Fluid - CVT: Service and Repair
ATF, checking level and changing
Special tools and workshop equipment required
^ VAS 5051 and VAS 5051/1
^ ATF charging device for CVT transmissions VAS 5162
^ Drip tray
^ Protective goggles
ATF level, checking
CAUTION: The multitronic 01J transmission requires a different ATF from that used in fixed-ratio automatic transmissions. Only the ATF available as a replacement part for the CVT transmission may be used in the planetary transmission ATF specifications.
Note:
^ The illustration on the reservoir of the charging device for CVT transmissions VAS 5162 displays a warning indication in the top left corner to use ONLY the ATF specially formulated for CVT transmissions.
^ The illustration also shows pictures of the steps required to fill the transmission. These steps will be explained in the following.
CAUTION:
^ Do NOT start the engine when there is very little or no ATF left in the transmission following a repair or as a result of a massive loss of ATF.
^ In this case you need to fill the transmission first with 4.5 to 5 liter of ATF.
Requirements for test
- Transmission not in emergency running mode.
- Vehicle in horizontal position.
- Vehicle diagnostic, testing and information system VAS 5051 connected, vehicle self-diagnosis mode activated and vehicle system
2. transmission electronics" selected.
- Engine idling.
- Air conditioner and heating must be switched off.
- At start of test, ATF temperature must not be higher than 30°C ' allow transmission to cool down if necessary.
Note:
^ The ATF level will vary according to the temperature of the ATF.
^ If the ATF level is checked when the ATF temperature is too low, this will result in overfilling.
^ If the ATF level is checked when the ATF temperature is too high, this will result in underfilling.
^ Overfilling or underfilling will impair the function of the transmission.
^ The ATF temperature appears in the display of vehicle diagnostic, testing and information system VAS 5051.
Checking ATF temperature
Display on VAS 5051
- Select diagnosis function "08.Read data block" from menu -1-.
Display on VAS 5051
1. Enter display group (figures up to 255)
- Enter '010" into key block -2- to select "Display Group Number 010" and confirm entry with Q key.
Display on VAS 5051
- Read ATF temperature in display zone -3-.
Checking ATF level
Requirements for test
- Engine idling.
- Vehicle in horizontal position.
- Shift through all selector lever positions (P,R,N,D) at idling speed with brake pedal depressed (each position must remain engaged for approximately 2 seconds).
- Raise vehicle.
- Release quick-fasteners -2- and -3- and take off rear sound insulation.
- Place container under transmission.
WARNING!: Wear eye protection.
- When ATF has reached a temperature of 35°C, unscrew ATF inspection plug -13-
Note: Approximately 5 cl of ATF will always drain initially from the internal oil level pipe when the plug is unscrewed.
At an ATF temperature between 35° and 45°C a small amount of fluid should drain out of the inspection bore if the transmission is filled with the proper quantity of ATF (this is normal as the fluid expands as it heats up).
50°C for tropical countries
- Replace ATF inspection plug.
- ^ Tightening torque: 20 Nm
Note: The ATF inspection plug must be screwed in again before the ATF reaches a temperature of 45°C
1) 50°C for tropical countries
If no ATF fluid has drained out of the inspection bore when the temperature reaches 40°C, top up ATF.
Topping up ATF
^ Refer to specification; Capacities
Requirement for test
- Engine remains running at idle speed.
- Attach filled reservoir of ATF charging device VAS 5162 at highest possible point on vehicle.
Note: The flow valve on the ATF charging device must be shut.
- Screw connecting piece on flow valve of ATF charging device VAS 5162 into threaded hole for ATF inspection plug -B-.
- Turn flow valve in direction of filling hose (lower curved arrow) to allow ATF to flow into transmission.
- Place suitable container below drain pipe of ATF charging device.
- Check ATF level by turning flow valve in direction of drain pipe (lower curved arrow).
- The fluid level is correct if a only a small quantity of ATF comes out of the drain pipe before the ATF reaches a temperature of 45°C.
Note: Approximately 5 cl of ATF will initially drain from the internal oil level pipe. This is normal.
- If no more ATF comes out, turn flow valve in direction of filling hose once again, and allow more ATF to flow into transmission. Check fluid level repeatedly.
- Unscrew flow valve connection from transmission after attaining correct fluid level.
Note: A few drops of ATF will escape after unscrewing flow valve connection.
- Always replace ATF inspection plug.
- Close inspection plug -B- before ATF temperature exceeds 45°Cl).
- Tightening torque: 20 Nm
Note: At an ATF temperature above 45°C too much fluid will escape as it expands when heated. In this case the quantity of fluid in the transmission is NOT sufficient!
50°C for tropical countries
- Press 44 button to exit from function "08 Read data block".
- Select diagnosis function "06 End output".
- Switch off ignition and disconnect Data Link Connector.
ATF, changing or filling after repairs
Special tools and workshop equipment required
^ Key 3357
^ ATF charging device for CVT transmissions VAS 5162
^ Drip tray
CAUTION: Do NOT run the engine or tow the vehicle when there is no ATF in the transmission.
Note:
^ Please observe requirements for disposal.
^ Before installing a replacement transmission, always blow through the ATF cooler and ATF lines with compressed air (not more than 10 bar) and replace the additional ATF filter
Work sequence
- Attach filled reservoir of ATF charging device VAS 5162 at highest possible point on vehicle.
^ Refer to Specification; Mechanical
Note: The flow valve on the ATF charging device must be shut.
- Raise vehicle.
- Release quick-fasteners -2- and -3- and take off rear sound insulation.
- Place container under transmission.
- Unscrew ATF drain plug -A- with multi-point bit 3357 and drain off ATF.
- Tighten ATF drain plug to 24 Nm.
- Unscrew ATF inspection plug -B-.
- Screw connecting piece on flow valve of ATF charging device VAS 5162 into threaded hole for ATF inspection plug -B-.
- Turn flow valve in direction of filling hose (lower curved arrow) to allow ATF to flow into transmission.
- Fill transmission with at least 4.5 to 5 liters of ATF.
- Move selector lever to position P", start engine and allow to run at idling speed.
- Check and top off ATF level.
Note: Observe all notes and test requirements as for "Checking ATF level".