Hey everybody,

I need to change my transmission fluid and don't want to pay to have it I've heard you can get a dipstick to check the ATF so you can fill it to proper levels. Does anybody know where? Does this work as well as the VAG-COM or whatever?

Thanks!

The ATF filler pipe is located next to the brake fluid reservoir. Remove the cap and insert the dipstick. Fluid level is checked with vehicle on level ground in "P". With engine cold, the level should be up to 20 deg C mark. With warm ATF 60-80 deg C [140-176 F]), ATF level should be between Min & Max.

So if I want to drain/replace my ATF fluid. What tools would I need? Would I just need this dipstick and a wrench? Or is there still something special that's needed?

What type of ATF fluid and how much?

Thanks for the info!

But you should drain the ATF, remove the pan, and replace the filter and gasket. Then reassemble w/ new filter and gasket, and refill the tranny with Dexron ATF. You'll need a minimum of 2.7 liters (2.9 qts), which is the specified amount for oil change. But you might need as much as 7.0 liters (7.4 qts), which is the initial fill amount. The actual amount of ATF depends on how much fluid drains from the torque converter. One way to determine how much you need is to measure how much is drained. Tightening torques for the ATF oil pan screw plug is 35 N-m (26 lb-ft). The four oil pan bolts are tigthened to 6 N-m (53 lb-in).

Biggest problem for doing the DIY ATF service is elevating and leveling the car so that you can gain access to the tranny. You'll also need some type of bent fill hose to inject the ATF into the pan (OEM tool is VAG 1924).

Thanks for the info!

Can I add the new ATF fluid through the dipstick tube at the top of the engine like on american cars?

get underneath the car anyway, you'll have access to fill port. This is the method specified by Audi, so I wouldn't depart from the recommended procedure, unless some else on the forum has filled via the dipstick tube.