Fluid - A/T: Testing and Inspection
ATF, checking and/or changing
Special tools, test equipment and auxiliary items
VAG1551 scan tool
VAG1551/1 test lead
VAG1924 ATF filler tool
Dip stick identitication "02" Part No.01 F 321 431 A
Dip stick identification "03" Part No.01 F 321 431 B
Note: Audi does not provide a method of checking the fluid level without the use of the above mentioned tools
ATF level, checking
Test conditions
Transmission must not be in limp-home mode
Vehicle standing level
Selector lever in position "P", let engine idle
Air conditioner and heater must be switched off
Notes:
For vehicles 7/95 and up, only use VW-ATF part number G 052 762 (color: colorless-yellow).
For vehicles up to 6/95, the remaining stocks of ATF Dexron© can be used up. After that, fill with ATF part number G 052 162 (color: colorless-yellow).
No additives can be used.
Container:
0.5 L - replacement part no. G 052 162 A1
1.0 L - replacement part no. G 052 152 A2
Notes:
The ATF level changes with ATF temperature.
If the ATF level is checked when the ATF temperature is too low it leads to overfilling.
If the ATF level is checked when the ATF temperature is too high, it leads to inadequate filling.
Overfilling or inadequate filling impairs the transmission function.
The ATF temperature is read on the VAG1551 scan tool.
Checking ATF temperature
Connect VAG1551 scan tool, press buttons -0-and -2- to select "Transmission Electronics" address word 02 and keep pressing until "Select function XX" is indicated on display. Refer to Powertrain Management/Computers and Control Systems/Testing and Inspection/Procedures Testing and Inspection
Press buttons -0- and -8- to select "Read Measuring Value Block" function O8 and press -Q- button to confirm input.
Vehicles with 2.8L - 128 kW up to approx. 9/92
Note: The Transmission Control Module (TCM) is identified with "01D" during entry into On Board Diagnostic (OBD).
If indicated on display:
Press buttons -0-, -0- and -0- to input display group number 000 and press -Q- button to confirm input.
If indicated on display:
Read ATF temperature in display field 1.
Note: The displayed value, minus 50, results in the ATF temperature in degrees Celsius (e.g. display 110 - 50 = 60° C). Precise display does not occur until 40°C.
Vehicles with 55-pin control module: approx. 9/92 and up
2.8L - 128kW ca. 9/92 and up, 2.2L - 169kW
Note: The Transmission Control Module (TCM) is identified with "01K" during entry into On Board Diagnostic (OBD).
If indicated on display:
Press buttons -0-, -0- and -4- to input display group number 004 and press -Q- button to confirm input.
If indicated on display:
Read ATF temperature in display field 4.
Vehicles with 88-pin control module: mid-year 96 and up (running change)
If indicated on display:
Press buttons -0-, -0- and -4- to input display group number 004 and press -Q- button to confirm input.
If indicated on display:
Read ATF temperature in display field 1.
Checking and correcting ATF level on transmissions with ATF filler tube (vehicles up to 5/94)
Note: Automatic transmission can be retrofitted with the new filler system
Vehicles with 6 cylinder, Audi S4 to vehicle ID number 4A RN 033 426 (up to approx 11/93)
To check ATF level, use dipstick with identification "02."
Note: Vehicles that require dipstick with identification "02", also have the identification "02" imprinted on the ATF filler tube (arrow).
Audi S4 from vehicle ID number 4A RN 033 427 (up to ca. 11/93)
To check ATF level, use dipstick with identification "03."
Note: Vehicles that require dipstick with identification "03", also have the identification "03" imprinted on the ATF filler tube (arrow).
All vehicles
Move selector lever to position "P" and let engine idle.
Check ATF temperature using "Read Measuring Value Block" for transmission version installed. Refer to Powertrain Management/Computers and Control Systems/Testing and Inspection/Procedures Testing and Inspection
Remove cap (arrow) from ATF filler tube.
When cold, check ATF level with dipstick "02", or "03" as required.
With ATF cold, pull out dipstick, wipe using cloth that does not leave lint, insert into ATF filler tube up to stop and pull out again.
Fluid level must reach up to 20°C marking
If necessary top off with ATF through ATF filler tube, using clean funnel.
Let engine continue to idle.
VVhen ATF temperature reaches approx. 70°C, pull out ATF dipstick again, wipe off, insert up to stop and pull out again.
Fluid level must be between MIN and MAX markings
ATF level too low
Top off ATF through ATF filler tube, using clean funnel.
Shift through all selector lever positions with engine running and vehicle standing still.
Check ATF level again at test temperature.
ATF level too high
Suction out excess ATF using VAG1358A oil suction device and 1358/A1 probe.
Refer to the operating instructions for the VAG1358A oil suction device
Note: Switch off engine to suction out ATF
Check AIF level again at test temperature.
Press -> button on VAG155l scan tool.
Press buttons -0- and -6- to select "End output" function 06 and press -Q- button to confirm input.
Note:
The ATF measurement must be completed at the latest when ATF temperature of 90°C is reached. If necessary let fluid cool off again.
The MIN/MAX markings on the ATF dipstick relate to an ATF temperature of 80°C ±10°C, ie for this temperature range, the ATF level must be between "MIN" and "MAX."
Checking and correcting ATF level on transmission without ATF filler tube (vehicles 6/94 and up)
Note:
The ATF level is checked at the ATF check-plug hole.
The ATF level is correct if fluid slightly runs out at the ATF check-plug hole with ATF temperature between 35°C and 45°C* (caused by the increase in the fluid level during warm-up).
Older vehicles with automatic transmission may also have been retrofitted to the filler system without the filler tube described below
*For hot climates 50°C
WARNING! Wear safety glasses.
Attach supply reservoir of VAG 1924 ATF filler tool at the highest possible point on vehicle.
Place catch basin under transmission.
After ATF temperature of 35°C is reached, remove ATF check- plug (arrow -1-) and if necessary drain excess fluid.
If ATF leaks out of ATF check-plug hole before ATF has reached 40°C, ATF level is OK.
Note: The ATF check-plug must be reinstalled when ATF temperature reaches 45°C. (For hot climates 50°C)
If at 40°C, ATF does not leak out at ATF check-plug hole, top off ATF using filler hook from VAG1924 ATF filler tool until ATF runs out from ATF check-plug hole.
Install new seal (arrow) for ATF check-plug.
Install ATF check-plug (60 Nm or 44 ft lb).
Press -> button on VAG1551 scan tool.
Press buttons -0- and -6- to select "End Output" function 06 and press -0- button to confirm input.
ATF, changing and/or topping off after repair
Note:
Observe disposal regulations.
Do not run the engine or tow vehicle without ATF
Place catch basin under transmission.
Remove ATF drain plug (arrow -2-) and drain ATF
Install new seal (arrow) for ATF drain plug.
Install ATF drain plug (35 Nm or 26 ft lb).
Vehicles up to 5/94
Using funnel, add approx. 2.7 liters of ATF
Start engine, depress brake pedal and shift through all selector lever positions (P, R, N, D, 3, 2, 1) at idle (each position must remain selected for 2-3 seconds).
Let engine idle in selector lever position "P" with parking brake applied.
Measure ATF level using ATF dipstick.
To wipe off ATF dipstick, use cloth that does not leave lint.
When cold, ATF level should be filled to 20°C marking.
Let engine continue to idle.
Then check ATF level
Note: All notes and test conditions for "ATF level, checking" must be observed.
Vehicles 6/94 and up
Remove ATF check-plug (arrow -1- ).
Fill with ATF using filler hook from VAG1924 ATF filler tool until ATF runs out from ATF check-plug hole.
Move selector lever to position "P", start engine and let idle.
With engine running, till ATF again until it runs out from ATF check-plug hole.
Depress brake pedal and shift through all selector lever positions (P R, N, D, 3, 2, 1) at idle (each position must remain selected for 2-3 seconds).
Then check ATF level and top off
Note: All notes and test conditions for "ATF level checking" must be observed.