ATF Level, Checking and Filling
ATF Level, Checking and Filling
Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
• Old oil collecting and extracting device (V.A.G 1782)
• ATF filler tool (V.A.G 1924)
• Vehicle diagnostic, testing, and information system (VAS 5051) (VAS 5051 B version shown as example only)
Work procedure
• ATF inspection plug must be replaced after removal.
Wear eye protection.
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 diagnostic, test and information system (VAS 5051) connected, "Vehicle On Board 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).
• 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 under filling.
• Only use the ATF available as a replacement part for the planetary gearing in automatic transmission 0AT. Other oils could cause malfunctions or damage to the transmission.
• The engine must not be started and the vehicle must not be towed if there is no ATF in the transmission!
• If the ATF level is too high or too low it will adversely affect the operation of the transmission.
• If ATF coolant circuit from ATF thermostat to ATF cooler was opened during a repair, this test must be performed two times. Important: After the first test, ATF must be warmed to at least 80°C - road test with tester so that ATF coolant circuit is bled! After the ATF cools off again, inspect the ATF level again as described here.
• ATF coolant circuit can only bleed if ATF temperature is above 75°C and the thermostat to ATF cooler opens.
• If ATF lines from ATF thermostat to ATF cooler were opened, e.g. to clean or replace cooler, the "ventilation road test" must be performed.
• Location of ATF thermostat and cooler => [ ATF Lines, Thermostat and Cooler, Assembly Overview ] Description and Operation
Checking ATF temperature
Display on (VAS 5051):
- In selection - 1 -, type diagnostic function "011 - Measured values" or "08 - Read out measured value block".
Display on (VAS 5051):
1 Enter display group
- In button field - 2 -, enter "6" for "Display group 006" and confirm input by pressing Q button.
Display on (VAS 5051):
- Read off ATF temperature indicated in display field - 1 -.
Checking ATF level and topping off
• The ATF level is checked at the ATF check hole.
• The ATF level is correct if a small amount of fluid drips out of the check hole (this is normal as the fluid expands as it heats up) at an ATF temperature between 35° 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 reservoir of the ATF Filler Tool (V.A.G 1924) with ATF for automatic transmission 0AT.
- Secure ATF Filler Tool (V.A.G 1924) reservoir as high as possible on vehicle.
- Remove screws and remove rear sound insulation - 2 -. Start engine and run at idle.
- With engine idling, depress the brake pedal and shift the selector lever through all the selector lever positions, leaving the selector lever in each position for at least 10 seconds.
- Place old oil collecting and extracting device (V.A.G 1782) beneath transmission.
test temperature: 35°C to 45°C
- When ATF temperature of 35°C is reached, remove ATF inspection plug - arrow - and drain off any excess ATF.
• The ATF inspection plug must be installed again before the ATF reaches a temperature of 45°C (for hot countries 50 °C).
• If ATF leaks from ATF check hole before temperature has reached 40°C, ATF level - arrow - is OK.
• If no ATF escapes from the ATF check hole before temperature has reached 40 °C, ATF level - arrow - is not OK, ATF must be topped off.
If ATF is OK:
- Replace ATF inspection plug.
- Tighten new ATF inspection plug - arrow -, tightening torque => [ Oil Pan, Strainer and Mechatronic, Assembly Overview ] Description and Operation. This ends ATF test.
- Switch off engine.
Top off ATF
- Guide filler hook of ATF filler tool (V.A.G 1924) from below into ATF inspection opening - arrow -, while doing so do not push cap up and in.
- Add ATF using ATF Filler Tool (V.A.G 1924) until ATF drips from check hole.
- Replace ATF inspection plug.
- Tighten new ATF inspection plug - arrow -, tightening torque => [ Oil Pan, Strainer and Mechatronic, Assembly Overview ] Description and Operation. This ends the ATF test.
- Switch off engine.