ATF level, checking and correcting

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 10 other vehicles, including the 2009 Audi A4, 2008 Audi S4, 2008 Audi A4, 2007 Audi S4, and 2007 Audi A4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tools - ATF Level, Checking And Correcting

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Vehicle diagnostic, testing and information system VAS 5051 A
Drip tray V.A.G 1306
ATF charging device V.A.G 1924
Safety goggles

Conditions

Transmission must not be in emergency running (backup) mode.
Vehicle must be level (horizontal).
Selector lever in position "P", engine idling.
Air conditioner and heating system switched off.

Vehicle diagnostic, testing and information system VAS 5051 A connected; vehicle self-diagnosis and vehicle system "02 - gearbox electronics" selected.
The ATF temperature at the beginning of the test must not be higher than 30° C. If necessary, first allow the transmission to cool down.

NOTE:

The ATF temperature is taken from the reading on the vehicle diagnostic, testing and information system VAS 5051 A.
The ATF level will vary according to the ATF temperature.
If the ATF level is checked when the ATF temperature is too low, this will result in overfilling.
If the level is checked when the ATF temperature is too high, this will result in underfilling.
Both overfilling and underfilling have a detrimental effect on the functioning of the transmission.
Use only correct type of ATF (available as a replacement part) for the planetary gearing in automatic transmission 09L. Other oils cause faults and/or failure of the transmission; for ATF specification refer to → Capacities .

ATF temperature reading

Display on VAS 5051 A:

Fig 2: Diagnostic System VAS 5051: Display

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

From list - 1 - select diagnostic function "08 - Read data block (measured value block)".

Fig 3: Diagnostic System VAS 5051: Display

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Display on VAS 5051 A:

1 - Enter display group

Use keypad - 2 - to enter "4" for "Display group number 4" and confirm by touching Q key.

Fig 4: Diagnostic System VAS 5051: Display

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Display on VAS 5051 A:

Reading for ATF temperature is shown in display zone - 1 -.

Checking and correcting ATF level

NOTE:

The ATF level is checked at the ATF inspection plug.
The ATF level is correct if a small amount of fluid comes out at the ATF inspection plug when ATF temperature is between 35° C and 45° C, or 50° C in hot climates (the fluid level rises due to expansion as it warms up).

Drive vehicle onto a four-column hoist or over an inspection pit so that it is absolutely horizontal.
Fill container of ATF charging device V.A.G 1924 with ATF for automatic transmission 09L; ATF specification → Capacities .

CAUTION: The ATF charging device must be clean and the ATF must not be mixed with other types of ATF!

Fig 5: Securing Container Of ATF Filler Tool VAG1924 As High Up On Vehicle As Possible

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Secure reservoir for ATF charging device V.A.G 1924 as high as possible on vehicle.
Start engine and let it idle.
Place drip tray V.A.G 1306 under transmission.

CAUTION: Wear safety goggles.

Fig 6: Identifying ATF Inspection Plug

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

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

Fig 7: Filler Plug Seal

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Replace seal - arrow - for ATF inspection plug.

Fig 8: Correct ATF Level

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

If ATF comes out of inspection hole before ATF has reached 40° C the ATF level - arrow - is OK.

NOTE:

The ATF inspection plug must be screwed in again at the latest when ATF reaches a temperature of 45° C (or 50° C in hot climates).

If no ATF emerges from ATF inspection hole when ATF has reached 45° C, top off with ATF.

Install new seal on ATF inspection plug and tighten to 80 Nm. The ATF check is now completed.
End function "08 - Read data block (measured value block)" by touching ← key.
Press "06 - End output".
Switch off ignition and disconnect diagnostic connector.

Filling up ATF

If no ATF emerges from ATF inspection hole when ATF has reached 40° C, top off with ATF.

NOTE:

The ATF inspection plug must be screwed in again at the latest when ATF temperature reaches 45° C (or 50° C in hot climates). If necessary, switch off the engine, allow transmission to cool down and repeat the test.

Fig 9: Fill With ATF Using V.A.G 1924

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Guide filler nozzle of ATF charging device V.A.G 1924 in from below through an opening in deflector cap - arrow - , taking care not to push deflector cap upward out of position.
Fill with ATF using ATF charging device V.A.G 1924 until ATF comes out of inspection hole.

NOTE:

The ATF level must not be too low or too high, otherwise this would impair the function of the transmission.

Install new seal on ATF inspection plug and tighten to 80 Nm.
End function "08 - Read data block (measured value block)" by touching ← key.
Press "06 - End output".
Switch off ignition and disconnect diagnostic connector.