sal

I have a 2001 automatic transmission allroad with about 38K. What transmission fluid would you recommend? What products should be used in the transmission and the transfer case?

I see other references to Redline MT-90, but after going to the Redline website it appears that it's for a manual transmission. They do have a formulation for automatics, but would this be the best product? Also, what about the filter?

paulroad

While AoA does call it a lifetime fluid, at 38K there is no reason to change it unless you suspect something is wrong.

Rally_nutcase_1982

Lifetime fluid in the Trans is more like a "Marketing statement", it doesn't really work that way.
Dan changed the Trans fluid at around 75K, telling me it's overdue and he strongly recommended it.
The old trans fluid didn't look so great by comparison, but I wouldn't change the brand and stick with OEM Oil and filter (as advised by KMD).

So between 30-40K miles is now set as a cycle to change the Transfluid. Even though Audi and others may think different - it will prevent bad things from happening ( ->first trans with 108K tough miles - speaks for itself ;-)

sal

I haad heard that 30-40K was a good idea. I know that 38K on a 2001 is not much, but it's almost all city driving in a hot climate.

xtreetoes

topic. STFA.

Ex-PzKW Cdr

DO NOT use anything but Audi/VW tranny fluid in your automatic. VW, Honda, MB and BMW all take different fluids than regular ATF.And my professional opinion is not to change oil after 60000 if it's never been done. I've have seen a very high failure rate, afterwards. I don't think it's necessary in any event. I never changed the fluid in any of my slush boxes.

Rally_nutcase_1982

Thanks for confirming that - VW/AUDI fluid ONLY !!

paulroad

If you drive like most normal folks, you are ot burning up your tranny, or abusing it. City diving is OK...the temp is under control, you have not over heated or had the temp running high. Just and opinion.

DrLudlow

Aftermarket filters are known to collapse causing high suction cavitation and noise you can hear. The ATF is available allover. G052162A2 bottled either by pentosin or Febi. It can be purchased for under $10 a liter if your a good shopper.

As for as whether you should or not, obviously debated but I'll add this. I do it every 40K on every ZF trans that takes it. BMW,VW etc The fluid does probably last forever but as time passes will be packing more junk than a auto trans panel filter can remove (metal and friction material. If your tranny is slipping it its too late and the fresh slippery fluid will only make things worse. If your tranny is planning on slipping in two months it will probably slip soon after change.

BonanzaMan

I just had to put in a new tranny at 63K because of the bad torque converter seal. If you get the dreaded 17125 code, get it looked at ASAP. If you drive around with that code for too long, you will likely end up losing reverse and have to replce the entire tranny as I did. If you catch it early enough, maybe only the torque converter.

Would changing the fluid and filter help prevent this? Heck, I have no idea... sorry.