I read all the others posts, I understand how to check the fluid, but i want to make sure that the car does not have to be running to check it like it does when you check the tranny fluid. Also does the fluid need to be hot? If it does need to be warm i assume you have to drive it a good half hour to get it warmed up? 1998 A4 not sure if it matters. Thanks in advance!

 

No, it doesnt need to be running. Just level the car and check it

 

Here's the procedure from the service manual:

Transmission Fluid Checking Procedure
4L60-E AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID CHECKING PROCEDURE
Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until the transmission fluid normal operating temperature has been reached.
Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever through the gear ranges, pausing a few seconds in each range. Return the shift lever to the PARK range.
Raise the vehicle on a hoist. The vehicle must be level, with the engine running and the shift lever in the PARK range. CAUTION: The engine must be running when the transmission fluid fill plug is removed, or excessive fluid loss will occur. Transmission fluid may be hot. Since the actual fluid level is unknown, stand clear when removing the fill plug. Have a container ready to capture any lost fluid. Do not turn the engine off with the fill plug removed, as you can be injured by hot transmission fluid being expelled out of the oil fill opening.

Remove the transmission plug. IMPORTANT: The transmission fluid may darken with normal use and does not always indicate contamination or oxidation.
Check the fluid level. The fluid level should be even with the bottom of the threaded plug hole.
Add DEXRON III automatic transmission fluid in increments of 0.5 L until the fluid drains from the plug hole.

 

DeeGee,he was asking about checking the Dif. fluid not Trans.Canyon runner I have read to stick your little finger into the hole and if it touches the tip of your little finger it is full.Not sure of what the capacity is for fluid change.

 

 

Ooops:o. When you get to my age you're bound to lose a few

Try this

Differential Lubricant Change
Draining Procedure




1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Clean any dirt from around the differential drain plug.
3. Remove the drain plug and washer from the differential.
4. Drain the fluid.
Filling Procedure




Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
Important
Do not operate the vehicle at wide open throttle for a minimum of 480 km (300 miles) after refilling the differential with lubricant and friction modifier. Scoring of the ring and pinion gears may result, leading to differential noise.
1. Install the drain plug and washer to the differential.
Tighten
Tighten the differential drain plug to 35 N•m (26 lb ft).
2. Clean any dirt from around the differential fill plug.
3. Remove the fill plug, lubricant tag, and washer from the differential.
4. Fill the differential with fluid:
o Fill with synthetic axle lubricant GM P/N 1237826 (Canadian P/N 10953455).
o Add approximately 118 ml (4.0 oz) limited-slip differential lubricant additive GM P/N 1052358 (Canadian P/N 992694).
5. Check the fluid level to ensure it is even with the bottom of the fill plug hole to no lower than 6 mm (0.25 in) below the opening.
6. Install the fill plug, lubricant tag, and washer to the differential.
Tighten
Tighten the differential fill plug to 35 N•m (26 lb ft).
7. Lower the vehicle.

 

So easy a cave man can do it

Chuck

 

Yepp!!

 

Thanks everyone!

 

I like that one!! Doesn't need to be warm either!! Just get your pinkie in there and see if it's there!!