Looking for anyone with experience. My wagon has 134K on it and very recently has started slipping out of gear (at shift points) as I either accelerate to freeway speeds or it clunks through the downshift as I decelerate. This happens around 45 MPH and between 3000 and 3200 rpm. No problems with reverse, on hills or city driving. Fluid is about 1/2 qt low, no computer codes< Any known issues? Or is this likely the kind of problem that requires R&R??

 

I thought that the 97 had a sealed transmission and you could only determine the amount of ATF using the drip method with the VagCom for temperature measurement. How was the 1/2 gt low determined?

If the trans is fluid is low get the right amount in there!

 

1/2 qt low would do this...

 

HOW DID THEY DETERMINE THAT IT WAS A 1/2 QUART LOW?

If they were that far into checking the level it would have been easy to fill the transmission.

 

If it was retrofitted with a filler tube and dipstick of course it is possible to guesstimate how much fluid is needed to top it to the specs.

I agree that s/he should just added that "about 1/2 quart" while was checking the fluid level, and am curious, as well, about how the level was determined.

 

How do you do a filler tube - dipstick retrofit?

 

I came across this article some time back.

Leaving that aside, after looking on Vagcat it looks like the Automatic 4-speed trannys can be retrofitted with a dipstick. It's just my opinion.
The filler tube would screw in the fill plug.

 

The transmission is sealed, so the fluid level was checled by using a scanner. So no - they did not open or refill as the mechanic also didn't think the fluid level was the culprit and thought it should go to a tranny specialist in any case.

I'm trying to do my homework before that happens

 

Check it with a scanner??? I didn't know it could be done that way!

Everything I have read or done says that you have to attach the VagCom, start the motor, and remove the top drain plug. When the VAG tells you that it is at a certain temp the trans fluid should drip from the hole. If it dosen't it needs more. If it pours out of the hole before it reaches the prescribed temp there is too much.

I can see how a dip stick would work if you monitored the temp but never-ever heard that it could be done with only a scanner.

Make sure the "specialist" understands Audi transmissions. Putting in too much fluid or the wrong stuff can screw up the "go-ability" of your Audi.

 

I'm wondering if they put the scanner on to read any codes, didnt find any (regular scanner wont find it), then figured it must be low on fluid based on the symptoms.....?