B7 A4 Tiptronic - ATF Replacement

[mfdk]

I also wanted to share a little tip that helped me out so much when pumping fluid into the tranny, I emptied all the individual 1qrts into one 5qrt can/bottle so this way you don't have keep going from 1qrt bottle to next one. The trans gear pump i bought from harbor freight fitted perfectly into a 5qrt container threads no need to change the pump between quarts.

Hope that makes it a little easier for someone else because it sure did with me since i didn't have a lot of tolerance maneuvering underneath the car.

Thanks Phil for such a thorough DIY.


Sent from Outer Space

[markcm]

I also wanted to share a little tip that helped me out so much when pumping fluid into the tranny, I emptied all the individual 1qrts into one 5qrt can/bottle so this way you don't have keep going from 1qrt bottle to next one. The trans gear pump i bought from harbor freight fitted perfectly into a 5qrt container threads no need to change the pump between quarts.

Hope that makes it a little easier for someone else because it sure did with me since i didn't have a lot of tolerance maneuvering underneath the car.

Thanks Phil for such a thorough DIY.


Sent from Outer Space

Here's another tip for quick easy filling of your transmission, much better than a hand pump.

I took a large jug, 5 liter in my case, got two sections of flexible hose from the parts store, one was small like 1/8"ID or so and about 16" long, the second was a bit larger, about 30", and about 3/8"ID, then drill holes in the lid of the jug which are slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the hose.

Feed the smaller tube in a few inches, and feed the larger tube in until it touches the bottom of the jug.

The small hose is for applying air pressure into the jug, the larger hose is your fill hose that will go into the transmission fill port. I set the regulator on my compressor to about 15psi and then apply short bursts of air into the jug. I DO NOT hold the air supply on constantly, I watch the jug swell and repeat as necessary. I presume if you use "too much" air pressure something is going to let loose and you will have a mess.

I've done this many times now with the same jug setup and it works great for me.

[danbfree]

Just a quick FYI - FCP Euro has ZF Lifeguard 8 for only $19.19/liter, looks to be a good deal... Shipping is free over $49 as well. The metal gasket for the newer ZF trans (I have a JJE) is about $50, so with filter you're looking at only $220 for parts on even the updated ZF trans.

[aviator79]

Got a quote from dealer: 3.5 Hrs x $135 = $472.5 + Taxes + Parts
The new oil looks similar to the motor oil when new except the smell: this crap stinks bad !!!

Phil

I beleive G060162A2 ATF that you said you used in OP is green not gold. I was very confused on this.

I bought ZF gold which should be right for my car (06) even thou audi said G060162A2 (green) per my vin as the green would require the software update (I assume the reason they told me green is because that is what they would change it to in the shop with a flush and software update).

I have no way to check which software I have but assume it has never been changed. Stuff that come out was black but could tell it used to be gold.

Also my gasket needs to be 13 bolt, not 27 like yours. Hopefully I can get the right one this week. Looks like 09L321371A is part number I need.

Filter is correct.

My drain was 4mm allen.

My fill is 17mm but did not have 17mm allen as who does. Made one with a bolt that is 17mm on head but nuts on other end would not hold. Maybe a lock washer would have helped... Anyways will soak pan fill bolt in PB blaster now that it is off. Smushed the threads on the 'tool' I made so may work as also added locktight so nuts would hold...

Edit
Ended up getting 17mm from HF and used impact gun to remove as pan was off so it would have been hard to hold it and wrench on bolt. Came right off:
http://www.harborfreight.com/9-piece...set-67880.html

Correct gasket coming today so can finish the job. Not sure I will be able to get trans temp via Torque Pro as some posts say B7 you can and another says not on B7.

[aviator79]

Just a quick FYI - FCP Euro has ZF Lifeguard 8 for only $19.19/liter, looks to be a good deal... Shipping is free over $49 as well. The metal gasket for the newer ZF trans (I have a JJE) is about $50, so with filter you're looking at only $220 for parts on even the updated ZF trans.

Metal gasket on newer ZF trans? as in 13 bolt metal gasket? So now I think I got the wrong trans fluid again...Should have gotten ZF8 / Green / G060162a2

[azerite]

Just a note for you, I just did the flush and have a b7 s4, 13 bolt metal gasket with rubber lining. The fluid at 40k was yellowish dark, not green, I held a light to it same color you described. I used redline d4, but Dealer told me to use the new fluid type, which I think is not correct. My trans didn't have the update, so I needed the older fluid. Redline is working fine so far.

Sent from my STV100-1 using Tapatalk

[aviator79]

Just a note for you, I just did the flush and have a b7 s4, 13 bolt metal gasket with rubber lining. The fluid at 40k was yellowish dark, not green, I held a light to it same color you described. I used redline d4, but Dealer told me to use the new fluid type, which I think is not correct. My trans didn't have the update, so I needed the older fluid. Redline is working fine so far.

Sent from my STV100-1 using Tapatalk

This is what my fluid looked like. I believe it has a greenish tint so think i need to get G060162a2 as the dealer had said. I had gotten confuesed about what fluid to use and thought I had sorted out that I needed Gold G055005A2 so that is what I ordered.

I am now going to order the green. Even cheaper than importec which is $21.99/L for green.

Here it is $20.53/L = $123 shipped for 6. Ordered.
http://www.rmeuropean.com/Products/G...f-a089c4fe6064

I wish I could have picked up today from FCP but they do not offer it anymore. Looks like car wont be finished until next week now...

[aviator79]

My gasket arrived pretty bent up

[azerite]

Mine was the same, just screw it on, that's why the rubber gasket piece is there also, the screws will form the gasket into place.

Sent from my STV100-1 using Tapatalk

[Audibot]

Last time I did mine, I had gotten the Lifeguard 8 and it completely screwed everything up. Transmission was slipping all over the place and shifts were clunky when it wasn't. Got it changed out with Redline D4 and life was happy for another year until the car was totaled

[aviator79]

I still am not positive on which ZF fluid to use. Dealer said ZF8/G060162a2. I for some reason thought ZF6 so that is what I bought. I had thought I needed the software update to go with ZF8 but that may be for B5 or B6 IDK. Now thinking dealer was right so bought ZF8. Will have to wait for it to come in so figure I will do the leaky Oil cooler/filter seals now but looks like a PITA. Plan was to wait for warmer weather, however I am loosing coolant and oil so needs to be done.

[danbfree]

Metal gasket on newer ZF trans? as in 13 bolt metal gasket? So now I think I got the wrong trans fluid again...Should have gotten ZF8 / Green / G060162a2

I believe the build cut off date is somewhere around December 11, 2005... If it was built before that then you can use the tan fluid and non metal gasket unless it had the TSB done on it. If it was made after that like my '06 made in January '06 then you have to use the newer fluid and metal gasket. You can also get a kit for $170 from JHM with Redline fluid, gasket and filter. But they kill their own sales of it by listing it only under the B7 S4 section, even though it uses the same trans on the A4 so you'll have to look under the B7 S4 section for it on their website.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

[danbfree]

Last time I did mine, I had gotten the Lifeguard 8 and it completely screwed everything up. Transmission was slipping all over the place and shifts were clunky when it wasn't. Got it changed out with Redline D4 and life was happy for another year until the car was totaled

Depends on build date. If it was made before 12/11/05 then you are supposed to use the tan fluid, which is not lifeguard 8 and non metal gasket. Just to clarify...

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

[danbfree]

I still am not positive on which ZF fluid to use. Dealer said ZF8/G060162a2. I for some reason thought ZF6 so that is what I bought. I had thought I needed the software update to go with ZF8 but that may be for B5 or B6 IDK. Now thinking dealer was right so bought ZF8. Will have to wait for it to come in so figure I will do the leaky Oil cooler/filter seals now but looks like a PITA. Plan was to wait for warmer weather, however I am loosing coolant and oil so needs to be done.

What's the build date? Pre 12/11/05 needs update or else use older tan fluid.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

[aviator79]

I assume I have the later build date as have 13 bolt metal gasket, not 27 bolt fiber/rubber gasket that I bought per OP. So ZF8 it is. Will be here Wed. If anyone in CT/MA needs ZF6 I have 6L....

Just finished oil cooler/filter canister removal and went to install pan to realize yet another problem.

Old filter seal stuck up in trans.

Edit got it out.

If anyone else has this issue get the seal to spin with a pick then you should be able to pull it out with pick. Heat pick with lighter if needed to as the seal is harder than it looks and wouldnt budge until I got it to spin.

[aviator79]

What's the build date? Pre 12/11/05 needs update or else use older tan fluid.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

This is the post that confused me as it basically says ALL B7 A4s came with ZF6 and unless you have or get the software update you need to stay with ZF6. I still have not been able to check the version of my software.
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post8240709

Our cars originally came with the Lifeguard 6 (yellow) G-055-005-A2. The fluid was later updated to Lifeguard 6+ (blue) G-055-162-A2 with a corresponding update to the tranny software – see TSB. This 6+ fluid didn’t last long and was superseded by the Lifeguard 8 (green) G-060-162-A2. The 6+ (blue) and the 8 (green) are interchangeable/intermixable as long as you have the new software code, however, the 6 (yellow) should not be mixed with the 6+ or 8. I believe it takes a flush to switch from the 6 to the 8. I read somewhere that the Lifeguard 8 has a thinner viscosity so apparently the shifting algorithms were revised to allow for this and if you use it with the old software code tranny damage could result.

In order to pick the correct fluid you need to determine what software code you have (old or new). If you have the new software then there has most likely been some service work done to your car where the dealer changed the fluid and the fluid should be either blue or green. In which case you should stay with the Lifeguard 8 (green) fluid.

If you have the old software code “0010” you have a decision to make. Either stick with the old fluid G-055-005-A2 Lifeguard 6 (yellow) or flush the old fluid out and use the new Lifeguard 8 with a software update. Now is this simple or what?

My build date is 02/06 so per your info and dealer it would be ZF8, however this post makes it seem like I need to check software version. Also per this post the software changes how 1st gear shifts:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post8262592

Just wanted to add my experience. I have an 06 tip I recently did a filter/fluid change. Went from yellow fluid to lifeguard 8. The lifeguard 8 has a very faint green tint to it. It actually looks more like yellow. I jumped into it knowing the tcm may need a software update. It did. Without the software update, the transmission had a nasty 3rd to 2nd gear downshift. So bad I thought I messed something up. The dealer performed tsb 2025083, which seems to be just a bulletin strictly to advise updating the tcm software if the original yellow fluid is changed to something newer like the blue or green fluid.

The transmission now shifts smoother than I can ever recall. I couldn't tell you if it's due to the fresh fluid or the software update. What I can attribute to the software update is the function of 1st gear. It is now much more functional as in it shifts a fair bit later on light load. It use to shift out of 1st gear as early as 1100rpm on a very light load, like when you're rolling out of a parking space. It was just very annoying if you needed to accelerate from a near standstill and the transmission has already shifted to 2nd gear.

My car definitely seems to shift to 2nd way to early.

Per TSB 37-06-13 my vin falls within:
http://uberlame.com/a6_tsb/Transmiss...2037-06-13.pdf

Called Audi of Hartford and they didnt seem to understand why I was changing the ATF so feel they will be of no help.

So I back to thinking that if I change to ZF8 I will likely have to take it to Audi for software update. Maybe I should just use the ZF6 I have and deal with switching to ZF8 and software update later...


Everything on car is done (Oil cooler/filter housing seals, fuel pump and ATF drained, filter replaced and pan installed. I was waiting on ZF8 fluid, however UPS says has been delayed due to weather...

I also still do not have a way to check trans temp.
I tried to see if Torque Pro could read trans temp and seems it will not as I just have a dash under both Trans Temp A/B. However, I did not start that car so that may have been why it did not show up. I cannot start the car until I add the ATF.

I can try my Dashhawk but feel it is unlikely to work.

EDIT,
just bought Ross Tech Cable. Now "only" $200.

I can only assume that by checking SW version I can now be certain what fluid I need to use. If 010 than gold if 030 than green.

[aviator79]

Attached is a pic of old ATF. IMO it is gold not green so ZF6 not ZF8.

[danbfree]

Attached is a pic of old ATF. IMO it is gold not green so ZF6 not ZF8.

Edit: forget it, I'm beyond confused now... I bought a kit from someone in the classifieds here originally from JHM that includes Redline fluid and now I don't know if it will screw up my car or not. If yours was made 2/2006 and has tan fluid them who knows how this Redline stuff will work on mine, ugh...

[Okedokey]

Edit: forget it, I'm beyond confused now... I bought a kit from someone in the classifieds here originally from JHM that includes Redline fluid and now I don't know if it will screw up my car or not. If yours was made 2/2006 and has tan fluid them who knows how this Redline stuff will work on mine, ugh...

Which exact product number?

[Audibot]

Edit: forget it, I'm beyond confused now... I bought a kit from someone in the classifieds here originally from JHM that includes Redline fluid and now I don't know if it will screw up my car or not. If yours was made 2/2006 and has tan fluid them who knows how this Redline stuff will work on mine, ugh...

Redline worked great in my 07, though I did 3 full drain and fills to ensure the old fluid was gone and it was only Redline. Transmission behaved exactly as I would have expected if I had done OE fluid.

[danbfree]

Redline worked great in my 07, though I did 3 full drain and fills to ensure the old fluid was gone and it was only Redline. Transmission behaved exactly as I would have expected if I had done OE fluid.

Thanks, I'm just hoping my 1/11/06 build '06 does good with it, I guess I'll be able to tell by the number of bolts if it's the right kit... I'll make sure to do at least a second drain and fill after a few hundred miles.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

[danbfree]

Which exact product number?

https://jhmotorsports.com/shop/catal...h=21_56_61_105

Comes with Redline D4, and since is priced reasonably, I'll do at least a second drain and fill with D4.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

[mkturbo3]

looking to replace my ATF fluid i have a transmission code of JJE 13 bolt transmission pan went to dealer and dealer gave me part # G-060-162-A2 which is the green fluid, my car has never had the fluid replaced or the tsb done and told that to the dealer parts guy but he had no clue what i was talking about, said as per my vin it calls for the green fluid. Did the dealer give me the wrong fluid? i would need the TAN color fluid correct?

[aviator79]

looking to replace my ATF fluid i have a transmission code of JJE 13 bolt transmission pan went to dealer and dealer gave me part # G-060-162-A2 which is the green fluid, my car has never had the fluid replaced or the tsb done and told that to the dealer parts guy but he had no clue what i was talking about, said as per my vin it calls for the green fluid. Did the dealer give me the wrong fluid? i would need the TAN color fluid correct?

What you need to use depends on when it was build and what trans SW version. It may not need the TSB if already has the updated SW when built. I had same issue with Audi parts telling me to use G055005A2. AFAIK all vins now call for green per Audi parts database which is wrong. I have an 06 with 13 bolt but mine uses gold as my SW would need to be updated to use the green. I did end up pulling my SW code but I do not recall what version it was (I will confirm SW version tomorrow). I think was like 020 which was weird but AFAIK if under 030 you use gold which is what I used.

Year of A4?

Can you check your SW version?

IMO Audi should have to do the TSB for free for you because they are selling the wrong fluid but good luck with that. I just bought the ZF gold for $20/L as it is same as G060162A2. Same fluid different bottle.

OT:
I still have the greens stuff and may do the TSB some day and use it but need to fix other issues as car wants to stall at stop sign. Hopefully just a MAF sensor or something as I just replaced HPFP because I thought it was causing this issue. And car has been fine for months. /OT

[mkturbo3]

i do not have access to VAG COM but checked with a snap on scanner and read ECU identifcation 8E1910156C AG6 09L 2.0T FSI USA 0030 Coding : 0000002. Car is a 2006 with 11/05 build date. Previous owner stated transmission fluid was never touched and no updates to the TCM was ever done, as he said Audi recommends to not touch fluid. Good thing i didnt replace my fluid yet. Thanks will be going back to the dealer and see if i can exchange with the tan/yellow fluid.

[never_comment]

I replaced my filter and fluid recently. The old filter came off very easily and the new filter fit, but did not 'snap' in tightly. While putting the pan back on the filter fell multiple times. Everything appeared to be seated correctly despite not holding tightly. Will the pan hold the filter in its correct place? Should I worry that the new filter was not held in tightly?

[Dubbed-Out]

I replaced my filter and fluid recently. The old filter came off very easily and the new filter fit, but did not 'snap' in tightly. While putting the pan back on the filter fell multiple times. Everything appeared to be seated correctly despite not holding tightly. Will the pan hold the filter in its correct place? Should I worry that the new filter was not held in tightly?

When I did the filter on my B7 a few months ago, I noticed that I ordered the wrong filter. It seemed to be identical to the filter that I removed beside that tube was shorter than the one I removed.

You could’ve possibly have installed the wrong filter. Did you compare new filter to the old one?

[never_comment]

When I did the filter on my B7 a few months ago, I noticed that I ordered the wrong filter. It seemed to be identical to the filter that I removed beside that tube was shorter than the one I removed.

You could’ve possibly have installed the wrong filter. Did you compare new filter to the old one?

I believe it was the same, but I did not look closely. I was going to go back in there this weekend, so I will just buy another filter. They are only $30 for the one I know is correct.

edit: Completed the redo, I changed the filter though I probably did not need to. Same issue where the filter would slowly fall out as I put the pan back on. I ended up putting a very small amount of generic engine grease ('red n' tacky) around the o-ring/gasket that holds the filter in and makes the filter seal. It actually worked really well. The filter stayed put during reassembly.

I think my real problem was fluid level. This time I did it myself and followed Phil's instructions to the 't'. Before my independent mechanic just measured how much came out and put about that amount +.5L in. That was a costly mistake to trust an independent mechanic who is in a hurry, over my own ability to follow simple instruction. I guess I just didn't want to deal with the fluid. My bad.

[DownhillA4]

Thanks for the write-up and pictures, Phil.

[dalmation53]

I wonder if this can be done with OBDELEVEN 🤔

Sent from my SM-G925T using Audizine mobile app

[DownhillA4]

Last time I follow a DIY. Tranny pan bolts are T27, NOT T25. Phil, want to buy me a replacement bolt since I stripped one?

Drain plug is 5mm Allen, not 7mm.

[Okedokey]

Last time I follow a DIY. Tranny pan bolts are T27, NOT T25. Phil, want to buy me a replacement bolt since I stripped one?

Drain plug is 5mm Allen, not 7mm.

#ubeingserious?

[fly300kts]

Last time I follow a DIY. Tranny pan bolts are T27, NOT T25. Phil, want to buy me a replacement bolt since I stripped one?

Drain plug is 5mm Allen, not 7mm.

SURE

Disclaimer: you are using this DIY at your own risk. This is for information ONLY and does not replace any Manufacturer approved documentation/procedure

Phil

[azerite]

Last time I follow a DIY. Tranny pan bolts are T27, NOT T25. Phil, want to buy me a replacement bolt since I stripped one?

Drain plug is 5mm Allen, not 7mm.

If this is all that went wrong, I'd consider it a success given the money you saved?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[rs6]

If this is all that went wrong, I'd consider it a success given the money you saved?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Amen to that. He's the one that should be donating money to Phil for the write-up. Entitlement is out of control these days!

[tpgdb9]

Is there any way to tell what kind of fluid is currently in the transmission? I ask because my car (build date before 12/11/05) has the 0040 (new) software but I'm pretty sure that's because I had a new computer put in there recently since one of the modules on the old one shorted out. I don't think the transmission fluid was changed when the new computer was installed, but also I can't know for sure if the previous owner changed the transmission fluid and the old computer had the new software too (though this seems unlikely because I bought the car when it had 57k miles). I know the tan and green/blue fluids aren't supposed to be mixed and I won't get all the old fluid out unless I flush it. I guess it wouldn't be that hard to be safe and flush it since the directions are in the TSB but I'd like to avoid it if I can.

[dalmation53]

I'm having a small shudder once i come to a stop in Drive. If i put it in neutral it doesn't shudder but in drive it will. Jusy started happening. 173k miles fluid never changed. You think is the old fluid causing that small shudder when i come to a stop? Just recently started.

Sent from my G3313 using Audizine mobile app

[dalmation53]

Oh and this is the correct measuring blocks right phil? Screenshot_20180915-023328.jpg

Sent from my G3313 using Audizine mobile app

[fly300kts]

I use VAGCOM so can't tell from your app since not familiar to me
You have oil temp and TCM temp but they always are within few degrees from each other
Regarding your shutter and at your mileage, I would definitively do it

Phil

[DownhillA4]

#ubeingserious?

No, just sarcasm not translated through text. @okeydokey

SURE

Disclaimer: you are using this DIY at your own risk. This is for information ONLY and does not replace any Manufacturer approved documentation/procedure

Phil

All in good fun, Phil. Not the first nor the last that all of us who help each other on Audizine have slightly different ways or parts on our vehicles, all in joking manner. I bought all new bolts anyways at the time of the filter/flush for replacement. @fly300kts Now onto the Timing Belt DIY's as that is the next big project on the B7. You are in aviation? Pilot or Mechanic? I grew up around private jets. Primarily Gulfstreams 550/650's, but also Learjets.

Amen to that. He's the one that should be donating money to Phil for the write-up. Entitlement is out of control these days!

@rs6, not me bud. I've been around awhile like yourself. Helped countless members as much as i've had advice given to me. No millennial here.