Audi Transmission Fluid Change

Why Changing Audi Transmission Fluid (ATF) Is Important

Some Audi authorities suggest that you don't need to change your Audi's automatic transmission fluid. We simply feel this is illogical. An Audi automatic transmission has hundreds of moving components, such as needle bearings, pressure pumps, clutch packs, servo pistons and seals. These internal components mesh with one another, begin to wear, and create fine metallic particles which contaminate the Audi automatic transmission fluid. Over time, the Audi automatic transmission fluid (ATF) and paper filament transmission filter become contaminated with these particles. New transmission fluid is nearly clear in color. If you've ever seen the dark color of old transmission fluid, you'll agree that it seems very logical that changing the Audi automatic transmission fluid and filter are needed.

Changing Audi Transmission Fluid Tech Info

Right Hand Pictured Example: Transmission service performed in our repair shop on a V6 30V model with a 5 speed ZF Tiptronic automatic transmission with approximately 80,000 miles on it. The customer complained of shifting problems when the transmission was cold. Note the dirty metallic sediment that was removed from the transmission drain pan. After changing the automatic transmission fluid using one of our BLAU Transmission Fluid Filter Change Kits, the customer reported that his transmission shifting problems were gone. If you're experiencing Audi transmission shifting problem, Blauparts recommends changing your automatic transmission fluid and filter as a first step in solving the problem.  SHOP BLAU Audi Transmission Fluid Filter Change Kits

Audi Transmission Fluid (ATF) Change Intervals

Changing your Audi automatic transmission fluid is important and helps extend the life of your transmission. Audi automatic transmission fluid should be changed every 50,000 miles - 60,000 miles. Except for the DSG transmission, which the factory manual recommends be changed every 40,000 miles. Those with an aggressive driving style, constant extreme heat, heavy city traffic, trailer pulling, or other severe driving conditions may want to replace the VW transmission fluid sooner.

Most 1992-on Audi models don't have a transmission fluid dipstick for checking the Audi transmission fluid level. To fill and check the level of the Audi automatic transmission fluid you remove a plug on the side or bottom (location depends on model) of the transmission drain pan.

How To Change Audi Automatic Transmission Fluid - Basic Overview

  • Flushing your Audi transmission fluid should always be done in conjunction with the automatic filter replacement.
  • Refer to the factory Robert Bentley Audi manual for detailed Audi transmission fluid system instructions.
  • We recommend having an A.S.E. Audi VW certified mechanic change your Audi transmission fluid.
  • Always wear gloves and safety goggles when handling Audi fluids.

This basic overview is illustrated using an old Audi A6 with a 4 speed (097) inline mounted transmission. However, these replacement steps are also applicable to Audi A6, Allroad, A4, and A8 models with 5 speed Tiptronic transmissions.

How To Step 1

How To Change Audi Transmission Fluid (ATF) 1

Make sure the vehicle is perfectly level. When the transmission fluid is still warm, but the vehicle has cooled down, remove the Audi transmission drain plug and drain the fluid into an appropriate container.

How To Step 2

How To Change Audi Transmission Fluid (ATF) 2

Remove the automatic transmission fluid oil pan.

How To Step 3

How To Change Audi Transmission Fluid (ATF) 3

Clean the sediment out of the bottom of the transmission fluid oil pan.

How To Step 4

How To Change Audi Transmission Fluid (ATF) 4

Clean the magnets which have attracted metallic particles.

How To Step 5

How To Change Audi Transmission Fluid (ATF) 5

Remove the Audi automatic transmission fluid filter.

How To Step 6

How To Change Audi Transmission Fluid (ATF) 6

Install the new Audi transmission filter rubber pan gasket, and filter onto the transmission valve body. Torque the screws to factory specifications.

How To Step 7

How To Change Audi Transmission Fluid (ATF) 7

Align the new Audi automatic transmission fluid oil pan gasket with the oil pan and install the oil pan. Torque the screws to factory specifications. (not shown)

How To Step 8

How To Change Audi Transmission Fluid (ATF) 8

Remove the Audi automatic transmission fluid oil pan fill plug. (shown)

How To Step 9

Using the high output pump (replaces Audi special tool VAG 1924) supplied with our Audi transmission filter kit, fill the oil pan with the Audi automatic transmission fluid until it runs out.

How To Step 10

Reinstall the Audi automatic transmission fluid oil fill plug hand tight.

How To Step 11

Start the car. With your foot pressed down on the brake pedal, shift the transmission selector in each gear for about 10 seconds. Note: Don't drive the car.

How To Step 12

Remove the oil fill plug while the car is at an idle and add more Audi automatic transmission fluid until it runs out. The final steps and procedures for topping off the Audi automatic transmission fluid level will vary depending on Audi model and year. It is critical to obtain the proper Audi automatic transmission fluid level to prevent Audi transmission shifting problems especially with Tiptronic transmissions. You should refer to the factory manual or Blauparts Audi automatic transmission fluid change instructions that are now included in most of our BLAU® ATF Filter Change Kits!


BLAU® Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Filter Change Kits

Changing ATF is most easily done in conjunction with the Audi transmission filter maintenance. To ease maintenance, Blauparts has created  BLAU Transmission Fluid Filter Change Kits. Audi automatic transmission fluid and filter service is great preventive maintenance and is much more logical and inexpensive than replacing a $8,000 Audi transmission.  SHOP BLAU Audi Transmission Fluid Filter Change Kits

Changing Audi automatic transmission fluid is most easily done in conjunction with the Audi transmission filter maintenance. Why contaminate clean fluid with the sediment that's stored in the old automatic transmission filter? Our automatic transmission fluid service kits are available for nearly every Audi model for a great price! Save up to 80% off dealer prices on Audi automatic transmission filters! We can even drop ship our Audi automatic transmission fluid and filter kits directly to your Audi mechanic, which makes changing Audi automatic transmission fluid even easier.

  • Audi Automatic Transmission Filter - Valve Body Gasket
  • Audi Oil Pan Gasket
  • Audi Oil Pan Drain Plug Gasket
  • Audi Oil Pan Fill Plug Gasket
  • Audi Extra Oil Drain Pan Mounting Hardware
  • 3-6 Liters of German Audi Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - Exact quantity depends on model and includes an adequate quantity of fluid filter change.
  • Installation Instructions - Depends on model and not included in all kits.
  • Polypropylene Ultra High Output Pump Dispenser - Depends on model - Hand operated with clear dispensing hose used for transmission fluid transfer. This tool can be used in place of Audi VW special tool VAG 1924 or VAS 6262 or VAS 6262/2.

BLAU® Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Filter Change Kit - Product Overview Example


FAQ: Are Special Tools Required for Changing Audi ATF?

Audi Transmission Tool VAG 1924 6262 6262/2

To purchase these tools from the dealer is expensive. Blauparts helps to make changing your automatic transmission fluid easier and less expensive by substituting Audi special tool VAG 1924, VAS 6262, and VAS 6262/2 with a more cost-effective hand pump and adapters that are available for purchase and are included in most of our kits. 

VAG 1924

The factory manual refers to VAG 1924 special tool for pumping the Audi automatic transmission fluid into the oil pan for most Audi models.

VAS 6262

The 02E 6 speed automatic Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmissions require special tool VAS 6262 for automatic transmission fluid transfer. 

VAS 6262/2

Select newer 09G, 09M, 09D, and 0C8 Aisin transmissions require VAS 6262/2 fluid filling adapter tool for automatic transmission fluid transfer.

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