I've got a '03 A6 4.2 with 108k miles. I'm getting the transmission fluid/filter changed next week at a local indie shop. couple of questions though before I bring it in, hope you can help me out:

1-for a filter replacement job, I thought it would take close to 9 liters of fluid, but looking thru the forums I have only seen references to 6 to 7 liters.
2-i thinking of telling the shop to use either Red-Line or Royal Purple fluid, but I'm told that Mobil-1 is good. I have been using Motul oils in the engine and I like them. Any opinions on this?
3-When they are done, is there anything specifically I should look for to confirm that they did the job right?
4-any recommendations on the filter to be used?
5-what about amsoil transmission fluid? any good?

thanks in advance...

 

1-Not sure of the exact numbers but essentially there is no way to "totally" drain the transmission. So if the total capacity is 9 liters, you may only be able to get 6-7 liters back in after draining it. I believe this is the source of the discrepancy.

2-I don't want to say that all transmission fluids are the same, or that one brand is better than another. Just make sure that whatever brand you choose, it meets the specs set by the transmission manufacturer. All transmission fluids are not created equal and even some of the same brand names have different specs for different fluids. If I have time I will review the ZF specs for your transmission and report back.

3-Ask to inspect the underside of the car at the shop before they take it off the lift. Area around the pan/fill plug/drain plug should be nice and clean, no drips. Other than that if they did something wrong it should be pretty evident when you drive it, ie: shifting problems.

4-nope

5-I've heard reports of mixed results with the Amsoil. No personal experience but as long as it meets the specs....

good luck. let us know how it goes

 

thanks for the info.
I'll make sure they have access to 8 or 9 just in case.
I'm inclined to stick with either Pentosin or Red Line or Motul, but they all have '052' rated fluids.
since they are close to where I work, I may stick around and watch them do it.

 

I ordered the kit from Blauparts, it came with the right fluid and parts, even a pump. Be very careful with the fluid specs, the wrong fluid can really muck up the transmission.

 

Automatic Transmission, 01L Initial Fill..........4 liters [2]
Automatic Transmission, Total Fill
5 speed 01L..........9.8 liters

http://www.zf.com/na/content/media/u...s/5HP19FLA.pdf

 

hey thanks for the info. after reading thru it, i'm glad i didn't try to do it myself.

 

Just to nit pick... your transmission is 5HP24A, not 5HP19FLA. Same fluid though...

 

http://www.zf.com/na/content/media/u...ars/5HP24A.pdf

Both trannies listed 2003 4.2. Check yours accordingly
19FLA = 2003 4.2L Allroad wagon
CODE = FXL
24A = 2003 4.2L A6 Quattro
CODE = ECF, FUL