auto-rx audi tiptronic ZF automatic?

[audi_guy]

Anyone used auto-rx in a 2000 or later Audi tiptronic ZF transmission?

I'm going to change the atf on my A4 with 93K miles and am considering doing a auto-rx clean.

 

[CosmicFlash]

Any reason why? How about just changing the fluid with the oem stuff?

I've got a 99' Passat 1.8T Tip with 128,000 miles and original fluid...

 

[jonny-b]

CosmicFlash, the reason to why you should do it is because the Auto-Rx will clean the transmissin better than ANY oil can do. Having clean metal in your transmission, will make the transmission shift better. The Auto-Rx costs 25USD, but if you can get a new transmission for less than that, I would still have Auto-Rx'ed it. This is because of the better performance. I tend to like that things work the way they are supposed to. With Auto-Rx it does.

 

[audi_guy]

Here's a little background to my question. When discussing the relative merits of chipping my 1.8t with my independent Audi tech who has extensive experience with Audis and who saved me over $2000 on a ac repair (clogged filter screen - rubber debris from the hoses) when the an Audi dealer's tech misdiagnosed the ac problem as a bad compressor, said that he had seen some Tiptronics with sludge. He said to do a little more research into chipping a 1.8t with an automatic trans and if I chipped to at least change the ATF. When he speaks I tend to listen. Anyway I was planning to change the ATF anyway so my question was if anyone had used Auto-RX in at Tiptronic.

After discussing this at www.audiworld.com, I've decided to drop the pan and see if there's any sludge. If not, then I'm going to change the filter and ATF and not use Auto-RX. If I in fact see sludge, then I may use Auto-RX depending on how bad it is. Either way I doing to do a full flush using the ATF cooling return line from the radiator prodedure.

 

[unDummy]

Are you chipping the engine, the tiptronic, or both??

Cosmicflash, you are definitely overdue for ATF maintenance.

I don't know what the fuss is with the tiptronic. Its just like any other ZF transmission expect you have the manual shifting control. Nothing special!

I also wouldn't bother with the OEM fluid either unless you can get it at a fair price.

 

[audi_guy]

quote:

---

Are you chipping the engine, the tiptronic, or both??

---

Just the engine. My tech was concerned that the extra stress from the increased torque on the transmission might lead to failure of the transmission. He had Stage 1 chipped a 2.7t tiptronic for a customer and a few months later the transmission went out. He thought the failure may have been how the guy was driving the car but wanted to warn me just the same. I've since contacted ZF and got the maximum torque my Tiptronic can handle during and after the shift points. I've yet to chip the engine but am still looking into it.

 

[unDummy]

Yep, more power will shorten the life of the transmission. It will need filtration/cooling upgrades.
A fluid change isn't an upgrade, just simple preventive maintenance.

And, if there is a chip to shorten the shift timing, and increase the holding capacity of the transmission, then definitely consider both at the same time.

 

[Shaman]

I agree, get it to shift in a little less time, and you will improve the lifespan of you transmission. Less time during the shift, less wear on a part.

 

[audi_guy]

unDummy & Shaman,

Good advice.

a_g

 

[CosmicFlash]

Surprisingly I've been chipped since new!!!

I've asked several dealers and a couple indys and everyone says LEAVE IT ALONE..

I'd like to change it and actually bought 6 quarts of the oem fluid but nobody will service it...strange.

 

[audi_guy]

quote:

---

but nobody will service it...strange.

---

That is strange.

Good to know you've been chipped for 128K with no problems with the transmission. What chip vendor and .8 or 1 bar chip?