Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), Checking and Changing

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), checking and changing

ATF level, checking

Special Tools and Equipment






VAS5051 tester with VAS5O51/1 diagnostic cable (or VAG 1551 scan tool with VAG 1551/3 cable)
VAG 13O6 drip tray
VAG 1924 ATF filler tool
Protective glasses

Note: Audi does not provide a method of checking the fluid level without the use of the above mentioned tools


Test requirements:

- Transmission must not be in emergency running mode.

- Vehicle on level ground.

- Selector lever in "P", let engine run at idle.

- A/C system and heating switched off.

- ATF temperature must not be higher than 30°C at start of test, allow transmission to cool down if necessary.

Notes:
- ATF level changes with ATF temperature.

- Performing ATF level check when ATF temperature is too low causes overfilling.

- Performing ATF level check when ATF temperature is too high causes insufficient filling.

- Excess filling and insufficient filling both affect the function of the transmission.

- An extra ATF check must be performed for vehicles with auxiliary ATF cooler page 37-138

- The ATF temperature is read out by the VA5G051 tester or VAG1551 Scan Tool (ST).

Checking ATF temperature






- Connect VAS5051 tester to vehicle with VAS5051/1 diagnostic wire. Alternately, VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST) can also be attached using VAG 1551/3 adapter.
- Start engine.






When indicated on display:
- Press buttons -0- and -8- to select "Read measuring value block" and press -Q- button to confirm input.






When indicated on display:
- Press buttons -0-, -0- and -4- to select display group "004" and press -Q- button to confirm input.






When indicated on display:
- Read ATF temperature in display field 1.

Checking and correcting ATF level

Notes:
ATF level is checked at the ATF check plug.
ATF level is correct if a little bit of fluid still escapes at the ATF check plug between 35 and 45°C* (dependant on the fluid level when warming up).

*For warm countries 50°C






- Secure container of VAG1924 ATF filler tool as high up on vehicle as possible.
- Raise vehicle.
- Place VAG13O6 drip tray under transmission.

WARNING: Wear protective glasses.






- Once an ATF temperature of 35°C is reached, remove ATF check plug -2- and drain excess ATF if necessary.
- If ATF exits from the ATF filler plug hole before the ATF reaches 40°C, the ATF level is OK.






Note: ATF check plug must be closed again by 45°C at the latest. For warm countries 50°C

- Add ATF if no ATF has escaped from the ATF check plug hole by 40°C.
- Insert VAG1924 ATF filler tool into an opening - 4- in the protective cap, but do not knock cap upward.
- Fill with ATF using VAG1924 ATF filler tool until ATF exits from the check hole.






- Always replace seal (arrow) for ATF check plug.
- Tighten ATF check plug to 80 Nm.
- Press button on VAGI551.
- Press buttons -0- and -6- to select "End output" and press -Q- button to confirm input.