2.5TDi Auto Box (Tip not Multi).

[Bobcat]

I have a 2004 A4 2.5TDi Quattro Avant Auto (tip not multi) with 60K miles.
I have just carried out an oil and filter change (but not fuel filter) and then reset the service indicator (as per the manual).
The auto change pattern now seems a little hesitant, and if I accelerate hard around 60mph, in D, it tends to "flutter" between the lower and next higher gears, not that obvious, but you can see the rev counter needle moving slightly.
No dash indication of a problem, and it otherwise seems OK.
Anyone got any ideas?
:1zhelp:

[lonky]

if autobox has never had the oil changed, then it will be needing it done.

Tiptronic boxes are still effected by oil condition, it just that they are stronger than the multitronic ones, so not as famous for issues

[Bobcat]

Thanks for the info.
My local Audi dealer (Camberley Audi) said "...sealed for life..." when I asked them to change it last year. I felt that 50K (at the time) which included around 6K towing a caravan, was hard work, and a change was a good plan.

I've now booked the car into 3D Transmissions in Reading, on the recommendation of local VAG Independent Mill Road Garage in Reading.

They say they have VAG COM and will check it out first, and probably change gear box oil and filter etc.
:approve:

[lonky]

Audi are famous for the sealed for life phrase. It's true in one way, it just that 'life' can mean 75K without changes, and just replace with new, or if your tight like me, you will get it serviced with the aim of making the original unit last 200K.

this web page says it all

http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articles/auto_transmission/autotranservicing.html
Make sure that the correct fluid is used. AC Delco II,III, IV will all cause issues.

I think yours is the Esso E-ATF LT71141, if you have the quattro ZF tiptronic box.

If you need to get parts then go to www.jpat.co.uk they stock all parts for most auto's

Oil, filters etc. will cost £100, and then there is 2 hours labour.

However new box is 5K, so a bit of preventative maintenance is always a wise move.

[Bobcat]

Thanks. I think I'll stick the with a transmission specialist, rather than do it myself, but now I know what I need to watch for, and which fluid he MUST use. Yes, mine is the ZF Quattro box.
;)

[cactusgreen]

Interesting one this....got a tip on my B5, 79K and suggested to Audi it might need a change of ATF - stock reply of 'filled for life' but would not say what life was. So I got the levels checked and asked for a sample - not as easy as it sounds - you need VAG-Com of similar to do the checks, as it's very temp sens etc..... Reports came back as needing a swap, filter etc soon as :1zhelp:

Dealer still reluctant, they've see more problems after a swap, especially from trans shops....so a call to Audi CS to ask them.....they say you can swap out.....but would not say what a life fill was, I'm pushing them for a comfort letter in the event of problems after a change that could be directly related.....but best advise is to ensure that the filters get done at same time, and not to have it all machine changed in one go...that's the bigger problem, forcing crap from the pan back into the valves etc....

Report attached.

[Bobcat]

I had the auto box oil changed yesterday, by 3D Transmissions in Reading.
They drained the old stuff, removed the sump pan, cleaned it out, and fitted a new filter, before re-filling. They describe this as an "auto box service" and the cost in a little under £200.00.
At less than 10% of the cost of a replacement box, that sounds sensible to me. :approve:

3D pointed out that it's impossible to drain all the old oil out, as the torque converter etc never drains. A good reason not to leave it too long (ie change it before the oil is knackered, not after). They suggest a repeat change after 20k miles to keep the oil in good nick. Heat is the killer they say, so towing 1300 kgs of caravan down to the South of France each year deserves an oil change I reckon, especially if it gets me home again!

Bobcat.

[Spr0cket]

Where in Reading are these wise folks - and was it a service that could be performed while you wait or does it require dropping the vehicle in for a day?

Considered the task myself but getting the vehicle up and level is a pain with my limited facilities.

[Bobcat]

They are at Unit 3A Great Knollys St, Reading, RG1 7HN 0118 957 3104. Book the car in, and it takes 1/2 a day. http://www.3d-transmissions.co.uk/ (http://www.3d-transmissions.co.uk/)

Bobcat.

[lonky]

I agree 100% with what 3D say. They are correct about oil in the torque convertor and oil cooler.

There are ways to change all the oil, by putting a machine in line with the cooler and replacing what is removed, but this does not deal with the filter, and the sludge you get round the sump magnets.

However you cannot go far wrong with an oil and filter change, espectially if you do another after 20K