Greetings All,

I`m looking for some advice/instructions on fluid/filter replacement on my 98 C5/A4.
I tried doing a search and didn`t find any "how to" threads/posts, and my hand book that came with the car was no help either.
I`m especially interested on how to check the fluid level once the service has been done.

Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide me.

Cheers, Rick

 

How often does GM recommend changing transmission fluid?
Ed

 

Hey bud,
Here is a clip from http://www.idavette.net/hib/C5diy/c5diy2.htm

One difference between C5 and C1-4 is found when checking the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) level. There is no dipstick. Fluid checks are accomplished while working under the car with the engine running. This may involve hot fluid, powertrain and exhaust parts so we suggest wearing a pair of the Mechanix Brand gloves we talked about in Part One or an equivalent to protect your hands.

Support the car on stands or lift it with a hoist. If you did not read the jacking instructions in Part One of this series; before jacking the car, review them or read the jacking instructions in the Corvette Service Manual. Some jacking points acceptable with other vehicles you may have worked on, if used on a C5, will damage the car.

If you are going to check the trans with the car on stands, make sure it is high enough for you to safely move and work while the exhaust system is at operating temperature. Start the engine and, using the "gauges" button on the driver information center (DIC), put transmission temperature on the IPC display. Run the engine until the trans temp is between 86o and 122oF. Apply the brakes and shift into each gear for a few seconds, then shift back to park.

Set the parking brake, leave the engine running and crawl under the car. Position a drain pan under the fill plug area and remove the plug. If fluid dribbles out or is right at the bottom of the fill hole, your transmission is full. If fluid leaks profusely, it was overfull and you should allow the excess ATF to drain into the pan. If no fluid comes out you will add more in a minute.

Inspect the fluid color. If necessary use a small screw driver or a hex key as a dip stick. Red or red with a light-brownish tinge is the normal color. If the fluid has a medium-to-dark brown color or smells burnt, change the fluid and filter. If the fluid has a cloudy or milky appearance, it's contaminated with coolant. The solution to that is beyond the scope of an article on basic maintenance. See the Service Manual for further information.

If you need more fluid, add enough to bring the level up even with the bottom of the fill plug hole, replace the transmission fluid fill plug and shut off the engine. Your fluid check is complete. If a large addition of fluid was required, there is a leak somewhere that needs to be repaired. If the leak is not obvious, see the Service Manual for information on leak detection. Admittedly, checking the C5 ATF can be an awkward, messy operation. Before you do it, get the car up in the air and visualize the procedure.

 

I created a WORD document from the service manual I can email you if you like.

 

Slap some Amsoil ATF in it.

 

A big "Thanks" to IceManskis and Patches for the quick replies!
I think the C5 DIY info should suffice.

I know there is a bit of a "split opinion" on this subject, but I`d still like to hear from those in the "know". Is a synthetic atf such as Mobil 1 ok to use for the re-fill? The car is a 98 C5/A4 with aprox 24k mi, QTP headers w/random tech cats/x-pipe, Varam, LAPD dyno tune (adj shift points/line pressure, etc...333hp/342tq) and used for mostly SPIRITED weekend/canyon drives in Southern Calif.

I value the opinion of anyone with experienced/qualified background on this subject, as I have an extra case of Mobil 1 atf on hand from a previous job on my crew cab that I`d like to make use of..

Thank you in advance for your input.
Cheers, Rick

 

When you order the fluids, make sure you order the hand pump that Amsoil sells. Dirt cheap and boy does it make life easy when putting in the fluid. Great idea and no Corvette SMACK Tax.
Bob