Has anyone with a quattro car changed or had their auto trans fluid changed? I know its supposed to be lifetime but it seems like it couldnt hurt, and could be beneficial to change it as im now at 102k.

If i do it will i see (or feel) a difference? Will i be risking damage if i do change it??

Thanks

 

I ended up having mine changed recently when i drained it thinking that it was the engine oil. After researching the process and talking to the dealer (I had them fill it), i came to the conclusion that it is not a simple fluid change. There is special equipment (that you can order) and even the mechanic said that it gave him a fit. My car only had 45k on it and the old oil looked really black. I can't say that i have felt a difference but i am glad that i've had it done - another conclusion of my research is that there is no such thing as "lifetime" transmission fluid. Turned out to be ~$300 and with the miles you have, may be a cheap alternative to future problems.

 

Thanks for the input. Is your car quattro?

 

You could also go to a quick lube place (ie Jiffy Lube) and have them change the fluid.

I actually used to work at a jiffy lube and the way the machine they use works is that they fill it with fluid (which you can provide your own if you choose {can't remember what an auto tranny takes in the a4's}) and it connects inline with the transmission. Then they start the car and the pressure of the transmission pushes the old fluid out while the machine simultaneously pushes new fluid into its place. The machine can actually run 20qt of fluid through the tranny.

While I worked there I did tons of these, and never had a problem. I even did a few Audi's and VW's. If it's still the same as it was a few years ago, the service is $99.99. Though you can negotiate and get them to take like 20 bucks off if you tell them that's the only way you'll do it.

 

Hmm don't know if I trust the jiffy lube kids with the audi!

 

I have 120,000 miles on my 3.0L Quattro and have not done any transmission service as recommended by Audi. I was at an independent Audi repair shop the other day and he insisted it was good to do it. So I don't know.

Apparently though the shop needs a computer to do the job as the fill plug is below the level of the fluid when full and the car must be running at some point. His charge to do one was $400.

I have had no problems with my transmission at all BTW.

 

Can someone tell me where the fill plug is located? I'd rather not have to buy a Bentley manual just to change my transmission fluid.