How easy is it to check transmission fluid levels? I have the Bently manual, and they say that the fluid temp needs to be a certain number. I don't have a Vag-Com to check temp. Anybody?, Anyone?, Bueller? 97A8Q.
Doug G.

It isn't particularly fun. The whole transmission service isn't particularly fun either.

If you don't have leaks under your car and nobody has gone in there lately....the level should be fine. It's a sealed system.

If you want to change it, get the Bently, get vag-com and look at the procedure on audipages, you'll be all set.

Paul

<ul><li><a href="http://forums.audiworld.com/a8/msgs/51071.phtml">http://forums.audiworld.com/a8/msgs/51071.phtml</a</li></ul>

Getting going in the mornings when it is real cold (0-15degF), the car makes a strange noise when I drive for the first minute, Sounds like some kind of pump is activating on and off. After a minute, it goes away for the rest of the day until the next morning. Had ATF fluid/filter service last summer. Thought maybe the fluid level is low. Or maybe it is not the transmission at all, but the sound happens when I am in drive, and accelerating. Any thoughts. Thanks.
Doug G.
97A8Q4.2
105,500miles

Hmm, maybe I would have reconsidered if I read this post earlier... but I've already bought <a href="http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=71554-000001319-60151">a hand pump from Lowe's</a> to help me pump ATF back in.

Hopefully, it won't fall apart on me. I'll let you know when I get around to it in the coming weeks.

If it's not the transmission...

<a href="http://forums.audiworld.com/a8/msgs/51950.phtml">Maybe the electric auxillary radiator fan?</a> Seems to be <a href="http://forums.audiworld.com/a8/msgs/15043.phtml">a pretty popular problem</a>. The threads describe how to diagnose these, by turning off the climate control.

If not, maybe a belt or pulley?

sprayer for liquid chemicals that flow easily, it may not work as well as you hope.

I'd still be tempted to get one of the marine +12VDC pumps. They are $15-20 at Meijers for "universal" types. Then just need to fab a feed line to go into the bottle, a line to fill the transmission, and a power cord w/switch (or better yet, switch + potentiometer or rheo/powerstat to control flow rate).