1997 Trans fluid change question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
1997 Trans fluid change question
I'm changing the transmission fluid in my 97 A4 coupe and have a question regarding the fill opening. Is it the small (about 3/8") capped opening on the drivers side? It's only about 1/2 way up the side of the tranny. Can this be right? I know on the later models it's the electrical connection on the top of the drivers side. Can anyone confirm that this is correct? Thanks.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 461
Likes: 0
From: Alameda Ca
there's only 1 hole if i can remember correctly, on the drivers side, about 3/4 the way up the pan. Just make sure you don't have too many miles on that fluid, when i changed mine, it killed the tranny. Do a quick search and you'll see what i mean. I was told if the fluid's over 60k, don't ever change it. The metal, clutch material, other random stuff was the only thing allowing my tranny to still hold, once the new fluid was in, it slipped like crazy.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 242
Likes: 2
From: Mims Florida
Trans fluid fill
Why don't you fill it thru the pan level plug on the left side of the transmission pan? You will have to fill it there after starting it up to get the level right anyhow. I pump fluid in till it runs out,then start the car and run thru the gears and then pump fluid in till it runs out again. The fluid temp should be 80 to 110 degrees when final checking the level while running. You have to install the plug before shutting off the engine or the oil will run back out. Its kind of tough with the hot exhaust pipe right there. Car should be jacked up securely and level while doing this with the e brake on. I will check the manual on the temps but I think thats right.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
Originally Posted by vettezeke
Why don't you fill it thru the pan level plug on the left side of the transmission pan? You will have to fill it there after starting it up to get the level right anyhow. I pump fluid in till it runs out,then start the car and run thru the gears and then pump fluid in till it runs out again. The fluid temp should be 80 to 110 degrees when final checking the level while running. You have to install the plug before shutting off the engine or the oil will run back out. Its kind of tough with the hot exhaust pipe right there. Car should be jacked up securely and level while doing this with the e brake on. I will check the manual on the temps but I think thats right.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
Originally Posted by SFengineer
there's only 1 hole if i can remember correctly, on the drivers side, about 3/4 the way up the pan. Just make sure you don't have too many miles on that fluid, when i changed mine, it killed the tranny. Do a quick search and you'll see what i mean. I was told if the fluid's over 60k, don't ever change it. The metal, clutch material, other random stuff was the only thing allowing my tranny to still hold, once the new fluid was in, it slipped like crazy.
