95-97 A6q 4sp AT - maintenance interval

[munrof at sympatico.ca]

The A/T fluid level on these cars is meant to be checked by the highly trained Audi specialist, not the fumble-handed backyard mechanic - at least that's what I assume from the new tranny design. You are correct in that there is no dipstick to check the tranny oil level. The level is checked and the tranny filled from underneath the car. I had a quick look and discussion with one of the local Audi techs on this subject a year or so ago. From what I could see, the fill plug is set up in a recessed well in the tranny oil pan. You pull the plug and the oil level should be level with the top of the lip. You can't overfill the tranny because the oil will overflow the lip and ruin your best set of coveralls. You add oil by injecting it upwards through the fill plug. I assume you drain it by removing the pan - sounds like a messy job, but that's the way most Detroit iron is set up. I'm not big into auto trannies, so I didn't pay a lot of attention other than thinking it seemed a bit inconvenient, so I may have missed some of the finer nuances of the procedure.

Fred Munro
'94 S4

>
> From: MCTXR4 at aol.com
> Date: 2001/11/15 Thu AM 09:50:51 EST
> To: <vag at bavarianparts.com>, <quattro at audifans.com>
> Subject: Re: 95-97 A6q 4sp AT - maintenance interval
>
> If it's like the auto tranny on my '97 A4, there is NO service possible until it fails. These are sealed units. If you look carefully you'll find that there isn't even a dipstick to check fluid levels.
>
> It's inconceivable to me that we cannot service these transmissions to give us a chance at lengthening the service life. VW/Audi is so bloody confident of their engineering that they will not even give any reference to outside repair facilities on how to rebuild the transmission if it fails. It has to be replaced in toto with an entirely new unit. UNBELIEVABLE. I've checked cost on this as well, over $3k for the new unit plus labor.
>
> This is absolutely the last Audi I'll ever own.
>
> Mike Torio
>