I just looked over the maintenance schedule for a 2004 Audi A4 quattro with the 5 speed steptronic. I see no transmission fluid change at all. Is this to be one of the lifetime fluid deals where the delaer will not even change the fluid if requested? Doe they rquire special oil/fluid? My daughter and I sure hope not. She just bought a used certified A4 from the local audi dealer?
Audi a4 trany service-when?
- Thread starter Russell
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Call the VW/Audi parts counter for the correct fluid part #. As I recall, the 5-speed steptronic takes a different fluid than the usual Esso LT71141 that the 01M units took.
Agree somehat re certified, except the factory warrenty is extended for 4 more years and car was brought up to spec on all maintenace. Bought car at close to wholesale value which made it seem like a better deal.
I'm fairly certain that the A4 "01V" tiptronic unit uses the Esso LT71141 or G052162A2 fluid, but please, please call a dealership to verify before using that fluid or any multi-vehicle fluid. Multi-vehicle fluids can be used in applications that use the G052162A2, but not the other "special" fluid that some VW/Audi 5-speed (09A) boxes use.
I think you are correct. Use only the oem fluid and there is no scheduled change.
I've got a 99' VW Passat with the same motor and Tiptronic transmission and haven't touched the fluid--have 140,000 miles.
Concensus is to leave the fluid alone until there is a problem.
Agree and disagree. Is a "Handshake" a meaningless marketing ploy ? With some people it is. With others it's better than a written contract.
A well done certification/inspection process by a reputable dealer with an extention of the warranty has some real value.
Thats the only thing that bugs me about VW's and im sure Audi's is that they are sealed units. I would love to change my wifes transmission fluid but everyone tells me not to touch it. The dealer wanted $400.
I'm not sure what transmission is in your Audi (ZF?) but personally I don't believe in "lifetime" transmission fluid. My BMW 740iL has a ZF transmission and based on the Owner's Manual and BMW dealership the fluid "never" needs to be changed. My understanding, however, is that on newer BMWs the "lifetime" has been changed to a service interval of 100,000 miles.
On the BMW 7-Series internet owner's forum that I belong to, the "lifetime" transmission fluid claim has been extensively debated. The consensus seems to be that if you see lifetime as longer than 100,000 miles it's prudent to change the fluid and filter.
My transmission had a leaking input shaft seal, and at around 50,000 miles I had it replaced and asked the transmission shop to change the fluid and filter as well. The shop I used is a highly-regarded independent shop that has been owner-operated for over 20 years. The owner is very familiar with ZF transmissions and said he loves the "lifetime" fluid claims because it's good for his business--repairing transmissions. His opinion was that 100,000 miles is the maximum for a lifetime fluid and recommends changing it well before that. I had already told him to change mine before this discussion, so it wasn't like he was trying to sell me on the change.
On the BMW 7-Series internet owner's forum that I belong to, the "lifetime" transmission fluid claim has been extensively debated. The consensus seems to be that if you see lifetime as longer than 100,000 miles it's prudent to change the fluid and filter.
My transmission had a leaking input shaft seal, and at around 50,000 miles I had it replaced and asked the transmission shop to change the fluid and filter as well. The shop I used is a highly-regarded independent shop that has been owner-operated for over 20 years. The owner is very familiar with ZF transmissions and said he loves the "lifetime" fluid claims because it's good for his business--repairing transmissions. His opinion was that 100,000 miles is the maximum for a lifetime fluid and recommends changing it well before that. I had already told him to change mine before this discussion, so it wasn't like he was trying to sell me on the change.
"lifetime" fluids are something of a self-fulfilling prophecy
The dealer charges at least $300 for a fluid and, I think a filter, change.
The general concensus is change it (at the latest) before 50,000 miles. BLAUfergnugen(VW Audi specialist provide a transmission service kit inlcuding filter, gaskets etc and 5 liter of Pentosin transmission fluid, installation insuruction and a pump despenser for $113.95
The general concensus is change it (at the latest) before 50,000 miles. BLAUfergnugen(VW Audi specialist provide a transmission service kit inlcuding filter, gaskets etc and 5 liter of Pentosin transmission fluid, installation insuruction and a pump despenser for $113.95
Russell,
If you (or your daughter) are planning to keep the car for a period of time - and I expect you would based on the fact that you've posted here - I agree with changing it every 50,000 miles as you suggest. Just be sure that whoever does the change, 1) uses the right fluid and 2) does it correctly and gets the final level correct.
It sounds like you already know all this, so I'll just give it a "second" like in a committee meeting.
Off topic: my friend's wife is the city planner for the city of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and boy does she have her work cut out for her...talk about over-development...
If you (or your daughter) are planning to keep the car for a period of time - and I expect you would based on the fact that you've posted here - I agree with changing it every 50,000 miles as you suggest. Just be sure that whoever does the change, 1) uses the right fluid and 2) does it correctly and gets the final level correct.
It sounds like you already know all this, so I'll just give it a "second" like in a committee meeting.
Off topic: my friend's wife is the city planner for the city of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and boy does she have her work cut out for her...talk about over-development...
thanks. The audi service requirements are similar to my bmw. Except I can use Dexron III or dexron VI.
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