FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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ATF, Checking Level and Correcting






ATF, Checking Level and Correcting

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Vehicle diagnostic, testing, and information system (VAS 5051 A)

Drip tray (V.A.G 1306)

ATF filler tool (V.A.G 1924)

Protective glasses

Test Conditions

Transmission not in emergency operating mode.

Vehicle on a flat surface

Selector lever in "P", let engine run at idle.

Air conditioning and heater switched off.

Vehicle Diagnosis, Testing and Information System ( VAS 5051 A) connected, Vehicle Self-Diagnosis and vehicle system " 02 - Transmission electronics" selected.

ATF temperature must not be higher than 30 °C at start of test, allow transmission to cool down if necessary.

ATF temperature appears in the display of vehicle diagnostic, testing and information system (VAS 5051 A).

The ATF level will vary according to the temperature of the ATF.

Checking ATF level at too low ATF temperature leads to overfilling.

If the ATF level is checked when the ATF temperature is too high, this will result in underfilling.

Over and underfilling lead to impaired functioning of transmission.

Only use the ATF available as a replacement part for the planetary gearing in automatic transmission 09L. Other oils lead to malfunctions or to failure of the transmission.

Checking ATF temperature

Display on (VAS 5051 A):





- In selection - 1 -, click on the diagnostic function " 08 - Read measured value block".

Display on (VAS 5051 A):





1 Enter display group

- In button field - 2 -, enter "4" for " display group 4" and confirm the input by pressing the Q button.

Display on (VAS 5051 A):





- Read off ATF temperature indicated in display field - 1 -.

ATF, Checking Level and Correcting

The ATF level is checked at the ATF inspection plug.

The ATF level is correct if a small amount of fluid drips out of the inspection hole (this is normal as the fluid expands as it heats up) at an ATF temperature between 35 °C and 45 °C (for hot countries 50 °C).

- To ensure vehicle is absolutely level, drive onto a 4-column lifting platform or over a service pit.

- Fill the reservoir of the ATF filler tool (V.A.G 1924) with ATF for automatic transmission 09L; ATF specification. Refer to => [ Specifications ] Specifications

CAUTION!
The ATF filler tool must be clean and the ATF must not be mixed with any other ATF oils!

- Secure reservoir of ATF filling system (V.A.G 1924) as high as possible on vehicle.





- Start engine and allow it to run at idle.

- Place drip tray (V.A.G 1306) underneath transmission.

CAUTION!
Wear protective glasses.

- When ATF temperature of 35° C is reached, remove ATF inspection plug - arrow B - and drain off any excess ATF.





- Replace ATF inspection plug gasket - arrow -.





If ATF drips from ATF inspection opening before ATF has reached 40° C, ATF level - arrow - is OK.





The ATF inspection plug must be screwed in again before the ATF reaches a temperature of 45 °C (for hot countries 50 °C).

Add ATF if no ATF has escaped from the ATF inspection plug hole by 45 °C.

- Tighten ATF inspection plug with new O-ring to 80 Nm. The ATF check is now completed.

- Press <- button to end function "08 - Read measured value block".

- Select "06 - End output".

- Switch off ignition and unplug diagnostic connector.

Filling ATF

If no ATF escapes at the ATF inspection opening at 40 °C, ATF must be topped off;

The ATF inspection plug must be screwed in again before the ATF reaches a temperature of 45 °C (for hot countries 50 °C). Allow transmission to cool and check again.

- Guide filler hook of ATF filler tool (V.A.G 1924 ) into an opening - arrow - of protective cap, while doing so do not push cap up.





- Add ATF using ATF filler tool (V.A.G 1924) until ATF drips from the inspection opening.

If the ATF level is too high or too low it will adversely affect the operation of the transmission.

- Tighten ATF inspection plug with new O-ring to 80 Nm.

- Press <- button to end function "08 - Read measured value block".

- Select "06 - End output".

- Switch off ignition and disconnect Data Link Connector (DLC).