributed to A8 owners not bringing their cars into the dealers?
pw
The second time the fluid was $22/qt, the first time $17/qt.
No wonder I'm back to doing my own maintenance, would rather share it with you, we've already convinced a few of you to do your own brake jobs....
Do you think the downturn in the economy could be attributed to A8 owners not bringing their cars into the dealers?
pw